When luxury skincare brand, Tatcha, launched its first primer in 2018 everyone from beauty editors to beauty addicts everywhere lost their mind. But does the cult favorite Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer live up to the hype? Does the Silk Canvas Primer work for oily skin? Please keep reading for an in-depth review of the Silk Canvas Primer.

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About Tatcha

Founded in 2009 in San Francisco by Victoria Tsai, luxury skincare brand, Tatcha, aims to bring time-honored Japanese beauty secrets to the modern, fast-paced world. According to the Tatcha website, Tatcha is rooted in a “marriage of Kyoto craftsmanship and wellness philosophies with California natural ease.”

As such, Tatcha works with Japanese and American scientists to formulate effective products that gentle on the skin. The key ingredient in many Tatcha products is Hadasei-3 – an anti-aging Superfood combination of rice, green tea, and algae.

Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer Claims

The Silk Canvas Primer* promises to smooth the appearance of uneven texture, pores, wrinkles, and fine lines while simultaneously providing a protective barrier between the skin and makeup. Although intended for all skin types, this primer works particularly well for those with pores prone clogging.

Additionally, the brand promises that the Silk Canvas Primer includes natural active, anti-pollution ingredients that help the skin to fight environmental stressors. Also, the formula promises to protect and strengthen the skin’s barrier. Finally, the pinkish-purple hue of the primer brightens dull skin for a healthier-looking complexion, while Hadasei-3 provides anti-aging benefits.

Tatcha claims that the Silk Canvas Primer can be used on the face, lips, and eyes.

Packaging & Price

The Silk Canvas Primer comes in a large disk-like plastic package. The packaging looks and feels luxurious with its white and purple coloring, minimalist design, and weighted feel. Additionally, Tatcha includes a small coin-like disk to scoop the balmy primer.

A full-sized Silk Canvas Primer retails for $52.00 and includes 20 grams (or 0.7 oz.) of product. This equates to roughly $74.28 per ounce. Comparatively, the famed luxury primer, Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Primer retails for $52.00 per ounce.

Ingredients & Cruelty-Free Status

Well-known and respected for its Purity Promise to use pure, traceable, and time-tested ingredients, Tatcha’s products have minimal human manipulation. In fact, Tatcha’s products meet Japan’s strict cosmetic safety standards and go beyond Sephora’s Clean Beauty standards. Also, the brand is 100% Cruelty-Free.

As previously mentioned, green tea, rice, and algae form the foundation for the Tatcha skincare line. Specifically, Hadasei-3 provides nutrient-rich active skin essentials (including lactic acids, amino acids, enzymes, and minerals.

Unfortunately, the Silk Canvas Primer is NOT Vegan. This primer contains silk powder, a derivative of silk.

Application

Despite seeming gimmicky, the plastic coin included with the primer makes it easy to grab the “right” amount of product. Use a small amount of primer that is no larger than the size of a rice grain. Applying too much leaves the skin feeling heavy.

Unlike other silicone-based pore-filling primers, the Tatcha primer does not feel slippery. Instead, the formula feels creamy. As such, this primer works with every foundation in my collection.

For face application, first gently rub or pat the Silk Canvas Primer into the skin after your normal skincare routine. Then, let the primer set for a moment. Finally, apply your normal beauty products as usual.

Wear-Time

Immediately after application, the skin looks smooth and perfected. This primer makes any foundation worn on top look 10X better – especially if you have large pores like I do! But does the Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer hold up against oily skin?

Despite lacking mattifying properties, the Silk Canvas Primer holds up beautifully against my oily skin. To be clear, my skin WILL begin to look oily around the 7 hour mark. However, my makeup won’t fade, slip, or break apart on my face. Using a blotting sheet removes excess oil without impacting my makeup. (Note: I always set my face with powder).

Where is the Silk Canvas Primer sold?

The Silk Canvas  Primer is sold online via the Tatcha website internationally. Within the United States, Canada, and Singapore, Tatcha is sold at Sephora.

Final Thoughts on the Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer

My wallet wishes that I hated the Silk Canvas Primer, but my heart loves it. I’ve never owned a primer that provide my skin such a flawless finish. When I wear this primer, my skin looks so radiant and healthy.

Also, the price may be steep but a little product goes a long way. Only apply this primer in places where a blurring effect is needed. By applying this product intentionally, this primer will last a long time. Do I recommend this primer? I do.

That being said, if this primer is out of your price range, e.l.f. makes a dupe, the Poreless Putty Primer, that retails for $8.00. That primer provides a similar finish that helps blur imperfections. However, it does not contain as many skin-loving ingredients as the Tatcha Primer.

Disclaimer: I received the full-size version of the Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer for testing purposes from Influenster. However, I was not required or asked to write this blog post. Additionally, prior to receiving this primer from Influenster, I already owned the Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer Mini.* Links marked with asterisk are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my link I may make a small commission at no added cost to you.

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For skincare and primer reviews: Bare & Free Beauty Face Moisturizer, Smashbox Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control Primer & Weightless Setting Spray, and Milani Eyeshadow Primer

For more on my favorite base products for oily skin: Primer Collection Ranking, Foundation Collection Ranking, and Concealer Collection Ranking

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Have you tried the Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer or the e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer before? Please let me know in the comments below.

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