Okay, so my skincare routine was boring me to tears
Listen, I was in a rut. My usual serum felt like I was slapping water on my face, and my skin looked about as lively as my motivation to fold laundry on a Sunday night. You know the vibe. Then I kept seeing this West&Month Brightening Essence all over my feed. Everyone was raving about the “non-sticky” feel. As someone who hates that tacky residue some products leave, I was officially intrigued. Also, “brightening”? Sign me up. I ordered it on a whim, right after finishing the latest season of my trashy reality show. No regrets there.
The First Impression Was Actually Good
I gotta say, the bottle is pretty. Simple, clean, feels substantial. Not flimsy. First pump out, the texture is… weirdly watery? But in a good way. It’s not a thick serum at all. It absorbs so fast it’s almost rude. Like, “hello, I’m here to work, goodbye.” And they weren’t lying about the non-sticky thing. My skin just drank it up and felt soft, not greasy or tight. Honestly, a great start.
Here’s the thing about “brightening”
This is where I need to be real. I didn’t wake up after three days looking like a glazed donut. That’s not how skincare works, unless it’s a filter. But after about two consistent weeks? I noticed my complexion was more even. Those pesky red spots from old breakouts near my jawline seemed to fade a bit faster. My skin just looked… healthier? Like it had a subtle glow from within, not a shimmer on top. I think the combo of Asiaticum asiatica and arbutin is doing something right. It’s a slow and steady win, not a magic wand.
Let’s Compare It to The Stuff I Used Before
I made a quick comparison chart for you lazy folks (no judgment, I am you). My old serum was a basic vitamin C from the drugstore.
| Feature | West&Month Essence | My Old Drugstore Serum |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30.95 | ~$18 |
| Key Stuff | Asiaticum asiatica, Arbutin | Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid |
| Texture / Feel | Lightweight, watery, absorbs instantly. Zero stickiness. | Slightly thicker, can feel a bit tacky for a minute. |
| Main Effect for Me | More even tone, subtle “healthy” glow. | Okay hydration, brightening was minimal. |
So yeah, you pay more, but you get a different (and in my opinion, better) result and experience.
Not Everything is Perfect, Though
Can you believe this? I have a complaint. Just one, but it’s valid. The pump. Sometimes it’s a bit too enthusiastic. I’ve had it shoot out more than I needed a couple times. It’s not a dealbreaker, but you gotta be gentle. Also, if you have super dry skin, you might need a richer moisturizer on top. This is hydrating, but it’s so light it feels more like a treatment layer than a moisture bomb.
So, Would I Actually Repurchase?
Here’s my final take. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty brightening treatment for major dark spots, this might be too gentle. But if you want to even out your complexion, add a layer of hydration that doesn’t mess up your makeup, and just generally improve your skin’s health and texture… this is a solid yes from me. It’s become a non-negotiable in my morning routine. The non-sticky claim is 100% true, and that alone is worth a lot. My bottle is running low, and I’m already planning to get another.
It’s one of those products that just works without any drama. And my skin appreciates that.
