My first encounter with blotting sheets came early. My mom always seemed to have a slender packet of Papier Poudre tucked into her purse, and even when I was a wee one, she would wipe a thin, powdery sheet over my face whenever I got too shiny.
Papier Poudre is a fine product – I mean, it’s been around since 1903 for a reason… but I moved on in search of other, better blotters. Particularly since Papier Poudre seems to be unavailable in American retail stores, I was forced to try other brands. Let me tell you, blotting sheet technology has come a long way in the past century. I currently rotate between three kinds, and I’m in the market for a fourth. Here’s the blotting sheet skinny.
Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: ~ These stayed in the rotation for a long time. When I first bought these blue sheets (which are very similar to the much pricier Shiseido Pureness Oil-Blotting Paper in effectiveness and concept IMHO), I loved them. The price was right ($5.99 for a pack of 50), they didn’t rip instantly, and I took perverse pleasure in rubbing the blue color away with my indomitable t-zone grease. But the thing I didn’t love about the Clean & Clear was the light periwinkle residue it left on my face. I also noticed I would get shiny again an hour or so after using them. Then I read the reviews at Makeup Alley. I had no idea that one of the main ingredients in this product was mineral oil! Well, that explains it. I haven’t repurchased ever since.
Palladio Rice Powder Sheets: ~ I picked these up near the counter at Sally’s. The packaging was so kitschy, I had to get them. Lucky for me, the product is cheap and wonderfully effective. Use the matte side to absorb oil, and the powder side to finish. I liked these so much that I eventually purchased the Loose Finishing Powder. I wasn’t blown away by the actual powder itself, but the cute plastic box it came in makes a retro chic jewelry box. Bonus!
Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens: ~ I got these at Sephora and I haven’t looked back. These are incredible. The thin, speckled linens are soft on my skin, don’t mess up my makeup, and absorb the oil away. I’ve already revealed my love for green tea, so you know I had to buy them. I also purchased the Lavender Blotting Linens, but the perfume in those was stronger, and felt a bit irritating to my skin. They’re more expensive than the others ( around $10, I recall), but I’d definitely recommend the Green Tea ones to anyone who needs a discreet way to touch up during the day.
You know every day I can’t wait to read your blog..I just love your reviews on beauty items..Hey anything with Green Tea must be good LOL. Thanks again, Afrobella..you’re like my beauty superheroine!
thx for that info.. i’ll be lookin into that green tea pack. i dont have an oily tzone, but when my face do feel like its full of grime, i just bust out with a facial wipe that i got from walmart by Equate. lol..
This might trip you out, but in a pinch- those paper toilet seat covers make wonderful blotting papers!!! Dont have powder on them,but they do soak up the oil!!!Good to know when you are out somewhere and need a quick blot- the bathrooms usually always have covers nowadays!!! Kinda ghetto- BUT IT WORKS!!!
Toni, I use those too!! I thought I was the only one, now I don’t feel so bad! I also use end papers that you use for roller sets. My cheap self will have to give the Palladio brand blotting papers a try. I have a very oily t-zone area too.
Toni + JCD, my friend Stephanie SWEARS by the toilet seat covers and is always snagging them when we’re out! I’ve never tried it but I use the Shiseido Blotting papers. I love that they don’t leave a residue and come in a simple carrying case that I can toss in my purse and go. Since only my t-zone is oily I don’t go through too many at a time 🙂 I’m not a fan of the Papier Poudre (The Body Shop used to carry these) ones since they always left a white powder on my face and, if I remember correctly, I didn’t care for the smell.
Thanks for the info on the Clean & Clear sheets. I’ve used them for a long time and did not know they contained mineral oil. I plan on trying the Bosica Green Tea ones you recommended. I love this site!!!!