For most of my life, I’ve spent a large portion of my nights lying to myself about going to sleep early. Instead of actually going to bed on time, I find a million random things to do and end up waiting until I’m absolutely exhausted to pass out. This wasn’t the best news for my skin, since I’d gotten into the bad habit of going straight from what I was doing to bed—with no cleanser, exfoliator, or moisturizer in between.

It wasn’t until I worked in fashion that I started to wonder what my skin could look like if I paid more attention to it. I’d fantasize about using a rose face mask and painting my nails with natural polish while sitting in an exfoliating bubble bath. I became obsessed with trying everything I read about—sometimes irritating my skin, sometimes making it look so much better—but only recently have I begun to find the staples that work for both nighttime me and my all-the-time complexion.

One of those products is the Tata Harper Resurfacing Serum. I’d heard endlessly good things about the brand, and everyone who uses Tata Harper doesn’t just talk about it; they gush about it. It’s long been considered by industry pros as an entry point into natural beauty because its products are as effective as they are green.

While an $88 serum might seem expensive for someone with a highly noncommittal routine, let me assure you anyone who tries it won’t be wishy-washy about using it. Its slogan on the bottle, “Daily Dose of Glow,” does not lie. Thanks to its combination of nine different AHAs and BHAs (exfoliating acids that slough off dead skin), the formula goes to work to leave behind a softer, smoother look and feel.

After cleansing with Tatcha’s Cleansing Oil and exfoliating with Tatcha’s The Rice Polish (Tatcha is also a brand that’s converted me to caring about my skin), I put two pumps of Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Serum into my palm and massage into my face and neck. The first time I used it, I was completely struck by the scent. It smells incredible—like how spring feels, refreshing and crisp.

The experience of using the serum is also lovely. Unlike some serums, which can feel sticky or tacky, this one sinks in so fast you forget you even put it on.

It was only after a week that I started to really notice the difference. Using the serum consistently had my skin looking bright and glowy, no matter how late I had stayed up the night before. Although I quickly fell in love with the serum, I was sold on how much of a necessity it was when I went away on a weekend trip and forgot to pack the bottle. I didn’t think it would be a big deal (I had spent so many years not using a serum), but I could tell my skin missed it when I looked at my dull reflection in the mirror.

I still haven’t mastered the art of going to bed early, but I don’t go to sleep anymore without my quick (but mighty!) skin care routine. The step I look forward to the most is this serum. It’s become a bit like a five-second-long self-care routine. I massage it into my face and let the glow sink in while I inhale the floral scent. I can’t go to bed until I’ve used it.

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