Outspoken Beauty

It's Bryony time!

This week we're talking:

Zoos and naughty monkeys

Hygiene ratings (and Bryony's shocking admission)

Mardi Gras

Half Term Craziness

Why Bryony's accent changed

and of course we have some fantastic beauty recommendations.

Enjoy Outspoken Beauties xx

It's our end of the week session with beauty editor and skincare guru extraordinaire, Perdita Nouril.

In this episode we're talking all things ceramides..what they are, why we love them, how they help our skin and the products we love the most.

We also chat briefly about peptides and how sad we are that Lottie London and Ciate are nowhere to be found at the moment.

In this week's Outspoken Review I'll be talking about:

The iconic Burberry check

Skinny jeans

My new fav bath brand

The only dry shampoo that I truly love

Eborian v IT Cosmetics

My 360 on Lisa Eldridge's Pinpoint Concealer

and more...

Enjoy my weekly beauty review xx

In this week's episode of Outspoken Mental Health I'm talking about how hard it can be to open up about your mental health, even though on paper people are more accepting and knowledgable these days.

I also chat about why those closest to you won't always be able to totally get what you're going through and how it's important to accept that and find those who can be there in the right way.

Finally, I talk about the importance of getting to a place where you can give up safety behaviours as this will teach your brain that all is OK!

Come and join our wonderful private Facebook community here

In this episode I chat to the incredible model, content creator, and confidence activist Dani DMC.

"Dani is a rebel against society by nature and is a firm believer that confidence is the gateway to true freedom. She’s a firm believer in radical self-love, taking our power back and gaining full control of our minds and bodies. She utilises her social media platforms to push her message to her ‘Confidence Crew’ and empower and encourage women to love themselves unconditionally and step into unapologetic confidence."

During the episode we talk about Dani's childhood and how being bullied shaped her. We also talk about the expectations on women in society and how we can fight them, the meaning of radical self love and how we can start feeling true confidence in who we are and what we stand for.

Dani is a force to be reckoned with and chatting to her made me feel energised, excited and ready to be a stronger person with far more boundaries.

I'm so excited to announce that the brilliant Beauty Editor of Women's Health and self- confessed skincare nerd Perdita Nouril will be a regular Friday co-host.

Each week we'll be getting under the skin of the biggest beauty trends and products and discussing the science, research and whether they're worth the hype.

This week Perdie explains why the iconic Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 may not be as readily available as it once was and how this superstar skincare product is to thank for the brilliant PHA products that are now so readily available.

We'll also hear about all the unexpected ways that PHAs can benefit us (I knew they were good but never knew quite HOW good) and Perdita will share some of her top PHA products.

Enjoy this fellow skincare enthusiasts and thanks to Perdita for her amazing knowledge.

This is for me one of the key things. If you want to beat anxiety you need to learn to live with it and stop fighting it. Get comfortable with it. Let it do its worst. It can't kill you, it won't make you lose control and you won't faint!!

Please remember that i'm NOT an expert. This series is based on my lived experience and journalistic research. 

Thanks Anxiety Josh for your amazing work and teachings about accepting discomfort!

You can join our private Outspoken Mental Health Facebook Community here xx

In this week's episode of The Outspoken Review I go into detail about three really good cleansers. I've also rediscovered an undereye hybrid concealer and colour corrector that is truly brilliant. After talking about a few more products, I go on a bit of a rant about why certain beauty brands need to work on being a bit more transparent.

In this week's episode of Outspoken Mental Health I'm talking about disassociation, a lesser known symptom of anxiety that can feel very scary but will never harm you.

This is the symptom that has always scared me the most but as I've learnt more about what it is I've become less freaked out by it.

During the episode I talk about why it happens, what it feels like and how slowly and surely you can learn to live with it until you get to a point where it all but disappears.

Remember I'm not a professional and am speaking from my own experience.

Joshua Fletcher aka @anxietyjosh experienced and talks about both derealisation and depersonalisation from the point of view of a professional with real life experience and I thoroughly recommend seeking him out if you would like more information.

• Why Tesco Whoosh saved the day
• My totally trashy Netflix addiction
• Honest thoughts about Dermalogica's new Multi-Vitamin Power Recovery Cream
• The E.L.F brow pencil that I can't get enough of
• The pros and cons of the NARS Powermatte Lip Pencil
• The new Nails INC product that sounds too good to be true 
• The fragrance that enhances all others in the most irresistible way.

