Let’s be honest. When a global superstar like Jennifer Lopez launches a skincare line, it’s easy to be sceptical.
We’ve all seen it before. A famous face slaps their name on a random product, takes a pretty photo, and hopes their fans will buy it. We buy it, it does nothing special, and we feel a bit silly for falling for the marketing.
So, when JLo Beauty hit the market with its promise of that famous “JLo Glow” and a price tag that isn’t exactly cheap, my wallet and my journalist’s brain were both suspicious. Could these products really deliver, or were we just paying for the name?
I decided to find out. I put my regular skincare routine on hold and used nothing but JLo Beauty products for a full 30 days. No cheating, no mixing. Just me, my face, and JLo’s promises.
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This is my completely honest, no-filter experience.
Table of Contents
ToggleFirst Impressions: The Unboxing
The products arrived in a very sleek, satisfying box. It felt luxurious, which you’d hope for at these prices. Inside, everything was carefully packed. JLo Beauty’s packaging is a mix of heavy, glass jars and chic, rose-gold coloured tubes. It looks beautiful on my bathroom shelf – I’ll give it that.
The brand talks a lot about being “clean” and effective. Their key ingredient is something they call their Olive Complex. It’s inspired by JLo’s own family secret: using olive oil for skin. They’ve mixed extra virgin olive oil with other powerful ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid.
I started my journey with four core products from their line:
- That JLo Glow Serum – The star of the show.
- That Big Screen SPF 30 Moisturiser – A daily moisturiser with sunscreen.
- That Blockbuster Wonder Cream – A richer cream for overnight.
- That Fresh Take Eye Cream – Targeting my late-night writing sessions.
My Skin Profile: Setting the Stage
Before we get into the results, you need to know my starting point. I’m in my late 30s, living in the UK, which means my skin battles everything from central heating in the winter to unpredictable humidity in the summer.
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My skin type is combination – an oily T-zone but drier cheeks. My main concerns are:
- Dullness: Late nights and too much screen time.
- Early signs of ageing: A few fine lines, especially around my eyes and forehead.
- Hydration: Keeping my skin plump and happy.
My goal wasn’t to look 20 again. It was to see if my skin would look brighter, feel more hydrated, and achieve that famous, lit-from-within glow.
Week 1: The “Let’s See” Phase
Days 1-7: The first thing I noticed was the scent. Everything has a very light, fresh, and slightly citrusy smell. It’s not overpowering at all and feels quite spa-like. A good start.
I began my routine:
- AM: A few drops of the Glow Serum followed by the SPF 30 Moisturiser.
- PM: The Glow Serum again, followed by the thicker Wonder Cream. The Eye Cream morning and night.
The serum has a beautiful, silky texture. It absorbs incredibly quickly without any sticky feeling. The moisturiser is light and layers perfectly over the serum. The Wonder Cream is indeed rich and feels like a treat at night.
After one week, I hadn’t transformed into a clone of Jennifer Lopez (shockingly). But I did notice something: my skin felt incredibly soft. Like, unusually soft. The hydration was immediate and noticeable. My drier patches were gone. There was a subtle brightness when I looked in the mirror, but it was early days.
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Week 2: The “Okay, I’m Interested” Phase
Days 8-14: This is where I started to pay more attention. My makeup was applying differently. My foundation was gliding on more smoothly and seemed to last longer throughout the day. I found myself using less powder because my skin wasn’t getting as oily in my T-zone by midday.
The real test came after a weekend where I didn’t get much sleep. Normally, my skin would look grey and tired. But I woke up and my skin still had a bit of life to it. It wasn’t its best, but it was certainly better than usual. The eye cream was feeling refreshing and seemed to be minimising the puffiness I often get.
I was starting to understand the “glow” they were talking about. It wasn’t glitter or shimmer. It was a natural, healthy sheen. My skin just looked… well, happier.
