The J By Jenn Edit: My Current Aesthetic Obsessions
Everything I'm loving right now across beauty, style, and wellness — handpicked for the moment.
As a true Taurus, I live for aesthetics. Beauty and taste say so much about how we see ourselves and the world around us. Aesthetics show up in subtle everyday moments: how we dress, style our hair and nails, who we’re drawn to, the art we admire, and so much more.
In a world that constantly bombards us with bad news and chaos (hello, America), beauty is a welcome escape. I find it incredibly satisfying to look at and admire beautiful things. That’s also why I believe attraction is an essential part of any romantic relationship. Many people think beauty is shallow. I think it’s necessary. Let me explain.
The word aesthetic comes from the ancient Greek aisthetikos, meaning “perceptive” or “of sense perception.” Merriam-Webster defines it as a branch of philosophy concerned with beauty, art, and taste, and how we create and appreciate them. In other words, it runs deeper than just “pretty.” Admiring beauty is mentally and emotionally satisfying.
What I love most about aesthetics is that it’s not the same as conventional beauty. Conventional beauty follows mainstream, often rigid, standards, like symmetry or specific body proportions. Aesthetic beauty is more personal, more exciting. It’s subjective, imperfect, and still magnetic. Think Roman noses or the rounded figures in Fernando Botero’s artwork.
Fashion, personal style, wellness, and self-care all shape my aesthetic world. Here’s what I’m currently obsessed with:
Leather
I know leather is a controversial fave, but I can’t help it. I love leather jackets, journals, books — you name it. It’s classy, timeless, and beautiful. Plus, it smells amazing. My black leather jacket is my go-to outfit staple, and lately, I’ve been obsessed with this leatherbound edition of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.
Tiny Gold Hoop Earrings on Men
If you follow me on Instagram, you already know: I’ve been raving about tiny gold hoops on men for months. There’s something so attractive about them. They’re dainty, sexy, edgy, trendy, and subtle — all at once. They say, “I care about style, but I’m not trying too hard.” Whether paired with a sharp suit or a white tee and jeans, I melt.
Nails
Right now, I’m all about bold reds or soft pink/nude tones. These colors feel feminine and timeless. When I want to make a statement, I go for Daisy DND’s Ladybug #2543 (as seen below). Otherwise, I mix it up with nude variations. One thing that never changes? A pointy, almond-shaped nail.
Signature Perfume
This one’s less about looks and more about presence. I’ve always believed that having a signature scent is part of stepping into your womanhood (or manhood). It makes you more attractive, more memorable. For years, my go-to was Marc Jacobs’ Daisy Eau So Fresh, but entering my thirties inspired a perfume journey. It took a lot of experimenting, but I finally found a fragrance that checks all my boxes and makes me feel feminine, sexy, and confident. Everyone should find their signature scent — it’s worth it.
Also read: Women’s Obsession With Luigi Mangione Highlights the Growing Disillusionment With Average Men
Facials
I love skincare. Growing up with severe acne, I never thought I’d have clear skin — but, thankfully, here we are. After years of trial, error, and research, I finally figured out a routine that works for me. In the past year, I’ve also gotten serious about facials, and it’s been a game-changer. My super-talented esthetician has taught me so much. These days, I swear by regular classic facials and microneedling. Microneedling does wonders for reducing the appearance of acne scars and wrinkles, boosting collagen, minimizing pores, and smoothing and refining skin texture for an overall glow.
Makeup
Getting dolled up takes time, but it’s fun. I like makeup that enhances my features without making me look like someone else. My current lineup includes Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation, Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb Stix, and Rare Beauty’s Perfect Strokes Mascara.
Bare Face / Low-Maintenance Days
When I’m not going out, I’m usually working, hitting the gym, or running errands — often wearing scrubs, sweats, or leggings. Even without makeup, I like to look fresh and put together. For me, that comes down to skincare, haircare, and body maintenance. It’s low-effort but intentional.
Style
Style is one of my favorite forms of self-expression. Mine shifts based on my mood, music, or online inspo. I’ll always love band tees — they’re comfy, cute, and show off my arm tattoos perfectly. When I’m feeling girly, though, I go for heels and a little cleavage (boobs are a great accessory, let’s be honest). Gold jewelry is my forever go-to. You’ll always catch me in some.
Also Read: Mute Your Anxiety — 25 Songs to Soothe Your Edge
I also love admiring other people’s style — for inspo, but also just because it’s fun to look at. Some of my fashion faves: Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Ashley Graham, Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and of course, Denzel Washington in the ’90s (because how could you not?).
Aesthetics are more than just appearances — they’re a way of seeing and savoring life. And for me, these little obsessions? They’re part of what makes life feel beautiful, intentional, and worth romanticizing.
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