I have stopped using blotting paper for a long time. The last ones I used were from Clean and Clear and now, I usually just use a tissue to pat off excess oil if I have to, in the middle of the day. But when Vicky of Tatcha contacted me to ask me to test her Japanese made aburatorigami blotting papers, I just had to say yes. Just look at how pretty they are! *right brain tingling* Vicky was very generous and sent me three packets of the aburatorigami papers to try. You see a lot more in this picture and that’s because I’ve requested more for you, my readers!  *wink* Â
Thoughts on blotting paper
Anyway, some of you may remember me writing a piece about blotting papers sometime back and I did mention that I stopped buying them because I didn’t think they helped control the oil on my face and a tissue paper did the same job for me.  I also highlighted that it may not be a good idea to blot excessively. Well, I wanted to try Tatcha aburatorigami blotting papers because I was told I only need to use one sheet per day. In addition, unlike tissue paper, this won’t blot off my makeup.
History of blotting paper
But what really intrigued me and spurred my renewed interest in blotting papers is the history of it. Gosh, I never knew that blotting papers are a 300-year-old beauty secret of the geishas! Somehow, it seems that geishas found this precious by product of the artisan’s alchemy to remove excess oil from their skin – special, soft and absorbent handmade papers to protect the precious metal the artisans hammered into whisper-thin leafing to enrobe the majestic pavilions of Imperial Japan. I just took it for granted that someone clever invented these papers. (Yes, such nonchalance!) Now that I know more about the history and that this is a beauty secret, my right brain feels more intrigued to use them!Â
Helps makeup stay longer
In fact, from online resources I found, “abura-tori-gami†means “oil-blotting-paper.†And as the words imply, it absorbs grease and takes the shine from your face. If you use it before touching up your makeup, it helps the makeup stay on much longer. Aburatorigami also works well to keep the balance of water and oil in your skin and prevents skin trouble such as pimples. (source: Learning About Kyoto)
Popularity of aburatorigami in Japan
According to Weekly Japan Update, the popularity of aburatorigami is perhaps a sign that the ancient predilection for maintaining clean, clear and glowing skin is still well and truly alive today…So, aburatorigami is a Japanese female’s secret weapon in her battle – if a battle is necessary – to make her skin look beautiful. Interesting? I think so!
All handmade and natural
What’s unique about Tatcha’s Aburatorigami Blotting Papers are that they are actually still handmade by original artisans of aburatorigami. Hence, these Tatcha blotters are made with the finest grade of abacus leaf, prized for strength, absorbency and softness. There is no pulp to dry and irritate skin, or remove makeup and the blotting papers retain the gold flakes on them for authenticity. They’re also safe to use for all skin types because they’re all natural, fragrant free and contain no talc or powder.
Larger than the usual blotting papers
Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting Papers are also said to help create the perfect canvas for your makeup as a single leaflet is able to prime your skin without drying it out. The size of these aburatorigami blotting papers are larger than usual – about 3.75 inches square and that’s why one piece is sufficent for the entire face. In addition, both sides can be used.
Helped my makeup look matt and nicer
I’ve been using these last week and it’s true that I only needed one sheet per day. Anyway, my t-zone is no longer very oily these days and so I can even do without blotting. However, I found that these aburatorigami helped my makeup look more matt and nicer looking. They’re extremely thin and soft to use and served me well. But I did wonder if someone with very oily skin needed to use more than a sheet or blot more frequently. And nah, the gold flakes never got stuck on my skin, in case you’re wondering.
Costlier than the usual
Because of the quality of these aburatorigami, they are costlier than the usual blotting papers at US$12 per pack for 30 sheets or US$10 per pack if you buy them in a pack of three. I doubt I would have gotten them because of the price but now that I’ve tried them, I would gladly receive them! They’re not a beauty essential for me but they’re definitely nice to have. The quality is defintiely better than those I’ve ever used before and they make very great gifts. Plus, they’re such nice eye candies to whip out of the bag!
Availability
Okay, the sad news is that Tatcha only ships within US at the moment. So those outside of US can only ogle, or make special arrangements to get these. But, as I mentioned, Vicky has kindly sent me more so I’m going to spread the love soon. Yes, be patient and some of you will be rewarded.
Blovet Beauty
19 Oct 2009 at 11:21 amlooks too gorgeous to use! thanks for sharing this info with us though 🙂
sesame
19 Oct 2009 at 7:09 pmYes, a bit precious looking there! 🙂
Amanda
19 Oct 2009 at 12:06 pmI’ve actually been looking at blotting papers lately, so this article is very timely. Thank You!.
Looks like a great product!
sesame
19 Oct 2009 at 7:10 pmYes, it’s very interesting!
stella
19 Oct 2009 at 12:18 pmi think i’ve seen similar blotters at HABA which is available in Singapore. i’ve used them and they are very good, albeit pricier than the usual blotters, and bigger. they look exactly like these in the photos here iirc
sesame
19 Oct 2009 at 7:10 pmOh at Haba? I have to check it out. I only stepped into Haba once…I won’t mind getting from Haba if the price is not exhorbitant.
