Tatcha’s customers are at the front of a developing movement for healthy body care. Recently, reading the environmental health news I receive daily, I was perturbed by a British study on the exposure of women to chemicals. A natural deodorant company, Bionsen, supported a research survey of 2000 British women to understand their use of personal care products. Although the study was funded by a company, the data is plausible.

The most startling discovery was that the “average” British woman wears 515 chemicals on her body daily. Moreover, some of these chemicals, like sodium laureth sulfate, propylene glycol, and parabens are suspected of posing risks to people’s health. Even if the ingredients in individual products are at very low levels, they could combine to generate adverse health effects. Emerging toxicology science also suggests that hormone-disrupting chemicals can have an effect on your body at very low doses.

Unfortunately, the study revealed that only nine percent of women knew most of the ingredients in the products they were using. Over seventy percent claimed that they didn’t care about what they were being exposed to, illustrating the great paucity of knowledge that consumers have about toxic risks. American women are likely to have a similar, if not greater, population of chemicals on their bodies. It’s not only women who may unknowingly wear large numbers of chemicals. Many men increasingly apply a variety of personal care products to their bodies. I have male friends who enjoy putting creams on their faces to look fresher and younger.

Tatcha gives you a choice. You can use a very simple product made from natural materials like abaca leaf using a sustainable, traditional method, instead of a complicated product made from oil-based chemicals through industrial processing. Using aburatorigami can help eliminate your need to use products with ingredients that could harm your health, or your children’s growth, in the longer term.

One reason why I favor products such as aburatorigami is that they are examples of low-impact products. Aburatorigami is made from abaca leaf by artisans hammering away on gold leaf and using the abaca leaf to protect the gold. As such, it’s a by-product from a traditional craft process that’s deeply rooted in Japanese culture, thus using material that might otherwise be thrown away. After aburatorigami is used, it can be composted and degraded naturally back into the earth. No oil-based chemicals are used; the energy comes from humans, not from fossil fuels. As a result, aburatorigami has relatively low environmental impacts.

I also think it’s important to retain a connection with our time-tested traditions because they embody much wisdom from our forebears. There are many traditional food, cosmetics, and craft production methods across Asia that could provide us with modern alternatives to the personal care products that we now use. Interestingly, Bionsen’s deodorant is made from Japanese bath minerals, suggesting that more and more companies are paying attention to Asia’s rich heritage. That’s why Tatcha aims to uncover more products by studying what Asian cultures have long known.

Alastair Iles is an assistant professor of science, technology & environment at the University of California at Berkeley. He works on green chemistry, environmental health, and environmental justice. He also helped found Good Guide. In his free time, he likes to learn more about ceramic sculpture techniques, including raku firing (a traditional Japanese method).

T: Nick, we are delighted to interview a man of so many talents. Starting with your work as a designer, where do you draw your inspiration from when creating the elegant NIKOLAKI gowns that marry the timelessness of Grecian goddess forms with modern luxury?
NV: First of all, thank you so much for those kind words, I am “clutching my pearls” as I read this! I think I draw my inspirations from my life experience, my mixed culture background, my travels and from just being very aware of “everything and anything” around me. My father is Greek-American and my mother is originally from Panama and I was raised in Caracas Venezuela as well as the Bay Area—yes, near San Francisco! So, when I design, there’s a little bit of South American Diva mixed in with Grecian Goddesses mixed in with the “metropolitan” feel of Pacific Heights. My dad was a diplomat so I got to travel a lot and he encouraged me to see outside my “home box”, as it were. So I was fascinated with other lands; their cultures, the geography, the music, etc. All of that becomes my inspirations when I design.

T: Since competing on Project Runway, you’ve become a favorite red carpet fashion expert. We think it’s because you emanate a sense of joy in all that you do. Are you having as much fun as it looks like you’re having?
NV: I have to tell you that I LOVE IT! Absolutely! Trust me, when I did Project Runway, I had no idea that I would have this “other life” and become a “fashion red carpet expert”. That just fell onto me. But I was happy to take it and run! Besides designing my line since 2001, I’m also an instructor of fashion with FIDM for the last 6 years, so I feel completely at ease giving my opinion. I know fashion history, construction, terminology. I am not just an actor pretending to be a “style expert”, as so many are nowadays. But I am so glad that the fun I am having comes through to you. I am just thankful, grateful and humbled that anyone is calling and wanting my “Nick Two Cents”!

