💌 Acne solution, soap nails, shoes that you can dress up or down

TODAY IS MONDAY, JANUARY 27

WHAT TO EXPECT

• stories: Barnes & Noble is back, STAR method, soap nails trend
• this week’s read: Your Best Skin
• in collaboration with: Apostrophe
• recent articles: Shoes That you Can Dress Up and Down
• quote: on good skin
• add to cart
• recipes to try: pesto pasta
• ICYMI

LIFESTYLE: BARNES & NOBLE IS WRITING IT’S OWN SUCCESS
Barnes & Noble, once seen as a soulless book retail giant, has reinvented itself under CEO James Daunt's leadership by embracing a community-focused, localized approach. After struggling with declining sales and Amazon's online dominance, the company has reversed itself by empowering individual stores to curate their book selections, reducing publisher-driven promotions, and investing in full-time, passionate booksellers. This strategy has dramatically reduced book return rates, increased store visits, and positioned Barnes & Noble as a destination for book lovers seeking a personalized, human-driven shopping experience. In 2024, the company is not just surviving but thriving, opening 57 new stores and potentially preparing for an IPO!

WORK LIFE: USE THE STAR METHOD TO ACE YOUR NEXT INTERVIEW
Have you ever felt like you couldn’t even swallow properly when asked “tell me about a time when…” while interviewing? The STAR method is a technique that provides a structured approach to answering behavioral interview questions. It breaks down your responses into 4 key components: situation, task, action, and result. This method will help you craft a compelling + focused narrative, that clearly depicts your professional skills. This way you can present a digestible yet impactful story that helps potential employers understand how you’ve handled specific challenges in your work history.

BEAUTY: “SOAP NAILS” ARE THE TREND TO TRY THIS WINTER
The latest nail trend, "soap nails," is a minimalist manicure style that mimics the look of freshly cleaned hands. Popularized by celebrities like Emma Stone and Selena Gomez during awards season, this ultra-subtle approach features short, immaculately maintained nails with either a bare finish or an extremely sheer polish that matches the wearer's skin tone. Unlike previous trends, soap nails emphasize nail health and a pristine appearance, requiring diligent cuticle care and a high-gloss topcoat to achieve the coveted "just washed" aesthetic. The look is perfect for those who want a polished appearance without obvious nail polish, focusing on natural beauty and meticulous grooming.

Pharmaceutical scientist and beauty writer Hannah English takes an unbiased, science-backed dive into everything you need to know about caring for your skin, as she destigmatizes skin conditions and asks us to stop blaming our diet and hygiene.

IN COLLABORATION WITH

Struggling with skin concerns? Whether it's acne, rosacea, uneven texture, wrinkles, or dark spots, getting professional help shouldn't be a hassle. That's where Apostrophe comes in – they're making dermatology care accessible right from your home.

How it works: You'll connect virtually with licensed dermatology providers who assess your skin and create a personalized treatment plan. The whole process happens online, making expert skincare accessible even if you can't make it to an in-person appointment. The best part? Your prescriptions are delivered straight to your door – no pharmacy trips needed.

Dermatology care made simple.

ON GOOD SKIN: Good skin comes to those who are ready to embrace it by being consistent and cautious about taking care of it — Sofia Chaudhry

Achieving good skin requires two key elements: consistency and caution in skincare. Healthy skin is not a result of sudden miracles, but a deliberate, ongoing commitment to proper skin maintenance and thoughtful care routines.

🖤 A French-inspired date night dress

✨ Pair this lace tee with a skirt or jeans — very Bridgerton

🫖 Scones and tea are ideal for Galentine’s tea time

💃🏻 These burgundy slingback heels are a must

PESTO PASTA

(IN CASE YOU MISSED IT)