Outspoken Beauty

I start this episode with a short sponsored review of the brilliant Current Body LED Face Mask. I'll explain why I think it really stands out in the market and go through some really interesting stats and facts with you. If you'd like to try it following the episode then use code OUTSPOKEN to get 15% off all the Current Body LED Devices.The main episode is with returning guest, the utterly brilliant and leading nutritionist Dr Federica Amati. Federica who is a Clinical medicine research and implementation Scientist focusing on Public Health Nutrition has written a life-changing book called Every BODY Should Know This and it's the ultimate nutrition and health guide for every chapter of life from newborn to old age.Federica doesn't beat around the bush and is upfront and honest in our conversation about what is best for us. (There were a few home truths that were hard to hear but I was so grateful for her honesty).In brief, if we don't change the way we think about our food and health then we may have a long life but there's every chance that it won't be a healthy one. There are changes we can make now that are proven to help protect us from such a huge array of illness and disease and it's our responsibililty to take charge of our health. If this sounds good to you, then listen to what Fed has to say....she'll help you in so many ways and her wisdom and expertise is exceptional.

In this week's minipod I'm talking about knowing what is normal for you whwn it comes to your gynaelogical health and why the minute things become abnormal you need to see a dr and advocate for yourself. (This is after an incredibly inspiring morning spent with the Eve Appeal as they launched their Get Lippy month).I'm also chatting about what I've done over the past week or so to get my confidence back (it involves a few simple beauty tricks and a lacy shirt), a gorgeous cleansing balm and the incredible scarf that does so much good.Enjoy xx

In this episode my guest is the brilliant beauty influencer Zak Heath.Zak who has over a million followers on TikTok is a huge advocate of gender fluid makeup and teaches both women and men how to create beautiful, natural looks.During the episode we chat about the politics around men who wear makeup and why there is often a societal expectation to make it over the top and dramatic when men should be able to enjoy using natural makeup to enhance their features and make them feel more confident.Zak discusses how he is working towards getting for more gender inclusivity in beauty brands and also explores why beauty means so much to him.This is a fascinating conversation and really got me thinking about how gender divisive the beauty industry can be. I can't wait for you to hear it xx

If you want a product that gives you the most healthy, luminous, lit from within glow then you need to listen to today's mini mini pod xx

*This episode is supported by Dr Paw Paw*I was having an Insta-rant about my frustration about bad advice on social media leading teens to buy expensive, highly active skincare that is anything but good for their skin when I received a message from my lovely friend and co-founder of Dr Paw Paw, Pauline Paterson. She was in total agreement and we ended up having a very long phonecall about our sadness about all the misinformation and our fear that it would end up affecting our own kids.By the end of the call I knew that I had to get her on the podcast so that we could share our thoughts.During the episode we chat about bringing up tweens and teens in a world where social media has a huge influence and how to navigate it. (Pauline has a lot of brilliant wisdom to share). We also talk about the kind of ingredients that people of this age should be using and what they most definitely shouldn't!The final part of the episode is very kindly sponsored by Dr Paw Paw Your Gorgeous Skin which is Pauline's amazing skincare line. We talk through the range and the products that are perfect for teens because of their gentle and barrier repairing ingredients.I really hope you enjoy this episode and that you find it helpful whether you have or know teens and tweens who need a bit of gently guidance in the world of skincare.

There's a fair amount squeezed into this week's minipod.I go into detail about Charlotte Tilbury's new fragrance collection and tell you which one I can't get enough of (It's the PERFECT holiday scent). I also have a potentially health-changing book for you, news of a beautiful lipstick launch, the eyelash serum I can't wait to try and the product that's totally upped my hair game. xx

Bryony Blake is back and a lot has been happening!This week we're talking:Bryony's enlightening experience as a bio-dynamic farmerNicola's screaming noseChild and puppy mayhemNicola's fashion fail (thanks a lot Rishi Sunak)And of course we have loads of beauty recommendations and Bryony will be answering lots of your makeup dilemmas.Enjoy xx

Don't tell me what I can and can't wear just because I'm over 40! This tiny episode is for the women who aren't ready to go all soft and subtle with their liners and are far more interested in a bit of rock chic xx

In this episode I speak to the brilliant nutritionist Dominique Ludwig.Dominique is highly qualified and a hugely trusted voice in this field and during the episode we have an in depth chat about how ultra-processed food has become so commonplace and why it is the last thing that we should be eating if we care about our future health.Dominique also gives some brilliant advice and tips for the types of food that can really help us in our 40's + and why eating sufficient protein can be an absolute game changer. She also talks about why diets are a no-no and we need to shift our eating habits to set us up for life.I loved Dominique's no nonsense advice and extensive knowledge and hope that she inspires you to navigate the at times confusing and emotionally charged world of nutrition.

This week's Minipod is unapologetically beauty product focussed and I'll be telling you about some new products on the block that have got me excited.From the do it all Glycolic stick to the hair heat protectant and texturiser in one to the lipstick that really doesn't move, there are so many things to tell you about.Enjoy finding out about these greta new releases.

