I’ve used blotting papers in the past (MAC, Clean & Clear, Crabtree & Evelyn, and a Japanese brand I found in Tokyo airport among others). With oily skin, I’ve tried many. The type with powder seem like a good idea but the additional powder makes you look pasty and overly made up. The plastic polypropylene sheets from Clean & Clear work but I’d prefer not to add more plastic to the world.
I recently received a package of 100% natural Tatcha Aburatorigami papers. Each sheet is a 3.75 inch x 3.75 inch square of abaca leaf paper, handmade in Japan. For a touch of luxury and a nod to history, the sheets have bits of gold leaf in them as well. There is also a slightly smaller size which would be ideal in a clutch bag for a night out. Each packet includes 30 sheets.
Aburatorigami was first made around 794 AD when very thin gold leaf was being used to adorn the temples in Kyoto. The ability to make gold into very thin layers was also used in paper making and these became the first version of Aburatorigami in the early 1600s. At some point in the 1700-1800s, it was discovered that this thin paper could absorb oil on the face and they became widely used by kabuki actors, geisha, and finally housewives.
What I love about the Aburatorigami blotting papers is that they do not change your makeup at all – they just remove a bit of the oil on your face above your makeup. They manage to do this while not drying out your skin. I’m carrying them everywhere now particularly in this hot weather. If you find that your face is shiny half way through the day, I highly recommend Tatcha Aburatorigami papers for a natural oil fix.
$12
I love these, the packaging is so fancy! So cute to pull out of your purse, thank you for including the site, I think I might have to check it out. I swear reading blogs cost me so much money haha. I always see things that I have to have!
I think I might just have to see if we can get these over here, they packaging is soo cute, and come on who wouldn't feel a bit special having gold leaf in their blotting paper.
xx
Very interesting article! I had no idea that gold leaf had oil-absorbing properties. It sounds like such a luxury! I'm glad you found some blotting papers that work great for you!
P.S. – Thank you for your comment on my blog! I am going to follow you through Google Friend Connect, and I hope you will do the same!
I received these in my very first Birchbox and I loved them. I ended up cutting the sheets in two since they were so big just to make them last a little longer.
Hi Danielle – Yeah they are pretty big so doing that makes sense. Cheers! Tiffany
These sound awesome..especially the touch of gold in them! I'm surprised they're not more expensive. As a teen, I used to use blotting paper constantly as I had really oily skin. Now as an adult, I find I don't need them anymore since my skin tends to be more dry nowadays.
Ooh I used to buy blotting paper from The Body Shop, I need to look in to these, great that they're 100% natural and they sound like a bargain!