I Used West&Month Retinol Serum for 30 Days — Here’s What Happened

You can grab it here if you’re curious.

Day 1: First Impressions

Okay, so the West&Month Retinol Firming Serum finally showed up today! I’ve been seeing ads for this everywhere and figured, why not give it a shot? The box was slightly dented from shipping, but whatever, the bottle inside was totally fine. First thing I noticed when I pulled it out was the sleek, almost iridescent purple bottle. It looks pretty fancy on my bathroom counter, which is always a plus for my aesthetic-obsessed brain. It has a dropper applicator, which I generally prefer for serums because it feels more hygienic and helps me control how much product I’m using. No wasted drops here!

I washed my face thoroughly tonight and then went straight for it. Unscrewing the top, a really pleasant, light scent of lavender wafted out. The description mentioned lavender extract, and they weren’t kidding. It’s not overpowering at all, just a subtle, calming smell that makes the whole application feel a bit more spa-like. The serum itself is clear and has a slightly thicker consistency than plain water, but it’s definitely not sticky or heavy. It feels quite silky between my fingers.

I applied a few drops evenly across my face, just like the instructions said. It spread incredibly smoothly and absorbed surprisingly fast. Like, really fast. My skin felt instantly softer, almost velvety, and it left absolutely no greasy residue. Sometimes retinol products can feel a bit harsh or tingly on first application, but this one felt genuinely soothing. No redness, no irritation, just a nice, hydrated feeling. I followed up with my usual moisturizer, but honestly, I almost felt like I didn’t need it. My skin looked pretty plump and happy right away. I’m pretty excited to see what this stuff can do over the next few weeks. Fingers crossed for some real magic!

Week 1: The Adjustment Phase

Alright, so it’s been a full week with the West&Month serum, and I’m trying to keep my expectations in check. You know how it is with new skincare – sometimes you expect miracles overnight, and then you’re just left with… a clean face. I’ve been using it every evening, just as part of my routine. The good news is, I haven’t had any of the typical retinol side effects. No redness, no flaking, no weird sensitivity. That’s a huge win in itself, considering how some retinol products can make your skin freak out.

On the flip side, I also haven’t seen any dramatic, jaw-dropping changes. My skin still feels soft after I apply it, and the lavender scent is still a lovely little ritual before bed. My skin definitely feels hydrated, which is nice, especially now that the weather is starting to get a bit drier. I’m usually battling some dry patches around my nose and chin, but those have been pretty quiet this week. So, it’s definitely delivering on the “hydrating” front, which is something.

But am I seeing firming? Rejuvenating? Not really, not yet anyway. My fine lines around my eyes look exactly the same, and my skin’s overall bounce hasn’t noticeably improved. I’m trying not to be too cynical, but I’m a bit skeptical if it’s going to live up to all its claims. It’s a nice serum, don’t get me wrong, but for the price, I was hoping for a bit more of a wow factor by now. It just feels like a really good moisturizer booster at this point. I’ll keep at it, though. Maybe it just needs more time to really get to work. Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint, right? I’m telling myself that anyway.

Week 2-3: Starting to Notice

Okay, here’s where it gets interesting. I was pretty on the fence last week, feeling like this serum was just… fine. But now, after about ten days into week two and heading into week three, I’m actually starting to notice some subtle but definite shifts. It’s not like I woke up one morning with completely new skin, but things are definitely happening.

The most obvious change is the texture of my skin. It’s smoother, without a doubt. I usually have a bit of a rougher feel on my cheeks and forehead, especially in the mornings, but lately, my whole face feels incredibly soft and refined. When I apply my makeup, it just glides on better, and I’ve found myself using less foundation because my skin just looks… better underneath. It’s hard to explain, but it has a certain evenness that wasn’t there before. Week 2 was also when my neighbor’s dog wouldn’t stop barking at 6am, so I was already grumpy, but looking in the mirror actually made me feel a little less annoyed.

Another thing I’ve picked up on is the hydration. My skin still feels really moisturized, but it’s more than just surface-level. It feels plump and healthy from within, if that makes sense. I haven’t had any dry spots or tightness, even with the weather swinging wildly from chilly to warm. My skin just feels consistently comfortable. As for firming, I think I’m seeing a tiny bit of improvement. The skin around my jawline seems ever-so-slightly more taut, and my pores, especially around my nose, appear a little less noticeable. It’s not dramatic, but it’s enough for me to think, “Hey, something’s working here!” I’m genuinely surprised because I really thought this was just going to be another nice-but-not-amazing product. Guess I should’ve given it more credit.

Month 1: The Real Results

Fast forward to a full month of using the West&Month Retinol Firming Serum, and I can confidently say I’m impressed. My initial skepticism has completely evaporated. This serum has genuinely made a noticeable difference in my skin, and it’s not just me thinking it – my partner even commented that my skin looks “really good” and “glowing” a few days ago, which is high praise coming from him! He usually only notices if I’ve dyed my hair purple or something equally obvious.

Let’s break down the results. The soothing and hydrating properties were evident from day one, and they’ve only gotten better. My skin consistently feels calm, balanced, and deeply moisturized. I haven’t experienced any of the dryness or irritation that often comes with introducing a retinol, which is a testament to its gentle formulation with lavender extract. My skin barrier feels incredibly strong and resilient, which is a huge plus for someone who sometimes struggles with sensitivity.

The firming and rejuvenating effects are definitely there now. My skin has a much healthier bounce and elasticity. The slight laxity I was starting to see around my jawline and cheeks has visibly improved; my face just looks a bit more lifted and contoured, almost like I’ve had a really good night’s sleep for a month straight. My fine lines around my eyes and forehead, while not completely gone (let’s be realistic, it’s a serum, not a time machine!), are definitely softened and less prominent. They don’t seem as deep, and my skin texture is so much smoother overall. The reduced roughness claim is absolutely true; my skin feels incredibly soft and even to the touch. It’s got a lovely, subtle radiance now that makes me feel much more confident going without makeup. This stuff is legit.

Would I Repurchase?

Absolutely, yes. This serum has earned a permanent spot in my routine. It delivered on its promises of soothing, hydrating, firming, and rejuvenating my skin without any of the typical retinol downsides. The gentle nature combined with the effective results makes it a standout product for me. I’m genuinely happy with how my skin looks and feels after a month, and I’m excited to continue seeing the improvements. It’s definitely worth the investment for the noticeable boost in skin health and appearance.