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

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

Happy Monday Outspoken Beauties.
This is probably the shortest podcast you'll ever hear but I thought it might be a nice little thing to do as a boost for you at the start of the week.
Hope you like my recommendation.
Nicola x

In this episode I welcome the brilliant journalist, author, founder of charity Mental Health Mates and mental health campaigner Bryony Gordon.

Bryony has written a phenomenal book called "Mad Woman". It comes 10 years after her bestseller Mad Girl and explores a huge range of topics including binge eating, burnout, menopause, the pandemic and the very nature of mental illness. It is a book of self discovery and is ultimately hugely honest and leaves you feeling uplifted and with a whole new mindset about mental illness and life.

During the episode Bryony is so open about many of the topics she explores in the book. She tells me about how the pandemic, a health scare, the effects of the perimenopause on her mental health and so much more have affected her and helped her become a wiser person who is finally more at peace with who she is. We also talk about fighting the patriachy, kitchen discos and what the world would be like if men experienced the menopause.

Bryony has been so incredibly brave in the way that she has consistently opened up about her mental health to help others and it was such an honour to finally get to speak to her on Outspoken Beauty.

In this week's minipod I'm talking about the current personalised skincare offerings in the UK. I'll be talking through Skin and Me, And Begin, Klira, Get Harley, what they offer and how they differ.
I'll also be chatting through what they have in common and how to make them work for you and your skin.
I'll also tell you about the fragrance that everyone should own, a brilliant strengthening nail treatment, a scented patch to help you sleep, the perfect under eye shadow concealer and the makeup brushes that never fail me.
Enjoy xx

Bryony's here for another roller coaster ride of an episode.

Highlights this week include:

An eyeshadow palette that has blown Bryony's mind
The Gaga lip gloss that stays shiny all day
The TV that tells you off
Nicola's week of sofa surfing
Breastfeeding strips
The ups and downs of being a sperm
relationships

and lots more.

Hope you have a good giggle and enjoy the beauty recommendations. xx

In this episode I'm chatting to entrepreneur and all round lovely woman Helen Snook.

Last year I had a coffee with Helen's husband Chris and we ended up chatting for ages about how many of us eat a diet that leads to bad health but how difficult it is to actually get nutrition right....life is busy and it's so much easier to grab something quick and easy. Chris explained how he and his wife Helen were on a mission to make getting great nutrition and namely fibre easy and accessible and told me all about their brand Indi. I was fascinated and wanted to learn more. (I was also really excited because the brilliant Dr Federica Amati was one of the scientists working on the brand).

A few months later I was lucky enough to also get to know Indi's co-founder and Chris' wife Helen. We instantly clicked and I knew I had to get her on the podcast. Like me she hates BS and definitely has issues with the current state of affairs in the world of supplements and nutrition.

During the episode we chat about how we eat, how we can help our future health, why we need to be wary of certain supplements and how they are sold to us and how Helen and Chris have worked to make something truly extraordinary with trust at the forefront of what they do.

If you're confused about supplements I hope this helps you to feel more informed.

It's time for my Minipod and this week I'm talking about :

Memories of the Body Shop (this week we found out that it's going into administration).
Scamp and Dude and what might happen when I go to their sample sale
The budget makeup brand that I adore and some products that I recommend
The beautiful smelling, comforting new range from Selena Gomez
An affordable and stunning illuminating product

and lots more.

Let me know what you're loving. I'd love to hear from you on Instagram @outspokenbeautynicola.

I'm so excited about this, my second episode of Outspoken Women. In it I'm joined by the incredibly inspiring and kind entrepreneur, businesswoman, Dragon and TV personality, Sara Davies MBE.

I first met Sara when she was giving the most uplifting and motivating talk to a room of 700 Avon representatives. She covered so many topics from how to make your business a success to how to juggle all the demands that life makes on us as women. As I scribbled copious notes I KNEW I had to get her on the podcast. Well the rest is history and she's here to I hope motivate you in the same way as she has done me.

