I had to re-run this episode with modern day feminist, illustrator and author Florence Given which was recorded when she had just published her first book "Women Don't Owe You Pretty".Fast forward a couple of years and she's now got anotehr Sunday Times Bestseller out. This time it's called Women Living Deliciously and is all about unpacking the barriers we face so that we can access the joy we deserve.During this episode Florence and I take "Women Don't Owe You Pretty" as a starting point for a discussion about the role that beauty plays in a woman's life. Do we wear makeup because it is an expectation that has been set by the patriachy? What exactly is beauty? How much power do we actually have to look how we truly want to?Florence challenges social expectations of beauty and definitely made me revaluate a few things. This is a fascinating episode with a woman who isn't afraid to be truly outspoken.

In this week's minipod I'm talking piercings, lash gels, great eye creams, one of the best luxury serums I've ever used and two incredible fragrances.Enjoy my weekly beauty edit!

In this episode I chat to the thoroughly lovely model, mother and knitter extraordinaire, Laura Coleman.I met Laura when we were chatting on a panel about beauty standards and found that we shared many of the same beliefs about the pressure that is put on women to look a certain way. Laura talked about how she has stopped worrying about how she looks and started accepting what she sees in the mirror. During the podcast Laura and I talk about how she has learnt to go with the flow and not overthink things. This has led to her life being far less stressful. She chats about shunning the constant life advice that she is fed on social media in favour of doing the things that make sense to her (ie Don't force yourself to do a workout if your body is telling you it needs a nice lie down on the sofa with a cuppa).Laura also tells me about the huge part that knitting plays in her life, the beauty products that make her happiest, coming to terms with stretch marks and lets me into the secret of her INCREDIBLE necklaces.I love Laura. She is a warm, kind, down to earth soul who makes you feel like we sometimes need to take life a little less seriously and calm the F down (which is definitely what I need!) Enjoy this Outspoken Beauties xx

In this episode I’m chatting to Michaella Mazzoni, a recovered FMS patient and award winning registered BANT Nutritionist.  (As seen in Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Glamour, BBC Good Food and more). Michaella has sat at both sides of the appointment table, first as a patient and now as a healthcare practitioner. She has endometriosis and PCOS, two common hormone conditions that 1 in 10 women have in the UK and has found that how she eats has a massive, positive impact on her hormonal health. During the episode we talk about how PCOS can affect health as we get older and what can be done about it. We also have a wider conversation about hormone health and how we can empower ourselves to improve how we feel through our lifestyle choices. Michaella is brimming with knowledge and is so experienced. I hope you get lots out of our chat whether you have PCOS or are simply struggling with your hormones.

I've discovered some really excellent products recently and can't wait to share them with you.This week I'm talking about:My new favourite lipstick and pencilA lovely spf for this time of yearThe perfect pillow spray that I carry in my handbag at all timesMy favourite new eye creamHow to gift fragrance wellPlus I'll reveal why I experienced real life Motherland yesterday!

It's time for another dose of the wonderful Bryony Blake.In this episode:Bryony has been manifesting and her dream has officially come trueI'm discussing why I find certain varieties of milk and cheese abhorrentBryony tells us why our eyelashes might be shrinkingI ask Bryony a VERY personal questionWe discuss cosy candlesWe have lots of lovely beauty recommendationsEnjoy our fortnightly feelgood episode xx

This Episode Is In Partnership With Avon In this episode, inspired my amazing experience at the Avon Conference earlier this year, I'm exploring what it's truly like to be an Avon representative and how this company not only empowers but truly changes lives.During the episode I'm chatting to Tracey Powers who is the UK Sales Director and who totally blew me away with her energy and passion when I met her at the conference. She'll be giving us a behind the scenes insight into what Avon stands for and how their beliefs translate to their community of representatives in the very best and most empowering way.Next we hear from Leigh Ann and Janine, both of whom have had their lives changed by Avon and open up about the challenges that they have overcome thanks to thier decisions to become representatives.This is an amazing episode. giving a rare insight into a company that truly makes a difference.

In this week's minipod I have lots of lovely things to tell you about including the best ever ankle boots, a face mask that gave me the most gorgeous, hydrated skin today, a nail polish product that will make your gel manis last longer and loads more.Enjoy xx

What a fabulous guest I have in store for you! In this episode I'm chatting to Gogglebox star and hairdresser extraordinaire Daniel Lustig.Daniel was a much loved star of the show and after leaving in 2023 and the break-down of his marriage with fellow star Stephen Webb, is now re-evaluating his life and getting ready for a new start.During the episode we chat about:What actually goes on behind the scenes of GoggleboxComing to terms with a public breakupHis career as a hairdresser and what he loves about the hair and beauty industryBeauty tipsMale hormonesMale makeupThe fragrance that has people chasing Daniel up the streetAnd more....Enjoy getting to know this thoroughly lovely man!

