The Truth About the West&Month Moisturizing Protective Cream: My 2-Week Trial
Listen, I’ve spent way too much money on skincare products that promise the world but deliver… well, basically nothing. My bathroom cabinet is a graveyard of half-used bottles that either made me break out or left my face looking like a glazed donut in the worst way possible. So, when I first heard about the West&Month Moisturizing Protective Cream with UV Block & Oil Control, I was skeptical. A moisturizer that hydrates, protects from the sun, AND controls oil? It sounded like a tall order.
I’m Sarah M., and if you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know I’m all about that “low maintenance” life. I don’t have 45 minutes in the morning to layer seven different serums, a heavy moisturizer, and then a thick, sticky sunscreen. I need things to be fast, effective, and—most importantly—comfortable. I’ve been testing this West&Month cream for about fourteen days now, and honestly, I have some thoughts. Can you believe I actually looked forward to putting this on this morning? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
The Morning Struggle and Why I Tried It
Here’s the thing: most sunscreens are just gross. They’re either way too thick, they smell like a public swimming pool, or they leave that weird purple-white ghost cast on your face. On the flip side, most “oil control” products I’ve tried end up drying my skin out so much that it starts flaking by lunchtime. It’s a constant battle between being a greaseball or a desert.
When I saw the price tag of $25.99 for the West&Month Moisturizing Protective Cream, I figured it was worth a shot. It claims to use Glycerin and Squalane for hydration, which are two of my absolute favorite ingredients. Plus, it has Asiaticum extract (Centella Asiatica), which is basically a hug for your skin if you deal with redness like I do. I needed something that could simplify my routine without making my skin freak out.
What’s Actually Inside? (The Nerd Stuff)
I’m not a chemist, but I’ve read enough labels to know what works. The inclusion of Squalane is a game-changing moment for this product. Squalane is amazing because it mimics our skin’s natural oils, so it sinks in almost instantly. It gives you that silky smooth feeling without the “I just dipped my face in butter” vibe.
Then you’ve got Glycerin. It’s a classic humectant, meaning it pulls moisture into the skin. Simple, but it works. But the real star for me is the Asiaticum extract. I have slightly sensitive skin that gets red around my nose and cheeks, especially when I’m stressed or out in the sun. Centella (Asiaticum) is known for being super soothing. Seeing that on the ingredient list made me feel a lot better about using this as a daily staple.
The Texture and “The Feel”
I gotta say, the texture caught me off guard. Usually, “protective creams” are heavy. This one? It’s surprisingly lightweight. It’s got a buttery texture that melts as soon as you start massaging it in. I’ve been using it every morning after a quick wash.
One thing I noticed right away: it doesn’t feel like a mask. You know that feeling when you put on sunscreen and you can *feel* it sitting on top of your pores? This isn’t that. It absorbs really well. I apply it about 15 minutes before I head out to grab coffee, and by the time I’m out the door, my skin just feels soft and “bouncy.” Not sticky, not tacky. Just… nice. It’s become my go-to now because it actually feels like a high-end moisturizer rather than a chore.
How It Performs: UV Protection & Oil Control
Let’s talk about the “Oil Control” claim because that’s usually where these products fail. I have a T-zone that usually starts shining like a beacon by 2 PM. After using the West&Month Moisturizing Protective Cream, I definitely noticed a difference. It’s not a “total matte” look—your skin still looks like skin—but it definitely keeps the excess grease at bay. I found myself reaching for my blotting papers way less often.
As for the UV block, it’s been holding up well for my daily activities. I wouldn’t use this as my only protection for a 10-hour day at the beach (I’d want something higher SPF for that), but for running errands, going to the office, or a quick walk in the park? It’s perfect. It provides that essential layer of protection that we all know we *should* be wearing but usually skip because we’re lazy. Guilty as charged!
Comparing the Options
I wanted to see how this stacks up against some of the other stuff I’ve tried recently. Here is a quick breakdown of how the West&Month cream compares to a basic drugstore brand and a luxury “prestige” brand I used to splurge on.
| Feature | West&Month Cream | Typical Drugstore SPF | Luxury Face UV Cream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $25.99 | $12.00 – $15.00 | $55.00+ |
| Texture | Lightweight / Silky | Often Greasy | Premium / Velvety |
| Oil Control | Excellent | Poor to Moderate | Good |
| White Cast | None | High Chance | None |
✅ Pros
- Actually controls oil without drying out the skin
- No annoying white cast (huge win!)
- The Squalane makes it feel much more expensive than it is
- Doesn’t break me out (and I’m acne-prone)
- Simplifies the morning routine significantly
❌ Cons
- You have to wait 15-20 mins for it to set properly
- The scent is very faint, but I know some people prefer totally scent-free
- Small tube—I wish it came in a giant pump bottle
The Reality Check: Is It Worth It?
I’m going to be honest: if you are looking for a heavy-duty, waterproof sports sunscreen for a triathlon, this isn’t it. But that’s not what it’s trying to be. This is a lifestyle product. It’s for the person who wants to look good on a Tuesday morning at work without their forehead reflecting the office fluorescent lights.
Is it worth the $25.99? In my opinion, yes. When you consider that you’re getting a moisturizer, a skin-soother (