During the episode we chat about Sara's love for beauty and how her Mum started her skincare journey. Sara also tells us about how she navigates Mum guilt, how she built her hugely successful business Crafter's Companion from scratch and made it a success when she was a student, why we need to fake it til we make it and how we need to own the decisions that we make and never look back.

What a woman and I feel SO lucky that I can share her wisdom with you here.

Enjoy this Outspoken Beauties x

In this episode (and following lots of amazing feedback after her last podcast) my wonderfully outspoken and funny Mum Francesca comes back for another chat.
This time we're talking HRT, Reformer Pilartes, the 10,000 step challenge, gynaecologists and there are of course some beauty recommendations in there too.
If you're after some fun, warmth and good company then you'll love this episode with the woman who made me outspoken and sparked my passion for beauty.

This week's Minipod definitely isn't the one I had planned. During it I talk about what has happened in the last 24 hours and why I couldn't bring myself to get on the plane for the trip of a lifetime.
I chat about some of the things I tried to put in place to get me on the plane but why ultimately I just couldn't do it.
I also have some hair recommendations and the perfect pink lipstick to tell you about.
xx

Oh my goodness I loved doing this episode with Bryony Blake. She honestly makes me laugh so much that I snort.
This week we're talking:
Bryony's message from a man who has taken a massive interest in her feet (and why part of her is secretly quite proud).
Why Louis interviews me each night when the lights go off
My awful welcome home after time away
My mission to get Charlotte Tilbury on the podcast
Grumpiness towards Diary of a CEO
Cinema fun and SO much more.
We have some fantastic beauty recommendations for you too, inlcuding the body cream with a scent that lasts all day and smells of summer and the best eyeliner. Bryony also has some good makeup artist tips for us.

This episode is supported and (em)powered by Tropic Skincare

I 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. 

*The episode is a must listen! *My guest is broadcaster, author and incredibly popular pro-ageing content creator, Suzi Grant.

Suzi inspires her more than 100,000 Instagram followers with vivacious fashion (including her utterly fabulous headscarves), wonderful energy and her brilliant attitude to ageing. She truly found herself when she was 50 and changed her life. She has written about how she ran away to Brighton and created her perfect life. Now in her early 70's, she has been quoted as saying that old age is better than middle age and there's no doubt that she's living her best life.

During the episode we talk about what gives Suzi energy and happiness and why we mustn't be scared of getting older. She shares her tips on makeup, exercise and diet plus why joining a member's club gives her joy and energy. There's so much more and I know that whatever age you are Suzi will inspire you.

I love Suzi because she stands for all the older women who have so much to give and don't want to feel invisible. She proves that we can still be confident, relevant and utterly fabulous in our 70's plus and she also gives us hope and inspiration as we age. (It's no surprise that many of Suzi's Instagram followers are younger women who want to learn from her).

You're going to love this positive, vibrant woman and as Suzi says, "It can only ger better".

In this week's minipod I'm talking about Ruby Wax's retreat (My Mum told me about it and I'm incredibly tempted to go on it)
I also have so many great beauty recommendations, including brand new products from Ruby Hammer and Daniel Sandler, the three things I do to get my hair looking beautiful and shiny, bath salts to balance your hormones and the candle that never fails to make me smile.
If you fancy joining the Flourish Project which I chat about during the episode, follow this link.
(We have a great makeup workshop coming up).

Welcome to the first episode of my brilliant new series Outspoken Women.

I have the most amazing set of guests lined up for you including Bryony Gordon, Sara Davies MBE and Emma Sayle (the founder of Killing Kittens).

In today's episode I welcome the truly brilliant Natasha Devon MBE. Natasha is a writer, broadcaster & activist. She tours schools, universities and events throughout the world, delivering talks as well as conducting research on mental health, body image, gender and equality. She campaigns both on and offline to make the world a fairer place. She is also a founder of the Mental Health Media Charter, which scrutinises the way the media report on mental health and co-founded Where’s Your Head At, which aims to improve mental health in British work places.

