tatcha aburatorigami japanese beauty papers

I love gold. When I found out that the Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers (30 sheets, $15 cdn) had whisper thin gold flakes incorporated into the papers, I was intrigued. I can’t help but sing Iggy Azalea's song “Fancy” in my head whenever I blot my face with these beauty sheets. Is that weird? Doesn’t matter. Like everything else from Tatcha (here and here), the amount of care that goes into their packaging shines through. Whether it was the gold flakes and adorable packaging or the hope that these things might help control my oily t-zone, I decided to pick a pack up after I ran out of my Boscia Blotting Linens.

These beauty papers claim to be a “soft, absorbing paper made of 100% natural abaca leaf and gold flakes to help absorb excess oil without disturbing makeup. These sheets are cruelty-free, biodegradable and handmade in Japan”.

Packaging

The packaging is much more luxurious than any other blotting paper I’ve used. The packaging style is a standard flip top (envelope style) but in the shape of a square and with a much larger size (3.75 inches all around). This differs from the generic rectangular shape that is almost a third less in size. It’s super compact and fits in all my purses and clutches with ease. The package is not waterproof.

Product

These fragrance and powder free sheets are one of the best blotting papers on the market. At first, I was a bit thrown off by the size, but quickly realized how much more area I could cover with just one sheet. These papers are quite thin but they do not tear easily. The blotting sheet is ultra soft and super flexible, making it easy to press against your skin. With one paper (using both sides), I am able to create a completely matte finish without drying my skin or displacing makeup.

I started using blotting papers throughout the day to reduce the amount of powder I would apply to my skin. For those days when I’m super oily, I will use a blotting paper first then apply a setting powder overtop. Lately, I haven’t been touching up as much as I normally do as these sheets are doing a pretty good job keeping me oil-free.

Verdict

These papers come everywhere with me. Having them in a slim envelope makes them compact and easy to throw into any type of bag. These papers have an incredible ability to remove the oils and keep my skin matte while leaving my makeup in place, making it an absolute winner in my books. From the packaging to the product itself, it just works. The only thing I need to do is use them more! They're so nice to look at that I don't ever want to ruin the package! "I'm so fancy, you already know...".

Repurchase?

I am already on my second pack and will keep repurchasing. Looking forward to the Sephora sale this November!!

top four lipstick shades for fall

Ever since I was young, I would watch my mom apply her lipstick thinking how pretty it looked on her. She always said that adding a touch of colour to your lips would brighten up your face and give you a healthy vibrancy. Okay, not exactly in those words, but something along those lines. Like many other things throughout the years, my mom was right. Selecting the perfect lip colour can bring together an entire look. My fall lipstick rotation hardly changes. There is always at least one sheer nude, berry pinks and deep reds. 

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine

I first heard about this lipstick in the shade Boy when I was watching one of Estee Lalonde's youtube videos. This was the first time I had a "youtube made me buy it" moment and I'm glad I did! This is a super sheer and ultra hydrating lipstick that I keep in my purse at all times. It adds just that little touch needed when you want something opposite of bold. Nobody finishes a tube of lipstick but I'm definitely trying with this one!

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense 

Make Up For Ever is one of my favourite makeup brands. I featured this lipstick in the shade #31 Satin Mauve Pink in a previous post around the same time I picked it up during IMATS Toronto 2015. The lipstick glides on smooth, leaving a creamy feel to your lips. It's quite pigmented, so I use a light hand when applying. The colour is a lovely shade of pink that can transition from winter to summer with ease. 

Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Creme 

An incredibly stunning shade in Nocturnal (deep berry) that I have adored since the day it came home with me. This shade receives the most compliments both applied and shown in the tube. I can't help but swatch this every time I step into Sephora even though I have my own! Like the name, this lipstick does have a velvety feel on the lips, but dries matte. Not to fear, it doesn't stick to your lip lines or make your lips looks cracked in the slightest! 

Nars Audacious Lipstick

So Charlotte (oxblood red) sounds daunting, however, it is anything but that. Personally, I feel that red lips are the most difficult to pull off, especially during the day, but I promise that this shade works for all skin tones. I love that the colour is on the cooler tone (not orange) so it helps make your teeth look sparkling white. This lipstick glides on equally as smooth as the Chanel. It dries matte and gives a flawless finish. You won't regret any lipstick made by Nars. They definitely have one of the best lipstick lines out there. Did I mention their tubes are magnetic? Never lose your cap in your purse again, amirite? 

What is your tried and tested lipstick that you cannot live without? 

the everyday foundation for a natural look

The Ultra HD Invisible Cover Liquid Foundation (1.01oz, $52 cdn) by Make Up For Ever launched last year as a revamp of their original HD liquid foundation. The Ultra HD foundation claims to provide flawless coverage under a 4k lens with an incredible lasting power, so naturally, I had to see what this foundation was all about. If this foundation could keep skin looking flawless under a 4k lens, then it had to be good enough for my everyday routine, right? Absolutely, right. I literally reach for this everyday and I’m going to tell you my top 3 reasons why it has been awarded a holy grail status in foundations for me. 

1. It looks natural. I am a light-medium coverage type person. I cannot stand feeling makeup on my face and need a lightweight, hydrating foundation that stays in place while looking as natural as possible. I’m not asking for too much, am I? This foundation does it all. It doesn’t oxidize or dry out my skin and the lasting ability truly is incredible! I apply Ultra HD with a beauty blender at 6:00 AM each morning and take it off 12 hours later, looking just as fresh as it did in the morning. If you prefer a medium coverage, I’d suggest using a brush to apply the foundation and layer up. For my everyday routine, I opt for a beauty blender and one layer.
2. Shade selection. It is so difficult to find a perfect shade. There are some foundations I own that are either slightly too light or too dark for my complexion, so mixing and combining shades like I’m some kind of chemist adds time to my makeup routine. (#aintnobodygottimeforthat) With over 40 shades to choose from, your chances of finding a perfect colour match is high. I love that I can use one pump of one shade! It’s the simple things in life.
3. Works well with Combination Skin. The struggle is real if you have combo skin. Ultra HD controls the oils on my t-zone while keeping my dry areas hydrated. Throughout the years of using MUFE foundations, I’ve tried using all types of setting powders and found that MUFE’s HD Pressed Powder works beautifully with this foundation. It keeps me looking matte all day, although I do use one blotting paper each afternoon due to my own paranoia; it really isn’t necessary. During the cooler months, I sometimes leave without a setting spray/powder and the foundation holds up just as well.

Shade in 125 = Y315

If you’re looking for a water based liquid foundation that does it all, definitely pick up a bottle or sample at your local Sephora.

Have you tried Ultra HD foundation yet? If so, let me know your thoughts below!