Empty Bottle Review: Sunday Riley Martian

Before we get to this week’s review of Sunday Riley’s Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner, some updates! First all, I was sick as a dog last week so I had to take a pause form blogging. Lesson learned, have content prepped further in advance.

But while I was downing NyQuil and revisiting Grey’s Anatomy reruns (still such a binge trap), I decided to start a new Instagram account for the blog! Follow @facevaluereviews for first impressions of new products I’m trying as well as additional tips.

And now, let’s get to this week’s star: Martian. I’m a big fan of Sunday Riley and I look forward to each of their launches. Good Genes is one of my all-time favorites so I knew I needed to try Martian. Right away, this toner was anything but what I expected. It actually reminds me more of an essence than a traditional toner because of it’s thicker texture. Next up, the color. It is GREEN. Luckily, I’m a Spartan so green works for me in any application.

“Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner” is a mouthful. So, what does that mean? As soon as you apply this toner, it does actually melt into the skin. You would think with the texture it would take more time and energy to get this shit to absorb, but that’s not the case. When I first used it, I tried applying it with my hands but found a cotton round to be easier. A little goes a long way so half a pump is usually enough for me. Once it’s dry it layers well with the rest of your regimen.

My favorite thing about Martian is how cooling it feels on your skin, which is why I typically use it after a mask. It’s soothing and non-abrasive and definitely doesn’t tingle or burn. With ingredients like marshmallow, green tea and cucumber, it helps balance and calm the skin after a treatment and that I really like. My skin looked and felt smoother after application.

Labeled a mattifying product thanks to the addition of bentonite clay, I recommend it for daytime use. I have to be honest, I didn’t notice much of an impact on how oily my skin was though. That’s the only negative here.

Is there anything out there for us greasy girls that really works? Let me know if you have any recommendations. This shiny chick is all ears (and pores).

See what else I’ve used up here.