There is no greater feeling than peeling the cellophane off of something new. It even feels good when it's from a brand new $5 DVD from the bin at Best Buy. (Why yes, I still do buy DVDs! At $5, how can I afford not to?) Better, though, is the first time you lift that silly plastic sanitary seal off of a brand new mask. Ugh, it's so delicious—that feeling. And the goo inside always looks so perfectly swirled. Almost a shame to mess it up.

I had that feeling this weekend when cracking open the new Kiehl's Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque. “An 'instant facial' mask...” SOLD. (The rest says “...that invigorates skin and brightens appearance in minutes.) It's so creamy, it demands a brush for appropriately luxurious application; I'm partial to the one that comes with the Wei mask set. A brush is also useful because the exfoliating seeds are quite large, and it would be easy to get caught up in them if you apply with your hands.

The mask hardens in about 10 minutes or so, and there's really no need to keep it on longer than that. The turmeric does quick work on generally fatigued skin. My post-post-Fashion-Week breakout finally seemed to hit the road after one go-’round with the stuff. Everyone tells me turmeric is amazing; I’m starting to see their point.

My routine with new products is a little bleak though. A week or two of absolute devotion, followed by sporadic flings when I’m bored of everything else on my shelf. Alas, time, age, whatever, is a cruel mistress.

But don’t let this end of my bleak note of product fatigue—what’ve you bought recently that you’re dying over? That has taken hold of your routine and made it shiny and new again? Leave me a good review; I’m going to need something else to try soon.

—Emily Ferber

Photo via ITG.

Moisturizing like it's our job (because it kind of is?): Read all about the products that ITG loves here.