During the episode we talk about where she feels we're currently at in the UK when it comes to mental health, particularly that of our sons and daughters. Natasha gets outspoken about why we're in a mental health crisis, what needs to change and also how we can support our children in the right way when it comes to the likes of mobile phones, body image and more.

I got SO much out of this interview and you need to listen to it whether you're a parent or you have a child in your life that matters to you.

I am so excited about today's episode. It's with the model, actress and founder of The Amber Jean Shop, Amber Jean Rowan.

Amber discovered that she had alopecia totalis when she was a teenager and after exploring every medical avenue, her and her family decided that there was no solution and instead she turned to wigs. The only problem was that the whole experience of finding a wig felt depressing, very cold and clinical which was the last thing that she needed.

During the episode you'll hear:
How Amber felt when she was diagnosed
How alopecia affected her blossoming modelling career
How Amber has taken the lacking experience of getting a wig into her own hands and created something really beautiful
Why she is treated differently depending on the kind of wig she's wearing
How she's come to terms with her hair loss
and so much more.

Amber is a fascinating and truly amazing woman and I loved every second of this interview. You can find her shop here and find her on Instagram @amberjeanrowan.

In this week's Minipod I'm chatting about the Margaret Dabbs medi-pedi that I treated myself to and why I'm upping my footcare game.
I'm also talking about the debate around Pamela Anderson's upcoming skincare line, the most fabulous lip product, dodging laser beams at a Dermalogica event and the product that has made my skin silky soft and is effortless to use.

Bryony's back from Mexico and in this episode she's telling us about her adventures, including the woman who sold her a very funny looking facemask and a rather unfortunate incident with a turtle.
We're also talking about Instagrammers on the beach, my trip to the gut clinic and why I'm a little bit worried that I'm not going to be allowed into Dubai.
Beauty wise there's a beautiful lipstick, a home builder gel kit and an awesome and affordable cleanser that we both love.

This episode is in partnership with And Begin Skincare

In this episode we’re getting to know a brand new and very exciting skincare brand called And Begin. Last week I sat down and got to know their consultant dermatologist Dr Malvina Cunningham and the brand’s Chief Marketing Officer Sophie van Ettinger and it was a truly uplifting experience.

During the episode we cover the very important difference between menopause and midlife skincare and why it’s so important to be able to offer a personalised service when it comes to our skin’s needs.

We also talk about what our skin does and needs when we get to our 40’s and above, why people in this age group are more energised and relevant than ever and how And Begin are going to inspire this community even more and why it’s not about anti or pro ageing but it’s all about managing the age you’re actually at.

This is a fun, feisty and informative episode about a skincare brand that I believe will help a great many women in a number of ways.

In this week's minipod I'm tallking about my experience of Reformer Pilates and also go into detail about what I do to keep my mental health in check when I feel my anxiety starting to bubble up.

There are also some really lovely products to tell you about including a delicious and affordable lip mask, some great colour correcting under eye concealers, the mascara that let me down and the one that never does and I throw forward to Sunday's skincare episode.

xx

In this truly enlightening episode I chat to Liz Sergeant who is a Registered Functional Nutritionist and Women's Health Specialist.

Liz and I chat about how we can make ourselves feel more balanced and get ourselves sorted as we approach perimenopause.

During the episode we cover:

Gut health and how to work out if ours is in good order
Blood tests and how they can reveal more than meets the eye
Why going on HRT too early isn't a good idea
How to understand our cycles
Empowering our daughters and making them feel positive about their periods
Nutrition

and so much more.

Show notes:

Here is the instagram post where Liz lists the functional lab ranges for blood tests:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct08LK0oRzw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Liz woud also love to offer us access to her Women’s Health Assessments with a 20% discount.
These private 1-to-1 sessions and the personalised blueprint are designed for women looking for professional insight into what’s going on from a health & hormones perspective, followed by priority next steps and bespoke supplements.

