Outspoken Beauty
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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 link https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Does-That-Make-Feel/dp/1398713201 Enjoy 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
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!
It's time for another great episode with Bryony Blake. Fresh from doing a perfume workshop together earlier in the day, we're chatting about the importance of friends who make you laugh outrageously, my idea for a multi-functional product called The Triple Buzz and Bryony's trip of a lifetime to Universal Studios. After that it's onto all things beauty and Bryony is answering more of your questions with everything from how to stop makeup brushes from going clumpy when you wash them to the very best red lipstick for a bride to whether we need to use essences or not. Enjoy this. It's the perfect combo of fun and beauty tips.
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
It's so good to welcome the amazing Sam Chapman back on the podcast. During the episode Sam opens up about how she has gone about achieving happiness and balance in her life after her mental health started to suffer. Sam also chats to me about the aesthetic treatments that she has had, how she helps her audience by sharing the details of what has worked for her and why she'll never be having a thread lift again. Later Sam talks me through some of the products that she absolutely swears by, including the foundation that beats all others. We also talk about her amazing partnership with Beauty Pie and how she went about helping to design makeup that works for women of all ages. It was so good catching up with Sam and I can't wait for you to listen to our conversation.
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.
In this thought provoking episode I welcome the amazing Michelle Feeney, founder of Floral Street, back on the podcast for a chat about all things sex and scent. Michelle and I discuss the way that some perfume is sold to us and why in many ways it feels outdated and demeaning. As consumers what do we actually want from our fragrances? Is it all about attracting someone else or should it be more about what makes us happy and if so should the advertisers re-consider their messaging and imagery? This episode will make you question what fragrance stands for and how as consumers we should expect to be spoken to by the markettiers with the big budgets who don't always seem get it right.
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: __ __
Makeup artist extraordinaire and all round lovely lady Bryony Blake is back and in this episode she's answering lots of the makeup related questions that you've been asking via Instagram. From how to get a full coverage glowy base to affordable tubing mascaras to the perfect blushers for different skin tones, Bryony has so much wisdom to share and lots of recommendations too. We're also chatting about me making a bit of a fool of myself when I looked around a school this week, Bryony's upcoming trip of a lifetime and what she'll be taking onthe plane and find out what made us laugh so much that my microphone stopped working.
A three minute guide with product recommendations to help stop the dreaded eyeshadow creasing and keep everything where it should be. (Anyone else end up with displaced eyeshadow about an hour after applying it?)
I'm so excited to be working with Avon again and can't wait for you to learn all about a brand new lipstick and serum-foundation from their amazing Makeup and Care range. (Think exceptional quality makeup with top skincare ingredients). During the episode I chat to their brilliant UK Director of Marketing, Hannah Lally, who explains how the Makeup and Care range came about and talks us through the amount of work and science that goes into making it just right. We also talk about makeup trends and why it's no longer enough for so many of us when out makeup doesn't deliver skin benefits. I then welcome the super talented makeup artist Tom Fraser who is a fellow Avon lover and explains why he loves their new Hydramatic Shine Lipsticks and the best way to apply them in comparison to their iconic matte version and also why the 3 in 1 Serum Foundation is such a standout product if you want a glow and just the right amount of coverage. Finally we get some honest insights from members of the Outspoken Beauty Trialling Panel who have been testing both products in a variety of situations. I've loved working on this episode and hope you enjoy the episode (and the products) as much as I have.
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) https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/classic-minestrone-soup 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 https://www.facebook.com/groups/419953838690477.
In this special Outspoken Women Episode I welcome Emma Sayle, founder of the members only sex club Killing Kittens. Emma founded Killing Kittens in 2005 with the ambition of making a female-oriented and empowering sex club. To this day, men are invitation only and the women are firmly in charge. Emma has also created a huge online offering which includes sexual empowerment workshops and even a safe dating app. To put it bluntly, Emma is the Queen of women's pleasure and has created a space where we can explore our fantasies safely and with abandon. During the episode we chat about the sex parties that Emma holds and what actually happens at them. You may be surprised to know that many women go there to have their first sexual experiences with other women or even just to dance in their underwear with a group of friends. We also chat about relationships, keeping the flame alive and how to become more sexually empowered as women. This is such a fascinating episode and I found it totally inspiring and liberating.