T: TATCHA is honored to have our little skin essential accompanying you to your red carpet events. What other secrets do you have for always looking picture perfect?
NV: Can I just tell you how much I LOVE Tatcha. I received it as a gift and it was like “done and done”. My Tzone, I will admit, is , well, let’s just say “overactive”. And when I do my TV shoots, the make-up artists (or myself) are always pouring on more and more powder or at times, just wiping me with paper towels constantly (this occured last year when I did the Emmys Red Carpet and it was 107 degrees here in LA!). But now, I bring my Tatcha and just hand them over to the make-up artist or keep one in my pocket and take it out to blot any excess shine. In fact, I keep TWO packets in my “manbag” and use them EVERY DAY. They are perfect when I host events, have to make appearances, all of it. If there’s any “secrets” , that would be it—that and great editors and photoshop artists!

T: What exciting things are in store for Nick Verreos in 2010?
NV: Well, I am continuing working on my line NIKOLAKI, and possibly having an online NIKOLAKI web-boutique. I am working on a line to be sold at either QVC or HSN. I would love to bring my “red carpet look” to your everyday American woman, at a more “discounted” price. I also filmed a Style Network show which will air in January. I also just signed a deal to be the Style Guy for MSN and Special K’s “The Victory Project”, where I will travel four US cities, find four women and make them over and hopefully make their lives better and more fashionable! Look out for that, I am very excited about it.

T: Fun fact – if you had a themes song, what would it be and why?
NV: It would be a “mash-up” of “Le Freak” by Chic and the theme from Dynasty. Totally!

To learn more about Nick’s beautiful designs for NIKOLAKI and see him in action covering the latest and greatest in red carpet fashion visit: www.nickverreos.com

In the hustle of everyday life, do you ever look around and wish you could have a fresh start?

I have.

As with many women, my beauty rituals have been a metaphor for my stage in life.

Early on, I longed for reinvention and my dressing table overflowed with products that promised total transformation.

Later, as a professional I sought confirmation and lined my bathroom vanity with expensive products that proclaimed my status as such.

With each stage of life came a new arsenal of products. It seemed that the more I acquired though, the more I needed to feel whole and beautiful.

Around that same time, I started traveling to Asia and rediscovered a different approach to life and beauty — that less is more.

Today, as I prepare to be a mother for the first time, I am on a humble quest for less.

I yearn for enlightenment, simplicity and authenticity in my life and in my beauty rituals.

Tatcha is my way of sharing things I learn and find along the way – from the playful to the inspirational.

Join me in my journey!

Vicky Tsai

T: Phyllis, Makeup for Life is one of the most widely read beauty blogs globally. What inspired you to begin writing/sharing your perspective on beauty? And what do you think your readers appreciate most about your blog?
PL: I started Makeup For Life in 2006 because I felt like there was a lack of Asian representation in the US beauty scene. I wanted to utilize my diverse background and introduce people to the different beauty products and techniques out there. I think what draws people to my blog is my passion and like my readers, I am your average girl who is obsessed with beauty.

T: One of our favorite characteristics of your take on beauty is your global perspective. Can you tell us about growing up in both the East and West? How do you think it has influenced your personal beauty philosophy?
PL: Growing up in Hong Kong, I was exposed to the best of both worlds. I read American and European magazines for ideas, experimented with the latest Japanese makeup and gadgets, and ate traditional Chinese delicacies to keep my skin in good shape. All this has definitely made me more open-minded and taught me that beauty is not one-dimensional, but comes in different skintones, features and sizes.

