Outspoken Beauty

In this episode I'm joined by entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Dame Tampons, Celia Pool.Celia launched the world's first reusable tampon applicator and in doing so reduced the huge amount of plastic pollution caused by our usual sanitary options.Celia and I don't just talk about the environmental impact of our tampons but we discuss everything from period poverty and shaming to the lack of legislation in the making of sanitary products and how this can potentially affect our health. It's a fascinating chat that may just change your views about periods and how we deal with them.Later on I talk about a truly brilliant hair product and some great sunscreens for oily and sensitive skin.Enjoy xx

In this, one of my all time favourite episodes, I'm joined by the brilliant author Marian Keyes. Marian and I have a wonderful chat about her passion for all things beauty which is a hobby that gives her a great deal of joy.Amongst the excellent product recommendations and brilliant anecdotes, Marian chats through her attitude to ageing and how she will never subscribe to society's rules about how a woman over a certain age should look. Marian is a total breath of fresh air...a funny, intelligent, inspiring woman who writes the best books ever. (Her latest one is called Grownups and is sensational). Enjoy the episode! xx

In this episode I'm joined by artist, illustrator and social activist Florence Given. Florence was voted Cosmopolitan's Influencer of the Year 2019 and is renowned for being outspoken and brilliantly honest about topics ranging from sexual politics, sexuality and the importance of loving yourself. In this episode we take her new book "Women Don't Owe You Pretty" as a starting point for a discussion about the role that beauty plays in a woman's life. Do we wear makeup because it is an expectation that has been set by the patriachy? What exactly is beauty? How much power do we actually have to look how we truly want to? Florence challenges social expectations of beauty and definitely made me revaluate a few things. This is a fascinating episode with a woman who isn't afraid to be truly outspoken.

In this episode of My Beauty Habits I'm joined by the utterly lovely Kirsty Gallacher.Kirsty has been through a lot over the past few years but is in a much better and stronger place now. She chats honestly about how her life has moved on, what it's been like in lockdown with her two boys and how they've been keeping busy.Kirsty also shares the beauty products and treatments that she loves and the reasons why exercise plays such an important role in her life.I loved Kirsty's authenticity and honesty and know you'll love getting to know the real her.

If you've ever been confused about your retinoids then this is definitely the episode for you.I'm joined by Medik8's Director of Research Daniel Isaacs who is here to answer all of your questions. I wanted to speak to Dan as Medik8 have very much led the way in researching and coming up with exciting new retinoid formulations. This episode is by no means just about the Medik8 brand though and is a great guide for everyone whether you're about to start your retinol journey or you're looking to take it to the next level. Dan talks me through the many types of retinoids available, what's so good about them, how and when to use them in your routine and so much more. He also answers the many questions that you've been asking me via my Instagram @OutspokenBeautyNicola.At the end of the episode I talk you through my top retinoid products. I promised I would also list them in the show notes, so here you go :0) Enjoy the episode!- Medik8 R Retinoate Intense- Medik8 R Retinoate Youth Activating Cream- Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment- Dr Sam Bunting Flawless Nightly Serum-La Roche Posay R Redermic 0.3% Retinol- Inkey List Retinol Serum- The Ordinary 1% Retinol - The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion

My guest this week is the wonderfully outspoken writer and speaker Toni Tone. Toni tells me how a positive comment about chubby cheeks was the start of a career that sees her empower and give brilliant advice and inspiration to thousands upon thousands of women.In this episode we chat about Toni's career and journey and the daily beauty and wellbeing habits that make her feel great.

In this special episode in partnership with Max Factor, I'm joined by makeup artist legend and Max Factor's Creative Director Wendy Rowe. Wendy is one of the world's leading makeup artists and during this episode she shares the story of how with hard work and a can do attitude she made it to the top. Wendy also shares some amazing makeup and industry tips and we discuss some of the brilliant products that she has been creating with Max Factor and how they came about. This is a fabulous episode featuring a true industry great.

In this episode of My Beauty Habits I'm joined by Jo Tutchener Sharp.Jo tells me about how her life changed when they discovered that she had a lump on her brain and how the whole experience led her to launch her brilliant brand Scamp and Dude.As well as hearing Jo's incredible story, Jo also shares her beauty habits. Before Scamp and Dude she was the founder of Beauty Seen PR and beauty has always been in her DNA. She loves her products and has some excellent recommendations.xx

My fabulous guest in this episode is beauty journalist and editor Rosie Green. Rosie thought that she was happily married and life was good when out of the blue her husband left her, leaving her reeling and in shock. She has since gone on a journey which has of course been full of downs and some ups along the way. Rosie made the decision to share what had happened in the column she writes for Red Magazine and has helped guide countless women who are going through the same as she is.In this episode we hear Rosie's story, always punctuated with her wicked sense of humour and Rosie shares how at her lowest moments, beauty helped her through and gave her a feeling of empowerment.

In this episode of My Beauty Habits, I'm joined by Skin Positivity Campaigner Lex Gillies. After uploading a photo of her rosacea to Instagram, Lex was shocked to be informed that it had been taken down because it was "undesirable". She shared her story with her followers, it went viral and to cut a long story short, she managed to get Instagram to change its policies on skin conditions.During the episode we hear Lex's story, she gives advice for anyone suffering with sensitive skin or a lack of confidence and shares her beauty and wellbeing routines and the products that she adores.This is a lovely, honest chat with a brilliant and brave woman who is changing the conversation about what defines beauty.