Product Reviews

TATCHA Aburatorigami Blotting Paper Review

October 15, 2009

Growing up in Hong Kong, Aburatorigami, also known as oil-blotting papers to most of us, have been a life-saver for me for longer than I can remember. But it wasn’t until recently that I discovered the story behind this Asian beauty staple and found my HG, TATCHA Aburatorigami.


TATCHA Aburatorigami is truly the cream of the crop among blotting papers. It is handmade in Japan with 100% abaca leaf and comes in a fancy paper packet with 30 sheets.

Each sheet measures roughly 3.75 inches by 3.75 inches and is slightly bigger than most blotting papers but perfect for the whole face. It is super thin and soft yet the lattice line makes it more durable than your regular Japanese oil blotting papers. There are also tiny gold flakes just like the traditional Aburatorigami, which by the way, is originally the by-product from artisans hammering gold into thin leaves to decorate the pavilions of Imperial Japan (who would have known?)

Unlike the plastic blotting papers like Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, the TATCHA blotting papers do not soak up excess oil (which can sometimes lead to more oil being produced). Nor do they contain talc powder like the famous Papier Poudré Oil Blotting Papers from England, so they will never dry up your skin or leave behind a powdery, chalky finish. They simply get the job done quickly and effectively without ruining your makeup or irritating the skin.

Plus how can you not love that it is all-natural and biodegradable? Now I will can never go back to regular blotting papers!

TATCHA Aburatorigami is now available at http://www.tatcha.com/. Prices are $12 for a pack or $30 for 3.

Disclosure: This review includes product that was provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for consideration only. It may also contain an affiliate link, which gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. Please see our Disclosure for more information on our posting policy.

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12 Comments

  • Reply Yvette October 16, 2009 at 12:07 am

    interesting! I currently use the boscia green tea linens ut this looks better. it seems to have a good size. thanks for sharing!

  • Reply amy October 16, 2009 at 12:54 am

    That is a cool story, I will have to check out their site! I remember my first oil blotting paper for Body Shop, but I haven’t used it it years because living in Vancouver, it is not really necessary for me. The Body Shop ones I found very “powdery.”

  • Reply Emily October 16, 2009 at 1:03 am

    I can’t believe that I’m from Hong Kong but have never seen these cuties before!

  • Reply Couture Cookie October 16, 2009 at 6:29 am

    Definitely something for me to keep in mind for next summer!

  • Reply Cattie October 16, 2009 at 11:03 am

    Note to self: Write this down for HK next year =D

  • Reply Phyllis October 16, 2009 at 11:11 am

    Emily and Cattie,

    I don’t think the TATCHA Aburatorigami is available in Hong Kong. You can just get them at http://www.tatcha.com/.

  • Reply Marsadie October 16, 2009 at 8:43 pm

    I can’t wait to try these!

  • Reply kristie October 17, 2009 at 1:31 pm

    i was also thinking of buying the boscia linens but this sounds like a better choice. thanks for the review! blotting papers are a kind of must for me ;p

  • Reply connie October 17, 2009 at 6:29 pm

    it’s a bit pricey but I’m still going to try it! =P

  • Reply VTC October 19, 2009 at 4:14 pm

    I’ve used these and here is what I love about them:
    1) Size: they are much larger than my other blotting papers, so I only have to use one vs two!
    2)Make up doesnt budge: It amazing bc most of my makeup used to end up on the paper, then I’d reapply my powder. Now, I just blot and go! no need to touch up
    3)The quality: Once you try it you’ll see how different the quality is. I can use it before applying my makeup and the mineral makeup i use stays on far longer. I can throw out that goopy primer stuff i was using (thank goodness!)

  • Reply carmen October 20, 2009 at 10:44 pm

    Hi, i am interested to become a make-up artist..but i am having headache to search for a good school. I am living in NJ and i found one school called Empire beauty schools? If so, u have any suggestion??
    Thank you!!!

  • Reply bubblingbb October 17, 2012 at 6:31 pm

    I love this too, the packaging gives a luxury feeling. But honestly it is too pricey. Most of the summer, i.e. the oily season, I use a 500 sheet pack from Amazon. forgot the name, It is a Japanese made. Costs about $20 for a pack of 500 sheets of blotting paper. It doesn’t have gold flakes, just plain sheets, but the quality is quite good, thin and soft, all natural no powder, no chemical. I think for those with limited budget, this is a balance way not to go broke, get a pack of the Tatcha for special occasions and a pack of the 500 sheets from Amazon for daily usage.

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