Welcome to my blog!  I’m Nikki, a Military Spouse and former buyer turned beauty blogger.  The military lifestyle demands flexibility, and as someone who avoids change, I needed something that could travel with me anywhere.  This site gives me an outlet I never have to give up because it can move with me.  While my posts are driven by my preferences and needs, I hope to help you find great products and spend your money wisely.

For some more context on my background, I have a long history in retail, both as a cashier and as a store manager; I’ve operated my own small business selling makeup bags and brush rolls, and I’m an experienced government buyer (sometimes called a contract specialist or purchasing agent). So, while I’ve never worked for a beauty brand, I have a strong understanding of retail, logistics, and supply chain operations. I’ve been a beauty blogger for over 11 years, starting with other websites.  My previous website, Sensitive Beauty Blog, is no longer active, but you may recognize me or my swatches from that website.

This is an unsponsored blog, and I do not receive payment in exchange for any blog posts. I share my honest opinions and purchase all my products. The only exceptions have been free gifts from MAC Cosmetics (here and here) that were NOT given in exchange for consideration (also known as PR). While there is nothing wrong with sponsored content, I value the perspective I get from spending my own money on an item. However, I do use affiliate links, which will be clearly marked with two asterisks (**). If you click on an affiliate link AND make a purchase, I may receive a small sales commission. There is no obligation to use them, but if you choose to shop through my affiliate links, I greatly appreciate it. Lastly, I participate in the WordAds Program and receive a small commission for ads on my website. For my full disclosure policy, click here.

Page last updated: December 7, 2025

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Things to keep in mind when reading my reviews:

My closest foundation matches are Estee Lauder Double Wear 4W4 Hazel and NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Tahoe (I’m wearing this in the above photo).  Tahoe is a little deeper than my skin tone (especially in winter), but it isn’t apparent because the undertone works well. I have a warm olive, medium-deep skin tone (sometimes medium or tan, depending on the shade range).  Some other foundation shades that I can work with are L’oreal W7, Maybelline 332 Golden Caramel (only workable in the winter), Lancome 435 Bisque W, Estee Lauder 5W1 Bronze,  Estee Lauder 5W2 Rich Caramel (summer), Clinique WN 82 Latte, Clinique WN98 Cream Caramel (summer), NARS Syracuse, and Anastasia Beverly Hills 365C.

I’m in my early 40s, and my skin type is dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone.  I prefer medium coverage, but appreciate it when products are buildable to full coverage.  Despite having dry skin, I don’t like glowy products that remain tacky on the skin.  Since I have some texture issues, I prefer satin, natural, and matte finishes.

When using my swatches for guidance, please remember that lighting and differences in monitors, phones, and tablet screens may alter a product’s appearance.  Nothing looks the same in a picture as in person, so I encourage you to go to the store when possible and look at things for yourself.

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If you are new here, this page will get you started.

Or you can jump straight to one of my index pages with these links:

• Blush Index
• Brands A-Z
• Bronzer & Highlighter Index
• Brush Index
• Concealer Ranking
• Eyeshadow Index
• Foundation Round-Up
• Lipstick Index
• Makeup and Beauty Discounts, Promo Codes, and GWP Specials
• Makeup Storage and Organization Ideas
• My Favorite Makeup
• Powder Round-Up

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Ways to get in touch with me:

• Leave a comment at the bottom of any of my blog posts
• Have other questions or concerns that you’d like to keep private?  You can email me at editor.nikkifromhr@gmail.com

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