My guest in this episode is psychotherapist, bestselling author, speaker and incredible human being Anna Mathur.Anna talks about mental health in the most approachable of ways, often opening up about her own challenges and sharing how she has overcome them. She has written a series of exceptional books aimed at new mothers but her most recent one, The Uncomfortable Truth is for absolutely everyone and is all about facing and accepting our deepest fears in order to live freely and peacefully.During the episode we talk about so many pertinent challenges that I know a huge amount of us face. From the fear of losing our loved ones to dealing with relationships with others and ourselves and what to do if anxiety hits us, Anna has such insightful advice and amazing stories to tell. We chat about life being short and how important it is to live as our authentic selves and why what others think about us really is of no concernt to us (If people judge it is through the lens of their lives and there is nothing we can do about it so why not just let it go!)I can't believe how much wisdome Anna fits into our hour together but I do know that she has made me feel so much stronger in so many ways and that she will do the same for you. So, listen to the podcast and make sure you have a read of her incredible book. It might just change your life for the better xx

In this week's Minipod I'm talking about my return to using skincare brand Klira (now that my barrier is finally repaired) and the huge difference that I've seen already. I also mention an excellent eye makeup remover for sensitive eyes, my absolute top makeup brand of the moment and some more truly great products.I'm also updating you on #redefineyouth (em-powered by Tropic Skincare) and some of the challenges that I've completed this week. I read out emails from you my fellow Outspoken Beauties who have already joined the movement and are doing brilliant things.If you'd like to take part let me know and make sure you tag me in anything that you do xx

In this episode I have a long overdue catch up with Beauty Editor and digital creator Alessandra Steinherr. Alex was the Beauty Director of Glamour Magazine for over a decade and then launched her own beauty consultancy business. As well as being hugely popular on social media, Alex is currently the beauty editor of The Glossary Magazine.During the episode Alex and I chat about how her career has pivotted, the ups and downs of life on TikTok, passion for fragrance and the beauty products that Alex has sworn by for years and will never be without.Enjoy this catch up with one of the true beauty editor icons.

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

This episode is supported and (em)powered by Tropic SkincareI am so excited to introduce you one of the kindest, funniest, biggest personalities in the beauty industry. Carlton Connell is the MD of Tropic Skincare and during this episode he tells me about his incredible journey from West End star to the heart of the beauty industry and how a chance meeting with Tropic's CEO Susie Ma was to shape his career in the most amazing way.As well as Carlton's journey, we have a brilliant discussion about my #redefineyouth project that Tropic are so kindly supporting. Carlton talks about challenging himself to be true to who he is in any scenario, expressing himself with fashion and why this project is so important to him.If you want to get involved with #redefineyouth make sure you add the # to any challenges that you set yourself and keep listening to the podcast for more updates. 

*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. 

It's your fortnightly dose of Bryony Blake style shenanigans.This week we're talking about:Boat parties in Ibiza (with beds)An extremely unsexy moment involving progesterone and an unfortunate poseWhere Bryony was when all the computers stopped workingWe answer lots of your beauty questions and there's an amazing fragrance recommendation.I think you'll enjoy this one :0) xx

It's not every day you get to chat to a real life, modern day witch and my conversation with Semra Haksever @mamamooncandles is something I'll never forget.Semra describes herself as an eclectic witch, intuitive, healer and empath and I love her description of what a witch is:“A witch is a woman who emerges from deep within herself. She is a woman who has honestly explored her light and learned to celebrate her darkness. She is a woman who is able to fall in love with the magnificent possibilities of her power. She is a woman who radiates mystery. She is magnetic. She is a witch.”During the episode we talk about Semra's journey to becoming a witch and why embracing our own inner witch might be the best thing we can do. We chat about owning our power, expressing ourselves and how magical life is when you really stop and think about all the wonderful things we encounter on a daily basis. We also talk about how important it is to express our frustrations in the loudest way possible, why the moon is truly incredible and so much more.Semra also chats about the love and magic that goes into her (exceptional) candles and perfume oils.I truly think that you'll leave this episode feeling uplifted and somehow more powerful/ready to greet whatever life throws at you. 

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

It was such a pleasure to record this episode!Claudia Talsma is one of the loveliest people I have come across in the beauty industry and is also co-founder of some truly excellent brands including Rosalique which is specifically for those of us who struggle with sensitive, rosacea prone skin.As well as doing great things in beauty, Claudia lives in the country side, surrounded by animals which are hugely important to her.During the episode we talk about Claudia's career, working with her partner, the importance of animals and nature for mental health, sensitive skin, her favourite beauty products and so much more.Enjoy getting to know this truly fabulous woman.