You can find more information and sign up here: http://wellnourishedclub.com/wha using code BEAUTY20 at check out.

And if you'd like more practical information about harmonising your hormones, her fabulous free ‘Feel Good Foundations of Happy Hormones’ Guide is for you. You can download it here http://wellnourishedclub.com/happyhormones/.

In this episode I chat to the woman hailed "The Brow Queen" by the likes of Harper's Bazaar and Cosmopolitan, the wonderful Shavata Singh.

Brow bars are pretty commonplace these days but Shavata is the woman who first introduced them to the UK and with it revolutionised the beauty industry.

During the episode we chat about the chance meeting that propelled her from a talented beautician to the woman that everybody from editors to top celebrities wanted to see to get their brows done.

Shavata also tells me about the many things that having good brows can do for our faces, gives some great tips about brow shaping and also opens up about her story and how she has juggled building her business with being a single mum. (I love her attitude around mixing her career with motherhood).

Shavata is a lovely and incredibly talented woman and it was a real pleasure to get to know her here after briefly interviewing (and instantly loving) her at an awards ceremony. Enjoy this episode Outspoken Beauties xx

*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 Minipod time and this week I'm thinking (and getting very scared about) an imminent flight that I have to get on.
I'm also talking about bras for big boobs, how to make gel manicures last longer, sorting out annoying itches and a new fragrance that is comforting yet will propel you into dreams of exotic holidays.
If you love the podcast come and join the Outspoken Beauty Trialling Panel where you get to try products and give honest reviews on the podcast. If you fancy it email me nicola@outspokenbeauty.co.uk

It is such a pleasure to welcome Charlene Flanagan and Niamh Ryan onto Outspoken Beauty.

I was at an awards event a couple of months ago and was introduced to Niamh. Within minutes I knew that I had to get her onto the podcast. She was so warm, inspiring and filled with SO much passion for what she does.

Niamh, an advanced skin therapist, cosmetic scientist and wellbeing advisor and Charlene, a makeup artist, influencer and social media expert joined forces in 2017 and launched a truly beautiful skincare brand called Ella and Jo. It has done incredibly well in Ireland and for good reason. The skincare is an utter pleasure to use and the messaging behind the brand is spot on - they really put women first and work to empower us and make us feel good.

During the episode we chat about how they came together and made their fabulous brand....the challenges, the highs, the lows.....juggling a skincare brand and large families.....the difference between running the brand now compared to during the pandemic and why it is now time for the rest of the world to fall in love with Ella and Jo.

This is such a great episode with two women who to my mind are doing so much right. In fact they sum up everything that is good about the beauty industry.

I'm doing a shorter episode today as we're still away in Bath. Business resumes as usual next week.

During the podcast I chat about how unbelievably expensive things are at the moment and why if I'm spending my money I expect things to over deliver or at the very least do what they say they will. (There is something very wrong about brands that promise things that they then fail to deliver).

I also talk about how my slipped disc has opened my eyes to a whole new world, why I wish I could go back in time and tell some of my exes exactly what I think of them with my 43 year old attitude and I also tell you my honest thoughts about the No 7 tubing mascara that I bought the other day. (I had high expectations).

If you fancy a catch up about anything you've heard on the podcast you can message me on Insta @Outspokenbeautynicola. xx

In this week's minipod I'm doing a beauty focus. I start by chatting about some of the products that have helped sort my skin out after it became excessively oily and congested and highlight how a simple and minimal routine can sometimes be the best thing.
I also mention some interesting new products that have already been released this year and also chat through a couple of makeup colour trends for 2024 (one of which you need to be careful with as used wrongly it can end up making you look a tad ill).
Finally, I talk about the cheap and cheerful way to look after your cuticles and discuss a slightly pricier product will do wonders for your skin and save you money in the long run.
If you're enjoying the podcast remember to rate it on Apple Podcasts and if you fancy a chat you can find me @outspokenbeautynicola on Instagram xx

