Outspoken Beauty

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