So I Looked Like a Failed Oompa Loompa for 20 Minutes
Listen. My bathroom sink currently has a faint orange stain. My boyfriend walked in on me mid-mask and genuinely jumped. And you know what? For the glow I got afterwards, I’d do it all again. Honestly, I bought the West&Month Vitamin C Turmeric Mud Mask because my Instagram explore page was screaming at me about “glow-getter rituals” and I was three episodes into a boring true crime doc and feeling impulsive.
Here’s the thing: most mud masks leave me feeling tight and drier than the Sahara. This one? It’s got glycerin right there in the description, which I think is the secret sauce. It’s a mud mask that doesn’t hate your skin. Wild concept.
The Good, The Glowy, and The Orange
I’ve used it twice a week for a month now. The first thing you notice is the color – it’s a very committed, vibrant yellow-orange from the turmeric. It goes on smooth and smells… earthy. Not perfumey, which I actually prefer. It’s like a weird, spicy clay. You leave it on for 15-20 mins (I put on a podcast and ignore my alarming reflection).
When you rinse it off, your skin feels clean. Not stripped, but like it can finally breathe. The brightening part is real. I wake up the next morning and my face just looks more even, less dull. It hasn’t magically erased my dark spots (let’s be realistic), but my overall complexion is less… tired. And I am always tired, so that’s a win.
Let’s Talk About the “But…”
Okay, gotta keep it real. Two minor gripes.
One: The turmeric stain is no joke. You have to rinse meticulously around your hairline and ears. I got some on a light washcloth and it’s now my dedicated “mask towel.” No big deal, but don’t use your fancy white linens.
Two: The jar. It’s fine, but I’m always paranoid about dipping my fingers in and introducing bacteria. I wish it came with a little spatula. I ended up using a clean pop stick from my coffee. Problem solved, but still.
How It Stacks Up Against My Old Stuff
I made a quick comparison chart for you lazy folks (I get it, it’s Monday). My old routine was basically a basic charcoal mask from the drugstore.
| Feature | West&Month Mask | My Old Drugstore Mask |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $31.99 | ~$8 |
| Main Thing | Vitamin C, Turmeric, Glycerin (Brightening & Hydrating) | Charcoal (Just… sucking stuff out) |
| Feel After Rinsing | Clean but soft, hydrated | Tight, sometimes itchy |
| The Vibe | Fancy self-care session | Quick pore emergency fix |
Yeah, it’s pricier. But it’s also doing more. The old one just cleaned. This one cleans and makes me look more alive. For my dry-combo skin, that’s worth the extra bucks.
Final, Slightly Orange-Tinted Verdict
Can you believe this? I’m actually sticking with a skincare product. I’m the queen of buying something, using it twice, and forgetting it exists. This mask has earned a permanent spot in my shower caddy. The staining is a hassle, but it’s a manageable one. My skin looks brighter and feels balanced, not parched.
If you’re looking for a deep clean without the desert-face aftermath, and you want a legit glow, this is a solid bet. Just, for the love of god, use an old towel.
Anyway, that’s my two cents. I’m gonna go scrub my sink now.
– Jess
