This little-known trick gave me radiant skin at 40 ✨👀

Hi beautiful, ☕️

Happy New Year! 🎉 

It feels so right to kick off 2025 with a little time together here.

When I was a kid, the holidays felt magical.

The lights, the excitement, the gifts — it was pure joy. But now, as an adult? Hosting, planning, buying gifts, and making sure everyone’s happy?

It’s a whole other vibe. 😂

So, I unplugged. No work, no deadlines — And you know what? It was glorious.

Now that the dust has settled, here’s what I’m sharing today:

• How I’ve managed to keep my skin glowing as I approach 40. (wait…what?)

• The wins and fails of 2024 — and the lessons I’m carrying into 2025.

• Why I’m ditching resolutions for good and how this mindset is changing everything for me.

More on that later… 😉 

Nearing 40: My secrets to glowing skin…

Can you believe I’m almost 40?

Neither can I. 🤯 

But looking back at photos of my skin when I was in my 20’s compared to now, I can honestly say it’s never looked better.

Here are my secrets…

1. Retinol = my skin’s best friend
   I noticed fine lines creeping in and texture that wasn’t there before. This high-dose retinol has been my holy grail for smoothing everything out. 💜 
   Tip: Start slow (every other night), and always follow with a hydrating moisturizer to avoid irritation. PS - If you’re just starting out, this retinol alternative is my fav for sensitive skin!
   

2. Skin barrier love = fewer bad skin days
   When my skin gets dry and sensitive, I know I’ve gone too hard. This barrier build protectant cream has been my rescue squad, keeping my skin calm and hydrated. 💦 
   Tip: Look for "ceramides" or "barrier repair" to lock in moisture and protect your skin from the elements.
   

3. Micro-current = a mini facelift at home
   This little line smoothing device works like a workout for my face. On days when my skin feels tired or saggy, it lifts, tones, and brings it back to life. ✨ 
   Tip: A few minutes a day makes a huge difference — consistency is key! It’s also a great starter kit and budget friendly!
   

4. Vitamin C for all the glow
   Dark spots? Dullness? This pure vitamin c serum is like sunshine in a bottle. My skin has never been brighter. 🍋 
   Tip: Always pair it with sunscreen to maximize the benefits and protect your glow.
   

5. Hydration sandwich = instant dewiness
   This hack has been my secret weapon: layer hydrating toner, renewing ginseng serum, and this anti-aging moisturizer with SPF to lock in that glass-skin glow. 👀 
   Tip: Pat, don’t rub — your skin deserves gentle love.
   

6. The little trick that changed my skin!
   My mom showed me this years ago and I didn’t take it seriously at first — but now, I’m obsessed. Instead of washing my face in the morning (especially in the winter when my skin feels extra dry), I use rice water.
   Tip: Soak rice overnight, strain it, and pop it in the fridge (in this spray bottle). In the morning, spritz it on for instant hydration and glow — plus, your plants will love the leftovers! 🌱✨

What worked (and didn’t) this year.

This year was… a journey.

Some wins, some fails, and a whole lot of lessons.

Here are the things I've learned:

• Parenting = chaos (but worth it)
  Two kids under five = endless mess and missing socks. But their giggles and hugs? They make the madness worth it. 👶 
  Lesson: Let go of perfection and focus on what really matters.
  

• Social media = tricky
  Even as an creator, I fall into the trap of comparing myself to others. It’s tough not to. 🙅
  Lesson: Social media is curated. Don’t let it make you feel less-than, because no one’s life is as perfect as their feed.
  

• Not everyone will like you (and that’s okay)
  Whether it’s your work, your parenting, or your choices, someone will always have an opinion. And that’s fine — their opinions don’t define you. 💪 
  Lesson: Don’t let the noise crowd your peace. Focus on what lights you up and the people who get you.
  

• Saying no is freedom
  I started saying “no” to things that don’t serve me — and guess what? The world didn’t end. ✌️ 
  Lesson: Protecting your energy isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.
  

• Joy > everything else
  If it doesn’t bring me peace, joy, or laughter, it’s not worth my time. ⌛️ 
  Lesson: Prioritize what sparks joy — and say goodbye to what doesn’t.

Forget resolutions, let’s find intentions

I’m not setting resolutions this year because, let’s be real, they rarely stick.

We go in with the best intentions, but by mid-January, the gym is a distant memory, the books are unread, and the chocolate drawer? Empty. 😂

Instead, I’m focusing on intentions — the things that actually make me feel grounded, happy, and fulfilled.

Every year I get older, I think more about my priorities and how important it is to fill my own cup before pouring into everyone else’s.

Because let’s face it, if I’m running on empty, no one’s getting my best (or even a decent version of me).

Recently, I came across this YouTube video that completely stopped me in my tracks.

You know when something feels like it was meant to find you?

That was this.

If you’re heading into the new year feeling a little lost, a little meh, or even if you’ve “got it all” but something still feels off — give it a watch.

It reminded me of things I would want to tell my younger self (and I even saved it so maybe my kids can watch it one day!)

So here are my intentions for 2025:

1. Make time for myself. No guilt, no excuses.

2. Read more, scroll less. Because doomscrolling has never made me feel good.

3. Move my body daily. Even if it’s just a dance party in the kitchen or getting a walking pad.

4. Wake up earlier. Mornings are magic when they’re quiet.

5. Do one thing every day just for me. It doesn’t have to be big, but it has to be mine.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.

Let’s focus on the things that truly light us up and let go of everything that doesn’t.

See you next week and let’s make 2025 a great one! 💖 

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xo Jen

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