Balancing motherhood and a career outside the home can be a daunting challenge. Sometimes a woman has to choose only one and give up the other. The feeling can be gut-wrenching.

But there are women who are successful in juggling domestic chores and doing business. Kai Lim is one of five women owners of Cura V, a concept store filled with interesting jewelry and curios from around the world.

While having a degree in Political Economy from the University of Asia and the Pacific gave her an understanding of the ways of making money, Kai realized the necessity of engaging in

life’s whimsies.

Here are 10 of her favorite beauty tools:

1. Frederic Malle L’Eau d’Hiver by Jean Claude Ellena. It’s the perfect understated scent— clean with balmy hints of powdery iris. It does not overwhelm, but it lingers.

2. Tom Ford lipstick in Indian Rose. This is my everyday lippie. The right shade of pink, it looks natural on my skin.

3. Face Shop Escargot cream. This is my all-in-one night cream. I don’t need a separate eye cream when I use this.

4. Bobbi Brown Brick Compact in Sand. I use this when I go out at night for dinner or events, and it never fails to brighten up my face. It gives my skin just the right amount of glow.

5. Zact toothpaste. I am a coffee lover and I need a toothpaste that removes coffee stains.

6. Clarins Body Treatment Oil. I was gifted with a bottle and now I’m hooked. It locks in moisture and the natural extracts feel great on my skin. Firming and countering, I’m there.

7. Bench Fix Moroccan Argan Oil. I put a pea-size drop in my palm and apply on my damp hair every morning after shower. My hair is less dry and easier to manage.

8. Gray Phillip Lim silk cotton shirt.  My favorite shirt is great for travel. I’ve had it for quite some time; I can dress it up or down. It’s the perfect

shade of gray, too.

9. 120 mm Casadei Blade Heels. Four inches up without discomfort. The best thing about the sexy blade heel is that it’s comfortable enough for long wear. It also complements most of my outfits.

10. Joey Samson dress shirt. Joey’s dress shirts are easy but with impeccable tailoring. Made for days when you couldn’t be bothered with what to wear. It triumphs in both style and comfort.