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. 

Tatcha
Deep Rice Enzyme Powder
6/21/13

Tatcha is one of the most interesting beauty brands I've experienced since La Mer and their 'Miracle Broth.' Don't get me wrong; these brands couldn't be more different. Tatcha's founder Victoria Tsai was born into beauty, with a family who sold traditional Asian herbal skincare treatments in the family's beauty boutique. She spent most of her career consulting for other brands, and ended up founding Tatcha after studying the beauty habits of both modern and traditional geisha. Enter modern science and Victoria's beauty biz savvy, and Tatcha was born. 

I like to peruse Barneys skincare offerings, as they tend to be the most progressive in the industry (I can thank them for introducing me to Sunday Riley, Chantecaille, Koh Gen Do, RéVive and many others). I'd also read a fair amount from trusted sources including fellow beauty addicts, the NY Times, Vogue, Bazaar, Vanity Fair, etc. but didn't know where to start. I don't believe in using a single brand's entire line, and prefer to mix and match. Fortunately, Tatcha offers 'The Tacha Samper Set,' which contains a two week supply of the main line. I also impulsively ordered the eye cream and lip balm, which aren't included in the sample set (review to follow). I was so excited when my package arrived, as I'd never used a line like this. They definitely wooed me with their design aesthetic. The packaging is absolutely gorgeous. As an Art Director, I can tell you that everything from the paper stock to the booklet and loose leaf product info cards are premium. Even the gold foiled logo is embossed on the rich purple patterned envelope. I also received handwritten notes with each shipment. Everything feels special and personal. It's a true brand experience, which I fully enjoy. 

(click photo to enlarge)

The first step is the Camellia Cleansing Oil. This is for makeup removal or extra hydration. I tried it twice and determined I didn't need it. It was soothing, though, and a necessary first step if you wear foundation, powder, BB creams, etc. The second step is the product I'm talking about today- the Deep Rice Enzyme Powder. The Sampler Set came with Gentle, Classic, and Deep enzyme powders. Instructions indicate to pour about 1/2 a tsp. of the enzyme powder onto wet hands, rub together until a foam forms, and massage onto face in a gentle, circular motion for 30 seconds to one minute. The foam is super gentle, and exfoliates with enzymes rather than a harshly textured exfoliating cleanser. My face literally felt squeaky clean. It's vastly different from any cleansing ritual I've ever tried, of which there are many. There are no synthetic fragrances, and it actually seems unscented. I encourage you to visit Tatcha's site to review their natural, high quality ingredients. There were other products in The Sampler, but this is the only one that truly blew me away. Although I could have ordered the Classic, I went with the Deep Enzyme Powder because its so darn gentle. It's been nearly three weeks including two with The Sampler, and my skin looks amazing. It's incredibly soft and has a new radiance and glow.

The packaging for the product is brilliant in its simplicity. After unscrewing the top, there's a slide-to-lock closure. Once you slide it open, a small opening controls the amount of product that is dispensed, so you're not faced with a handful of powder that would get wasted. Love it. There's also a travel set that comes with fourteen enzyme powder packets. For longer trips, I'd trust the container since it's basically double-sealed with the lid screwed on. 

My verdict? I fell head over heels for the Deep Rice Enzyme Powder. No exfoliating cleanser is as gentle and effective. Look to the skin of the geisha! This time-tested method of skin cleansing has won me over. More to come on other Tatcha products soon. 

- Tatcha Deep Rice Enzyme Powder is $65 for a 2.1 oz. jar. 

- Tatcha Deep Rice Enzyme Powder & Travel Set Duo is $78 for the 2.1 oz. jar & 14 packets

Available at Tatcha and Barneys.