Outspoken Beauty

In this episode I'm joined by agent and author extraordinaire Melanie Blake. Melanie started her career as a camera assistant in The Top of The Pops studio but the more she to know all the stars, the more she realised that they loved hearing her opinions. Eventually this led to her becoming an agent to a whole load of well known and loved popstars and soapstars and subsequently an author.Melanie tells incredible anecdotes about life in showbiz and we talk candidly about the pressure on celebrities to look a certain way and the pain that this often leads to. Melanie also tells the most incredible story about Jackie Collins.Melanie is such a character and this episode is a bit like the plot of a fabulous movie. Enjoy! xx

In this episode of #MyBeautyHabits I'm joined by broadcaster, entrepreneur and avid runner Jenni Falconer.Jenni and I reminisce about our radio days together and about all of the beauty product recommendations we used to share with each other. We chat through some of her favourite skincare and makeup products, her love of exercise and in particular what running means to her and a fantastic new collagen supplement that she has launched.It was lovely to catch up with Jenni and I hope you enjoy getting to know her.

Welcome to Episode 1 of #TheOutspoken. This is a new fortnightly podcast that gives your voice a platform to be heard and where the overall aim is to build a community of outspoken changemakers.In this episode we talk about founder of Blink Brow Bar, Vanita Parti's frustration at not being able to offer brow treatments (even though men are allowed beard trims), Sophie Joanna kicks off a conversation about the issues surrouding pubic hair and we discover a new beauty brand with a lovely story.If you want to get involved with The Outspoken to share your story or views, ask questions or introduce your brand or business venture then there are a number of ways:1. Label your Instagram posts #TheOutspoken2. DM me via Insta @OutspokenBeautyNicola3. Join our private Facebook Community The Outspoken4. Email me nicola@outspokenbeauty.co.ukCan't wait to hear from you xx

In this episode I'm joined by the renowned American dermatologist Dr Ava Shamban.Ava has such a wonderful, sensible approach to skin, health and life in general and in this episode she share some brilliant tips as well as her beautiful sense of humour.I loved chatting to Ava and found myself feeling very uplifted after our chat. Enjoy :) xx

In this episode of #MyBeautyHabits I'm joined by the brilliant cook, writer and broadcaster Rachel Khoo.In 2006, Rachel, who loves an adventure, gave up a job in PR, moved to Paris (with no knowledge of French) and did a patisserie course at Le Cordon Bleu. Fast forward a few years and she had forged an incredibly exciting career with her own cookery show called The Little Paris Kitchen, and a number of published books.Fast forward to now and Rachel is living in Sweden and has just made a new series from her Mum-in-law's kitchen whilst in lockdown. (I honestly don't know how she did it!). In this episode we talk about her career, the challenges of making her own TV show from home and of course all about her beauty habits. Rachel is a lipstick lover and is fascinated with skincare. There are loads of fab recommendations :0)-Rachel's new series Simple Pleasures is at 9pm and 9:30pm on Thursdays on Food Network and dplay.-You can download her charity e-cookbook which has all the recipes from the series at :https://www.rachelkhoo.com/product/simple-pleasures-book. It costs £5 and all proceeds are going to the Film and TV Charity UK.Here are some of the products that Rachel mentions during the episode:Beauty Products:Lush Jade roller cleanser barLush Like a virgin cold cream cleanser barKatesomervilleskincare goat milk cleanserPixi beauty Glow tonicMaria Akerberg Neroli freshenerThe ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5The ordinary 100% L-Absorbic Acid PowderDe mamiel Exhale daily hydrating nectar SPF30Eucerin Antiredness Concealing day cream SPF25Dr Dennis Gross Faceware LED mask - Bolt beauty vitamin A Hair Products:Lush Seanik shampoo bar Make upKjaer Weis Cream Blush flush and glowBask compact bronzerKW red lipstickVolumising mascaraBody shop Liquid eyeliner dark brownSuqqu Nude wear liquid foundation

Introducing my brand new platform and series #TheOutspoken.In this episode I tell you all about how you can get involved and become part of a community of Outspoken change makers.If you want to get your voice heard you can:1. DM me on Insta @OutspokenBeautyNicola2. use #theoutspoken in your Instagram posts3. Join the private Facebook Community : The Outspoken4. Email me directly: nicola@outspokenbeauty.co.uk*************************The new podcast series starts on 13th July and will take place every other Monday. There will also be an Insta live at 8pm every Monday.Can't wait to hear from you xx

In this episode I'm joined by one of the first artists in the world to show their gender fluidity...the super talented Courtney Act.Courtney, who was one of the stars of Season 6 of RuPaul's Drag Race, is not only a spectacular performer but is incredibly eloquent and passionate and we have a wonderfully honest chat about her childhood, gender fluidity, identity and of course beauty and what it means to both Courtney and Shane.I loved getting to know Courtney so intimately and can't wait for you to do the same.Courtney's show Fluid is coming to the UK in Spring 2021. You can buy tickets here http://courtneyact.com/fluid/

I'm taking a week off #MyBeautyHabits to have an in depth conversation with Dr Sam about her new Flawless Brightly Serum. So many of you have been in touch with questions about how to use the serum and what the ingredients will do for you and Dr Sam has all the answers. As you know, I'm a huge fan of Sam's and I have been incredibly impressed with this serum so thought it would be interesting to have Sam on to demystify it for us.Later on I review a fabulous mascara, some incredible neon eyeliners, my new favourite moisturiser and a sumptuous eye cream.Remember you can always get in touch with me by Doing via my Instagram @OutspokenBeautyNicola and do join the private Facebook Community which is now called The Outspoken.Brands mentioned:Dr Sam BuntingWillowberryBarry M CosmeticsSilly GeorgeExuviance

Get ready for an episode that will uplift, inspire and energise you. My guest is the force of nature that it Ateh Jewel. Ateh, who has been challenging racism and prejudice throughout her 20 year career as a beauty journalist, producer and entrepreneur, talks about what it feels like to live with racism in your everyday life and how it has affected so many aspects of her career. She is using her voice right now as she always has done, to help instigate change.We also talk about being a mother, having a true and uninhibited passion for beauty and wellbeing. (The way that Ateh describes this love is almost poetic) and Ateh's business and mission to create foundation that makes women of colour glow rather than dampening down and mattifying their skin like to many current formulations do.Ateh is funny, ambitious, intelligent and is using her voice to make change. She's the perfect Outspoken Beauty guest and you're going to love her xx

In this episode I'm joined again by the brilliant beauty editor/journalist Lucia Ferrari who talks us through her top edit of radiance boosting beauty products including skincare and makeup.Later on we talk through some of the beauty treatments that Lucia has mastered in lockdown and that she will continue to do by herself from now on. (I particularly love the hair removal cream that smells of roses!)Lucia is so knowledgable and doesn't take her recommendations lightly (I know she thoroughly tests and researches everything). I love catching up with her and hearing about the products that genuinely excite her!