BellaSugar

Hey Slick, These Oil Blotters Will Keep You Under Control

BellaSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:01:01 -0700

I remember the first time I ever experienced the magic of an oil-blotting paper. Picture it, Sophia Petrillo-style: It was a steaming hot day in Chicago circa 2000. My friend and I were bridesmaids in a wedding, and our carefully applied makeup was melting more and more by the minute. Out popped her stash of this brand new product she turned me on to, called "blotting sheets." I was hooked from then on. Here we are, several years later and just about every makeup company around has some type of oil-absorbing tissues, linens, papers, and/or films - some even enclosed in their own fancy case. The most recently launched blotter comes to us from Tatcha. Its aburatorigami ($12-30), aka "oil blotting paper" in Japan, also refers to a special kind of paper that's a by-product of the gold leaf manufacturing process. In fact, the beauty benefits of aburatorigami were well-known in the 1800s by geisha. (It looks like these now-mainstream purse staples aren't so "new" after all.)

Too Faced Re-fresh Oil Blotting Papers - $12.00	e.l.f. professional Shine Eraser Blotting Sheets - $1.49
Boots Expert Shine Control Papers - $4.49	Tarte T-Zone Travel - $32.00
Blot Film - $12.50	Bare Escentuals® Shine Control Sheets - $8.00
Johnson & Johnson Clear Touch Oil-absorbing Sheets - $5.19	Sephora Brand Matte Blotting Film - $10.00
Bobbi Brown Blotting Papers - $20.00	Paul & Joe - Blotting Paper and Mirrored Case 2009 - Pink & Brown Pattern - 1 set - $25.00
NARS Perfecting Powdered Sheets - $19.50	Tea Tree Oil Facial Blotting Tissues - $10.00
shu uemura Blotting Paper - $12.00	Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens - $10.00
Papier Poudre - Rose - 12 book box (65 sheets in each book) - $40.00	Compact Anti-Shine - $28.00
L'OCCITANE en Provence Mattifying Rice Papers - $12.00	Philosophy The Supernatural Oil Control Blotting Papers - $10.00
Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Paper - $17.00	Natural Powder Facial Blotting Tissues - $10.00
Lady primrose tryst kiss blotting paper compact - $28.00	Clinique Pore Minimizer Oil Blotting Sheets - $14.50

Doing Drugstore: Clean & Clear Morning Burst Oil Absorbing Sheets

BellaSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:00:55 -0700

This is going to sound weird, but I love seeing oil and sebum. I love them most when they are no longer in my face, which is why oil-blotting sheets are so much fun. There's something satisfying about dabbing your skin, then seeing the "oil spill" on the paper. Better there than on my face, right? I've been using Chidoriya blotting papers, which are great, but I recently tried Clean & Clear's new Morning Burst sheets ($4.67).

If you're new to Clean & Clear's version, the thing you need to know is that the sheets are made of plastic, not paper. The plastic is thin and flexible, so it's easy to get into the folds of your nostrils and soak up that oil. I keep these at my desk or in my purse, and a little dabbing throughout the day keeps my skin from getting too shiny. (Remember, if you use these-or designer versions-be sure to blot and dab, not wipe. That way, your makeup will stay in place.)

So what makes the Morning Burst sheets different from the regular Clean & Clear sheets? To find out, read more

Unlike the regular blotting sheets, the Morning Burst version is citrus-scented. It's supposed to be an "invigorating" fragrance, but honestly, it's too strong for me. The smell, which reminds me of household cleaning products, gives me a headache. Blech! Some people might enjoy the scent, but I find it unnecessary. I love what these sheets do, but next time, I'm sticking with the regular version. I'd give the regular sheets five stars because they're inexpensive and they do what they promise, but the scent of Morning Burst is so bold that a point is being knocked off.

Matte Matters, Part III: Designer Blotting Papers

BellaSugar — Thu, 31 May 2007 05:07:19 -0700

Welcome to the final installment of Matte Matters, my three-part series on designer blotting papers. (In case you missed them, here's Part I and Part II.) Oil-absorbing sheets have gone high-end, so you can now maintain a flawless matte face on the go and indulge your designer side, too. Here are three more new additions to the high-end blotting market.

Bourjois Anti-Shine Blotting Sheets ($13.50) are powder-free anti-shine papers that help absorb any excess oils and sebum on your face. And who can resist the stylist animal-print package? Each packet contains 50 sheets.

