Outspoken Beauty

A little pod to start the week with.Today I'm talking about my current favourite scent that I discovered at an amazing Space NK event last week, why I paid to have an in depth blood test (and think it's a great thing to do) and I also have a code for you (outspoken50) if you'd like half price off your first Klira purchase.Enjoy xx

*This episode is in partnership with Dr Emma Craythorne and Klira*If you're a skincare lover then you're going to adore this episode. I'm chatting to consultant  dermatologist, TV personality (The Bad Skin Clinic) and creator of Klira skincare, the utterly lovely Dr Emma Craythorne.The inspiration for this episode came when I was invited to hear Emma speak about Klira. I was absolutely fascinated when she explained the very many "skin sizes" that exist and how her product caters for each and every one of them whilst also offering actives that truly make a difference. This was personalisation at a whole new level.During the episode we talk about how Klira works and why it is so important to delve into specific sizes rather than making sweeping generalisations (such as "this product is for all menopausall skin")We also chat about the many products that Emma loves using from cleansers to moisturisers to spfs and how Emma's totally female led brand came into existance.I love Emma. She's sassy, funny, intelligent and boy does she get skin! I think you'll get a lot out of this. I also need to add that I've been hooked to Klira and adore what it has done for my own skin. This partnership came about because of my fascination with the brand and love for the product.

I'm doing a very beauty focused minipod this week where I update you on the products that I'm using on repeat and would really miss if they are ever discontinued. These are my mainstays and I am so impressed with them all.I've taken a photo of everything mentioned on today's podcast and will publish it on my Instagram @outspokenbeautynicola.Enjoy Outspoken Beauties!

It's time for another great episode with Bryony Blake.Fresh from doing a perfume workshop together earlier in the day, we're chatting about the importance of friends who make you laugh outrageously, my idea for a multi-functional product called The Triple Buzz and Bryony's trip of a lifetime to Universal Studios.After that it's onto all things beauty and Bryony is answering more of your questions with everything from how to stop makeup brushes from going clumpy when you wash them to the very best red lipstick for a bride to whether we need to use essences or not.Enjoy this. It's the perfect combo of fun and beauty tips.

A short and sweet episode for you to start the week with you.I've got a brilliant, balanced breakfast idea that was given to me by the brilliant nutritionist Charlotte Faure Green. It stops blood sugar highs (and lows) and always keeps me nice and full until lunchtime.I also want to tell you about some really beautiful products from Rare Beauty.Enjoy xx

It's so good to welcome the amazing Sam Chapman back on the podcast.During the episode Sam opens up about how she has gone about achieving happiness and balance in her life after her mental health started to suffer. Sam also chats to me about the aesthetic treatments that she has had, how she helps her audience by sharing the details of what has worked for her and why she'll never be having a thread lift again.Later Sam talks me through some of the products that she absolutely swears by, including the foundation that beats all others. We also talk about her amazing partnership with Beauty Pie and how she went about helping to design makeup that works for women of all ages.It was so good catching up with Sam and I can't wait for you to listen to our conversation.

In this week's minipod I talk you through some of the beauty trends that I noticed cropping up at the CEW Beauty Awards Demonstration Evening and the products that I can't wait to try.The event was held at The Business Design Centre in Islington which is a huge venue. As far as the eye could see were tables with people demonstrating the products that they were hoping we would vote for in the upcoming awards.(Which are known as the Oscars of the beauty industry).It was amazing seeing such a wide range of brands both small and large and so many exciting and brilliant products and I can't wait for you to hear about some of them during this episode.

In this thought provoking episode I welcome the amazing Michelle Feeney, founder of Floral Street, back on the podcast for a chat about all things sex and scent.Michelle and I discuss the way that some perfume is sold to us and why in many ways it feels outdated and demeaning. As consumers what do we actually want from our fragrances? Is it all about attracting someone else or should it be more about what makes us happy and if so should the advertisers re-consider their messaging and imagery?This episode will make you question what fragrance stands for and how as consumers we should expect to be spoken to by the markettiers with the big budgets who don't always seem get it right.

Over the weekend I did a story about IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream and there was much confusion about which one to go for. I hope this little podcast helps you get to know the different versions of this iconic (and brilliant) product a bit better.Ps This is not sponsored/partnered...I have loved the different iterations of this cream for years and buy it on repeat.

I think that this is one of the most important episodes that I've ever published on Outspoken Beauty and if you have a daughter/niece/teenage girl in your life then you need to hear it.My guest is Jane Kenyon who is the founder of an utterly brilliant charity called Girls Out Loud. Jane has been working with teenage girls for over 20 years and her charity enables women in industry to become "big sisters" and mentor them through some of the trickiest years of school.Jane's insight into the current chellenges that girls are facing is deep and makes for scary listening. Social media, porn, self doubt and poor body image are only some of the problems that our teenagers are facing. Whilst many women are having positive and empowering conversations, it would seem like the opposite is happening for the younger generations.During the episode we talk about what is happening and how we might be able to make change and whilst this conversation doesn't make for easy listening, I know that it has the power to inspire change and action and we have the power to come together and make this happen.