In this week's episode of Outspoken Mental Health I'm talking about my journey with medication and some of the things I've learnt along the way. Please bear in mind that medication is not right for everyone but can also be a very helpful aspect of feeling better. We are all different and need to consult a professional for the right advice.

During the episode I'll tell you about:

• The medication that helped me for years but that I eventually needed to change
• Why we need to stop fearing and stigmatising mental health medication 
• How to navigate perimenopause and anxiety and why mental health medication may not be the answer
• Why I was advised to go on a Benzodiazapene and how I am tapering off it slowly and safely
• How Google is a really bad idea if you have anxiety about medication and why you need to put trust in your psychiatrist
• Why it's not always easy going on these types of pills but how with the right support you can get through it

I am NOT a professional and am speaking from my own experience and research. If you are wondering whether medication might help you then start with your GP. If you feel that they can't give you the information you need then ask to be referred to a psychiatrist or seek one directly.

Please do join the private Facebook Group Outspoken Mental Health where we're building a supportive community.

• Why Bryony's holiday adventures made Nicola feel very nervous 
• A weird night involving breast milk
• What the neighbours saw that they definitely shouldn't have
• Our new "spicy" book addiction
• Beauty recommendations
• And much more....

In this week's episode of Outspoken Mental Health I talk about my experience of panic attacks and feelings of doom and dread.

I'll chat about what's happening when we get a panic attack and the long list of horrible (but harmless) things they can make us feel. I'll also go into why it's so important to have an inner voice that reminds us that we are safe and helps us to tolerate the discomfort of this moment so that we can teach are brain that all is good and that we don't need the unnecessary surge of adrenaline that's causing all the problems in the first place.

I'll also go into navigating constant feelings of dread and terror which can actually feel worse than the panic itself.

Please remember that I am not an expert and I am chatting about my own experience and sharing what i have learnt. If you need help then don't be ashamed to ask for it. See your GP or contact a mental health charity like Mind

I have created a Private Facebook Page to go with this series. Please feel free to join this supportive community and remember I'm always here for a chat.

Nicola x

We're at the end of the week and these are some of the (eclectic) things that have been on my mind over the past 7 days.

I'll be talking about Lily Allen checking into rehab, my thoughts about the film Baby Girl, why at 44 I'm finally ready to embrace the gym and why sometimes nothing beats going real life shopping!

DM me any time@outspokenbeautynicola if you have any comments on today's episode.

If you're after honest, no holds barred reviews then you've come to the right place.

This week I'm sharing my thoughts on:

Gatineau Age Benefit Cleansing Elixir

Indu (with special mention of their SPF)

K18 AirWash

The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

Meder by Dr Tiina Meder

A bright red scarf from Oliver Bonas!

Let me know what's been impressing you recently xx

Trigger Warning: I talk about sexual abuse during this episode

During my final session with my brilliant psychologist, she told me that I should share my anxiety and mental health story with as many people as possible. Hearing this from a woman who is truly at the top of her game and who has helped me immeasurably took away all the doubts that I've been having (who am I to talk about anxiety when I'm not a trained professional?) and confirmed to me that I have a responsibility to share my story and everythings I've learnt from it (my lifelong anxiety condition, breakdown and road to recovery) with as many people as possible because when I was at my worst I needed to hear the things that I'll be talking about. They would have helped me so much.

So this is Outspoken Anxiety. Each Monday I'll talk about my anxiety journey and what I've learnt along the way. I'll chat about the professionals who have helped me, the lifestyle changes I've had to make, medication, how to live with an anxiety condition and I'll also try and help you navigate the at times complicated world of seeking help for mental health.

I realise this won't be for everyone but if I can help just one person that's enough!

In episode 1 I give a bit of background about my mental health and then chat about the warning signs that you shouldn't ignore and how to calm your nervous system when things start to bubble up.

Please DM me @outspokenbeautynicola if you have any questions. Also here is the link to the private Facebook Group that goes with the podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1626153351319481

Please only join if you suffer with anxiety or know someone who does and want to help them. 

• Home LED devices and whether they actually help us
• The growing non-aesthetic industry and how to navigate it
• The dangers of seeing the wrong practitioner
• The skincare ingredients we should all be using

I wanted to start the week by sharing how I feel about New Year pressures and why you need to close your ears and eyes to them. Begone pressure to lose all the weight and ads with magical solutions to all our supposed New Year problems.

