What no one tells you about turning 40 😳

Hi beautiful, ☕️

This week I realized I’m officially in that in-between era…

Googling “how to glow without botox” and “best seniors’ homes near me” in the same coffee break.

Meanwhile, my 5-year-old hit me with…

“Mom, are you gonna wear makeup today?”
I said no.
He goes, “I think you should.” 

Honesty hurts. 😂

Life feels like a mix of chaos and clarity…and somehow, it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Inside this week:

✨ The Asian beauty rituals transforming my skin at 40
😂 The moments that had me laughing (and cringing)
💗 A family story I didn’t think I’d be sharing

25 to 40: my skin’s secret weapons

Looking back at those photos…

It’s wild how much has changed and how much has stayed the same. 🤯 

At 25, I had no idea what I was doing, but I stumbled into a few rituals that stuck.

At 40, with way less luck and way more consistency, my skin is happy and still glowing.

And honestly? I’ll never stop re-buying these…

1. The cleanse that feels like comfort 🫧 
My grandma used to say, “Always wash the day off.” She meant steaming and oils, but I’ve modernized it with a this Japanese clarifying cleanser followed by this clarifying lotion for dry/combo skin. Without this combo, my skin is a flaky, irritated mess.
Tip: Grab a face brush to enhance cleansing. I use this one everyday!

2. The “secret water” step 💧 
My mom pats in this activating essence lotion like her life depends on it and follows with this wrinkle smoothing contour serum. It’s the one thing that makes my skin look plump and rested. When I skip it, I look like I’ve pulled an all-nighter.
Tip: Apply with palms, not cotton pads—skin drinks it up better.

3. Masks that reset everything ✨
Grandma boiled herbs for her face…I grab sheet masks from the fridge. My mom swears by power boosting collagen masks before bed, and honestly, she’s glowing at 65. If you’re like me and love overnight masks, this Korean revitalizing mask is the one I get on repeat. When my skin is stressed, this is my reset button.
Tip: Use masks on nights you’re skipping makeup the next day—you’ll see the difference.

4. Actives that play nice 🧴
I don’t have time for products that bully my skin. I use this Vitamin C face base in the morning that brightens like sleep in a bottle, and at night I use this retinol line smoothing cream (my 3rd bottle) it’s that good.
Tip: On nights you’re unsure, mix actives into your moisturizer—it’s foolproof.

5. Barrier = peace of mind ☺️ 
Asian beauty always taught me skin is about balance, not extremes. When my face feels tight, I skip everything and cocoon in this super hydrator (I have dry skin and this perks and plumps it instantly) and I add 1-2 drops of this nutrient facial oil. My mom says it’s like “putting your skin to bed with a blanket.”
Tip: Treat barrier nights like therapy—your skin will thank you.

DM confessions and roasts…

Because honestly? If we’re not laughing, we’re crying.

Kid burn of the week
My 5-year-old: “Say cheese, Mom!”
Me: “Cheese!”
Him: “Ok, not like that. Just be normal.” Kids can be ruthless.
👉 At least my toning device is keeping me somewhat photo-ready. 👀

Real Life Ouch
Kid: “Mom, we have Tae Kwon Do after school.”
Me: “No, we don’t.”
…Turns out, yes we do. 🫠
👉 This sleek digital household organizer brings all the family schedules and chores in one place (and the kids can check things off too). BONUS: no messy whiteboards #win

DM confession
“Hi Jen, I’ve been using body lotion as face cream because it’s ‘all skin,’ right?”
I mean… points for creativity, but please no. 😂
👉 If you need a one-and-done, this soft face cream is my brightening saviour.

Funniest video
The one where they’re trying to hold in laughter with a mouthful of water… and fails miserably. I nearly spit my own drink watching it. Guaranteed to make you laugh. Watch it here!
👉 Which is a good reminder to drink more water in this.

Real-life ouch
My 3-year-old: “Mom, can I brush your hair?”
Me: “I would love that!” …thinking this is a bonding moment for us girls. (brushing …) “Mommy, you have white hair, there’s SO many! You’re like grandma.” Savage.
👉 Which is why I keep this root touch-up stashed in my bathroom drawer.

The in-between era…

Lately, I’ve been feeling the weight of being in between.

I’m raising little ones who still need me for everything. 👶 

And at the same time, I’m helping my parents figure out what comes next for my 97-year-old grandma.

She’s still there, still funny, still herself. But slower now, a little weaker and sometimes forgetful. 👵 

My parents recently asked me to start researching long-term care homes.

And scrolling through those websites, I felt gratitude, sadness, and responsibility I wasn’t ready for.

Because here’s the truth:

She cared for us while my parents worked. She walked us to school everyday. Made our lunches. Taught us how to garden. She showed up for us without hesitation. 🤍 

And now it’s my turn.

I see my parents’ dedication to her and I feel proud.

But I also know one day I’ll be in their shoes too.

If you’re in that in-between space, know you’re not alone.

This is the sandwich generation no one prepares us for.

But instead of letting it weigh me down…

I’m trying to see it as a reminder. 💌 

Of how lucky I am to still have her, and to witness this circle of care in my family.

We’ll figure it out together.
With love.
With patience.

…and with the reminder that we’re stronger than we think.

See you next week. 💗

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xo Jen

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