Japanese Culture: Aburatorigami

Aburatorigami(あぶらとり紙) is a traditional Japanese facial oil blotting paper. The direct translation of the term is "oil removal paper". As the term implies, aburatorigami absorbs excess oil, thereby eliminating shine from the face. Aburatorigami has traditionally been used by kabuki actors and geisha to keep makeup looking fresh throughout performances. In modern times it has been growing in popularity for everyday use amongst women for its various skincare and makeup benefits. Aburatorigami also works well to keep the balance of water and oil in the skin and prevents skin problems.

During the Edo period, Minamiza, the first Kabuki theater of Japan, was built in Kyoto in 1610. The kabuki actors, like geisha, were especially grateful to have a product that would help keep their thick makeup on while absorbing excess oil and sweat, for their performances in non-air-conditioned theaters. As a result, the culture of aburatorigami began to flourish in Kyoto

Aburatorigami were given to Japanese geisha in Kyoto, as a small present by the gold artisans who would linger around the teahouses, the exclusive establishments also known as Ochaya. Geisha wore thick white foundation with limited time to touch up their makeup during performances. Geisha would also use aburatorigami to prepare and set their makeup, as they would commonly entertain for hours.



Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aburatorigami
http://sweetvioletbeauty.com/2014/04/30/review-the-tatcha-bridal-set/

http://www.dubtopia.eu/japanese-culture/aburatorigami