I also talk about why I like to get excited about work at this time of year but how you can't change everything overnight.

I'll also talk a bit about why I'll be doing a little bit more content about my anxiety experience and more importantly how I've got better.

Loads of New Year's love.

Nicola x

• Beauty News
• Of me trying out weird and wonderful treatments and experiences
• Honest chat about mental health and life in our 40's
• Of the most authentic reviews
• Fascinating interviews 

In this little episode I chat about my top rules for Christmas Day including how to avoid getting a terrible haircut from your mother-in-law, why you should never tell your sister off for buying you the wrong knickers and how to keep that festive feeling going way beyond the big day.

I hope this mini guide makes you giggle. Thanks for all your support this year. You're the most phenomenal community and I've got lots of great stuff in store for you in 2025.

Merry Christmas Outspoken Beauties xx

So many questions this week and such a variety.

I'll be talking about excessively sweaty feet and hands, my thoughts about Sisley and whether it's worth the money, under eye concealers that don't crease, which 5 perfumes I'd GET RID of from my collection, what I've asked for this Christmas and lots more.

If you have any questions for next week's episode DM me @outspokenbeautynicola.

I'm testing this new series where I answer all of your most pressing beauty/wellbeing/fragrance/life questions. If I can't answer anything myself I'll ask one of the many brilliant experts that I know and love.

This week I'm answering your questions about budget BB Creams, sunscreen for sensitive eyes, LED masks and I have some advice about prescription skincares.

If you'd like to ask me anything contact me via DM on my insta @outspokenbeautynicola or email me [email protected].

Let's start the week together in the very best way.

This week's 3 minutes of wisdom comes from my Mum who was 70 last weekend xx

• Their childhood and sibling relationship over the years
• Why having Keshia as her makeup artist when she was singing was massively positive for Fleur
• Why the death of their beloved dad inspired them to start a business together
• The birth of Kurl Kitchen and why it represents both their mum and dad
• The ups and downs of building their beauty brand and how everything nearly fell apart
• Sourcing incredible ingredients from Ghana and bringing them to the UK
• The beauty products they love

• My new favourite lipstick and pencil
• A lovely spf for this time of year
• The perfect pillow spray that I carry in my handbag at all times
• My favourite new eye cream
• How to gift fragrance well

• Bryony has been manifesting and her dream has officially come true
• I'm discussing why I find certain varieties of milk and cheese abhorrent
• Bryony tells us why our eyelashes might be shrinking
• I ask Bryony a VERY personal question
• We discuss cosy candles
• We have lots of lovely beauty recommendations

• What actually goes on behind the scenes of Gogglebox
• Coming to terms with a public breakup
• His career as a hairdresser and what he loves about the hair and beauty industry
• Beauty tips
• Male hormones
• Male makeup
• The fragrance that has people chasing Daniel up the street

• The best static-reducing hair spray
• A friend's romantic book recommendation (A Court of Thorns and Roses)
• 11+ frustration
• My weird relaxation technique
• Mole checks
• Pierced Ear tips

On today's mini mini pod I'll tell you my impressions of one of the perfume launches of the year.

I'll also share some of your brilliant beauty recommendations and funny/embarrassing stories. What better start to the week? x

In this week's mini mini pod I'm talking you through Ruby Hammer's wonderful collection of products. She has curated the perfect beauty collection and everything is such good quality, never overly priced and most importantly worth your hard earned cash.

Enjoy xx

It's time for my Mini Mini Pod and this week I'm chatting about some of the products that my Mum and I loved during a visit to Selfridges last week. I'm also talking about the ultimate glow for party season and reiterating how important checking our boobs is!!

In this week's minipod I'll be telling you about some inspiring people I met at last night's launch of Klira at the French Pharmacy in London's Marleybone and what they have taught me.

Related to that I also have a recommendation for the most INCREDIBLE book on perimenopause. With good womens' health info still severely lacking, this book will help you understand so much about what is happening to you and how you can regain control of your health and emotions.

I also chat about a brilliant use for Ren's AHA tonic and discuss how facing a big fear can reframe other things in your life in the very best way.

Downloads wherever you get your podcasts xx

In this episode I chat through some of the products that I've been trying and testing with as always 100% honest reviews. I also talk about some of my absolute favourite products that really are worth every penny.