My guest today is the utterly brilliant Melissa Leong.Melissa is an Australian freelance food writer, food critic, television host and radio broadcaster. She is currently a judge on a series called Dessert Masters and was previously a judge on MasterChef Australia. In 2020 she was named Who Magazine's Sexiest Person of the year. And luckily for us, Melissa is also incredibly eloquent and passionate about beauty, fragrance and wellbeing.Our conversation is one of my favourite types in that we cover so much ground and it is all so interesting and enlightening. From the surprising turn of events in Melissa's career journey to how she handles depression and anxiety to the important lesson she learnt about exercise recently and how she takes herseld out of her comfort zone, there is so much to learn from Melissa. We of course chat about our mutual love for beauty and Melissa talks about her focus on glowing, healthy skin, her favourite style of makeup and what beauty means to her now she is in her 40's.You'll love getting to know Melissa and if you're anything like me, she'll inspire you in a whole host of ways. 

Welcome to my tiny Monday episode. This week I'm waxing lyrical about the benefits of press on nails and which brands I love xx

In this episode I get to know Denny Daily who is a Beauty and Grooming Expert at the Good Housekeeping Institute.During the episode we explore the many elements involved in testing a product at the Institute and why once a beauty product has been highly rated by them, there is every reason for us to trust that it is worth spending our money on as consumers (something that is incredibly important to me).Denny and I also talk about the products that have really stood out to her because they have performed so well across the board.Here are some of the things that she loves and recommends:Lancome Hypnose MascaraClinique high-fi volumizing MascaraMerit beauty Tinted Lip OilOlaplex Dry ShampooElemis Vitamin cElemis Collagen CreamMyVitamins Collagen gummies Quai Body butterProverb Natural DeodorantTropic Morning Mist

In this week's minipod I cover quite a lot in a shirt space of time including:My search for the ultimate, hydrating undereye concealer that doesn't settle in lines and stays putThe glowy base of my dreamsHow I'm taking advice from The Glucose Goddess in my bid to sort out my pre-diabetesThe questios we all need to be asking skincare influencersand more...Enjoy Outspoken Beauties xx

Bryony is back for a  post Easter treat to make you laugh, cry and to answer all of your most pressing beauty questions.In this episode we're talking:Taking photos without people realising (we've been assured that nothing untoward has taken place by Tom the editor who is taking the place of Chris this week...thank God!)Our books of the moment (Bryony is not nice about my most worthy literary choice)A delve into the life of hamsters and why everything I once believed may not be trueAnd of COURSE loads of beauty with your brilliant questions answered and lots of really great product and technique tips.Enjoy and hope we make you smile xx

Joshua Fletcher aka Anxiety Josh is one of my heroes. When I look back at my life and consider the people who really changed it, he will be up there. (When I was in the throes of the worst anxiety imaginable I reached out to him and he not only offered me support and SUCH wisdom but ended up inspiring me to finally get out of the house, after months of hiding in anxiety hell, and get on the tube to London). When I found out that Josh had written a new book I instantly reached out to him. I was desperate to get my teeth into it. I was sent a PDF  and even though it wasn't Kindle compatible and I kept losing my place, I could not put it down. It was the perfect combination of funny, emotional, candid,  informative...it was a truly brilliant book that I knew people would be wanting to read whether they suffered with anxiety or not. I had to get him on the podcast to chat about it!And so here he is. He's a kind. brilliant human being, a truly amazing therapist who excels because he has suffered just like the people he helps and my goodness can the man write. During the episode I get all the gossip about the book (and the characters who inhabit it), we talk about anxiety...fighting it, menopause, life. It's a conversation that I know will benefit so many of you whether you sometimes feel randomly anxious and don't know why or whether you're haunted by intrusive thoughts and panic disorder.As for the book, I've recommended it to everyone I know and you are most definitely included in that. Here's the linkEnjoy this Outspoken Beauties!

Hormones, phones, pre-diabetes, burgundy eyeliners and fragrances that make you feel like you're on a dream holiday in Positano....what more could you want from a minipod on Good Friday?!Enjoy my weekly catch up and don't forget to email me nicola@outspokenbeauty.co.uk if you'd like to be a member of the Outspoken Beauty Trialling Panel.

It is such a pleasure to welcome Aimee Connolly, the founder of Sculpted By Aimee, back on Outspoken Beauty.During the episode we reflect on how far she has come and delve into how she is building her beauty empire.Aimee also talks about what her brand stands for and why making makeup easy and accessible is so important to her.We also have a chat about how Aimee juggles her brand and what she does to maintain balance in her life and look after her wellbeing.I love this woman and she really is proof that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

A little pod to start the week with.Today I'm talking about my current favourite scent that I discovered at an amazing Space NK event last week, why I paid to have an in depth blood test (and think it's a great thing to do) and I also have a code for you (outspoken50) if you'd like half price off your first Klira purchase.Enjoy xx

*This episode is in partnership with Dr Emma Craythorne and Klira*If you're a skincare lover then you're going to adore this episode. I'm chatting to consultant  dermatologist, TV personality (The Bad Skin Clinic) and creator of Klira skincare, the utterly lovely Dr Emma Craythorne.The inspiration for this episode came when I was invited to hear Emma speak about Klira. I was absolutely fascinated when she explained the very many "skin sizes" that exist and how her product caters for each and every one of them whilst also offering actives that truly make a difference. This was personalisation at a whole new level.During the episode we talk about how Klira works and why it is so important to delve into specific sizes rather than making sweeping generalisations (such as "this product is for all menopausall skin")We also chat about the many products that Emma loves using from cleansers to moisturisers to spfs and how Emma's totally female led brand came into existance.I love Emma. She's sassy, funny, intelligent and boy does she get skin! I think you'll get a lot out of this. I also need to add that I've been hooked to Klira and adore what it has done for my own skin. This partnership came about because of my fascination with the brand and love for the product.