T: What are the biggest differences you’ve seen between the beauty rituals of the East and the West?
PL: Oh I love this question because it is interesting to see how different people can be! For example, a tan complexion, which is preferred by most over here, is often frowned upon in the Chinese culture. Back home, people avoid the sun at all cost and slather on whitening products day and night. To treat skin problems, Chinese people turn to food and delicacies like bird’s nest soup, as supposed to the topical approach adopted here. As for makeup, it is normally worn at a later age with a more understated look consisting of sheer neutrals, pastels and fine shimmer.

T: When you review products or recreate looks in your tutorials, you become a beauty chameleon for your readers – but where does Phyllis’ personal beauty style fall on the spectrum from fresh to fierce?
PL: Because of the looks I do on the blog, people assume that I wear a lot of makeup . But the truth is, no one really needs to wear that much on a regular basis. The blog is simply a medium for me to transform and experiment. For everyday, I like a simple look with just a bit of concealer, eyeliner, mascara and lip balm. When I go out, I like to spice things up with a smoky eye, fake lashes and nude lips or a winged eyeliner paired with bright lips.

T: Tatcha was so honored by Makeup for Life’s review of our aburatorigami. What else do you use to keep your skin so exquisite?
PL: Thank you so much! I try to keep my skincare regimen as simple as possible. I am big in moisturizing and I never sleep with my makeup on. Prevention is always better than correction so I use sunscreen with at least spf 30 every day. I also drink a lot of warm water (a very common practice back home) and I try to stay away from harsh chemicals.

T: Do you have a favorite beauty icon?
PL: Madonna is my all-time favorite! I love how she transforms and always manages to stay at the top.

T: Fun facts: Given your world travels, what city inspires you most and why?
PL: This is a tough one because every city I visited has something different to offer. I like Hong Kong for its fast-paced lifestyle and energy; Paris because it is a living painting; London for how fashionable people are; and obviously, the US, the place where all this started.

See Tatcha on Makeup For Life

T: Daniel, it is an honor to be able to interview a fast rising talent in the world of high fashion. Can you tell us about how your passion for makeup artistry evolved?
DM: My background is French and Vietnamese, and I fell in love with makeup while watching my french grandmother put on her face in the morning. There was ritual to her application and it always resonated with me.

T: Your approach to makeup has been described as “refined” and “harmonious”, while the overall impact is striking at the same time. How would you describe your artistic aesthetic?
DM: I’m known for my sensibility with skin. Being able to balance color, light and texture without having a face look over-done is what my aesthetic is all about. Call it my inner art director, but sometimes it’s about stepping back and looking at the whole woman, vs. only just the face.

T: Do you draw any inspiration from any other cultures?
DM: I live in one of the greatest cities in the world (NYC) full of cultural and ethnic diversity. Every day I’m blessed drawing inspiration from when I leave my apartment ’til the time I come home.

T: It’s been noted that you have a loyal following from cutting edge designers like Proenza Schouler and Thakoon. Is there a commonality in your beauty philosophies?
DM: I have special relationships with several different designers because I am able to understand the kind of woman they are designing for. Helping execute that vision with their presentation or show, is just as important—something I’ve learned over the years. I’m also very grateful to share these creative collaborations with them.

T: Tatcha is honored to be a part of your kit. What is your secret to exquisite skin?
DM: I have 3 things I always tell my clients, models, whomever—Cleanse, Hydrate and Protect! Keeping these things balanced in your regimen will keep your skin looking its best!

T: What exciting things are in store for Daniel in 2010?
DM: Designer Chris Benz and I have created a lipstick for Lancome that will be exclusive to Saks 5th Ave in February 2010. It’s a limited edition opaque Pink-Coral lipstick! Very fresh and modern for spring/summer! We premiered the shade at his show during Fashion Week here in NY, and there’s already a wait list for it.

T: Fun fact: who is your beauty icon?
DM: I get asked this a lot and its always difficult to answer because beauty has so many facets to it, and it’s very generational, too. So many amazing women have revolutionized trends in the industry but to say one person—I think Madonna. Whether you love to hate her, she has been inspirational for a lot of women after her.

See Daniel’s breath-taking work online at: www.dmartnyc.com