Outspoken Beauty

In this episode I get to know Denny Daily who is a Beauty and Grooming Expert at the Good Housekeeping Institute.During the episode we explore the many elements involved in testing a product at the Institute and why once a beauty product has been highly rated by them, there is every reason for us to trust that it is worth spending our money on as consumers (something that is incredibly important to me).Denny and I also talk about the products that have really stood out to her because they have performed so well across the board.Here are some of the things that she loves and recommends:Lancome Hypnose MascaraClinique high-fi volumizing MascaraMerit beauty Tinted Lip OilOlaplex Dry ShampooElemis Vitamin cElemis Collagen CreamMyVitamins Collagen gummies Quai Body butterProverb Natural DeodorantTropic Morning Mist

In this week's minipod I cover quite a lot in a shirt space of time including:My search for the ultimate, hydrating undereye concealer that doesn't settle in lines and stays putThe glowy base of my dreamsHow I'm taking advice from The Glucose Goddess in my bid to sort out my pre-diabetesThe questios we all need to be asking skincare influencersand more...Enjoy Outspoken Beauties xx

Bryony is back for a  post Easter treat to make you laugh, cry and to answer all of your most pressing beauty questions.In this episode we're talking:Taking photos without people realising (we've been assured that nothing untoward has taken place by Tom the editor who is taking the place of Chris this week...thank God!)Our books of the moment (Bryony is not nice about my most worthy literary choice)A delve into the life of hamsters and why everything I once believed may not be trueAnd of COURSE loads of beauty with your brilliant questions answered and lots of really great product and technique tips.Enjoy and hope we make you smile xx

Joshua Fletcher aka Anxiety Josh is one of my heroes. When I look back at my life and consider the people who really changed it, he will be up there. (When I was in the throes of the worst anxiety imaginable I reached out to him and he not only offered me support and SUCH wisdom but ended up inspiring me to finally get out of the house, after months of hiding in anxiety hell, and get on the tube to London). When I found out that Josh had written a new book I instantly reached out to him. I was desperate to get my teeth into it. I was sent a PDF  and even though it wasn't Kindle compatible and I kept losing my place, I could not put it down. It was the perfect combination of funny, emotional, candid,  informative...it was a truly brilliant book that I knew people would be wanting to read whether they suffered with anxiety or not. I had to get him on the podcast to chat about it!And so here he is. He's a kind. brilliant human being, a truly amazing therapist who excels because he has suffered just like the people he helps and my goodness can the man write. During the episode I get all the gossip about the book (and the characters who inhabit it), we talk about anxiety...fighting it, menopause, life. It's a conversation that I know will benefit so many of you whether you sometimes feel randomly anxious and don't know why or whether you're haunted by intrusive thoughts and panic disorder.As for the book, I've recommended it to everyone I know and you are most definitely included in that. Here's the linkEnjoy this Outspoken Beauties!

Hormones, phones, pre-diabetes, burgundy eyeliners and fragrances that make you feel like you're on a dream holiday in Positano....what more could you want from a minipod on Good Friday?!Enjoy my weekly catch up and don't forget to email me nicola@outspokenbeauty.co.uk if you'd like to be a member of the Outspoken Beauty Trialling Panel.

It is such a pleasure to welcome Aimee Connolly, the founder of Sculpted By Aimee, back on Outspoken Beauty.During the episode we reflect on how far she has come and delve into how she is building her beauty empire.Aimee also talks about what her brand stands for and why making makeup easy and accessible is so important to her.We also have a chat about how Aimee juggles her brand and what she does to maintain balance in her life and look after her wellbeing.I love this woman and she really is proof that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

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.