It's the first week of 2024 and Bryony Blake and I are here to hopefully give you a few giggles, some friendly chat and some beauty tips to boot.
During the episode we're talking about resolutions, orgasms, Harry Styles, X Factor, giving Leona Lewis a pedicure and much more.
We hope that if you're feeling a bit post festive seasonish that this lifts your spirits :)
Loads of love
Nicola and Bryony xx

In this, my last little episode of the year I look back at the things that I've learnt in 2023.
From insights into how to overcome anxiety to life as a woman who can no longer fit into all the clothes and has encountered chafing for the first time to lessons about people who don't always behave well and how to stand up for myself, this is deep in places and equally light-hearted and irreverent in others.
Happy New Year Outspoken Beauties and here's to lots of outspoken adventures in 2024.

A lot of you have asked for a little catch up episode before the New Year so I have of course delivered.
I'll be talking about the ups and downs of my new Apple Watch, why I'm loving Victoria Beckham's Satin Kajal in Bordeaux and am not getting on as well with a new Benefit Mascara that I purchased.
I'll also be taking all the pressure out of your New Year's Eve and any resolutions that you have a feeling that you may struggle to keep.
Oh and how could I forget?...I'm going to tell you about a brand new series coming for you in 2024.

Happy Christmas Eve Outspoken Beauties!
This one is short and sweet as I'm sure you'll be busy today, but in it I'll be answering some of the festive dilemmas (beauty and otherwise) that you sent me via Instagram (@outspokenbeautynicola).
Thanks again for all your amazing support this year and for being the best community of listeners ever!
Loads of festive love
Nicola xx

It's the final part of the Outspoken Beauty Podcast Awards 2023 and this week I'm talking about more of the products that have really stood out to me this year.
In this episode I'll be talking about the fragrance that has had everyone asking me what I'm wearing, an affordable but utterly luxurious body oil, dreamy bath products, my hair tool of the year and lots more.
I hope you've enjoyed my awards series and thanks SO much for being the most amazing community of listeners!
Also on the subject of communities, just a reminder that we have a truly lovely one on our private Facebook Page. You can join it here

With mere days to go before Christmas, my guest in this episode is Francesca Bonn aka Outspoken Grandma aka my Mum!

It was my Mum and incredibly glamorous Grandma Lily who inspired my love for beauty and ever since I was a teenager, my mum and I have got mutually excited about products and trends and have shared many a product over the years. I will also say that she has been one of my biggest influnecers when it comes to everything from bath products to makeup to fragrance.

During the episode we have a festive catch up where we reminisce about the time she sat on the turkey and the magic she created for us as kids. We then talk about the beauty products that she's loved the most in 2023. (There are some great recommendations in there).

I hope you enjoy this one as much as we loved recording it xx

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 pose

Where Bryony was when all the computers stopped working

We answer lots of your beauty questions and there's an amazing fragrance recommendation.

I think you'll enjoy this one :0) xx

She's one of the loveliest people in the beauty industry and it is SO nice to have her back on the podcast. In this episode I'm joined by makeup artist and wonderful human Rose Gallagher.

Rose has compiled a list of her very favourite beauty products of 2023 and during the episode she's sharing them with us and telling us why she rates them so much.

We're also chatting about Christmas plans and have a humorous moment that leads Rose to tell me about her fear of spiders.

This is a gorgeous episode with a woman who radiates warmth and kindness and REALLY knows her stuff when it comes to beauty.

