News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Life
Culture & Art
Hobbies
News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Culture & Art
Hobbies
The Outspoken Review - The Red Lipstick Episode
Red lipsticks mean so many things to me....confidence, power, symbols of resistance (the suffragettes), putting my best foot forward, glamour and yet they also require constant upkeep, can end up the chin or even nose and often rub off leaving behind a line of red around the lips. This week I discovered a wonderful new red whilst on a trip to Boots (I'll tell you all about it during the episode) and it inspired me to go through my favourite reds of the moment and all time. Here are the brands that I mention during the episode: @lisaeldridgemakeup @emolynecosmetics @nyxcosmetics_uk @violette_fr @trinnylondon @maccosmeticsuki @maybelline @avon_uk I'll also tell you about a brand new release from Dr Sam Bunting and why if it does what it says it will, it will be a bit of a gamechanger.
Outspoken Mental Health Ep 2 - Navigating Panic Attacks and Feelings of Dread
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 https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhbi8BhDIARIsAJLOluebQ02TU0FNGAjYd-ch9iJGQYwQTbyjjeK22h1am3_HSyBsWI5TRYQaAlfxEALw_wcB I have created a https://www.facebook.com/groups/1626153351319481to go with this series. Please feel free to join this supportive community and remember I'm always here for a chat. Nicola x
Dr Tiina Meder - The Woman Who Will Make You Question Everything You Thought You Knew About Skincare!
In this week's episode I welcome the utterly fascinating dermatologist, cosmetic safety expert and skincare brand founder Dr Tiina Meder. Tiina originally started her brand Meder with the aim of making skincare that would be safe but truly effective for everyone, including pregnant women. To this day, everything in the Meder line up is pregnancy safe, but it is about so much more than that. Meder is all about getting incredible results but with skin loving ingredients such as peptides and pro-biotics (Tiina is at the forefront of research into the microbiome). During the episode we talk about the brands that Tiina likes, we have an eye-opening chat about Tiina's views on retinoids and vitamin c and we talk about the changes that she believes we'll be seeing in the skincare industry over the next few years. I definitely left our chat questioning a lot of what I have believed to be true about skincare. (This has excited me rather than worried me....I'm looking forward to looking deeper into the world of pro/pre and all the other biotics that she mentions). I love Tiina and while I know that some of her views are controversial, I think that she has robust evidence for many of her opinions. I can't wait to hear what you think xx
Outspoken Thoughts - Lily Allen's Mental Health, The Movie "Baby Girl" and The Joy of Real Life Shopping
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.
The Outspoken Review: Honest, Unfiltered Reviews of Beauty Products and More
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
Outspoken Mental Health Episode 1- Anxiety Warning Signs and The Mental Health Tool Kit
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://PrivateFacebookPage Please only join if you suffer with anxiety or know someone who does and want to help them.
Debbie Thomas - The Skin and Laser Expert Who's Going To Help Us Navigate The World of Non-Invasive Treatments
It is such a pleasure to welcome Debbie Thomas on today's episode. Debbie is the founder of the renowned D.Thomas Clinic and is one of the UK's leading laser experts. She KNOWS the ins and outs of non-invasive treatments and is the perfect person to talk us through what various treatments do and who they are suitable for. During the episode we talk about: -Why Debbie chooses the most appropriate treatments for her clients rather than allowing them to dictate what they want -The growing non-aesthetic industry and how to navigate it -The dangers of seeing the wrong practitioner - 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 And lots more. This is such an informative episode and I love how balanced and well informed Debbie is!
Outspoken Beauty News - Your Round Up Of What's Happened This Week!
In this episode I'm chatting about some of the things that have been happening in the ever busy beauty industry this week. Fom Lisa Eldridge's new launch to an exciting new makeup store in Covent Garden to a wonderful new plan for beauty therapists. Oh and I'll be talking about some of the beauty trends we can expect to see this year. Enjoy fellow beauty nerds xx
The Outspoken Review - Honest, Unfiltered Reviews of Beauty, Books and More...
Welcome to the first episode of The Outspoken Review with honest, rounded reviews of beauty, books and more. This week I'm talking about Gillian Anderson's book Want, reading X-rated books in January, Augustinus Bader's The Rich Eye Cream, BIAB nails and why a good LED Mask may well be worth splashing out on (but with certain caveats). What would you like me to review? DM me @outspokenbeautynicola.