Week 3: The “Hello, Glow!” Phase
Days 15-21: Now we’re talking. Around the start of the third week, a friend I hadn’t seen in a while said, “Your skin looks amazing! What are you using?” That was the moment I knew it wasn’t just in my head.
The overall evenness of my skin tone had improved. The dullness I complained about was significantly reduced. My face looked brighter and more awake every morning. The fine lines on my forehead appeared a little softer, probably because my skin was so well-hydrated and plump.
The Wonder Cream had become my favourite step. It’s thick but doesn’t feel heavy or clog my pores. I’d wake up with supremely soft and supple skin. I was officially impressed.
Week 4: The Final Verdict Phase
Days 22-30: In the final stretch, the results held steady. My skin had settled into a new normal. It was consistently hydrated, glowing, and felt strong and healthy. I had a real routine that I enjoyed using every day.
Product-by-Product Deep Dive
Now, let’s break down each product I tried.
1. That JLo Glow Serum
- The Promise: A powerful serum to hydrate, brighten, and fight the look of fine lines.
- My Experience: This is, without a doubt, the hero of the entire line. The texture is perfect. It delivers instant hydration without any residue. I truly believe this serum is the primary source of the “glow.” It makes your skin feel silky and prepares it perfectly for moisturiser. If you buy only one thing from the line, make it this.
- Who’s it for? Anyone looking for a hit of hydration and radiance. It seems to work for most skin types.
- Link: You can find it at Space NK here.
2. That Big Screen SPF 30 Moisturiser
- The Promise: A broad-spectrum SPF 30 moisturiser that protects and perfects.
- My Experience: This is a lovely daytime moisturiser. It’s lightweight, layers beautifully, and doesn’t leave a white cast. The SPF 30 is an essential daily must-have for protecting your skin from ageing UV rays. My only small gripe? For the price, the tube is quite small, and if you use the recommended amount for sun protection (which is a lot!), you’ll go through it quickly.
- Who’s it for? Anyone looking for a high-end, elegant daily moisturiser with SPF.
- Link: Check it out on Cult Beauty.
3. That Blockbuster Wonder Cream
- The Promise: A luxurious cream to renew and rejuvenate skin overnight.
- My Experience: A fantastic night cream. It’s rich and nourishing but doesn’t feel greasy. I woke up every single morning with plump, happy skin. It felt like a deep drink of water for my face all night long. The jar is also satisfyingly heavy and luxurious.
- Who’s it for? Those with normal to dry skin, or anyone wanting extra hydration overnight.
- Link: Find it at Lookfantastic.
4. That Fresh Take Eye Cream
- The Promise: To brighten, smooth, and depuff the eye area.
- My Experience: This is a good, solid eye cream. The metal applicator tip is cooling and feels amazing in the morning. It hydrated my under-eyes well and helped with puffiness. I’m not sure it made a dramatic difference on fine lines, but my eye area definitely looked brighter and more awake.
- Who’s it for? Anyone wanting a refreshing, hydrating eye treatment.
- Link: See it on the JLo Beauty website.
The Not-So-Glamorous Parts: The Cons
It can’t all be perfect. Here’s what gave me pause.
- The Price: Let’s be blunt. This is an expensive skincare line. The serum is £79, the Wonder Cream is £89. This is a significant investment. You are, without a doubt, partly paying for the name.
- The Jar Packaging: While the Wonder Cream jar feels luxurious, it’s also less hygienic than a pump. You’re dipping your fingers into it every night, which can introduce bacteria. It also means the good ingredients are exposed to air and light, which can make them less effective over time. For the price, I’d expect a pump.
- Not for Everyone: If you have very oily or acne-prone skin, the richer creams might be too much for you. The serum would likely be fine, but I’d be cautious with the Wonder Cream.
Is It Worth the Money? The Million-Dollar Question
This is the hardest part to answer because it’s so personal.
Is it good? Yes, absolutely. The products are effective, well-formulated, and a joy to use.
Is it magic? No. It won’t surgically erase ten years from your face. Good skincare never can.
Is it worth it? It depends on your budget and what you value.