Enjoy it Outspoken Beauties xx

It's my annual celebration of the year's best in beauty. In this week's Outspoken Beauty Podcast Awards I'm looking at the skincare category and what has really stood out to me in 2023.
There are some old favourites in there and some new products and brands that are truly brilliant.
Skincare is very personal but I think that a lot of these products are suitable for many skin types.
Congratulations to all the winners:

@avon_uk
@mortarandmilk
@dermalogicauk
@skingeniusuk
@weledauk
@exuvianceuk
@officialmedik8
@clinisoothe
@superdrug
@biodermauk
@bootsuk
@skinandmehq
@getharley
@drsambunting
@heliocareuk
@ultravioletteau
@larocheposay
@emmahardieskincare
@samfarmer_co
@sttropeztan
@paulaschoice

I'm so happy to have Bryony back this week.
In this episode we're chatting about:

• Awkward social situations and why we both hate them
• The simple way to get treated like a Lord or Lady and always get the best table/seat/treatment
• The time Bryony served Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie in a department store
• Glittery eye makeup and how to make it work for you
• Bryony's exciting saucepan purchase (she's REALLY excited about it!)
• The time my dad got weed on when he was trying to do a good turn

and of course our usual beauty recommendations.

I hope you enjoy this episode....it certainly made us laugh a lot :0)

In this episode I welcome the utterly incredible campaigner and anti-bullying advocate Maia Gray.

Maia who is known as @its_just_acne to her 142K Instagram followers, was so bullied about her skin when she was at school that she hid in the loos to eat her lunch. Things got more serious when her friends turned their backs on her and she even started receiving death threats.

Since then Maia has found the confidence to show the world her acne online and helps thousands of people to know that we don't need perfect skin to be beautiful and accepted. Her photo of her skin's texture with foundation on has reached and inspired tens of thousands of people. This is a woman who is making a huge difference by finding the strength to bare her skin.

During the episode Maia talks frankly about her experience of living with acne and how she has put her school days behind her and found the strength to show her skin to the world.

This is a truly inspiring episode and I hope that it helps you whether you are struggling with confidence about your own skin/appearance or you know someone who is.

It's time for the first installment of my annual Outspoken Beauty Awards.

In this episode I'm doing makeup and will be going through my top 23 makeup products of 2023. (This was my Mum's idea. If you listen closely you'll also be treated to a very special performance by her 😂)

Here are all the winners of the makeup category. They are all great brands doing really exciting things:

@lisaeldridgemakeup - Strawberry Shock Insanely Saturated Lip Colour and Elevated Glow Highlighter

@kosas - Revealer Concealer and Brow Pop Nano

@byterryofficial - Rose Lip Balm

@1999.beauty - Lip and eyeliners

@dcypher.me - Foundation and concealer

@merit - Flush Balm and The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

@violette_fr - Bisou Balm

@sculptedbyaimee - Shape and Set Brow Duo

@lottielondon - Superfake Mascara

@ciatelondon - Brazilian Glow Bronzing Serum and I Am Woman Eyeshadow Palette

@drunkelephant - B Goldi Bright Drops

@hourglasscosmetics - Phantom Volumising Glossy Balm

@wearesannbeauty - Nourish and Tint Lip Serum

@itcosmeticsuki - CC Nude Glow

@elfcosmeticsuk - Halo Glow Liquid Filter

@narsissist - Air Matte Blush

@chanel.beauty - Waterproof Stylo Yeux

@maybelline - Super Stay Vinyl Ink Longwear Liquid Lip Colour

@victoriabeckhambeauty - Satin Kajal Liners

I have no doubt that you are going to absolutely love my guest this week. Genevieve Turley is JUST my type of woman...she's opinionated, funny and is also a blimmming good makeup artist.

During the episode we have a frank chat about her views on anti-ageing (they're very similar to mine), the pressure on brides to look perfect and also how we worry about our kids, what they are hearing when they are away from us and how that's affecting them.

We then get onto Gen's beauty habits and prepare yourself....she has some awesome recommendations, many of us I was buying as she was telling me about them...woops!

Gen is a great guest and is well worth following on Instagram. You can find her @genevieveturleymua.

*This episode is in partnership with Absolute Collagen *

In this episode I interview one of the most inspiring women I've ever met. Maxine Laceby founded Absolute Collagen in her early 50's and has gone on to build a company that is not only worth millions but helps a huge range of people both through the products and the community that Maxine has built.