In this episode I welcome the truly brilliant journalist and editor Andrea Thompson.Andrea is the Editor in Chief of Marie Claire UK and is a woman who has made it her personal mission to tell the stories that matter, winning awards for her pieces about people who are mariginalised by society, diversity and sustainability.She is also incredibly down to earth whilst being naturally glamourous and beautiful both inside and out and during the episode we talk about her career, her beauty and wellbeing habits and so much more.Enjoy getting to know this wonderful woman!

In this week's minipod I'm talking you through my top cosy, warming and sultry scents now we're in November. You'll find all different price points and each fragrance is incredibly special and well made. The brands I mention are:@avon_uk@edenisteparfum@maisonlouismarie@andotherstories@neomwellbeing@commodityOh and I'll also tell you how I faced some rahter large spiderrs head on :0)

This week I have an edit of 5 fabulous products to lift your mood.From bath oils to eyeliners to the affordable fragrance set that will blow your mind and my must have supplements, I hope you find this edit useful and beautifully mood boosting!xx

*This Episode is (Em)powered by Tropic *In this episode, Bryony Blake and I are joined by our wonderful friend and the Director of Marketing at Tropic Skincare, Emily Mitchell.Emily is such a wonderful human being and during the episode we chat about what #RedefineYouth means to us and why the campaign has aligned so well with everything that Tropic stands for.I also read out some of the wonderful messages from you, Outspoken Beauty community. SO many of you have embraced the idea of challenging yourselves to leave your comfort zones and do some truly incredible things over the past few months. I'm truly in awe of you.I'm forever grateful to Emily and Tropic for supporting this project and for helping so many of us to think beyond society's expectations and rediscover the things that truly matter to us and it doesn't end here. Let's carry on redefining youth together. 

In this week's minipod I'm talking:The best static-reducing hair sprayA friend's romantic book recommendation (A Court of Thorns and Roses)11+ frustrationMy weird relaxation techniqueMole checksPierced Ear tipsAnd more. Enjoy Outspoken Beauties xx

Bryony Blake is back for another fun and beauty filled episode.I think the title says it all but this week Bryony has had a very special beauty treatment, she's sharing her disdain for sweet, knitted things and I nearly got arrested (OK slight exaggeration but I COULD have been) at the zoo.Plus we have your beauty recommendations of the week.Happy listening Outspoken Beauties xx

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

It was Menopause Day on Friday so I wanted to publish this interview I did with the brilliant menopause doctor Naomi Potter.Naomi has helped thousands of women through her Menopause Care Clinics and has worked with Lisa Snowdon to help equip women with as much information as possible.During the episode she gives great advice and info which I hope you find really useful xx

In this episode I'm doing a beauty news roundup for you. From the new Sol de Janeiro fragrance that's causing quite the stir to what's happening during British Beauty Week next week to a suprising new beauty trend, this is your beauty industry update (she says in a newsreadery voice). Enjoy Outspoken Beauties xx

Last night I went on my Insta Stories (@outspokenbeautynicola) and did an "ask me anything".As ever, your questions were brilliant and varied and in this episode I'll be covering everything from finding a therapist to prescribing fragrances to chatting about life with two kids. I'll also recommend the most incredible eyeliner that I'm a little bit obsessed with to say the least!

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

Be Aware This Episode Discusses Baby Loss It's Baby Loss Awareness Week and in this episode I chat to Michelle and Gerry, two incredibly brave women who wanted to come on the podcast and chat about their own experiences of baby loss and how they have come to terms with it.Gerry and Michelle are both so honest about what happened to them and the very different ways that they dealt with it. They wanted to share their experiences so that they could help others and during the conversation they recommend charities that can help families going through the same and also give really good advice when it comes to how to communicate how you are feeling to those around you (plus the most helpful things we can say to people who have lost babies).Whilst this is a hearbreaking topic, it's an important one to open up about. SO many women lose babies at all stages of pregnancy and the grief can be overwhelming. Gerry and Michelle have sad stories to tell but as you'll hear, there are also parts that are uplifting and the journey that both women have been on will I hope give hope to many.Here are some of the charities mentioned during the episode:Sands - [email protected]  0808 1643332The Lullaby Trust - [email protected] 0808 8026869Tommy's - [email protected] 0207 398 3400The Miscarriage Association - [email protected]  01924 200799 

In this week's Minipod I'm talking about the products that make my nails glow, improve their health and are SO easy to apply.I'll also be chatting about why we need to be talking about womens health more and giving you some more lovely recommendations.Ps Let me know what you think of the new theme tune!! 

