These Blotting Papers Keep Skin Matte All Day (2024)

TL;DR

Our best overall pick is Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers, which are biodegradable, whisper-thin, and made from abaca leaf, a naturally absorbent fiber that soaks up oil. For a more affordable pick, consider e.l.f. Cosmetics Shine Eraser Blotting Sheets, which are infused with green tea extract to help absorb oil and balance sebum production without stripping your skin.

Our Top Picks

Material: Abaca leaf | Count: 40 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers are superior quality blotters. These simple, yet highly effective blotting papers are made of abaca leaf, a naturally absorbent fiber that doesn't waste any time sopping up grease on your face.

The whisper-thin, yet remarkably strong, material promises to nix shine without disrupting your makeup, while crushed gold flakes infuse your skin with a subtle shimmer and a mattified, healthy glow. Available in packs of 40, these velvety-soft leaflets are also biodegradable.

Material: Microcrystalline wax | Count: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

e.l.f. makes a great budget option. These woven sheets are infused with green tea extract to help absorb oil and balance sebum production without stripping your skin.

You can count on a mattified effect with less visible pores. Just be gentle as you're handling the sheets, as they're a bit fragile.

Material: Polypropylene | Count: 50 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Clean & Clear blotting papers are a drugstore classic. The sheets are easy to use and effective, and they give you the satisfaction of seeing the actual grease accumulating on them.

The super-smooth material won't mess up your makeup either. They do contain mineral oil, so avoid them if you're sensitive to that.

Material: Hemp | Count: 100 | Cruelty-Free: No

DHC offers an incredible value for those who go through several blotting papers per day. Available in packs of 100 for only a few dollars, these blotting papers are made of natural hemp. The material does an excellent job of absorbing oil and eliminating unwanted shine, leaving your skin mattified and your makeup intact.

Material: Paper | Count: 50 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

These French blotters take a no-nonsense approach to tackling shine. Made of literal paper, they're not quite as sturdy as others on this list, but they do the trick. The sheets promise to absorb excess sebum on your T-zone and immediately mattify without ruining your makeup.

Material: Abaca fiber | Count: 100 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Westbay recommends Boscia Blotting Linens for the acne-prone set. "I love these because they are mineral oil-free and contain willow bark, a natural beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) that gently and effectively exfoliates to unclog and purify pores, as well as refine their appearance," she tells Byrdie. Note that these do have a fairly potent scent.

Material: Parchment paper | Count: 100 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

True to the brand's baked goods theme, Beauty Bakerie's blotters are made out of parchment paper. The cellulose-based composite material is great at absorbing oil, and it's recyclable. These sheets vow not to ruin your glam and are infused with gold flakes, just to keep things fancy.

Material: Sponge | Count: 2–4 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Looking for ways to cut down on waste? Beautyblender Blotterazzi is a reusable alternative to everyday blotting sheets. Available in packs of two or four, the thin, absorbent sponges are shaped like teardrops to fit around all the curves and contours of your face. The case is also ventilated with a hygienic separator between each sponge to keep things fresh and sanitary.

FAQ

• What is blotting paper for skin?

  It's a super-handy beauty tool comprising a sheet of thin paper that helps absorb excess oil from the surface of the skin without disturbing makeup. It can be used as often as needed to keep skin shine-free.

• Can blotting paper cause acne?

  Some blotting papers contain mineral oil which, even though it rates relatively low on the comedogenicity scale, may contribute to clogged pores on acne-prone skin. To avoid that effect, those with very oily or acne-prone skin should opt for blotting papers made with ingredients that may help manage excess oiliness, such as willow bark.

• How many times can you use blotting paper?

  While few things come close to the satisfaction of seeing the amount of oil that a blotting paper can remove from your face, remember that some oil is supposed to stay there. If you find yourself constantly blotting to keep oil at bay, perhaps consider fine-tuning your skincare routine to help manage oil production. All in all, you shouldn’t blot more than three or four times a day.

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