My approach to beauty is more internal. Finding balance and much needed softness. Following your intuition. It’s all about seeking out the tools to help you feel better. If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you.
What does Beauty mean to you?
On Skincare
My morning routine consists mostly of putting all the cold things on my face. I put an ice compression mask on my face for 10-15 min to help de-puff . I sometimes use this brightening face cleanser by Biologique Recherche (LAIT VIP O2). Afterwards, I gua sha with a Vitamin C serum. I can’t really start my day if I don’t gua sha. I have multiples- back ups if they break and I have one at my parents’ place in LA. I’ve tried quite a few high end Vitamin C serums but the Face Gym serum is the only one where I’ve seen real results. A sun spot that I have on my right cheek is nearly gone
My skin has changed so much in my late 30s now going into 40. I developed eczema a few years ago and I really had to let go of much of my nighttime routine and simplify for the winter. I double cleanse at night- I use the Bioderma Micellar Water and then the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser. My skin is super dry and because of the eczema, I had to switch to Mustela which is an eczema-certified moisturiser (for babies) which I discovered at Zitomer. It’s lightweight, never greasy and actually works. Then I smear Aquaphor on my lips and on any dry patches. Honestly, Aquaphor for everything. A few summers ago, I got badly sunburnt and it was the only thing my dermatologist told me to use.
I’ll ramp up my skincare during the warmer months and depending on how sensitive my skin is during the fall/winter, I’ll use A313 and everyone’s favorite Biologique Recherche Lotion P50V 1970. I’m so addicted to it that I don’t even notice the smell anymore. Every other week, I’ll do Earthen’s Instant Peel which I also picked up at Zitomer. Even though it’s a peel, it’s never abrasive and has completely transformed my skin texture. And then RoC Retinol Correction Eye Cream to top it off.
In Jennifer's File
‘This concealer is the concealer to end all concealers. It’s velvety so it mimics skin texture. A makeup artist used it on me once and I was hooked.’
‘I only wear red nail polish. I take color very seriously as I’m very specific about it. Chanel discontinued Gitane which sent me into a spiral. I’ve been buying it off eBay ever since. Out of desperation, I randomly picked up Ella+Mila- Paint the Town Red at CVS one day and it actually might be my favorite red to date!’
‘I initially tried this product at the Chanel Atelier and immediately became obsessed. I love misting my face all throughout the day for a quick pick me up. I love this product so much that I like to gift it to my friends but beware, it’s almost always sold out. ‘
‘I’ve seen such a difference with my skin texture, I’m a convert!’
‘I can’t really start my day if I don’t gua sha. I have multiple back-ups if they break and I have one at my parents’ place in LA. ‘
On Haircare
I’ll bounce back and forth between a few: Kérastase Hydrating Shampoo, Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore, shu uemera Moisture Deep Hydration for Dry Hair and 100% Pure Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo for maintaining a healthy scalp. I also like Christophe Robin products for hair, especially the Cleansing Purifying Scrub which my boyfriend annoyingly steals. I apply Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream afterwards. I’ll even put it on dry hair. It helps smooth out my hair and I’m actually into the smell. And from time to time, I’ll do a hair mask from Christophe Robin or Goop.
On Make-up
I don’t really know too much about make up but I know what works for me. After prepping my face with Vitamin C serum and moisturizer, I’ll put on my SPF. I recently switched to Bioken Mineral Sunscreen which my mother put me on to. I’ll keep my skin bare, with no foundation, except for some Clé de Peau concealer which I apply with their brush. This concealer is the concealer to end all concealers. It’s velvety so it mimics skin texture. A makeup artist used it on me once and I was hooked. For the eyes, I like Mac’s eye shadow in Sandstone, mixed with Victoria Beckham Eyewear in Pecan and dark brown liquid eyeliner so it’s not so harsh. I only line the end of my eye to or else I feel like my eye looks too closed up. I’ve tried many high end liquid eyeliners but the best one for me since my 20’s has always been Revlon ColorStay Liquid. Same goes for mascara, I finally ended up on Heroine Make’s Long & Curl (Waterproof), which my sister-in-law brought back from Japan, but you can thankfully find it at the Japanese delis. It’s the only one that works on straight eyelashes and won’t smudge. I like the quality of Westman Atelier products and use the cream blush in Dou Dou or Petal. I’ll do a light touch on the nose, too. I oscillate from a dewy to semi matte look depending on mood and season. If I have time in the morning, I’ll use my favorite Jones Road Miracle Balm in Dusty Rose on top and Chanel Baume in Sculpting highlighter which is so pretty and sheer, just luminous on the skin. Sometimes I’ll put on a lip. I feel like red is too severe on me because of my dark, almost black hair so I opt for a pink— close to my natural lip color or slightly darker. I love Amarni in shade 111 True. As a last step, I like to gently pat Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops on my cheekbones and forehead.
In the evening it’s basically the same but I might go heavier with the eyes. It’s all about the eyes for me.
On Health and Wellness
Like most things in general, I like to keep it simple like making sure I get enough sleep and not consuming too much junk.
I like to do a lot of research- to find the best solution or product for me. I opt for plant-based or natural remedies for healing before anything else. I think it’s good to be open and curious. I like to try new things from time to time- colonics, sensory deprivation tanks, salt caves, sound baths, etc. Some of it’s a little new age-y, but I take everything with a grain of salt.
On Rituals
Moving my body most days is very important to me. 10 years ago, I had Classpass and tried every kind of workout under the sun —underwater cycling, rowing, ballet to TRX and everything in between. Now I know what works for my body and what I like. I’ll switch it up between Tracy Anderson, yoga and hiit. Swim lessons during the summer. I feel the most connected to my body when I’m practicing yoga or swimming. I learned them both later in my 30’s so they feel very special to me.
I also think heat therapy is important which I try to incorporate with a quickie sauna session at Great Jones or a hot yoga class.
On Fragrance
Your Beauty Secrets...
These aren’t secrets by any means but these natural home remedies always work and are great if you’re in a bind: a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or Amaro to aid with digestion, tea tree oil for blemishes, coconut oil to remove make up and sliced cucumbers to de-puff eyes which I saw my mom do when I was a kid— it actually works better than than most under eye patches I’ve used.
What's always in your handbag
I like to keep my bag light. Aquaphor always. A million chapsticks that I usually pick up from traveling. I like the ones from the French pharmacies. And a little travel size hand sanitizer- I like the grapefruit and lemon scent from Trader Joe’s.
Jennifers Directory...
My old boss, Anh Co Tran, is the best of the best for hair. His signature is the “lived-in-hair” look and was known for “ the lob” back in the day. When I really want to treat myself, I’ll go to Rescue Spa for a customized, indulgent facial. To prep for an event, I’ll go to Face Gym. Kate at the UES location has magic hands, I won’t go to anyone else. And for the most elegant spa experience, it’s Shibui at the Greenwich Hotel.
‘Every other week, I’ll do this. Even though it’s a peel, it’s never abrasive and has completely transformed my skin texture.’