Blotting Paper

Tatcha Original Aburatorigami
Japanese Beauty Paper

I've been a fan of Tatcha's Rice Enzyme Powders for a couple of months, and was recently surprised to see their blotting papers online at places like Sephora. This struck me as interesting, considering they quite literally only sell their skincare products in the U.S. at Barneys and on their own website. I think this was a fantastic choice for the brand to introduce themselves to a larger market. 

I've been using blotting papers for many years, with varied results. Sephora's papers were literally like rubber, made from some sort of blue plastic material in a poorly-constructed black package. Then I tried Shiseido's, but I can't stand blotting papers with powder. I was beginning to feel like I'd have to settle, and I did for many years on Sephora's Blotting Papers. While doing some research for this post, I was shocked to see that Sephora now offers three options, including a Shimmer Sheet Set (doesn't that defeat the purpose?), and two other types of sheets with "treatment" ingredients, such as tea tree oil. I don't know about you, but all I ask for in a blotting sheets is to remove any excess shine from my face. Then I found Tatcha's. 

(click photo to enlarge)

The Original Aburatorigami Beauty Papers were included with Tatcha's Sampler Set, which I'd purchased to get the full experience of their line. Like all their other products, the packaging design is beautiful and high quality. Made solely of Abaca leaf and gold, these incredibly thin and nearly translucent papers are a far cry from all the other blotting papers out there. I love a good story, and they deliver. These all-natural papers are powder free, fragrance free, and handmade. 

Why blotting papers? I've yet to meet a woman who enjoys a shiny face. If you wear foundation, primer, powder, or any other makeup on your face, blotting with a regular tissue will steal or mess up your makeup, moisturizer, and can leave fibers behind. Adding more powder to cover the shine creates an uneven look and can potentially clog your pores. These blotting papers remove shine while leaving your makeup intact, and without stealing your moisturizer. I don't wear any makeup aside from on my eyes and lips (and nails, of course), but I prefer my moisturizer remain on my face while removing any shine or oiliness in my t-zone. 

Using these papers is incredibly simple. Simply remove a single sheet from the cool envelope package and gently dab on any shiny areas. You can use both sides of the sheet, and discard with a good conscience since they're biodegradable. Tatcha also makes Evening Aburatorigami Beauty Papers, which are essentially smaller and darker - perfect for a clutch. 

My verdict? I can't imagine returning to the archaic blotting papers I once used, and nothing has worked as well or looked as good as Tatcha. Enjoy a shine-free summer!

- Original Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers are $15 for 30 sheets. 
- Evening Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers are $15 for 40 sheets.
- Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers Duo is $19 for both products! Total steal.

Available at Tatcha online & Sephora. Note: the duo is only available at Sephora.