This episode is in partnership with K18 Hair

In this episode I have such fun getting to know the brilliant hair stylist Eric Vaughn. As well as being a hugely well known salon owner and hair celebrity, Eric is an ambassador for a hair brand that I have loved for a long time, K18.

K18 has got some brilliant science going on and Eric explains not only why it's so special but how to use it for the best possible results. 

As part of this episode I'm also giving away a great bundle of K18 products worth around £300. Make sure you check out my Instagram @outspokenbeautynicola for all the details.

I hope you enjoy learning about this very interesting brand from an utterly fabulous man.

In this week's Minipod I'm embracing Autumn and talking about all the lovely Autumnal beauty and wellbeing products that I'm enjoying using. I also have some other recommendations inlcuding the very best hot water bottle and an affordable dress that will suit every occasion.

A little makeup bag delve to start your week.

Lots of affordable products in here that are absolutely brilliant including the perfect liquid blush for £5.99 xx

In this week's minipod I'm talking about the slow but steady build up of stress that has wormed its way back into my life since I've been back from my holiday and how that's impacted my anxiety levels.

I also tell you about a fragrance that has not only taken TikTok by storm but that I am utterly in love with....so much so that after spending a day repeatedly sniffing the wrist I tested it on in Selfridges I had to order it online. (It is a real crowd pleaser and needs to be tried!)

I also have a recommendation for the best tights ever and a dry body oil that sinks in within seconds and smells delicious.

xx

It's the Monday Mini Mini Pod and I've found the best pair of looser fitting jeans ever and they're only £35!

I'm also talking about why we all need more nuts and seeds and how they are changing my health.

In this week's minipod I talk you through the perfumes that I've been wearing this week and why.

There's the new one from Givenchy, a sweaty, sexy skin scent that has had me drooling, one that's so cosy and warm that it's like being swaddled in a cashmere blanket and more.

If you're on the lookout for a new fragrance then hopefully you'll find something to explore here.

• Bryony's CRAZY journey home from Tenerife
• The lizard that jumped on Louis' tummy and the chaos that ensued
• Holiday buffets and Bryony's partner's fear of them
• The pervy man on the Eurotunnel
• The waitress who arched her eyebrow at me when I ordered the cookie ice cream sundae 

I'm starting the week with an important chat about supplements.

Lots of us spend so much on them at this time of the year and we need to know what we're buying and why we're buying them. The chances are that we might not need quite as many as we think we do!

This is my very mini guide to buying supplements the right way.

Redefine Youth is Empowered by Tropic Skincare

In this week's Minipod I'm talking about where I'm at with my #RedefineYouth journey and how it's starting to change the way I feel about myself and my life in general for the better.

I also talk about the big challenge that I have coming up at the end of the month and give some tips as to how you can join what is starting to become a bit of a movement.

Let me know how you're getting on by messaging me @outspokenbeautynicola xx

It's a new season here on The Outspoken Beauty Podcast. I have no idea which one it is but it definitely is new :0)

In today's episode I'm talking about fairly (not majorly) luxury beauty products and their brilliant and more affordable counterparts. Don't get me wrong, I love all of them but it's important to cover all bases.

I'll be talking about V Beckham Kajal Liners, Caroline Hirons Cleansing Gel and the most STUNNING Penhaligons fragrance for Autumn and then telling you the products that cost more than half the price and are also wonderful. (I love that beauty gives us options!!)

Thanks for listening and here's to September! xx

I don't know about you but I still can't let go of the feeling that September represents the start of a brand new term 

When I was younger, the last few days of the summer break were filled with dread as I bought my new stationary and school shoes, but now I'm an adult I try to embrace the change in pace and season and often use beauty to reframe things.

In this episode I'll chat through nail, body, hair and makeup tips to both physically and mentally reset us for the months ahead. I'll also talk about the changes I'm planning on making in the coming weeks to make myself feel positive and healthy.

In this week's minipod I'm sharing wisdom from some of the most brilliant women that I've spoken to....

wisdom about mental health, wisdom about chasing your career dreams, wisdom about womens health and why vaginal oestroegen might help you with a plethora of issues including UTIs and incontinence.

I also needed to add a bit of beauty in so you'll hear about my current skincare too.

I think this is a really important episode and hope it empowers you to take control of a few aspects of your life that are so very easy to lose the way with.

