Have you seen The Devil Wears Prada? Replace Andy with Nicki and that’s how this Chicago native got her start in magazines. Canvassing Midtown in search of the perfectly gooey chocolate chip cookie for her boss’s Monday afternoon sugar craving—been there, done that. On call 24/7 in case of “emergency” (think drugstore runs for Monistat 7)—check.  Got the picture?

That was 10 years ago. This is now. Nicole Pearl, who graduated from the University of Michigan and earned a Master’s from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, has made her mark as a beauty expert. She’s worked as a staff beauty editor and freelance beauty writer for various national magazines and websites including US Weekly, the beloved Shop Etc. (R.I.P.), Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Health, Self, Shape, In Style, Seventeen, Working Mother, Golf for Women, Star, Chicago Social, Michigan Avenue, Gotham, totalbeauty.com, lifeandbeautyweekly.com, etc. She’s covered New York and LA Fashion Weeks, has appeared on TV as a beauty expert and has been a guest speaker for corporations such as Proctor & Gamble.

Every journalist has a notebook, and this beauty girl’s is right here. Nicole’s opening the pages to share her insider access and insight to all things beauty. From the newest products, hottest trends, and best buys to great tips and advice from top dermatologists, celebrity hair stylists and makeup artists, thebeautygirl.com tells it like it is because beauty shouldn’t be a bitch.