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.

This week's minipod is a bit of a catch up. I chat about my (really positive) experience of micro-blading, why I'm taking progesterone pessaries and what my hormones are doing and where I'm at with my skincare. 

The lovely and super talented makeup artist Bryony Blake is back and this week we're chatting about my interview with a real life witch and the quesitonable experience I had with a psychic.Bryony has had an amazing makeup experience and we're chatting about relationships where we felt inferior to our other halves.There's also Bryony's experience of ear seeds and lots more thrown in for good measure.xx

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.

Laura Dowling is the person that every woman needs in her life and I'm so happy to have her as my guest in this incredibly informative episode.Laura, who is a highly experienced pharmacist, wants women to learn how to take control of their health and spends a lot of her time demystifying and debunking myths about medication and medical conditions. She also has toured Ireland encouraging women to learn and be open about sex, vulvas, menopause and so much more.As well as all of this amazing work, Laura is the founder of a brilliant supplement brand called Fabuwellness, where her wide medical and scientific knowledge have helped ensure that her supplements really do what they say they will and are packed with great quality ingredients.During the episode we talk about our frustration at how the pharmaceutical industry for so long made medication that had only been tested on men because womens' hormones made us too "complex". We also talk about protecting our health, the peri/menopause and why vaginal oestrogen can be a total gamechager for many many women. There is a lot of humour too (Laura has a giant, cuddly vulva which she takes along to her events nd shows me during the episode and that's just for starters).Enjoy getting to know and learning from this truly remarkable and really lovely woman.

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.

My guest this week is the perfect woman to listen to if you're already getting stressed at the thought of wearing a bikini this summer.Katie Sturino is a body acceptance advocate, founder of the amazing brand Megababe (they do the best anti-chafe stick in the business) and author of the brilliant book "Body Talk".During the episode we talk about the moment that Katie realised that it wasn't just her who was unhappy about her body but also a lot of the women who had the bodies that she dreamt. In short, women had been taught to feel unfulfilled with their bodies and THAT was the problem. Cue a shift in mentality and the beginning of Katie's journey as a body acceptance ambassador who has been so influential that Oprah invited her on her show to relay her message to the nation.Katie also talks about how to stop people commenting on your weight, how to feel good about yourself and we also talk about how she has made the most amazing business (and the ups and downs of that).Katie is funny, outspoken, irreverent and will make you feel good about yourself. I adore her and am so excited about this episode.

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

I know I know...this is meant to be a beauty podcast! But the thing is that once Bryony and I start talking we basically have no idea where the conversation is going to go! This week we chat throughGlastonbury and lost tentsNudist Festival etiquette and our feelings about the Killing Kittens Sex CruiseHow we feel about the general election and why we both HATE it when politicians feed us BSMakeup by MarioSome great beauty productsAlso.. as promised, the shoes that I mention are from Esska.

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

In this episode I'm joined by presenter, Sunday Times bestseller, Mum, former popstar and all round wonderful woman Frankie Bridge.Frankie and I had so much fun recording this episode and cover a whole host of beauty related topics including products and beauty habits that make Frankie feel great, how Frankie's attitude to beauty and the way she feels about herself has changed as she's got older, Frankie busts some beauty myths and we also have a great chat about how we apporoach mum life.Frankie was such a pleasure to chat to and I left the interview with a huge smile on my face. I hope you do the same :0)*Although Perfectil is mentioned by Frankie, this episode of Outspoken Beauty is not sponsored*

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) 

When I started Outspoken Beauty I knew that beauty was the perfect starting point for deeper conversations and this week's guest is the perfect example of this.Sallyha Din has a huge story to tell about family, culture and the challenges of shrugging off others' expectations in order to forge your own path. This is the story of how a woman who was expected to abide by strict cultural rules went her own way and reclaimed her body, her image and her passions.Sallyha Din is a passionate motorcyclist and we'll hear about how this came about and the path it has taken her on. Of course there is a huge beauty angle, with Sallyha chatting through her very favourite products, including those that stay perfectly put under her biker's helmet.Here are some of the products that Sallyha mentions:Caudalie Beauty ElixirAurelia Miracle Cleanser & Anti Pollution MaskHaus Labs Blush OPI Nail EnvyPalette Nail PolishPlease do follow Sallha on Insta @sallyhadin - her pictures and content are beautiful and she makes me want to get on a motorbike and zoom into distant lands.