If you have the money to spend and you are looking for a luxurious, effective, and sensory-pleasing skincare experience that delivers great hydration and a real glow, then yes, it is worth it. The serum, in particular, is a standout product.
If you are on a tighter budget, there are absolutely fantastic products out there that deliver similar results for less. Brands like The Ordinary offer incredible serums for a fraction of the price. CeraVe and La Roche-Posay are brilliant drugstore alternatives recommended by dermatologists everywhere.
You are paying a “luxury tax” for the JLo Beauty name and the beautiful packaging.
How to Get The Look for Less: The JLo Glow on a Budget
Inspired by the glow but not the price? You can create a routine focused on hydration and radiance without breaking the bank. The key is to look for ingredients like:
- Hyaluronic Acid: For a huge hit of hydration. (Try: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum)
- Squalane: A fantastic moisturiser that’s lightweight. (Try: The Inkey List Squalane)
- Vitamin C: For brightening and evening out skin tone. (Try: Garden of Wisdom Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic Acid)
- A good SPF: Non-negotiable for protecting your glow! (Try: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+)
My Final Verdict After 30 Days
So, did JLo Beauty convert this sceptic?
Mostly, yes.
I went in expecting a cash grab and found a line of products that are genuinely lovely and effective. My skin is undoubtedly in better condition than it was 30 days ago. It’s more hydrated, significantly brighter, and has a healthy glow that I love.
Would I repurchase? I will 100% be buying the That JLo Glow Serum again. It’s that good. The Wonder Cream is a maybe for the winter months. The SPF moisturiser is great, but I’ll probably go back to my more affordable favourite to save money.
The hype, for once, has some real substance behind it. It’s not all hype. Jennifer Lopez hasn’t just put her name on a box; she’s clearly been involved in creating a quality range that works.
It’s a treat, not a necessity. But my skin certainly enjoyed the treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Q: Is the JLo Glow real, or is it just makeup and good lighting?
A: This is the biggest question, and I was determined to find out. Based on my 30-day trial, the “JLo Glow” is a real effect you can achieve from these products, but it’s important to manage expectations. It’s not a magical, red-carpet-level transformation that happens overnight. The glow refers to a significant improvement in skin hydration and radiance. When your skin is deeply hydrated and exfoliated (even just gently through daily care), it reflects light better, creating a natural, lit-from-within look. It’s a healthy sheen, not glitter or shimmer. So yes, it’s real, but it’s a skincare glow, not a Photoshop glow.
2. Q: I have oily/acne-prone skin. Is this line too rich for me?
A: This is a crucial consideration. The entire JLo Beauty line is heavily focused on nourishing and replenishing the skin using oils like their signature Olive Complex and squalane. While these are non-comedogenic (meaning they shouldn’t clog pores), they might feel too heavy for very oily skin types. I have combination skin, and the richer Wonder Cream was fine for me at night, but I’d be cautious using it daily if I were oilier. My strong recommendation would be to start with the “That JLo Glow Serum” – its texture is surprisingly lightweight and absorbs quickly. Avoid the heavier creams initially and see how your skin responds. Always patch-test a new product on a small area of your jawline for a few days before applying it to your entire face.
3. Q: What was the single best product from the line?
A: Hands down, the unanimous star for me was That JLo Glow Serum. It’s the workhorse of the routine. The texture is impeccable—silky, fast-absorbing, and not sticky in the slightest. It delivered immediate and cumulative hydration that I believe was the primary driver behind the plumpness and glow I experienced. It layers perfectly under other products and makeup. If you’re only going to invest in one item from the collection to test the waters, this is the one.
4. Q: Are the results long-lasting, or do they disappear if you stop using the products?
A: This is a fundamental truth about all skincare: results are almost always maintenance-based. The improvements you see—like enhanced hydration, brightness, and smoothness—will gradually diminish if you stop your routine and don’t replace it with another effective regimen. The JLo Beauty products don’t “change” your skin permanently; they effectively support and maintain its health. Think of it like drinking water: you feel hydrated when you drink enough, but you need to keep drinking it to maintain that feeling. The good news is that the 30-day period was enough to establish a good baseline of skin health that I can now maintain with other products.
