Outspoken Beauty

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

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

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

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

In this week's minipod I'm sharing wisdom from some of the most brilliant women that I've spoken to....wisdom about mental health, wisdom about chasing your career dreams, wisdom about womens health and why vaginal oestroegen might help you with a plethora of issues including UTIs and incontinence.I also needed to add a bit of beauty in so you'll hear about my current skincare too.I think this is a really important episode and hope it empowers you to take control of a few aspects of your life that are so very easy to lose the way with.

Bryony and I have such a great catch up this week.As ever we cover a lot of ground including:The weirdest argument that I've ever had with Chris (involving green icing and aliens)Bryony's hippy festival experienceMy tips for overcoming a very embarrassing situation The best top ever that can be worn without a braBryony's ultimate lip treatmentAnd lots more....Enjoy Outspoken Beauties xx

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