A Little Episode To Cheer You up if You're Feeling A Bit "New- Yearish"
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
BRAND NEW SEASON - Let's Raise The Curtain For The Fabulous Founders of AKT London
Welcome to a brand new season of Outspoken Beauty. You can expect more: - 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 To get things going I'm chatting to Ed Curry and Andy Coxon. Once upon a time they were leading men in on the West End Stage and now they are the founders of one of the most successful British Beauty brands of 2024 - AKT. Their story of how a little idea turned into a huge success story (with the help of lots of their fellow actor friends)is so feel good and is the perfect start to the new season. I LOVE these guys and can't wait for you to get to know them. Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats for the show is about to begin........
Packing For A New Year Minibreak and How I'm Managing My Sensitised Skin
Happy New Year Outspoken Beauties. In this episode I'm chatting through the beauty products that I packed for my UK minibreak plus some of the lovely things I got for Christmas that came along too. I also talk about how I'm managing my sensitised skin that is the result of going up a bit too quickly on my tretinoin. Get ready for a brand new season of Outspoken Beauty starting next week. Loads of love Nicola x
Suzy Nightingale and Me - If You're Dreading New Year's Eve You're Going To Like This!
Suzy Nightingale and I are NOT fans of New Year's Eve and we most definitely don't believe in extreme New Year's resolutions. In this episode we go on a wonderful rant about New Year's Eves of the past, crazy resolutions we made when we were younger and why we both shake at the thought of the dreaded midnight kiss. We hope you enjoy this slightly irreverent and grumpy take on our most dreaded night of the year!
A Christmas Ghost Story - The Curse Of The Liberty Lipstick
Prepare to be afraid...very afraid. This episode is a beauty themed Christmas Ghost Story that takes place in the basement of Liberty London. The new beauty buyer will never feel the same again after two ghostly icons take charge and change her fate forever!
My Christmas Day Survival Guide
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
Top Gorgeous Smelling Products of 2024
In this week's edition of the best of 2024 I'm talking about all the lovely smelling products that I've rated this year. From fragrance to candles to bath and body and even a cleanser, these are the products that have stood out to me and my nose the most! Expect a mixture of old favourites and some newness that has really taken my breath away!
OSB x Lyma: Lucy Goff - The Skin Changing Home Device that Fits In Our Handbags!
This Episode is in Parternship With Lyma In this episode I get to know Lucy Goff, the founder of cutting edge beauty/wellbeing brand Lyma. Lyma was born when Lucy was incredibly ill with sepsis following the birth of her daughter. She was struggling to function properly when she came across Professor Paul Clayton, a world-renowned expert on preventative degenerative disease and evidence-based nutrition. He prescribed a series of supplements that had "peer-reviewed, patented ingredients, dosed at active levels, had a rigorous sourcing procedure, and were formulated so that the body could actually absorb them." Lucy saw her health improve and the rest is history. Lucy and Paul worked together to come up with Lyma supplements that did all of the above. They were the first luxury supplement brand with a huge amount of data and proof to back them up. Fastforward to now and Lyma have broken boundaries again with a laser device that is as powerful as the ones you find in clinic but that is safe to use at home and even fits in your handbag! During the episode we chat about the making of Lyma, the supplement world being a bit like the Wild West in terms of knowing what actually works and we also talk about the incredible science behind the supplements and the Lyma Laser. (The laser can do truly incredible things for the skin). This is a fascinating brand that is breaking boundaries and going to the nth degree to back up everything that it does with good, solid proof.
Your Beauty Questions Answered!
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.
Scented Sunday - Perfume Shopping in London: Hidden Gems and Must-Visit Stores
If you're looking for a fragrance, are after something a little bit different and want to make a day of it then you need to listen to this episode. This is my guide to some of the very best perfume shops in London...the ones that will elevate the simple act of shopping to something truly experiental and unforgettable. I've got a store in Covent Garden where the knowledgable and passionate staff will help you explore the exciting world of niche fragrances, a perfume lounge which is so cosy you'll never want to leave, eccentric boutiques hidden down historic little parades in Piccadilly and a luxurious little store in Mayfair that is overflowing with rare and mind-blowing scents. I hope that this will inspire some of you to go on what Suzy Nightingale and I love doing most...a Scent Safari! Do it with your best friend, have some bubbly and have fun! Oh and don't forget to bring a notebook and pen so you remember your favourites!!