For two more blotting papers, read more

Tarte Little Blot Book ($32) is a two-in-one product. One side houses sheets of translucent matte powder, which is great for setting your makeup, while the other side contains powder-free blotting papers. Both are great shine busters and can be used separately or together.

Sephora Stay Matte Blotting Film ($10) has a unique soft and highly absorbent texture, and the 50-sheet pop-up dispenser makes them super easy to access.

Matte Matters, Part II: Designer Blotting Papers

BellaSugar — Wed, 30 May 2007 05:45:32 -0700

Welcome back to Matte Matters, my three-part series on designer blotting papers. (To read part one, click here.) Until now, oil-absorbing blotting papers like the ones from Papier Poudre were available mainly as a budget buy, but now these products are getting an upgrade. Here are three more new additions to the high-end blotting market.

Rodan + Fields Unblemish Oil Absorb Blot Papers ($19) contain a special ingredient called Zincidone, which not only absorbs shine but also promises to reduce the amount of oil your face produces over time. Each box contains 60 blotting sheets.

For two more blotting papers, read more

Bare Escentuals Shine Control Sheets ($12) will soak up excess oil while leaving your makeup intact and the necessary amount of moisture on your skin. Each package contains 30 sheets.

Paul & Joe Blotting Papers are the biggest bargain of the bunch so far - and probably the cutest product, too. For just $4, you can buy 100 blotting sheets. Although they are a bit smaller than some of the other options, they come in a very cute, mirrored compact for easy touch ups anytime, anyplace.

Matte Matters, Part I: Designer Blotting Papers

BellaSugar — Tue, 29 May 2007 07:00:18 -0700

Since I discovered the new and luxuriously large Perfecting Powdered Sheets from NARS, I've noticed that more and more designer brands are now making blotting papers. Until now, oil-absorbing sheets like the ones from Papier Poudre were available mainly as a budget buy, but now these products are getting an upgrade. So I've put together a three-part series to introduce the new market for designer blotting papers.

Dior Blotting Papers ($21) help absorb any excess oil on your face. All 150 sheets are folded into a beautiful silver envelope with a mirror inside. Simply blot around your T-Zone for a magnificent matte look.

For two more blotting papers, read more

Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Papers ($15.50) are powder-coated sheets that help keep your skin dry. They come in a small and flexible plastic pouch that contains 100 sheets.

ModelCo Matte Facial Blotting Paper ($8) is one large continuous roll of blotting paper. You simply tear off a little or a lot depending on how oily you are at that moment. Just press the paper gently over your skin without wiping for a clean, fresh feeling.

New Product Alert: NARS Perfecting Powdered Sheets

BellaSugar — Mon, 21 May 2007 08:11:15 -0700

Just in the nick of time for the hot and humid summertime weather comes the latest launch from NARS Cosmetics. Called Perfecting Powdered Sheets and hitting stores July 1, these blotting sheets are designed to absorb oil and sweat from your face. They help eliminate shine and leave you skin feeling fresh and clean. Each paper contains a light layer of velvety NARS powder that is scented with rosemary - nice!

The powder sheets ($19.50 for 100) come in a thin black plastic case, but what I liked best about them is that they are really big! (I usually need about three of those tiny rose-colored powder papers to do the trick.) It's a perfectly compact solution to keep in your car or your tote for those muggy days ahead.

Do You Buy Store-Brand Beauty Products?

BellaSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

I love oil-blotting sheets, so I always keep one packet at work and another in my purse. They're so useful for soaking up the pool of oil that collects on my face by early afternoon. Plus, there's something weirdly delightful about seeing the blotchy oil on the sheet. (Or is that just me?)

I first tried the Clean & Clear variety years ago, and they're great. But they're a dollar more than the CVS brand version, which works just as well. They seem identical, and both are made in Japan, so I happily go no-name on this purchase to save a dollar. In general, do you buy store-brand items, or do you prefer the "real" thing?

Heidi Klum Spills Her Red-Carpet Beauty Secrets

BellaSugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:24:09 -0800

Even though you and I won't be at the Oscars this weekend, it never hurts to know how to look red-carpet ready. I recently had the chance to chat with the gorgeous Heidi Klum and her team of professionals, including Victoria’s Secret makeup artist Linda Hay, and was able to pick up some great tips and tricks for looking your best at a glamorous event. Heidi also dished about what's in her handbag on the big night and how to photograph like a supermodel, so read on.