5. Q: How does it compare to other luxury skincare brands, like La Mer or Augustinus Bader?
A: While I haven’t used every luxury brand extensively, JLo Beauty sits in a interesting space. It’s definitely a luxury product due to its price, but its philosophy feels more accessible and ingredient-focused than some heritage luxury brands that rely on a mysterious “miracle broth.” The marketing is clear about its hero ingredient (the Olive Complex). In terms of performance, it holds its own against other high-end hydrating serums and creams I’ve tried. It may not have the same decades of scientific research as a brand like Augustinus Bader, but it delivers on its core promise of radiance and hydration effectively. You’re paying for the brand, the packaging, and the effectiveness, much like with other luxury lines.
6. Q: Is the SPF in the ‘Big Screen’ moisturiser sufficient for UK weather?
A: The Big Screen Moisturiser has an SPF of 30, which is the minimum level recommended by dermatologists for daily wear in the UK. It offers solid broad-spectrum protection against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays. For everyday use—like commuting to work, running errands, or sitting by a window—it is perfectly sufficient. However, if you plan to be outdoors for prolonged periods, like a long summer walk, hiking, or a day at the park, you should absolutely layer a dedicated, higher-dose sunscreen (SPF 50) on top. No moisturiser-with-SPF should be relied upon for intense sun exposure.
7. Q: I’m concerned about ageing skin and wrinkles. Will this help?
A: The line is marketed as being effective for signs of ageing, and I did see a benefit. However, it’s vital to understand how it helps. The primary action is through intense hydration and antioxidant protection (from the olive complex). When your skin is deeply plumped with moisture, fine lines and wrinkles appear less visible and softer. It’s like smoothing out a crumpled piece of paper by wetting it—it’s still there, but it looks better. This is a fantastic approach for prevention and for minimizing the appearance of early lines. For deeper, established wrinkles, you would likely need to incorporate more targeted active ingredients like retinoids (prescription-strength or retinol) or peptides, which this line does not heavily feature.
8. Q: What about the scent? Is it overpowering?
A: Not at all. In fact, the light, fresh, and subtly citrusy scent was one of the first things I noticed and enjoyed. It feels clean and luxurious without being perfumed or overwhelming. It doesn’t linger on the skin after application. For those with very sensitive skin or who are extremely sensitive to fragrance, it’s always wise to be cautious, but it is formulated to be non-irritating.
9. Q: The packaging is beautiful, but is it practical?
A: This was my biggest practical critique. The heavy glass jars, particularly for the Wonder Cream, are beautiful but impractical. Dipping your fingers into a jar daily introduces bacteria, compromising the preservative system. Furthermore, exposing the cream to air and light constantly can degrade the active ingredients over time. For a brand at this price point, I would expect and prefer airless pump packaging, which is more hygienic and protects the formula’s integrity. The serum and moisturiser come in bottles, which are better.
10. Q: Would you genuinely recommend it, and to whom?
A: I would recommend it, but with clear guidance. This line is ideal for someone who:
- Has normal, dry, or combination skin needing a hydration boost.
- Is looking to address dullness and wants to achieve a radiant glow.
- Appreciates luxury packaging and a sensory skincare experience.
- Has the budget for high-end skincare and doesn’t mind the “luxury tax” for a celebrity brand.
I would not recommend it as the best choice for someone who:
- Has very oily or highly acne-prone skin.
- Is on a strict budget (there are brilliant, more affordable alternatives).
- Is looking for heavy-duty, clinical-grade actives to treat significant hyperpigmentation or deep wrinkles.
- Prefers completely fragrance-free or ultra-minimalist packaging.
It’s a effective, enjoyable line that delivers on its core promise, but it’s important to go in with realistic expectations about what it can do and for whom it’s best suited.