My Top Makeup Products of 2024
Buckle up for a journey through the makeup products that have made the grade this year and are now full time residents in my makeup bag. Some of these are old favourites and some are products that I've encountered this year and absolutely loved. Here are the brands I mention during the episode: @violette_fr @vievemuse @sweedbeauty @itcosmeticsuki @stilauk @maybelline @rubyhammerbeauty @byterryofficial @cbm.colourbymaya @hildunbeauty @toofaced Let me know what you've been loving xx
Tracey Woodward - The Beauty Industry Darling Whose Life Story Will Move and Inspire You
If you only listen to one thing this week make it this. Tracey Woodward is one of the most influential women in the beauty industry, she's also one of the kindest. Her career has seen her hold roles at beauty brands including Aveda, Urban Retreat Spa at Harrods and Harvey Nichols. She's worked as an advisor for Marks & Spencer where she helped re-design and develop the beauty department and was CEO at Aromatherapy Associates (and that's just for starters). But it's not only Tracey's career that is so startling, it's her strength, resilience and the way that she rose like a phoenix from a childhood that could have taken her on a very different path. During this episode, Tracey opens up and talks from the heart about her incredibly difficult childhood, the women who held her hand and helped her to become the person he is today, navigating a very scary cancer diagnosis and how she keeps herself mentally and physically as health and balanced as possible. This is an interview that will stay with you and if you're anything like me, inspire you in a multitude of ways.
The Beauty Agony Aunt Answers Your Questions
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 nicola@outspokenbeauty.co.uk.
Scented Sunday - (Some of) My Top Fragrances of the Year
On Thursday Suzy Nightingale and I hosted our incredible annual event, On The Scent Live. We both chose four of our top fragrances of the year to talk about and in the first installment of this brand new series, I wanted to talk you through my choices. They are all different and incredible in their own rights and I'll explore what makes each one so special. If you adore fragrance make sure that you have a listen to The On The Scent Podcast this and every Thursday. Here are the scents I mention: Hermés Barènia Merit Retrospect Thameen Centre Stage BDK Rouge Smoking
My Top 10 Skincare Products of 2024
It's that time of the year again..my annual round up of my top products of the year. This is the first installment and I'll be talking through my top skincare products of 2024. I wonder if any of your favourites have made it onto the list! I'd love to hear what you've loved this year. Let me know via my Instagram @outspokenbeautynicola.
Shannon Lawlor - The Beauty Editor Extraordinaire
In this episode I'm chatting to the thoroughly brilliant Executive Beauty Editor of Marie Claire, Shannon Lawlor. During the episode she tells me about her brilliant career journey and gives a great insight into the (always fascinating) world of magazines. Shannon is such a knowledgable and trusted voice in beauty. I love her opinions combined with her utter passion for fragrance. Enjoy getting to know this brilliant woman.
Keshia and Fleur East - The Multi-Talented Sisters Who Are Building A Hair Empire
In this episode I have the pleasure of interviewing singer and broadcaster Fleur East and her amazing sister, makeup artist Keshia. Fleur and Keshia have joined forces to found a beautiful haircare brand called Kurl Kitchen and this episode is their story. Get ready to hear about: - 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 This is the most inspiring episode and I can't tell you how much I love their relationship. You're going to really enjoy this one xx
Minipod - My Top Black Friday Beauty Picks
In this week's minipod I'm going through my top beauty picks from the Black Friday Sales. I've included loads of my favourite beauty products that are on special offer and I really hope you find the episode handy. During the episode I talk about products the following brands: Cult Beauty Liberty Space NK Sweed Beauty Vieve Muse It Cosmetics The Constant Candle Co Neom Aromatherapy Associates To The Fairest AKT Color Wow Merit Beauty Tropic Jo Malone London Klira Nursem D.S. & Durga
Bryony and Nicola - Bryony's Wicked Heatbreak and Some Beauty-ful Christmas Gift Ideas
Bryony's back and she's been celebrating her birthday in true Bryony style (with lots of very sparkly and slightly unexpected events). She also has very shocking news about how her Wicked dreams were dashed....it could only happen to Bryony! During the episode we also chat about my strange murder mystery experience and the embarrassing issue that keeps getting worse and we have some great beauty Christmas ideas for you. Enjoy xx
Florence Given Take 2!
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.
Laura Coleman- Modelling, Knitting and Learning to Go With The Flow
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
Michaella Mazzoni - If You Have PCOS You Need To Hear This!
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.
Michaella Mazzoni - Taking Control of PCOS
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.
Minipod - Fabulous Beauty Buys of The Week (and some great gift ideas)
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 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 Plus I'll reveal why I experienced real life Motherland yesterday!
Bryony and Nicola - Cat Milk, Bryony's Miraculous Manifestation and Our Beauty Highlights
It's time for another dose of the wonderful Bryony Blake. In this episode: - 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 Enjoy our fortnightly feelgood episode xx
OSB x Avon - How Avon Changes Lives
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.
Minipod - The Best Ankle Boots, The Genius Nail Polish Pen and My Dream Face Mask
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
Daniel Lustig - The Gogglebox Star on Love, Life, Irresistible Fragrance and Hair!
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 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 And more.... Enjoy getting to know this thoroughly lovely man!
Andrea Thompson - The Editor in Chief of Marie Claire UK
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!