Raelynn
19 Oct 2009 at 1:18 pmi’m currently using this japanese blotting paper that i found in Sasa, because my skin is not that oily nowadays, i’m using it to press my mineral makeup hahahha. it’s supposed to be related to bamboo and it’s green in colour. it’s also a big square sheet each. but this looks much more “authentic”!
sesame
19 Oct 2009 at 7:12 pmGreen ones? Interesting!
That’s right…the blotting papers are useful to press the mineral makeup after a couple of hours. That’s the effect I like too.
hazelnut
19 Oct 2009 at 2:29 pmso pretty! i need some blotters.. hope u would give out the love soons..
hahaha
sesame
19 Oct 2009 at 7:15 pmOkay… 🙂 I’ll give a nice spread…
AtelierGal
19 Oct 2009 at 2:57 pmI’ve been wanting to get these the longest time, after the shop at Lucky Plaza closed down years ago.
I stopped using blotting papers after I’ve bought a good oil-control LF & using primer.
The ones by ZA aren’t bad too, but avoid using those that contains powder & fragrances.
sesame
19 Oct 2009 at 7:15 pmYou’re right about avoiding the powder ones especially…can clog pores.
pf1123
19 Oct 2009 at 7:32 pmI never buy these. I just use the hand towels in the toilet. Okay, maybe not the best, but that does its job. 😀
sesame
19 Oct 2009 at 10:35 pmJust like tissue paper I guess…only thing is I find it does blot off some makeup.
vtc
20 Oct 2009 at 5:04 amI have the curse of oily skin. I’ve tried so many blotting papers from Clean and Clear to The Body Shop – and yes, toilet seat covers when desperate! Nothing has compared to Tatcha thus far. First of all, the quality is far better; it can withstand more absorbtion capability than the others and my makeup stays perfectly on my face, not on the paper. Everyone who wants a matte and fresh complexion should def try these!
sesame
20 Oct 2009 at 9:01 pmOh you’ve used Tatcha’s? Yes, I agree they’re better than Clean and Clear. Actually to think about it, C&C was a waste of money for me. I just like the novelty of the plastic sheets. Never tried those from TBS though.
Molly
20 Oct 2009 at 10:27 amWhere is HABA, please? I would like to get the facial blotters.
Thanks
sesame
20 Oct 2009 at 9:05 pmThere is one outlet at Takashimaya B2 and also one at Raffles Place MRT if I’m not wrong.
Karen
21 Oct 2009 at 2:35 amI don’t really feel like I need this, but I want to try a pack just for the heck of it. lol And the packaging is so pretty. Have you looked at the website thoroughly? I can’t seem to figure out how to indicate which color package I want. It just shows the blue one…
Oh, and I don’t think you mentioned in your review that shipping is free, so it’s not super expensive =)
sesame
21 Oct 2009 at 12:42 pmNo, I only looked under Learn and not Shop on the website. But I took a quick look and realized what you meant. I sent a message to Vicky and am waiting for her reply. Will keep you posted
I didn’t mention the shipping cos it doesn’t apply to us here…haha…but yeah, I should have cos it’s really a good deal!
sesame
21 Oct 2009 at 8:33 pmHi Karen: Vicky came back with a reply that she’ll look into how to add the options of color into their check-out process but in the meantime, you can send a special request to info@tatcha.com with your color preference and order number for reference.
Molly
21 Oct 2009 at 10:50 amThanks Sesame.
Btw Karen, in my excitement and before i finished reading the write up on the japanese blotting paper, I went to the website to order. Only upon checking out Paypal, did I find out that the online purchase is for US only! Ouch..
sesame
21 Oct 2009 at 12:43 pmYeah, and this only ships within US.
Janet
21 Oct 2009 at 11:18 amWow, this seems great!!
sesame
21 Oct 2009 at 12:44 pmIt is very interesting…and rather irresitible too.
Karen
21 Oct 2009 at 10:57 pmWonderful! Thanks for investigating that for me. I really like all the colors, but red is my favorite. =) I hope I can get some soon.
Thanks Molly, but don’t worry; I am already aware of the shipping restrictions. I live in California. :]
sesame
22 Oct 2009 at 5:13 pmHey Karen, you’re welcome. I hope you’ll like using it when you can it. 🙂
Molly
22 Oct 2009 at 8:08 amHi Karen,
Do you know where about in Los Angeles, I can get this blotting paper? I can get my sis to buy and then mail to me. Thanks
sesame
22 Oct 2009 at 5:20 pmKaren is right, Molly. You can ask your sis to order online. It’s free shipping within US.
Karen
22 Oct 2009 at 1:13 pmHey Molly,
I have no idea. I don’t live anywhere near LA. I would think she can order it online, have it shipped to her, and then she can send it to you.
Karen
23 Nov 2009 at 4:32 amI purchased a 1-pack of these recently and I have to say I really love them! I just ordered a 3-pack because I think my sister will benefit from them as well. The packaging is just as beautiful in real life as in the pictures. It’s small enough to keep in my purse, but definitely big enough to use for my entire face. Vicky gives wonderful, friendly, fast customer service, too! I highly recommend this product and service!! =)
sesame
23 Nov 2009 at 9:17 amOh that’s good to know! I’m glad you love it. I’m really careful and trying not to use this up quickly because they feel so precious! Haha…
Karen
24 Nov 2009 at 7:11 amhaha Agreed! But they’re so addicting…
Terri Bly
21 Dec 2009 at 12:07 pmI want to quickly mention that The Nature of Beauty (natureofbeauty.com) now carries Tatcha papers, and we do ship internationally!
Eleanor
4 Sep 2011 at 3:07 am😮 You’re a Singaporean blogger! Well this is interesting, I use oil blotters all the time too but I’ve never heard of this brand!
sesame
4 Sep 2011 at 2:58 pmThis originates from US but it’s not available in Singapore at http://www.puretincture.com, a Singapore online store. Look under others. Selling at S$16.60.