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.

I haven't stopped thinking about this episode since I recorded it and it definitely goes down as one of favourite ever interviews.My guest is the incredible Dr Alex Box and boy does she have an impressive CV!  Alex is an internationally renowned artist and beauty futurist who has redefined the role of creativity in makeup, beauty and identity. She was the creative director of Illamasqua (she's the woman who put it on the map as being a brand that challenged the beauty status quo and took it to cult status), her TedX talk is truly inspiring and she has also worked with everyone from Chanel to Vivienne Westwood. Alex has recently founded V-Metics which is at the forefront of the future of makeup design and she is truly one of the most exciting and fascinating women I have ever met.During the episode Alex talks about challenging the status quo from a young age and the incredible path that it took her on. We chat about what beauty means, where it's going and why Alex sees it as her role to help shape it's future. We cover so much more ground and I can't wait for you to hear what Alex has to say. I hope she inspires you as she has me.

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

Bryony Blake is back for our fabulous fortnightly episode.This week we're talking:Feeling stoned on progesteroneThe Summertime Ball and why I thought I was going to fall out of my seatBryony's strange theory about Taylor SwiftOur views on Stanley Cups and Air-ups The awkward thing that can happen in therapy that we've both experiencedBryony's amazing OK Beauty boxWe answer your beauty and non beauty related questions.It's a good one Outspoken Beauties. Hope it brings a smile to your face xx

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 episode I chat to the incredible Vic Ceridono who has pivotted from being the beauty editor at Vogue Brazil to not only starting a hugely popular beauty website/blog called @diadebeaute but has also launched her own utterly fabulous beauty brand @vic_beaute.Vic, who will join me again for an episode about her career and beauty picks, spends this short episode talking about all things Brazilian beauty. From the hair movement that has made women feel empowered to the huge effect that the heat has on beauty to the intrinsic way that beauty culture is intertwined with life, this is a really interesting delve into both the universality of beauty but also how different it can feel depending where in the world you are.

In this week's minipod I'm getting outspoken about luxury brands and why I think they've gone too far with their current pricing, making things that were once wonderful treats, unobtainable and quite frankly off putting.I'm also listing a few of my top high street makeup buys of the moment. They all cost £11 or under and I rate them just as highly as their designer counterparts.Finally, I talk the steps I'm currently take to prevent as much illness as possible rather than wait for it to strike. 

This episode is such a good one.I'm speaking to the awesome makeup artist Donna May. Donna, who was head of makeup at ITV1 for over 20 years had always told herself that she'd one day have her own business and two years ago she walked away from her job to focus in on her own sensational brand.During the episode we talk about her experience of life as a TV makeup artist, starting her brand with £5000 and turning it into something incredible, how hormonal changes are affecting her right now and we also delve into the makeup products that Donna believes we need and those that we most definitely do not. (Donna is a true Outspoken Beauty and only wants us to use what is really necessary). She has some amazing product recommendations to share!Donna's energy, experience and straight talking are so refreshing and I know that you're going to really enjoy this episode.Check out her beautiful products here

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.

In this episode my guest is a woman who has a deep understanding of how the beauty industry works and feeds into modern culture. Ellen Atlanta is a writer and brand consultant specialising in Gen-Z and Millennial culture and  has worked with beauty giants including Estee Lauder, Boots, FeelUnique, Milk Makeup, Flannels Beauty and The Unseen Beauty.Her latest project has seen her become the author of one of the most important books that I've read in a long time. Pixel Flesh is an honest, scary and at times shocking observation of the toxic side of beauty and the online world:"We are living in a new age of beauty. With advancements in cosmetic surgery, augmented reality face filters, photo editing apps, and exposure to more images than ever, we have the ability to craft a version of ourselves that we want everyone to see. We pinch, pull, squeeze, tweeze, smooth and slice ourselves beyond recognition. But is our beauty culture truly empowering? Are we really in control?In Pixel Flesh, Ellen Atlanta holds a mirror up to our modern beauty ideal and the harm it is doing to women all around the world. Weaving in her own personal story with those of other women, she reconfigures our obsession with the cult of beauty and explores the realities of living in a digitally obsessed world where the pressure to present yourself both virtually and in person is all-consuming."During the episode we explore many of the themes in Ellen's book and have a really honest chat about the challenges that so many of us face when it comes to how we perceive and present ourselves to the world. We also look at the empowering and positive side of beauty and how when used in the right way it can build communities and make us feel increible.I hope you enjoy this thought provoking episode and that it sparks a debate about the highs and lows of being a woman in 2024.

