Blotting Papers

Few things are as satisfying to the beauty obsessed as the instant gratification of removing excess oil without disturbing your makeup. Cue, blotting paper — those dainty little scraps of superabsorbent paper that lift away oils for a fresh face all day. Want to touch up makeup before running into a meeting? Voila!, blotting paper. Went a little overboard with that sunscreen you dutifully applied this morning? Sop up the excess oil with, you guessed it, blotting paper. Oil building up in your new bangs? Yeah, you can use blotting paper on your hair for a quick fix.

Whether you want a quick-fix before running into a meeting or need to unload buildup from that sunscreen you dutifully put on this morning, blotting sheets are one slim piece of paper you’ll want to keep stashed in your bag. Especially if you have oily skin, these babies are your best friend for maintaining an oil-free complexion. Although they can’t prevent breakouts and acne, blotting sheets can help absorb sebum to keep your skin balanced through the day and makeup intact. Just pat your face with a single sheet after applying and throughout the day and see the immediate results.

Our favourite blotting paper hacks? Try using one immediately after apply creamy makeup, like foundation or cream blush, to pull excess oil from the product and help it stay put on oily skin. Same for lipstick — make your go-to shade really stick by applying one layer, blotting, and then finishing with a second layer. Blotting sheets aren’t a stand-in for dry shampoo, but in a pinch use a couple of sheets right at the roots to cut back on buildup.

Blotting is key to keeping your makeup looking fresh. Shop online at Sephora for the best blotting papers to keep your purse (and office drawer and gym bag) well stocked!