To use oil blotting sheets over makeup, press a sheet flat against the shiny area, hold it for two or three seconds, and lift it straight off. Do not rub or wipe. Pressing lifts oil from the surface while leaving foundation in place. Rubbing drags makeup off with it. Work through the forehead, nose and chin, using a fresh section or a new sheet for each area.
What do blotting sheets do?
Blotting sheets are thin, absorbent papers that soak up the oil your skin produces during the day. They remove shine without adding another layer of product, which is why they are the first step in any makeup touch-up. They do not clean the skin or stop it producing oil. They deal with what is on the surface at that moment.
How to blot, step by step
- Start with clean hands.
- Take out one sheet, holding it by the edge.
- Press it flat against the forehead with your fingertips.
- Hold for two to three seconds. The sheet turns translucent where it picks up oil.
- Lift straight off. No sliding.
- Move to the nose, pressing the sheet into the creases at the sides.
- Then the chin, and the cheeks if needed.
- Use a clean part of the sheet each time, or a second sheet.
- Throw the sheet away. They are single use.
Blot, powder, or both?
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Light shine, makeup intact | Blot only |
| Shine and makeup looking thin | Blot first, then press on a little powder |
| No makeup, oily skin | Blot only |
| Before reapplying sunscreen | Blot, then reapply |
| Dry or flaky patches | Leave those areas alone |
Always blot before powder. Powder pressed onto oil turns patchy and cakey.
A large pack for daily use
The Uexim oil absorbing face blotting paper comes with 300 sheets per pack, which the listing describes as absorbing excess oil and shine without disturbing makeup. It is available in green tea, lavender or rose versions, and in a two-box option. The pack is compact enough for a bag or a desk drawer.
When should you blot?
- Midday, when shine first shows.
- Before a photo, a meeting or going out after work.
- Before touching up powder or foundation.
- After exercise or a hot commute, once you have stopped sweating.
- In humid weather, as needed.
How often is too often?
Blot when you see shine, which for most people is two or three times a day. Blotting does not make skin produce more oil, since it only removes what is already on the surface. Pressing and rubbing constantly can irritate the skin, though, so be gentle.
Tips for keeping makeup intact
- Press, hold, lift. That is the whole technique.
- Use the pads of your fingers, not your nails.
- Fold the sheet over a fingertip for the sides of the nose.
- Leave the under-eye area, unless it is truly oily. Concealer there lifts easily.
- Blot before your makeup, too. Pressing a sheet over moisturizer or sunscreen before foundation removes excess and helps the base last.
Other uses
- Blotting lipstick between layers for longer wear.
- Taking shine off the eyelids before eyeshadow.
- Removing excess skincare before applying makeup.
- Lifting oil at the hairline and around the nose on no-makeup days.
Common mistakes
- Wiping the sheet across the face.
- Reusing a sheet later in the day.
- Powdering without blotting first.
- Using a tissue and scrubbing. A tissue works if pressed, not rubbed.
- Blotting dry skin, which does not need it.
If you have sensitive skin
Scented versions, such as rose, lavender or green tea, may contain fragrance. If your skin reacts to fragrance, test a sheet on a small area first, and stop using them if you notice irritation.
Frequently asked questions
Do blotting sheets remove makeup?
Very little, if you press and lift. Rubbing removes much more.
Do blotting sheets make skin oilier?
No. They remove surface oil and do not change how much your skin makes.
Can I use them without makeup?
Yes. They work the same way on bare skin.
How many sheets do I need per use?
One for light shine, two for a full oily T-zone.
The bottom line
Press, hold for a few seconds, and lift. Blot before powder, never rub, and use a fresh sheet each time.
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