Jennifer Chiu
Posts
I decluttered everything...except these 👀

I decluttered everything...except these 👀

The beauty staples I kept, the 40-year-old habits saving my energy, and the dream wake-up call that hit hard.

Jennifer Chiu
November 20, 2025

Hi beautiful, ☕️

Black Friday is here and I’m torn…

Do I buy or do I behave? 🤣

I’ve been in a deep decluttering era and only kept the things I genuinely reach for, and wow, it feels good.

But some products? I can’t pretend I’m okay without them.

Inside this week:

💄 Beauty duos I stock up on every Black Friday (because I will panic if I run out)
🌿 5 wellness habits helping me feel sane and stable at 40 (you’ll want to save #5)
🎧️ A podcast moment that made me rethink my whole dream life (and what I’m missing)

All black for Black Friday — obviously. 🖤

5 beauty duos I always restock

If I’m buying anything this Black Friday…

It’s only the things I use all the time and can’t replace.

These 5 combos are the ones that make my routine faster, easier, and honestly—prettier.

1. The glow base that fixes tired, dull skin ✨

When my skin looks dull or washed out, this vitamin c + turmeric face oil paired with the forever glow foundation (Shade 02) brings instant radiance without feeling heavy. I use this duo on low-sleep days because it makes me look awake again.
Tip: Tap the primer in with fingers so the foundation glides smoother.

2. The lippies for dry, deflated lips 💋

When my lips feel dry or thin, this sheer-shine glaze lip gloss (shade 07) is the one that I get complimented on all the time + peptide lip oil balm (my everyday fav!) brings back color and natural fullness. I always keep both in my bag. Zero effort, always stunning lips.
Tip: Swipe on a lip balm and pat with a setting powder before applying for all day wear!

3. The sculpt + glow fix for a puffy morning face ☀️

When my face looks puffy, this luminous acqua highlighter (shade 3) + bare look skin tint (shade 7) lifts and smooths everything instantly. I use them together because they blend like butter and I look like a beautiful glazed donut.
Tip: Warm both on the back of your hand to get the smoothest application

4. The dewy skin combo for bumpy, irritated skin 💦

When heaters dry my skin out and it feels tight and bumpy, this all-in-one lactic acid serum + my multi-action lifting moisturizer brings back plump, smooth, and hydrated skin. It’s the duo that keeps me from looking flaky and dry in winter.
Tip: Use 1 pump of the lactic acid serum at night as a leave on treatment and say hello to soft skin in the AM!

5. The body care duo for turkey neck + sagging skin

My mom came over and said, “Everyone remembers their face routine, but don’t forget about your body,” and honestly… she’s right. When my skin feels a little soft or less firm, this toning body oil with this firming neck + décolleté cream makes everything feel smoother and lifted.
Tip: Apply the oil right after the shower, then add the cream while your skin is still warm so everything sinks in beautifully.

My 40-year-old body needed this.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what my body actually needs at 40.

And honestly, the answer has been surprisingly simple.

These tiny shifts are helping me feel steadier, stronger, and more like myself again.

Less stress 😮‍💨
My brain feels overloaded fast these days, so slow breathing has been my go-to when I feel myself spiraling. (ie. 5 year old meltdowns) It grounds me in a way I didn’t expect.
Tip: Try two gentle inhales and a slow exhale before reacting to anything.

Movement I enjoy 💗
I stopped forcing workouts I hate and started choosing movement that feels fun…walking, tennis, stretching, even dancing to my favorite playlist. It’s how I’ve stayed consistent.
Tip: Keep a short list of three movements you genuinely enjoy and rotate them.

Resistance training 💪
The more I learn about muscle and aging, the more I realize I need strength, not perfection. Two short sessions a week make me feel more stable and energized.
Tip: I use these weights (that come with a rack too!) and do 8–12 squats to break up my work day.

My walking pad routine 🚶‍♀️
On busy (and rainy) days, my walking pad keeps me moving without needing a full workout. BONUS: it has a vibration massage mode after your workout (my fav part!)
Tip: I watch a Netflix show (currently “The Beast In Me”) so it feels like a break, not a chore.

Bone density and calcium 🦴
At 40, bone health suddenly feels real, and adding more calcium plus weight-bearing moves has made me feel stronger. Small, simple changes go a long way.
Tip: Don’t want weights? Try resistant bands to ease your way into adding strength.

Caught in a ‘wait… am I doing what I actually want?’ moment. 🤔

The wake-up call that hit me hard…

I listened to this podcast that hit me harder than I expected. 🎧️

It made me pause and really look at the life I’m living versus the one I’ve always dreamed about. ☁️

Jon Bon Jovi said something I can’t shake:

“I don’t know how many lives you get, but take this chance while you get it
If you have a dream and it’s truly your dream, pursue it.
I don’t care if you fall down, I don’t care if you fail.
Because when you lay your head down on the pillow at night…
You just need to know, that you gave it your all”

And that part… wow. 🤯

Most people spend their whole lives wanting something.

Then days turn into months, months turn into years, and suddenly the dream feels too far or too late.

❝

The real regret isn’t failing — it’s never trying.

It made me think about the things I still want for myself.
The ideas I keep putting off.
The dreams I save for “later,” even though life never really slows down.

So here’s my reminder for both of us:

Try.

Even if it’s messy.
Even if you’re scared.
Even if you’re doing it one tiny step at a time.

Because trying keeps your dream alive. 💫

Are you giving yours room to grow?

I know I will be.

See you next week. 💗