During the episode Maxine and I chat about the many changes that she had been going through when the idea for Absolute Collagen came to her. (There is a huge element of her taking back control of her life and going on a journey of self discovery).

Maxine talks honestly about buildiing her business with the help of her wonderful daughters, how a recent diagnosis of ADHD has affected her, why her community of "Absoluters" means everything to her and why she always goes the extra mile to ensure that her products absolutely do what she says they do.

This is a story of anything being possible at any age, of digging deep and discovering who you really are and of finding fulfullment as a woman, a mother and an entrepreneur.

What a woman! I loved every minute of this interview and hope you get loads out of it.

In this week's minipod I'm giving you ideas for beauty gifts that are so thoughtful that they would bring a tear to the eye of the Grinch himself.

I'm talking personalised products with an extra sprinkle of magic, beauty experiences you can do together, the gift of calm, the iconic skincare product that never fails to impress and something neon, retro and initialed.

These are not just beauty gift ideas...these are Outspoken Beauty gift ideas!

In this episode I chat to the incredible Catherine Bossom. Catherine has been a top beauty buyer for the likes of Harrods and Space NK and now has a business called Yellow Flamingo where she helps guide new beauty brands so that they have the best chance of making it in this very busy market.

During the episode we chat about beauty buying and what makes a really amazing product. Catherine shares her dos and don'ts when starting a brand and we also have an amazing chat about her top products (all of which sre fabulous).

I loved chatting to Catherine. She is opinionated, knowledgable and a true Queen of beauty.

In this episode I chat to the amazing Donna Dia. Donna's career is in events and she has organised everything from an intimate party for Prince Philip to huge events for thousands of people.

Recently Donna has pivotted her career and launched what will hopefully an annual two day beauty extravaganza called Beauty Beats which is the first ever luxury beauty event that is truly diverse. There will be loads of brands there and talks with industry great including Dija Ayodele, Candice Brathwaite and Charlotte Mensah (You can hear past episodes with all these amazing women by looking through past episodes of Outspoken Beauty.)

During the episode we talk about Donna's mind-blowing career in events, why she felt that Beauty Beats was needed, how she shopped for beauty when she was younger , why MAC is incredible and what she loves most about beauty (including some of the products that she swears by).

Donna is a brilliant entrepreneur who has started something that is truly needed. Enjoy getting to know her.

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. 

In this week's Minipod I talk about a wonderful aspect of Christmas and get outspoken about another side of it that really gets my goat.
I also talk you through quite possibly the best bath oil in the world, jeans that never let me down, a magical Christmas candle that changes scent throughout the day, the eccentric beauty brand with excellent eye products and a fragrance that smells of sexy, warm skin and can be layered with all your other fragrances to make them sparkle!
Enjoy amazing Outspoken Beauties xx

Bryony Blake is back and this episode is a lot of fun and covers a lot of ground.
From my adventures as a VR Gorilla to a rather surprising chat about death to a debate about silver trousers and Nigel Farage's bottom, we have a lot to talk about.
Bryony also has the best recommendation for a festive eye palette and talks us through how best to use it and I have the perfect SPF solution for those of you with really sensitive skin plus lots more beauty recommendations. Enjoy xx

This episode is in partnership with the amazing brand Skin Diligent

I'm so excited to introduce you to Tule Park and her wonderful skincare brand Skin Diligent.

I was first introduced to Tule at an event that Dr Sophie Shotter was hosting with her. I was instantly excited. Tule was so authentic and passionate and I couldn't get over how much research she was doing in the fields of epigenetics and the microbiome to ensure that her skincare is truly forward thinking and exceptional.

Tule is about so much more than just skin. She's obsessed with overall health and everything she does is based on rigorous science and trials.

Skin Diligent is definitely a brand worth exploring. It's huge in France and I imagine that once people start trying it elsewhere they will become hooked.

Enjoy listening to Tule's story, views and getting to know this exceptional brand!