In this week's minipod I'm chatting about two clumsy moments this week that left me very red faced.I also have some truly excellent products to tell you about including an incredibly gentle hair brush if hair loss is an issue, an affordable but boujie fragrance and a really great brow product that I NEED to buy.Enjoy!

Bryony is back and this week we're catching up about:Bryony's Bridgerton experience and why it was very nearly ruined by a duckHilarious smear testsWhy Bryony can never look her chemist in the eye againAI and deep fakesAnd we also have some excellent makeup products to share with you with lots of great advice from Bryony thrown in for good measure xx

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 episode I get to chat to the wonderful content creator Helin Doski.Helin, who recently moved to Dubai, is followed by hundreds of thousands of people on TikTok and Instagram and on paper lives a dream life with incredible press trips, luxurious events and a wardrobe to die for, not forgetting her ability to influence more people than most politicians.During the episode Helin talks honestly about the ups and downs of influencer life and why it isn't always as perfect as it looks. She shares her father's reaction to her career choise (she gave up a future in medicine to create content), the reality of influencer events in Dubai and why people don't always get how much work goes into what she does. She also talks about her own insecurities.Helin also talks about what she loves about her career and we do get to talking about beauty and some of the products that she has discovered and adores since entering this world.I loved getting to know Helin and am so grateful to her for painting a rounded picture of a job that many people covet but don't always fully understand.

In this week's Minipod I have two summer scents that are both fabulous but couldn't be more different.I'll also be telling you about an overnight mask that provides fantastic hydration, a lip balm that doubles as a gloss and I'll be reading a section of the book Pixel Flesh that has really resonated with me.

It's half term and all is a little bit bonkers in the Outspoken Beauty household so for your midweek episode I'm chatting through five books that I think are bloody brilliant and have all taught me so much in different ways. I also have a bit of a wild card for you. I'm currently reading it and it's about a woman who gets to a bit of a impass in her life and decides that the answer is to make her marriage polyamorous. (I'm absolutely hooked).Enjoy Outspoken Beauties xx

Over the years I've had the honour of interviewing some strong, inspiring and at times life changing women and one of the very best has got to be Jane Wurwand, founder of Dermalogica.I wanted to revisit this episode as it was meeting Jane that propelled me to leave the security of radio and start my podcast fulltime.I believe that we all have the power to make change in our lives. It can be so bloody hard but when you do it, a lot of other things fall into place. If anyone can help you harness that power, it's Jane. xx

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

Bryony Blake is back. Now I'll start by saying that we got SO many amazing beauty questions from you this week and we get round to answering lots of them in the second half of the episode.In the first half though, you can expect talk of:The strange thing my mum wants me to do with her ashesThe best teabags in the world (according to Bryony)Eyeball licking (literally don't ask!)Being naked at homeExtreme sex therapyAnd more....Hope we make you smile and giggle and that you get some great beauty tips xx

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

This episode is in partnership with Made of More I'm so excited to publish this episode which is definitely going to make you feel better about things if you, like me, are in a world of hormonal uncertainty.I met Jackie, the founder of the wonderful skincare brand Made of More, at an event a couple of months ago and I instantly adored her. Within moments we were talking openly about our kids, husbands, the challenges of our lives and perhaps most importantly, our hormonal journeys. Hearing Jackie's story I totally got why she launched Made of More and hearing about what she has put into the brand and the quality of her products made me certain that I needed to do this podcast.Jackie wanted this episode to be a combination of advice and education (cue a BRILLIANT opening segment with hormone specialist extraordinaire Dr Sohere Roked and an insight into hormonal skin with Dr Dhesi) and also a chance for you to hear her story and reason for lauching a brand that really does stand apart from all the menopause noise and in some cases BS on the market.If you'd like to explore Made of More then here's a link for you. I think that their Rescue Balm is a sensational product that truly saves skin that is in a bad wayand their Brightening Day Shield is a thing of wonder. If you do decide to go ahead and buy anything then use code NICOLA20 for 20% off sitewide.

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