NAILS | Galaxy Nail Art #CBBxManiMonday

Have you ever had one of those days where you make constant typos and sit there trying to form a coherent sentence? That is me today so I think for everyone's safety, Imma keep it short and sweet! This week's CBB ManiMonday theme is "Galaxy Nails" and though I did them back in 2012, I have learned a few tricks and techniques to improve and I definitely like these Galaxy Nails much more! 

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KBEAUTY | Laneige BB Cushion Hydra Radiance SPF 50

I knew this week would kick my ass. The last couple of days have been a blur and though I love blogging, there are times like this past week where my day job comes first because I like a little bit of extra money and the occasional praise from my bosses. The last three nights have had me coming home much later than anticipated and blogging just wasn't in the cards, but this week is a less stressful week for me so I look forward to the breathing room. 

For the last couple of weeks I have been testing the Laneige BB Cushion Hydra Radiance SPF 50*, which is the radiance-enhancing and hydrating version of Laneige's classic BB Cushion foundation. This is great for all skin types and though I tend to use liquid foundations more often, there is something so quick and compact about cushion foundations which Asian cosmetics companies have really perfected.

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KBEAUTY | The Creme Shop Calm Down, Skin! Cat Face Mask #100DaysofSheetMasks

Talk about terrifying looking sheet masks! Certain animals are just destined to look creepy, but when I saw The Creme Shop Calm Down, Skin! masks on sale at Winners the kitty cat on the packaging looked so cute that I was convinced I would look just as adorable when wore it. Yeah...not so much. This mask reminded me so much of The Face Shop Homer Mask, but with a better fit and equally disturbing eyes. 

NAILS | Lest We Forget #CBBRemembers

Today felt a bit like a Sunday, but for many like myself it was a regular work day. It was a quiet day though so I got a chance to catch up on some paperwork and prep for our client event this week without feeling overwhelmed. I missed out on Remembrance Day nails last year, but with the present political climate and the recent shooting in California, those fighting around the world, veterans and those who have survived and need support have been on my mind.

This year, I decided to go back to the classic poppy design, but instead of painting on a white background, I decided to try a new thermal nail polish from Born Pretty (I did not realize that it was thermal until I started painting!) to simulate the sky.

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JEWELRY | My Everyday Rings #NaBloPoMo

I will preface this by saying that although I have dabbled in a few professions over the years including: bioinformatician, social media and e-commerce specialist and skincare rep and trainer, the one job I have had the longest is in the luxury jewelry industry. I wouldn't say it's my passion, but I like it enough as long as I still have the freedom to do the beauty stuff. I am part of a great management team and when it comes to understanding people and true client service, the jewelry industry has taught me the most.

When it comes to WHERE I spend the bulk of my disposable income, it would be without a doubt on skincare and jewelry. I rarely wear costume jewelry and though I do not want to sound like I am looking down on this category of jewelry, but after 12 years in this industry and seeing countless repairs, things that last are fine jewelry pieces when cared for properly.

SKINCARE | 111SKIN Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment #100DaysofSheetMasks

Well so much for #NaBloPoMo and blogging everyday! I had a feeling it would kick my ass last week since there was quite a bit going on at work with our Client Event happening this Thursday. It's the biggest one of the year and I have been coming home exhausted from preparation in addition to the daily grind of luxury retail. I think my goal this month will be to blog more than my average number of posts (around 20) and call it a success because I don't see the point in suffering from lack of sleep at my day job and writing nonsensical blog posts! That being said, back to blogging!

There is so much wonderful skincare out there at all sorts of different price points and I have gotten to an age where I find myself spending more money on skincare and less on makeup. Almost exactly a year ago, I was introduced to a new skincare line launching at Holt Renfrew called 111SKIN. This is a British skincare company created by plastic surgeon, Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, who initially had developed his own line of products to be sold at his own practice to aid his clients in healing and aftercare of their cosmetic procedures. One of his clients happened to be very well-connected and raved about Dr. Alexandrides' products with him eventually agreeing to partner with Harrods to create 111SKIN. I had the pleasure of hearing him tell this story in person and he tells it far more eloquently than I do, but he was well-spoken (yes, the British accent helped) and answered many of our questions regarding ingredients as well as what makes 111SKIN different from the sea of skincare options available.