How can we cover up blemishes or undereye circles without it looking mask-like?
Linda Hay: My secret to a subtle cover-up starts with a sheer concealer that's one shade lighter than your skin. Apply it directly to the spot and blend with a concealer brush. Add a light sweep of powder to the area and the entire face, but don't pile on too much directly on the spot-otherwise it will look chalky and draw more attention.

To see what Heidi has to say about looking your best on the red carpet, read more.

Any tips or tricks to help us look more photogenic?
Heidi Klum: Models know how to make their faces look photogenic because they've had a lot of practice. Take a few shots on your digital camera or practice in the mirror to see what looks best. Find the spot where your chin isn't too high and you get a double chin-or too low, and you get a funny, distorted face. But on the red carpet, cameras come at you from all angles and it's impossible to pose perfectly for everyone. So I think you just need to have fun with it-because it shows if you don't!

Which types of products are essential for any evening bag?
Heidi Klum: Evening bags are getting smaller and smaller so I can only fit the bare necessities in my clutch for red carpet touch-ups. I keep Beauty Rush blotting sheets, a Very Sexy powder compact and small blush brush, and the Very Sexy lip gloss or lipstick shade I'm wearing for the evening. I check my makeup about every hour to make sure everything is in place. Then I'll use the blotting sheets, which are great alternatives to powder because you won't wind up with an inch of makeup on by the end of the night. But powder and gloss are equally important to keep your makeup looking fresh and pretty. My super-secret tip is I can't fit the powder compact into a very tiny evening bag, I'll take some shavings of the pressed powder wrapped in a tissue!

Beauty Mark It Results: Summer Travel Essentials

BellaSugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:00:37 -0700

If you're planning a trip, it can be a real pain to figure out how to squeeze all your beauty products into your limited space (especially if you have to get everything into the dreaded quart-sized baggie). To help reader lsd143, we've rounded up some essentials for her Summer trip to Europe.

Hannah426 suggests bringing a slim pack of blotting papers such as E.L.F Shine Eraser Blotting Papers, because "you can easily freshen up your look with just one of these sheets." Many of you suggested pretty makeup palettes, and I especially like this chic, faux croc Pop Beauty Smoky Rose Wallet from emalove. It's packed with 18 different colors, and is lighter and more space efficient than lugging all your cosmetics separately.

Check out the rest of your suggestions below:

How-To: Prevent Greasy Bangs

BellaSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:22 -0700

Right after my freshman year in college, my high school friends and I decided to have a girls-only Mexican dinner at the local Chi-Chi's (remember that restaurant?). As we were getting ready for our big night, I reached for a can of what I thought was hairspray to finish off my look, and my bangs just kept getting greasier and greasier. Oops - I had grabbed my friend's high sheen finishing spray, instead!

Needless to say, most of the photos from that night showcase my Jennifer Aniston "The Rachel" haircut, complete with stick-to-the forehead bangs. If I had only known about these tips below, maybe I wouldn't have to have lied that it was my birthday just to get the free sombrero gift just to cover up that oily fringe.

Dry shampoo - Use a dry shampoo or powder between shampoos to tame the oily factor, such as Bumble and Bumble Hair Potion ($34), which comes in a variety of colors, Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion ($23), or Johnson's Baby Powder ($5.69).
Pin it back - Obvious, yes. Greasy bangs? No. Try a cute hair accessory instead. These Leafy Barrettes ($9.95) from Anthropologie should do the trick.
Just wash your bangs - A shampoo with an oil control formulation will work wonders for bang only cleansing. Try Matrix Scalptherapie Cooling Mint Shampoo ($12).

To see more tips, read more.

Don't condition - Condition your hair, but not your bangs.
Keep the complexion oil free - Try a water based foundation like Revlon Colorstay for Combo/Oily Skin ($12.99) and touch up with a powder such as Revlon ColorStay Pressed Powder ($9.99) as needed.
Hands off - Oils from your hands can make an oily situation worse, so keep them away from your face area.
A little dab will do ya - Use blotting papers when you feel your oil glands go in overdrive. I like Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets ($5.29).
Blow dry - Run a blow dryer over your bangs to absorb excess oil. It might not work for extreme oiliness, but it's an easy temporary fix.

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