My T-zone gets so shiny by midday, it’s practically a signal mirror. For years, I avoided blotting papers, thinking they were just flimsy tissues that would smudge my makeup. I was so wrong.
The right oil absorbing sheets can lift away grease without taking your foundation with them. They leave you with a fresh, matte finish that looks like you just applied your makeup. After trying way too many, I found the ones that actually work, from drugstore staples to bougie options with literal gold flakes.
Here are the best blotting papers I found to control shine on the go.
The Tatcha papers cost $16, and honestly, they feel like pure luxury. These are made from abaca leaf and have tiny 23-karat gold flakes in them, which sounds extra, but they actually leave a very subtle, pretty glow on the skin.
I was impressed by how strong these whisper-thin sheets are. They soak up oil instantly without making my skin feel dry or tight, and they never disturb my makeup. They’re a little splurge that makes a midday touch-up feel special.
The Downside: The price is definitely on the higher side for blotting papers.
At just $7, these blotting sheets from e.l.f. are a total steal. I keep a pack in my car, my purse, and my desk drawer. They’re infused with green tea, which is supposed to help balance out oil production over time.
They do a great job of absorbing shine without smudging my concealer or foundation. They’re simple, effective, and you can’t beat the price for everyday use.
The Downside: If my skin is extra oily, I sometimes need to use two sheets to get fully matte.
These blue sheets for $6 are a classic for a reason. I’ve been using them since high school. There’s something so satisfying about pressing one against your nose and seeing all the oil it soaked up.
They have a unique, smooth texture that glides over skin and instantly mattifies everything. They never leave behind any powdery residue and are a reliable drugstore find for anyone with an oily T-zone.
The Downside: They contain mineral oil, which some people prefer to avoid in their skincare.
For $6, you get 100 sheets, making this one of the best values out there. These papers are made from 100% natural hemp, and they feel very soft and natural on the skin.
They absorb oil really well without being too harsh. I found they left my skin looking fresh and matte without lifting any of my makeup. It’s a simple, no-fuss product that does exactly what it promises.
The Downside: The packaging is very basic and can get a little beat up in your bag.
If you have seriously oily skin, these $20 papers from Shiseido are fantastic. They have a light coating of translucent powder with kaolin clay, which gives them extra oil-absorbing power.
One sheet is enough to completely de-shine my entire face. It provides a powerful mattifying effect that lasts for hours, and the little pouch they come in is slim and discreet.
The Downside: These do contain fragrance, which might irritate very sensitive skin.
Rihanna knows what she’s doing. For $16, you get this super chic, refillable compact that looks like a lipstick case. It’s the most portable and stylish option by far.
The paper comes in a continuous roll, so you can tear off exactly as much as you need. The natural botanical fibers sop up oil without leaving any residue, making it perfect for keeping makeup looking fresh all day.
The Downside: You’ll eventually have to buy refills for the compact.
These $10 linens are a great choice for anyone with acne-prone skin. They’re infused with willow bark extract, a natural source of salicylic acid, to help clear out pores while you blot.
The sheets are made from abaca tree fiber, which is super absorbent and strong. I like that I’m getting a little skincare benefit while just getting rid of shine. They work really well to keep my skin looking clear.
The Downside: Some people find the natural scent of the ingredients to be a bit strong.
Ariana Grande’s line delivered with these $20 blotting papers. They’re made with bamboo charcoal, which is known for its ability to detoxify and pull impurities from pores. The sheets themselves feel soft and satiny.
They are also a bit larger than most other blotting papers, so you can cover more surface area with a single sheet. They absorb oil quickly and leave my skin feeling clean and refreshed without messing with my makeup.
The Downside: As a newer brand, there aren’t as many long-term reviews compared to the classics.
You really can’t go wrong with any of these. If I had to pick just one, the Clean & Clear sheets are a classic for a reason. They’re cheap, they work, and you can find them anywhere.
But for something a little more special, the Tatcha papers are a treat. They make a mundane task feel a little more glamorous, and they work beautifully. It all just depends on your budget and what you’re looking for in a little piece of paper.
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