The Mini Mini Pod is back with two really excellent recommendations (if I do say so myself).

The bronzer in particular has become my new favourite makeup item xx

*Tropic Skincare are supporting the entire #RedefineYouth project*

In this week's minipod I'm telling you about something that I've been planning for a long time. For the next couple of months or so I'm challenging us to think about being youthful in a whole new way and in doing so, to hopefully change how we feel about ourselves forever.

During the minipod I'll talk about what made me come up with #redefineyouth and how we can all take part in a project that I hope will make us feel confident, happy and ready for anything!

Thanks so much to Tropic who have helped make this happen. 

There are so many brilliant new products around and I was in the mood for a good delve into what I'm liking and testing at the moment for this week's minipod.

I'll be talking about a new barrier loving skincare live from the derm who treats Lady Gaga and The Kardashian's, a beautiful moisturising emulsion from one of Lisa Eldridge's favourite brands, a rosy/bronzy glow that is irresistible, a bronzing fluid from a top skincare brand and lots more.

I'll link to all products mentioned in my Instagram stories xx

Let's start the week with a recommendation for the ultimate feel good, refreshing and quite frankly gorgeous scent that you'll be splashing all over yourself this summer.

In this episode I get to know the exceptionally talented makeup artist Lan Nguyen-Grealis aka Lans London.

Lan is a world renownded artist and is the woman behind many of the most famous faces around including Raye and Paloma Faith.

During the episode we chat about Lan's incredible journey and how this self taught artist went from doing makeovers for women who were having professional photos taken to becoming one of the most coveted makeup artists in the world.

In today's Mini Mini Pod I talk about the amazing benefits of The Nue Co's fragrance Forest Lungs and how I use it when I'm feeling below par.

In this week's minipod I'm answering some of questions that you asked me on Instagram.

Amongst other things I cover "pheremone scents" that smell irresistibly sensual when worn alone but also layer perfectly. I'm also talking about my favourite sex toy, how my anxiety is and I chat through my favourite mascaras. 

Loved recording this. Feel free to send your questions over any time to @outspokenbeautynicola.

In this episode I'm listing some of my favourite summer holiday products. (It's like one big rain fest in the UK at the moment so I'm indulging in a bit of escapism).

I can absolutely vouch for all of the products I talk about. They do what they say they will and many of them are an utter pleasure to use and fill me with instant holiday joy.

From fragrance to spf to a super light but hydrating body oil to the product that will keep your skin in check, I've got you covered. 

In this week's mini mini pod I'm talking about a product that really helps to calm me down. I also mention how you can cleverly use scent to make positive associations that will help you when things are more challenging.

This week I had the honour of interviewing Lans Nguyen-Grealis, one of the world's truly great makeup artists. Every time you see Raye or Paloma Faith looking fabulous, you can bet your bottom dollar that Lans was the woman who made them up. 

Anyway, following our amazing interview (coming soon), Lans let me have a good old look at her (huge) makeup kit and also made some excellent recommendations which I'm sharing with you on this week's minipod.

I'll also be talking about the affordable cabinet that I use for fragrance storage, a really affordable and beautiful high street scent and more.

Enjoy xx

• Glastonbury and lost tents
• Nudist Festival etiquette and our feelings about the Killing Kittens Sex Cruise
• How we feel about the general election and why we both HATE it when politicians feed us BS
• Makeup by Mario
• Some great beauty products

If you're looking for warm skin, bursts of fresh neroli and the most sensual dry down...if you like Tom Ford Neroli Portofino but want something a bit different....if you want a scent that simmers on warm skin but is also bursting with sunlight, then you need to listen to today's mini mini pod xx

Thanks for all of the questions you asked me on Instagram (@outspokenbeautynicola) this week.

I'm chatting about brown mascara, the Lisa Eldridge products that I recommend, Led Masks, the best upper eyelid eyeliners and I also tell you about a sensational fragrance.

Enjoy :0) 

In this week's Mini Mini Pod I tell you about the perfect red/orange lipstick that made me feel so glamorous over the weekend. I also have the perfect fragrance for you if you're someone who doesn't gravitate towards Chanel no 5 but wish that you did. Finally I tell you how I've turned my skin around after my terrible inflammation last week.

In this week's minipod I'm answering the questions that you asked via Instagram.

