Blotting paper is handy for writers who use fountain pens, quills, or dipped pens. It prevents smearing by absorbing excess ink.
The best blotting papers for oily skin contain naturally absorbent abaca fiber or willow bark (which contains salicylic acid) to lock onto excess oils and lift impurities from pores. They also help mattify the complexion for petal-fresh skin.
They absorb oil
Oil blotting paper has an absorbent quality that makes it an excellent tool for removing excess oil on the skin and in the hair. Its ability to quickly and effectively remove excess oils from the face is crucial for makeup touch-ups or to keep your makeup looking fresh throughout the day.
It’s also helpful in absorbing grease from the scalp, as dry shampoo brands often use blotting papers to extend their life and avoid leaving you with greasy hair. They are also effective in reducing shine on the face and preserving makeup.
Some blotting papers contain active ingredients like lavender, green tea, or chamomile to reduce sebum and make the skin feel smoother. But choosing the best one for your needs and skin type is essential, as not all blotting papers are created equal.
They’re mattifying
Blotting paper is an absorbent paper commonly used to soak up excess oil and moisture. It can also be used for other purposes, such as removing excess ink on written documents or wiping stray nibs on fountain pens and quills.
Dermatologists recommend using blotting sheets made with willow bark, charcoal, or abaca tree fibers to help gently lift oil away from the skin. This helps to balance sebum production and minimize pores, according to Rachel Maiman, MD, FAAD, a board-certified general and cosmetic dermatologist in New York City.
They are also an excellent way to lightly blend and slightly mattify cream makeup products like foundation, blush, and eyeshadow. This will help extend the longevity of these products and prevent them from looking cakey.
They’re eco-friendly
Blotting paper is a green beauty tool that helps absorb oil and sweat from the face without clogging pores. It’s also great for removing makeup without smudging.
Blotting paper is so eco-friendly that it even has its name: “green.”
It’s made from recycled wood pulp and comes from forests certified as sustainable by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This helps ensure that forests are managed responsibly, which saves trees and reduces pollution.
Another benefit is that it uses less energy and can be easily recycled.
You can find recycled and FSC-certified paper at many office supply stores and online at Green Earth Office Supply and GreenLine Paper Company.
The key to finding eco-friendly blotting papers is choosing ones with an organic ingredient. Most drugstore blotters, for example, use mineral oil, which isn’t a good idea if you have oily skin.
They’re handy
Blotting papers are a must-have in your makeup bag or purse because they’re a great way to dab away excess oil, sweat, and shine without disturbing your makeup. They’re also helpful for touching up your makeup before putting on a full face of beauty products, and they’re perfect for hot weather or when you’re on vacation.
The best blotting paper absorbs oil, keeps skin matte, and doesn’t cause dryness or irritation. But it’s essential to choose the right one for your skin type, as some sheets can be harsh on sensitive or acne-prone skin.
For example, if you have a lot of oily areas on your face, blotting papers made with willow bark or abaca tree fiber are the best options. Maiman says these ingredients “lock onto the oil and help lift it out of pores,” so you don’t have to slather on heavy oils.
If you’re a fountain pen writer, blotting paper can be handy because it helps avoid smearing when writing with pens that leave a trail of extra ink. It’s also an excellent way to keep your writing clear, and it can even be used as a holder for quill pens and fountain pens to prevent them from leaking ink into the page.