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 episode I welcome the brilliant journalist, author, founder of charity Mental Health Mates and mental health campaigner Bryony Gordon. Bryony has written a phenomenal book called "Mad Woman". It comes 10 years after her bestseller Mad Girl and explores a huge range of topics including binge eating, burnout, menopause, the pandemic and the very nature of mental illness. It is a book of self discovery and is ultimately hugely honest and leaves you feeling uplifted and with a whole new mindset about mental illness and life. During the episode Bryony is so open about many of the topics she explores in the book. She tells me about how the pandemic, a health scare, the effects of the perimenopause on her mental health and so much more have affected her and helped her become a wiser person who is finally more at peace with who she is. We also talk about fighting the patriachy, kitchen discos and what the world would be like if men experienced the menopause. Bryony has been so incredibly brave in the way that she has consistently opened up about her mental health to help others and it was such an honour to finally get to speak to her on Outspoken Beauty.
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
Bryony's here for another roller coaster ride of an episode. Highlights this week include: An eyeshadow palette that has blown Bryony's mind The Gaga lip gloss that stays shiny all day The TV that tells you off Nicola's week of sofa surfing Breastfeeding strips The ups and downs of being a sperm relationships and lots more. Hope you have a good giggle and enjoy the beauty recommendations. xx
In this episode I'm chatting to entrepreneur and all round lovely woman Helen Snooks. Last year I had a coffee with Helen's husband Chris and we ended up chatting for ages about how many of us eat a diet that leads to bad health but how difficult it is to actually get nutrition right....life is busy and it's so much easier to grab something quick and easy. Chris explained how he and his wife Helen were on a mission to make getting great nutrition and namely fibre easy and accessible and told me all about their brand Indi. I was fascinated and wanted to learn more. (I was also really excited because the brilliant Dr Federica Amati was one of the scientists working on the brand). A few months later I was lucky enough to also get to know Indi's co-founder and Chris' wife Helen. We instantly clicked and I knew I had to get her on the podcast. Like me she hates BS and definitely has issues with the current state of affairs in the world of supplements and nutrition. During the episode we chat about how we eat, how we can help our future health, why we need to be wary of certain supplements and how they are sold to us and how Helen and Chris have worked to make something truly extraordinary with trust at the forefront of what they do. If you're confused about supplements I hope this helps you to feel more informed.
It's time for my Minipod and this week I'm talking about : Memories of the Body Shop (this week we found out that it's going into administration). Scamp and Dude and what might happen when I go to their sample sale The budget makeup brand that I adore and some products that I recommend The beautiful smelling, comforting new range from Selena Gomez An affordable and stunning illuminating product and lots more. Let me know what you're loving. I'd love to hear from you on Instagram @outspokenbeautynicola.
I'm so excited about this, my second episode of Outspoken Women. In it I'm joined by the incredibly inspiring and kind entrepreneur, businesswoman, Dragon and TV personality, Sara Davies MBE. I first met Sara when she was giving the most uplifting and motivating talk to a room of 700 Avon representatives. She covered so many topics from how to make your business a success to how to juggle all the demands that life makes on us as women. As I scribbled copious notes I KNEW I had to get her on the podcast. Well the rest is history and she's here to I hope motivate you in the same way as she has done me. During the episode we chat about Sara's love for beauty and how her Mum started her skincare journey. Sara also tells us about how she navigates Mum guilt, how she built her hugely successful business Crafter's Companion from scratch and made it a success when she was a student, why we need to fake it til we make it and how we need to own the decisions that we make and never look back. What a woman and I feel SO lucky that I can share her wisdom with you here. Enjoy this Outspoken Beauties x
In this episode (and following lots of amazing feedback after her last podcast) my wonderfully outspoken and funny Mum Francesca comes back for another chat. This time we're talking HRT, Reformer Pilartes, the 10,000 step challenge, gynaecologists and there are of course some beauty recommendations in there too. If you're after some fun, warmth and good company then you'll love this episode with the woman who made me outspoken and sparked my passion for beauty.
This week's Minipod definitely isn't the one I had planned. During it I talk about what has happened in the last 24 hours and why I couldn't bring myself to get on the plane for the trip of a lifetime. I chat about some of the things I tried to put in place to get me on the plane but why ultimately I just couldn't do it. I also have some hair recommendations and the perfect pink lipstick to tell you about. xx
Oh my goodness I loved doing this episode with Bryony Blake. She honestly makes me laugh so much that I snort. This week we're talking: Bryony's message from a man who has taken a massive interest in her feet (and why part of her is secretly quite proud). Why Louis interviews me each night when the lights go off My awful welcome home after time away My mission to get Charlotte Tilbury on the podcast Grumpiness towards Diary of a CEO Cinema fun and SO much more. We have some fantastic beauty recommendations for you too, inlcuding the body cream with a scent that lasts all day and smells of summer and the best eyeliner. Bryony also has some good makeup artist tips for us.
