Didn't see this coming tbh...✨👀

Hi beautiful, ☕️

We’re going to talk about something I didn’t expect to find in my thirties…

Myself. 👀 

After two kids, a lot of spit-up, and zero alone time…🫠 

I didn’t even know what I liked anymore, aside from sleep and carbs.

But then something wild happened. I stumbled into something that lit me up again…and totally by accident.

It got me moving, laughing, and feeling like I had something that was just mine.

Here’s what I’m spilling this week:

✨ 5 skincare tips that stopped my face from breaking out every time I sweat
✨ My go-to ritual for feeling less sore, less stiff, and way more human
✨ And the wild thing I tried that made me feel joyful, grounded, and weirdly obsessed (in a good way)

More on that later… 😉 

Skin vs. Sweat (and what you need to know!)

Working out was great for my mood… but not for my skin.

Every time I broke a sweat, I’d get breakouts, redness, and that tight, irritated feeling like my face was punishing me for trying to be healthy.

Here’s what actually helped calm things down and keep the glow:

1. The cleanser that didn’t strip me
   I used to scrub my face raw after workouts, thinking that “tight” feeling meant clean. But my skin just got angrier — switching to something gentle made the breakouts finally stop. This post workout cleanser is gentle and gets everything off without the dryness.
   Tip: If your face feels squeaky, it's too much. 🧼 
   

2. The swipe that saved my pores
   I’d leave the gym, get distracted by life, and hours later — boom, bumps everywhere. Now I swipe this K-beauty pore pad to help calm and remove bacteria before the sweat sits too long.
   Tip: Keep them in your bag or glove box for emergencies. 👜 
   

3. My post-sweat peacekeeper
   I used to slap on whatever moisturizer I had nearby and always ended up red and itchy. This cloud cream doesn’t tingle, doesn’t sting — it just soothes, hydrates and lets my skin breathe. Perfect post-workout.
   Tip: Go for barrier-repair, not “anti-aging.” 🧴 
   

4. Ice queen energy
   My face used to go full tomato after a workout — red, puffy, and borderline overheating. Now I pop on this medi grade mask straight from the fridge and it’s instant chill, inside and out.
   Tip: A few seconds of cold can reset your whole face (and mood). 🧊 
   

5. The active I had to ditch
   I thought my go-to serum was helping… until my skin started flaking and freaking out every time I used it post-workout. So I swapped it for this super bounce face serum filled with B5 + HA.
   Tip: Sweaty skin + actives = chaos. Keep it calm. ✨ 

Why am I walking like this?

No one warned me that one workout could humble me.

I did squats on a Monday and by Tuesday, I was gripping the walls just to sit on the toilet. Everything hurt.

Here’s what actually helped me bounce back without feeling like I needed a full-body cast:

• My nighttime fixer
  After my first few workouts, I woke up feeling like I’d aged 40 years overnight. Then I added this to my evening routine — and my legs actually stopped screaming. I didn’t expect it to make me sleep better too, but now I can’t go without it.
  

• Hydration that hits different
  I used to just drink so much water and wonder why I still felt wiped. This added boost helps my body recover faster and stops that foggy, low-energy feeling. Love that it’s sugar free too!
  

• The roller I didn’t know I needed
  Stretching felt like another chore, and I was constantly sore (but I knew it would help muscle recovery). This 5 in 1 foam set hits deep knots in my feet and back — I use it while watching Netflix. It’s weirdly satisfying and now a non-negotiable part of my wind-down.
  

• Balm for the aches
  I dreaded the post-workout soreness so much, I almost quit. But this soothing muscle rub melts into my skin and actually helps my muscles chill out. It’s the closest thing I’ve found to a massage in a bottle.
  

Found myself…somewhere weird.

After I had kids, I kind of forgot what it felt like to do something just because I loved it.

Everything in my day was for someone else — wiping tiny hands, answering emails, picking up toys, making snacks, reheating the same coffee four times.

I kept thinking, is this it?

I tried all the things. Walks. YouTube workouts. Pinterest-level self-care. Nothing stuck. Nothing made me feel like I was in my body — or honestly, even in my life.

And then, out of nowhere, I tried something I never thought I’d enjoy.

I started playing tennis. And if you’ve been following me on IG, you already know — it’s become a full-blown obsession.

I took lessons, bought the gear, and now I’m that person dragging my husband to the court like, “one quick rally?” (every single day).

It’s fun. Like actually fun — not “it’s good for you” fun.

It got me moving, laughing, sweating, and feeling like I had something that was just mine.

It gave me clarity. It gave me energy. And not to be dramatic — it kind of gave me my spark back.

The wildest part? I’ve been getting close to 15K steps in a day, and it doesn’t even feel like exercise. It feels like recess for grown-ups.

And apparently, racquet sports are the secret to longevity. Bonus!

If you’ve been stuck in survival mode, pouring everything into your family, your job, your people — I hope you find your thing, too.

Because this one?

It brought me back to life. 🎾✨

Thank you for being here and see you next week!

More beauty guides you’ll LOVE…

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xo Jen

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