This week Bryony and I are both feeling pretty hormonal. After we help each other out of our initial grump we're talking ghosting, dating, exes and we're answering lots of your excellent questions. PLus there's beauty advice and lots more 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 episode I chat to an incredibly inspiring headmistress who opens up about her long journey to having the confidence to express herself within a profession that sets firm rules and expectations.Lara Pechard works in a world where both the parents and her peers alike (often headmasters) have certain preconceptions about how a headmistress should look and present herself. She explains how it has taken her years but that she now has the attitude that she is who she is and that her external attributes should have nothing to do with her skills as the head of a school.We chat about the importance of being yourself and not allowing yourself to be judged and also have a fascinating talk about how to look after our childrens' mental health (Lara has won awards for her work around mental health in schools). We even have time to chat about her passion for fragrance!I wish that more heads of schools had the confidence and self assuredness to show their students that we need to believe in who we are and express that to the world. Sometimes "breaking the rules" can be the most powerful and freeing thing we can do for ourselves and set the very best example to those around us.

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 HairIn 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.

Bryony and I had the BEST time recording this in the studio and we laughed so much I thought someone was going to tell us to be quiet!During the episode:Bryony reveals something very personal about her feelings towards cotton woolI make a very important discovery about Pacey from Dawson's CreekWe chat about what Dirty Dancing means to us which leads to a chat about holiday romances..good and bad!We also recommend lots of products and have a chat about the best beauty advent calendars xx

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

This episods is in partnership with New Nordic (Janette is one of their brand ambassadors)I'm so excited to welcome the absolutely brilliant Janette Manrara on today's episode.Janette, who many of us know and love as a Strictly Come Dancing dancer and judge is also a TV presenter and author. Her little girl is one year old and she recently turned 40.During the episode we chat about the eternal juggle of being a working mum and how there still remains a lot of judgement if we decided to go back to work earlier than people expect us to.We also talk about the things Janette does to feel as good as possible at the same times as being the busiest she's ever been. What are her little tricks for feeling happy and healthy?Janette's mum also makes a hilarious appearance during the episdoe.I absolutely loved everything about this warm, energetic woman and can't wait for you to hear a different side of her.

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

This episode is in collaboration with Marc-Antoine BarroisIn this special episode I'm joined by my On The Scent co-host and wonderful friend Suzy Nightingale as we sit down with @marcantoinebarrois - couturier turned fragrance house founder - for an intimate conversation recorded at the Piccadilly Arcade boutique (just before our On The Scent sold-out live event!) The discussion delves into Marc-Antoine's journey to becoming a renowned name in the world of couture and perfumery.Marc-Antoine shares heartfelt stories about his early passion for fashion, inspired by his grandfather, a textile industrialist in Northern France. His career took off when he was discovered by Dominique Sirop, leading to collaborations with iconic designers such as Jean-Paul Gaultier at Hermès and John Galliano. These experiences shaped his distinctive style, characterised by sustainability and timeless elegance.A pivotal moment in Marc-Antoine's life was meeting perfumer Quentin Bisch in 2015. Describing it as meeting a "twin brother," Marc-Antoine recounts how their shared values and creative synergy led to a profound partnership. Together, they embarked on a journey to create unique fragrances that evoke emotions and memories, blending their expertise in couture and perfumery.During the podcast, Suzy and I explore the Marc-Antoine Barrois fragrance universe, uncovering the inspirations and creative processes behind each scent. Marc-Antoine and Quentin's collaboration is marked by mutual respect and trust, allowing them to craft perfumes that are both timeless and innovative.This episode is a testament to Marc-Antoine's dedication to his craft and his ability to inspire elegance and confidence through both fashion and fragrance. I so hope you enjoy listening! 

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.

She's only gone and done it!Ruth Crilly...supermodel, content creator and creative genius, is one of the funniest and best writers in the business (as anyone who's read her blog/substack can attest to) and now she can finally say that she's a published author as well (and is in the Sunday Times Bestesellers list to boot!)Having known Ruth for a number of years I know that even though she wears many hats, writing is her true passion and in this episode we have a brilliant conversation about her brand new book "How Not To Be A Supermodel".Ruth talks us through how it felt to be told that she had a publishing deal, her writing process and also let us into lots of secrets about some of the personal/shocking and downright hilarious things that she writes about in her book.Ruth is one of my best people to interview and I love how self effacing and genuine she is during this interview. 

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.

Reunited and it feels so good....Bryony and I are SO happy to be back together in this episode and have a whole load of catching up to do following our holidays.Amongst many other things we talk about:Bryony's CRAZY journey home from TenerifeThe lizard that jumped on Louis' tummy and the chaos that ensuedHoliday buffets and Bryony's partner's fear of themThe pervy man on the EurotunnelThe waitress who arched her eyebrow at me when I ordered the cookie ice cream sundae After the above hilarity, there are loads of really great beauty recommendations including a must have blusher from NYX.xx

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.