From the best pedicure to relationships and loneliness to sensitive skin to SPF, I can't actually belive how much I've managed to fit in.

xx

• Feeling stoned on progesterone
• The Summertime Ball and why I thought I was going to fall out of my seat
• Bryony's strange theory about Taylor Swift
• Our views on Stanley Cups and Air-ups 
• The awkward thing that can happen in therapy that we've both experienced
• Bryony's amazing OK Beauty box
• We answer your beauty and non beauty related questions.

I'm so excited to tell you about the bronzing liquid that's revolutionised my makeup. I adore it. It's not as easy to use as some but once you master it you'll thank me!

In this week's mini mini pod I'm so excited to tell you about the brand that has finally allowed me to wear lovely heels without being in pain all day. I also have the perfect suit all coral liptstick that costs the same as a couple of coffees. 

Let me know about the products you're loving at the moment and about any beauty bargains that we all need to hear about.

If you want to join our private Facebook Community here's the link.

• Bryony's Bridgerton experience and why it was very nearly ruined by a duck
• Hilarious smear tests
• Why Bryony can never look her chemist in the eye again
• AI and deep fakes

It's my brief start of the week catch up where I'm talking about how I've shifted my PMT related low mood, the mascara that looks amazing and stays put event throuh tears and the fragrance Bleu Nour Neon Violet which is currently my biggest addiction and costs £36.

In this week's minipod I have some really beautiful products to tell you about including a cleanser that will truly look afer sensitive skin, a fragrance that is reminiscent of a spring walk by the sea in Capri and my fav hair oil of all time. I'll also  bediscussing some great things I learnt from my therapist this week and why getting my crazy periods properly checked out was the best choice I could have made.

Enjoy xx

• The strange thing my mum wants me to do with her ashes
• The best teabags in the world (according to Bryony)
• Eyeball licking (literally don't ask!)
• Being naked at home
• Extreme sex therapy

I love doing my mini mini pod to welcome in the week.

This week I'm telling you about one of the best hair products I've ever used and the scent that my friend uses in her house that had me swooning.

Enjoy xx

It's my weekly bite size dose of product recommendations and a few of the things that have been on my mind.

If you'd like to join the Outspoken Trialling Panel DM me and I'll send you a form. It's a great community and you'll get to test products and give your honest thoughts xx

If you're after a cooling, light, oil free SPF that is a great price and sits perfectly under makeup then you need to listen to today's episode xx

It's my weekly minipod and in this episode I have some really beautiful new products to tell you about. I'm also talking about asking your worth and why I really am turning into a moody woman (and I kinda like it :0)

In today's Mini Mini Pod I tell you about the silly thing I did to my skin and the product that has turned things around in a matter of days!

OK so it's not quite thattttt bad but I do:

Moan about a new expression that everyone keeps greeting me with

Moan about a meal I had with my Mum

Moan about my PMT

Moan about the fact that I can no longer eat sugar

Tell you about how it took an app to stop me being grumpy with Chris

In far better news....

I share amazing wisdom from an event I went to with Liz Earle and Dr Louise Newson

I have a stunning Australian skincare brand to tell you about

I share my new health resolutions that I hope will inspire you

And all in around 10 minutes

Enjoy it my outspoken friends xx

I've really put AKT natural deodorant through it's paces this past week, even getting poor Chris to do the sniff test at the end of each day. Here are my honest thoughts.

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's enlightening experience as a bio-dynamic farmer
• Nicola's screaming nose
• Child and puppy mayhem
• Nicola's fashion fail (thanks a lot Rishi Sunak)

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

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.

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 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 put

The glowy base of my dreams

How I'm taking advice from The Glucose Goddess in my bid to sort out my pre-diabetes

The questios we all need to be asking skincare influencers

and more...

Enjoy Outspoken Beauties xx

• 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 true
• And of COURSE loads of beauty with your brilliant questions answered and lots of really great product and technique tips.

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 [email protected] if you'd like to be a member of the Outspoken Beauty Trialling Panel.

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.

I'm doing a very beauty focused minipod this week where I update you on the products that I'm using on repeat and would really miss if they are ever discontinued. These are my mainstays and I am so impressed with them all.

I've taken a photo of everything mentioned on today's podcast and will publish it on my Instagram @outspokenbeautynicola.

Enjoy Outspoken Beauties!

A short and sweet episode for you to start the week with you.

