Outspoken Beauty

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.

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 DiligentI'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!