This episode is in partnership with Avon's Brand New Fragrance Far Away ShineI've been SO looking forward to publishing this episode and finally being able to tell you about the new Far Away fragrance on the block.As you probably know, I've got a longstanding relationship with Avon that is very important to me. They are a brand that truly democratise beauty, enabling everyone access to truly good quality beauty products as well as empowering women in so many ways. One thing that really stands out is the quality of their fragrances and Far Away Shine is really very special, as you'll hear in this episode.During the podcast I chat to the brilliant Victor Costa who is Avon's Global Head of Fragrance and is incredibly passionate about what he does. He explains how Far Away Shine came into being, what inspired it and how it makes him feel.After this it's the turn of my darling friend and On The Scent co-host Suzy Nightingale, who takes us on a brilliant journey through her imaginative description of the scent. You'll literally feel like you're wearing it.Finally we'll hear from members of the Outspoken Beauty Trialling Panel who have been testing the fragrance over the summer and will give their honest opinions of the perfume.This is a great episode for fragrance lovers who want to discover something truly special and beautifully affordable.

Redefine Youth is Empowered by Tropic SkincareIn 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

What a great way to formally begin this new season of Outspoken Beauty.In this episode I speak to the founder of one of the most coveted and iconic skincare brands of recent years, Drunk Elephant.Tiffany tells us about how and why she came up with the idea for her brand, a brand that took the beauty world by storm and was soon adorning the shelfies of any serious skinthusiast.We discuss what Tiffany felt was missing from the skincare world and why she felt that skincare consumers weren't being served what they truly needed for healthy skin.We chat about the inspiration for the brand's name and bright colours and also have an honest conversation about the fact that many younger people have coveted Drunk Elephant and how Tiffany feels about it.Tiffany also chats about motherhood, empty nest syndrome and opens up about her life.This is a really great chance to get to know the woman behind a brand that I know many people are fascinated by.

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 mini minipod recorded on my holiday in France I get outspoken about an article I read about facelifts for women over 40 which then leads me to chat about current beauty standards, what I think we should actually be spending our money on and why and all in just over 5 minutes!! I really am Le grand grump but I think for good reason and I hope this episode resonates with you xx

In this special episode recorded in France I talk about my longheld love of French pharmacies and why even though we can now get many of the products in the UK, there is still something really magical about buying beauty products the French way.I start by going through some of the brilliant bits and pieces that I've found in the local French Pharmacy here in South West France and why A313 retinol cream may not be quite as amazing as people say it is (according to an actual French pharmacist!).Then I talk you through the beauty products that one of my French beauty icons uses and adores....Valerie was an incredibly glamorous model who came to London to learn English. She lived with my family, helped look after me and my sister and became like a sister to me and a best friend to my mum. It was Valerie who not only made me fall in love with French culture but who taught me all about makeup. I'll never forget the excitement in my mum's eyes as Valerie introduced her to the latest French beauty products and trends. Anyway, we were messaging earlier and she sent over a list of all of her favourite French beauty products which I of course share with you during this episode.All in all, if you're into beauty then I reckon you'll be planning a trip to France by the time this episode is finished.Bisous mes beautés franches

It's become traditional for me to record holiday minipods and this is the first little catch up from France.In this episode I'm telling you about some of the things I'm doing on holiday to help me with my Redefine Youth* project. (I'm having so much fun doing this and it is totally changing the way I think about myself and life in general).I also talk about my holiday skincare routine and why I'm sticking with my Klira even though I'm out in the sun each day.In the next episode I'll chat through some of my top French beauty buys.BisousNicola x*Redefine Youth is (em)powered by Tropic Skincare

What a refreshing and enlightening interview this was!Dr Emily Leeming is a true gut expert (not one of the many people online who purport to be one) who has studied our microbiomes more than anyone I've ever encountered and is on a mission to help us feel better by looking after our "2nd brains" in a simple yet really effective way.During the episode we chat about the microbes that live on and in our body and how without them we would find it hard to survive. Emily myth busts in a big way, explaining why probiotics are not generally the answer and why rather than populating our guts with supplements, we need to look after and diversify them with diet, social interaction and other simple but truly effective tricks for health.I ask Emily so many questions (I couldn't get them out quickly enough) and just know that this episode is going to help so many people.I also have to point you to her AMAZING book Genius Gut which I devoured in a day. Please listen to this episode if you have time. It will help you without overwhelming or encouraging restrictive or comlex diets. Emily is indeed a genius!