I changed my skincare at 39...and whoa 😮‍💨✨

Hi beautiful, ☕️

I spent the weekend doing spring cleaning.

Not the cute kind—the power-washing bird poop off patio chairs kind.

It hit me: I’m deep in my grown-up era. 🏡 

Cleaning outdoor furniture.
Renting a carpet cleaner.
And at the same time, rethinking my entire skincare routine.

Because honestly? My skin changed.

What used to work suddenly felt wrong. Too harsh. Too much. Too…2016.

So I hit reset.

This week I’m sharing:

🧴 The skincare shifts my 39-year-old face was begging for
💄 5 things (from $0 to $1,000) that genuinely changed my life last year
💛 And the unexpected moment that put it all into perspective

More on that below…

My face has notes now… 🗒️ 

You hit a certain age and your skin just…decides it’s done being polite. 🫠 

Suddenly, the things I used to love are now doing absolutely nothing.

So I’ve made a few changes—and yes, some are straight from Mama Chiu’s playbook.

1. Less exfoliating, more rebuilding
I used to think tingling meant results. Now? Too much exfoliation and my skin’s irritated for days. I’ve swapped the harsh stuff for this firming ceramide-rich moisturizer that feels like I got fresh skin overnight (now I get the hype!) And my mom’s go-to Japanese sun gel? I finally get why she’s used it for years. 🔥

2. Layering like I mean it
My skin’s been moody lately—tight, flaky, and suddenly reactive to a lot. So I stopped skipping steps and actually started listening. I start with this ice cooling mist, press in a bouncy glow-essence, and seal it all in with this energy hydrating cream that feels like a moisture bomb (and that my mom’s obsessed with). 💧

3. No more one-size-fits-all
I used to do the same thing every night and wonder why my skin freaked out. Now I keep a small rotation: a calming serum for stressed days (I’ve gone through at least 7 bottles of this!), a barrier repair cream when it’s dry, and this K-beauty collagen mask when I remember to treat myself. 🔄

4. Eye cream is non-negotiable 👁️
I used to skip it—nothing ever worked. But I finally found this contouring eye cream that actually brightens and smoothes, with a whipped texture that actually hydrates and de-puffs. It’s the only thing keeping my under-eyes from creasing. 👀 If you need some extra help with tired eyes, watch this viral concealer hack video. You’re welcome.

5. Chasing health, not youth (with a Mama Chiu twist)
I’m done trying to look younger. I just want to look well. Lately, I’ve been doing facial massage like my mom always did—short, gentle, and always upward. Then I follow with this concentrated sculpting cream she swears by. ✨

5 things (from $0 to $1000) that changed my life. 🫰 

I posted an IG story poll that asked:

What’s one thing—from $0 to $1,000—that actually changed your life over the last year?

Not just “I drink green tea.” Not “walking 10k steps”

But the thing that shifted your energy, your health, your mind, your skin—you.

Some of your answers had me shook:

💔 “Divorcing my ex. Zero regrets.”
💉 “Polynucleotides—changed my skin and my sanity.”
😳 “Buying a $400 vacuum. I vacuum now… for fun.”
🧠 “Therapy. But make it voice notes and $0.”

So here are mine.

The five things I can look at and say, that helped. A lot.

Not for the algorithm. Not for aesthetics. But for me.

1. Built-in steps
This walking pad changed my routine. I don’t “go work out” I just walk while I watch TV or listen to music. No pressure, no gym clothes, just more movement I barely have to think about.

2. Sweat and fun
Tennis became the thing I do just for me. It’s exercise, but it feels like play. And honestly? It’s the first time in years I’ve broken a sweat and smiled through it.

3. Light on my face
Using my LED mask five days a week changed more than my skin. Yes, I’m less puffy and brighter—but the real win is the rhythm. It’s the one consistent skincare thing I actually stick to.

4. Vitamins that stuck
I finally figured out what works for me, nothing trendy, just a vitamin routine for my age and these core essentials that help me feel more balanced, less foggy, and way more human. These ones are great for pre and postpartum too!

5. Quality over cute
I’m officially done with the cheap and cheerful. I’d rather have fewer things that actually last. Did I spend $150 on this tennis dress? Yes. It fits like a dream and I’ll wear it for years. Did I invest over $360 on these linen staples for summer? Also yes. They elevate everything. And the $288 air purifier? Worth every penny to know the air in my home is clean. I’m not overspending—I’m investing in myself.

This is the whole point…

The other day, I was rushing to get everyone out the door.

One kid was crying over socks. The other was eating yogurt with her fingers. And I was moments away from a full breakdown.

Then I looked up.

• The sun was coming through the kitchen window.

• My daughter was dancing in a tutu with yogurt all over her face.

• My son was deep into a story about Pokémon evolutions.

• And in that chaotic, messy moment—I felt something shift.

I almost forgot that this—the noise, the crumbs, the love, the overstimulation—is the whole point. ✨

Not the next launch. Not the perfect routine. Not finally getting 8 hours of sleep.

Just right now.

Being a mom has tested every ounce of patience I never thought I had.

It’s stretched me, reshaped me, and somehow made me more grounded and more undone at the same time.

But it’s also taught me to show up—especially when it’s hard.

To be present. Even if it’s messy. Especially if it’s messy.

Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. It just has to be real.

And some days, that means showing up with a little tinted balm, a lot of dry shampoo, and the reminder:

This isn’t the in-between.

This is the good part. 🌈 

As always, thank you for being here. With me. Every week.

xo Jen

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xo Jen

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