I've got a brilliant, balanced breakfast idea that was given to me by the brilliant nutritionist Charlotte Faure Green. It stops blood sugar highs (and lows) and always keeps me nice and full until lunchtime.

I also want to tell you about some really beautiful products from Rare Beauty.

Enjoy xx

In this week's minipod I talk you through some of the beauty trends that I noticed cropping up at the CEW Beauty Awards Demonstration Evening and the products that I can't wait to try.

The event was held at The Business Design Centre in Islington which is a huge venue. As far as the eye could see were tables with people demonstrating the products that they were hoping we would vote for in the upcoming awards.(Which are known as the Oscars of the beauty industry).

It was amazing seeing such a wide range of brands both small and large and so many exciting and brilliant products and I can't wait for you to hear about some of them during this episode.

Over the weekend I did a story about IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream and there was much confusion about which one to go for. I hope this little podcast helps you get to know the different versions of this iconic (and brilliant) product a bit better.

Ps This is not sponsored/partnered...I have loved the different iterations of this cream for years and buy it on repeat.

I think that this is one of the most important episodes that I've ever published on Outspoken Beauty and if you have a daughter/niece/teenage girl in your life then you need to hear it.

My guest is Jane Kenyon who is the founder of an utterly brilliant charity called Girls Out Loud. Jane has been working with teenage girls for over 20 years and her charity enables women in industry to become "big sisters" and mentor them through some of the trickiest years of school.

Jane's insight into the current chellenges that girls are facing is deep and makes for scary listening. Social media, porn, self doubt and poor body image are only some of the problems that our teenagers are facing. Whilst many women are having positive and empowering conversations, it would seem like the opposite is happening for the younger generations.

During the episode we talk about what is happening and how we might be able to make change and whilst this conversation doesn't make for easy listening, I know that it has the power to inspire change and action and we have the power to come together and make this happen.

It's Minipod time and in this episode:

• I'm calling time on the words "midlife crisis"
• Wondering out loud why on earth Grazia thought it was a good idea to feature Rishi Sunak and wife Akshata Murty in an IWD series
• Chatting through a makeup brand that get all their pigments from nature
• Getting excited about a dry body oil that smells of actual heaven
• Talking you through the cool perfume brand that everyone needs to know about
• And more.... (My perimenopausal brain has forgotten the rest :0)

In this week's Minipod I'm giving you all the gossip about a stunning event held by the Fragrance Shop on Thursday and why I very nearly got caught doing something inappropriate to a perfume bottle.

I'm also chatting through the products used at the most incredible makeover I had done at the Charlotte Tilbury counter at John Lewis Oxford Street. (I highly recommend this if you have an event to go to).

There's also the period app that is totally revolutionising the ups and downs of my cycle, the nail polish that dries in 60 seconds and the minestrone soup recipe that I can't get enough of. (Here's the link)

xx

This is another very short but important episode.

I love the beauty industry for all the amazing things that it does but there are sides of it that still need to change and I'm incredibly irked by brands that engage in the behaviours that I mention in today's outspoken episode.

How do you feel? Let me know on Instagram @outspokenbeautynicola or on our brilliant private Facebook Community.

Happy Monday Outspoken Beauties.

This is probably the shortest podcast you'll ever hear but I thought it might be a nice little thing to do as a boost for you at the start of the week.

Hope you like my recommendation.

Nicola x

In this week's minipod I'm talking about the current personalised skincare offerings in the UK. I'll be talking through Skin and Me, And Begin, Klira, Get Harley, what they offer and how they differ.

I'll also be chatting through what they have in common and how to make them work for you and your skin.

I'll also tell you about the fragrance that everyone should own, a brilliant strengthening nail treatment, a scented patch to help you sleep, the perfect under eye shadow concealer and the makeup brushes that never fail me.

Enjoy xx

In this week's minipod I'm talking about Ruby Wax's retreat (My Mum told me about it and I'm incredibly tempted to go on it)

I also have so many great beauty recommendations, including brand new products from Ruby Hammer and Daniel Sandler, the three things I do to get my hair looking beautiful and shiny, bath salts to balance your hormones and the candle that never fails to make me smile.

If you fancy joining the Flourish Project which I chat about during the episode, follow this link.

(We have a great makeup workshop coming up).

