My skin isn’t particularly oily. Yes, I have an oily t-zone, but over the years I developed a skincare routine that keeps the extra sebum and shine under control.
Until summer comes around.
Then, my sebaceous glands go into overdrive, turning my face into a slick mess.
When that happened in winter, I just dusted a layer of powder on my t-zone, and I was good for hours.
But in summer, that doesn’t work as well. I just have to apply so much powder throughout the day that, by the end of it, my skin resembles a cakey mask.
Oil-absorbing primers usually work better, but they add an extra step in my skincare routine. Unless it’s a special occasion, I just can’t be bothered with them.
Astringents are out of the question. They dry out your skin, causing it to produce even more oil! No thank you!
I thought I had run out of options. Then I discovered them. Oil blotting sheets.
These unassuming and underrated little pieces of paper are an oily-skinned gal’s best friends. They soak up all traces of oil and shine without bothering and removing your makeup.
They’re travel-friendly, too. They take so little space in your bag, so you can easily take them with you wherever you go, ready to use every time a bit of shine appears on your skin.
But which ones should you buy? Here are my favourites:
Best Environmentally-Friendly Option: Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens (100 sheets, $10.00)
$10 may seem a lot for oil blotting sheets, but Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens are worth it. Powder and fragrance-free, they are made from a natural fiber derived from the abaca leaf (a plant that resembles a banana), a sustainable resource. The green tea in them doesn’t, sadly, do much, but it doesn’t hurt skin either. If you’re looking for an option that is good both for your skin and the environment, you should definitely pick these up.
Available at: Dermstore, Revolve, Sephora, and Ulta
Struggling to create a skincare routine for your oily skin that really works? Download your FREE “Best Skincare Routine For Oily Skin” cheat sheet to find out what really works at minimising shine and preventing breakouts. It includes product recommendations + right application order:
Best On A Budget: E.L.F. Shine Eraser (50 sheets, $2.00)
E.L.F. Shine Eraser isn’t my favourite option, but if you’re on a budget and your skin isn’t very oily (if it is, you’ll have to use more than one), they’ll do quite well. They are small and flimsy, but they remove shine well and without disturbing your makeup. These too contain green tea, but again, it doesn’t do much. Still these blotting papers are great value for money.
Available at: Eyes Lips Face
The Bottom Line
Blotting sheets are the most effective, convenient, and cheapest way to keep your skin shine-free. You may have to use them several times throughout the day, but at least they don’t make you look cakey!
I haven’t tried Boscia blotting sheets but I’ve tried others & had good results. I like the look of the packaging.
Gauri, blotting sheets are really handy, aren’t they?
Boscia hands down every time! I forgot to get some when I was back in the US but I will be going back later on in the year. These are great because of the size and when you are finished with them you can use it to wipe excess mascara off your brush without leaving fuzzy bits stuck to the wand.
I’ve tried the ELF ones too and they are rubbish – too small and flimsy!
Annette, the Boscia ones are really good, aren’t there? And the right size too. I never thought of using them to remove excess mkscara though, so thanks for the tip.
I think the ELF ones are good for the price. Pretty much all the cheapest ones I tried left something to be desired. These were the best. But yeah, you do get what you pay for.
The weave on the Boscia Blotting Linens is very tight which is why it is good for cleaning the mascara wand. I’ve always used premium paper towels with a tight weave to clean my mascara wands but these give Boscia linens a dual purpose!
I love the idea of reusing them. You get more bang for your buck and even save on those pricier premium paper towels. 🙂