All about mattifying papers, these allies for oily skin

Mattifying papers allow you to restore a dull complexion in seconds, without adding makeup. We explain how to use them correctly.

Oily skin, humidity, heat… There are many reasons why the tip of the nose can start to glow after noon. Thanks to their travel pack that fits in both your jacket pocket and handbag, the matting papers they are the smart accessories to always have on hand to soak up the shine. And they are much more effective than triple layer toilet paper!

Matting papers, what are they?

As the name suggests, matting papers are sheets of paper designed to mattify the complexion thanks to a high absorbing power. Sebum like sweat, nothing can resist it!

Depending on the references, they are made with cotton, flax or hemp fibers, wood pulp, abaca leaves or even rice bran. Some are even infused with oil-regulating actives like charcoal, clay and willow bark, or soothing ingredients like aloe vera and rose water.

To prolong the absorbent action of the paper, there are also matting papers covered with a thin layer of powder to refresh makeup and help it stay put longer.

How to use matting papers?

To control premature shine, simply press a sheet of mattifying paper onto areas of the face concerned (usually the forehead, nose and chin) for a few seconds, to give the fibers time to “drink” the fat.

How to know if it works? Is simple : the paper becomes translucent in contact with the sebum (a bit like leaving a croissant for too long in its paper bag), so as soon as it has changed its appearance, it can be carefully detached and discarded.

If other parts of your face need a little freshening up, you can use a second and third sheet, that’s enough avoid reusing the same one twice so as not to move the sebum from one area to another, which could lead to the appearance of skin imperfections.

Once all the fat has been absorbed, depending on your needs and desires, you can apply a thin layer of compact face powder to your face, but this is not necessarily necessary, one of the great qualities of mattifying papers is that they can buffer the sebum without displacing the make-up . This last step is not necessary if you are using powdered paper.