All About Japan

A Geisha's Secret to Grease-Free Skin

Beauty Makeup Cosmetics & Medicine Souvenirs Deeper Japan

Abura-tori-gami (literally, "oil-removing paper") is traditional Japanese blotting paper made of abacá leaf. It dates back to around the year 800, and has been a hit among Japan's kabuki actors (who wear piles of makeup) and geisha since the Edo Period (1603-1868).

http://www.thebeautylookbook.com/2015/03/tatcha-aburatorigami-japanese-beauty.html

Gold leaf craftspeople used pieces of abacá paper to protect the gold they hammered; with every gentle tap, both the paper and gold became thinner. When people discovered the paper was ideal for absorbing excess facial oil, abura-tori-gami was born. Let's look at some of the benefits below!

3. Avoid Greasy-Looking Skin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvmxTwO_ryA

For some, the transition of the perfect layer of matte foundation finish to a greasy facial-oil look over the course of a night is inevitable. Fear not: the absorbent qualities of abura-tori-gami are great for getting rid of grease on your skin with just a few gentle presses.

2. Keep Makeup Intact

2. Keep Makeup Intact

https://static.pexels.com/photos/6148/brush-makeup-make-up-brushes.jpg

Using tissue or a handkerchief to wipe away excess facial oil can disturb your makeup. But abura-tori-gami miraculously absorbs just the oil, leaving your makeup in place!

1. Keep Pores Clean

1. Keep Pores Clean

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebaceous_gland#/media/File:Blausen_0811_SkinPores.png

Leaving excess facial oil unattended can clog your pores and result in nasty little bumps that are hard to get rid of—abura-tori-gami can help keep your pores oil-free!

Where Can I Get Some?

Where Can I Get Some?

https://www.tatcha.com/shop/original-aburatorigami-japanese-blotting-papers

If you're looking to grab some abura-tori-gami of your own, you can find them on Amazon from Muji, or you can visit Yojiya or Tatcha. Enjoy your new way of keeping your skin looking great!