Jennifer Chiu
Posts
It's my birthday...and I'm aging backwards? ✨👀

It's my birthday...and I'm aging backwards? ✨👀

I'm spilling the tea—my skincare, self-care and glow-up secrets that help me stay fresh & youthful!

Jennifer Chiu
February 19, 2025

Hi beautiful, ☕️

It’s my BIRTHDAY!! 🎉

Another year older, another year wiser…(or at least I like to think so) 😅

I’m officially at the tail end of my 30s, and honestly? I kind of love it.

Time is flying, but instead of freaking out, I’m celebrating. 🥳

Because let’s be real—aging is just proof that we’re living.

So today, I want to chat about:

The skincare secrets that keep me glowing (stolen from my mom, obviously)
The biggest changes from my 20s to my 30s (some things had to go, and for good reason)
What I’m doing for my birthday & how I’m treating myself (because I deserve it!)

Skincare secrets my mom taught me…

I’ve tried a lot of skincare trends over the years, but the best tips?

They’ve been in Asian beauty routines forever—and my mom knew them before they went viral.

So now, I’m sharing the ones that actually work and keep my skin plump, glowy, and aging in reverse:

Essence first, always
For years, I didn’t understand the hype around essence. But once I started using it before serums and moisturizers, my skin went from “kinda dry” to “bouncy and dewy 24/7.” My mom and I LOVE this activating essence. It’s like a primer for your skincare—it preps your skin to absorb everything better.
✨ tip: instead of rubbing it in, pat it into your skin with your hands. It locks in moisture way better.
Retinol, we love her
Retinol is the a product I swear by. This high-dose retinol serum speeds up cell turnover, fades dark spots, smooths fine lines, and boosts collagen—but only if you use it right. The mistake I made? Using it too often, too soon. Retinol takes patience.
✨ tip: start with once a week, then build up. Always use moisturizer after, and never skip SPF (retinol makes skin extra sensitive to sun).
Skin barrier is everything
If your skin ever feels dry, irritated, or suddenly super sensitive, your skin barrier is probably damaged. (Been there, done that.) Now, I focus on barrier-loving ingredients like ceramides, peptides, and centella asiatica (aka “cica,” a Korean skincare favorite).
✨ tip: this K-beauty cica serum is one of my go-to’s when my skin feels off
Emulsion = hydration, but next level
Emulsion is that in-between step—lighter than a cream, richer than a toner—that locks in moisture without feeling heavy. My mom swears by this enriched emulsion, and now I get why. Since adding it, my skin feels plumper, smoother, and perfectly balanced.
✨ tip: Look for ones with milky texture for that soft, bouncy skin.

20’s vs. 30’s: What’s changed in the last decade…

Aging is weird. 🙃

One day you’re in your 20s, thinking "I have so much time”

And then you blink and you’re pushing 40. 🫠

But honestly? I love my 30s more.

Here’s what’s different:

Confidence over caring what people think 🎤
In my 20s, I was always worried about what other people thought. In my 30s? I wear what I like, say what I mean, and live for myself. It’s freeing.
TIP: If it makes you happy, do it. Life’s too short to live for anyone else’s approval.
Letting go of the past 🕊️
I used to replay my mistakes like a breakup song on repeat—dramatic and unnecessary. Now? I take the lesson and move on. No more sad playlists, no more getting stuck. Life’s too short to stay in rewind.
✨ tip: next time you start overthinking, ask: “Will this matter in a year?” If not, skip it.
Doesn’t serve me? Thank you, Next 🚫
Bad friendships, toxic relationships, jobs that drain you—if it’s not adding value, it’s gotta go. I used to feel guilty about cutting people or things off, but now I realize: protecting my peace is my job.
TIP: Set boundaries and stick to them. The right people will respect them.
Health is a priority, not an option 🏃‍♀️
I used to survive on questionable eating habits (instant noodles, anyone?). But now? Taking care of my health isn’t about looking good—it’s about feeling good. Regular movement, eating balanced meals, and managing stress have become non-negotiable.
TIP: Small changes add up. Swap one unhealthy habit for a better one each week.

Turns out, less stress and more SPF really is the secret. 😆

Birthday thoughts and how I’m going to celebrate

Now that I’m nearing 40… 🤯

I’ve been thinking a lot about time.

Because the older I get, the faster life moves.

One minute, I’m in my 20s, convinced I have all the time in the world, and now I’m here—doing school drop-offs, squeezing in self-care between emails, and realizing that if I don’t make time for myself now, when will I?

My dad always told me: "If you can't control your mind, it will control you."

And wow, has that been true lately. My brain loves to wander—overthinking, planning, worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet.

But this year, I’m really leaning into this:

The only time I have is NOW.

Not the past I can’t change.
Not the future I can’t predict.
Just today.

So instead of stressing, I’m focusing on what actually matters:

Being present with my kids. Putting my phone away and soaking in these moments before they become memories.
Making time for myself daily. Whether it’s reading, a full skincare routine, or just enjoying coffee without multitasking.
Worrying less. If it won’t matter in a year, it’s not worth my energy today.

Now back to how I’m celebrating… 🎂

I’m starting with a spa day because my back officially requires maintenance 🧖‍♀️ . Then, I’ll be “breaking in” my new walking pad, which is really just me pacing while watching reality TV (but you know, steps 🚶 and health!). Dim sum with my parents is non-negotiable because dumplings 🥟 are a love language and I’ll grab that free birthday coffee at Starbucks. ☕️