In this week's Minipod I'm chatting about the Margaret Dabbs medi-pedi that I treated myself to and why I'm upping my footcare game.

I'm also talking about the debate around Pamela Anderson's upcoming skincare line, the most fabulous lip product, dodging laser beams at a Dermalogica event and the product that has made my skin silky soft and is effortless to use.

This episode is in partnership with And Begin Skincare

In this episode we’re getting to know a brand new and very exciting skincare brand called And Begin. Last week I sat down and got to know their consultant dermatologist Dr Malvina Cunningham and the brand’s Chief Marketing Officer Sophie van Ettinger and it was a truly uplifting experience.

During the episode we cover the very important difference between menopause and midlife skincare and why it’s so important to be able to offer a personalised service when it comes to our skin’s needs.

We also talk about what our skin does and needs when we get to our 40’s and above, why people in this age group are more energised and relevant than ever and how And Begin are going to inspire this community even more and why it’s not about anti or pro ageing but it’s all about managing the age you’re actually at.

This is a fun, feisty and informative episode about a skincare brand that I believe will help a great many women in a number of ways.

It's Minipod time and this week I'm thinking (and getting very scared about) an imminent flight that I have to get on.

I'm also talking about bras for big boobs, how to make gel manicures last longer, sorting out annoying itches and a new fragrance that is comforting yet will propel you into dreams of exotic holidays.

If you love the podcast come and join the Outspoken Beauty Trialling Panel where you get to try products and give honest reviews on the podcast. If you fancy it email me [email protected]

I'm doing a shorter episode today as we're still away in Bath. Business resumes as usual next week.

During the podcast I chat about how unbelievably expensive things are at the moment and why if I'm spending my money I expect things to over deliver or at the very least do what they say they will. (There is something very wrong about brands that promise things that they then fail to deliver).

I also talk about how my slipped disc has opened my eyes to a whole new world, why I wish I could go back in time and tell some of my exes exactly what I think of them with my 43 year old attitude and I also tell you my honest thoughts about the No 7 tubing mascara that I bought the other day. (I had high expectations).

If you fancy a catch up about anything you've heard on the podcast you can message me on Insta @Outspokenbeautynicola. xx

In this week's minipod I'm doing a beauty focus. I start by chatting about some of the products that have helped sort my skin out after it became excessively oily and congested and highlight how a simple and minimal routine can sometimes be the best thing.

I also mention some interesting new products that have already been released this year and also chat through a couple of makeup colour trends for 2024 (one of which you need to be careful with as used wrongly it can end up making you look a tad ill).

Finally, I talk about the cheap and cheerful way to look after your cuticles and discuss a slightly pricier product will do wonders for your skin and save you money in the long run.

If you're enjoying the podcast remember to rate it on Apple Podcasts and if you fancy a chat you can find me @outspokenbeautynicola on Instagram xx

In this, my last little episode of the year I look back at the things that I've learnt in 2023.

From insights into how to overcome anxiety to life as a woman who can no longer fit into all the clothes and has encountered chafing for the first time to lessons about people who don't always behave well and how to stand up for myself, this is deep in places and equally light-hearted and irreverent in others.

Happy New Year Outspoken Beauties and here's to lots of outspoken adventures in 2024.

A lot of you have asked for a little catch up episode before the New Year so I have of course delivered.

I'll be talking about the ups and downs of my new Apple Watch, why I'm loving Victoria Beckham's Satin Kajal in Bordeaux and am not getting on as well with a new Benefit Mascara that I purchased.

I'll also be taking all the pressure out of your New Year's Eve and any resolutions that you have a feeling that you may struggle to keep.

Oh and how could I forget?...I'm going to tell you about a brand new series coming for you in 2024.

• Awkward social situations and why we both hate them
• The simple way to get treated like a Lord or Lady and always get the best table/seat/treatment
• The time Bryony served Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie in a department store
• Glittery eye makeup and how to make it work for you
• Bryony's exciting saucepan purchase (she's REALLY excited about it!)
• The time my dad got weed on when he was trying to do a good turn

• The high street store with the most fabulous and affordable loafers
• The ultimate "no makeup makeup" with lots of skincare benefits
• An outfit idea that is so comfy and looks fabulous in most scenarios
• Two books that are on my radar, both VERY different
• Why my sister begged me to keep my knickers on (not quite as weird as it sounds)
• The wonderful hairbrush recommended by my hairdresser