*This episode is in partnership with YSL Beauty*

In this episode I'm joined by the incredible Juleah Love and Manon Ergin. Juleah is the Global Head of Brand Corporate Engagement at YSL Beauty and Manon the VP of Global Communication and Image. But what makes these women stand out to me is the passion and commitment that they have put into creating YSL Beauty's Abuse Is Not Love Campaign which helps women all around the world to deal with, learn about and escape abusive relationships.

During the episode we talk about the making of "Don't Call It Love" , an incredibly hard-hitting short film that they released on International Women's Day and how they have turned the traditional idea of a fragrance ad on its head to help make the most important of points and educate as many women as possible.

We also explore the lengths they have gone to to ensure that they can help women all around the world in the right way. (They work with experts and charities to ensure that they address each country's individual problems).

Juleah also speaks from the heart about what to do if you find yourself in an abusive relationship and why you must never blame yourself!

What really struck me when speaking to Juleah and Manon both before and during the recording was that this isn't yet another big brand "doing good" and paying lip service to impress consumers. In fact, I got the impression that the work that they are doing around IPV (intimate partner violence) has become larger and more vital that they ever could have imagined. These women and their team are fully invested and so incredibly passionate about the work that they are doing.

If you'd like to watch Don't Call It Love, you can do here

If you need help with IPV then you'll find lots of resources here

In this week's Outspoken Review I'm recommending skincare, foot-care, a truly brilliant lip-balm and a refreshing and delectable cologne. All of the products are really affordable and high performing.

Also, if you've ever dreamed of a job in beauty then I might have something that will inspire you xx

In this episode of Outspoken Mental Health I'm talking about the many many expectations on women and how they can build up until they overwhelm us. (Being brilliant in the workplace, the best parent, having a carefully curated and tidy home, cooking to perfection etc etc).

I then explore the importance of letting go of the things that don't matter and having the confidence to own our decisions and make a stand. (If you don't like cooking then don't be afraid to own it).

We simply can't be everything to all people and we certainly can't be perfect so let's hand over the unnecessary pressures and stop giving a F**K!

The one and only Bryony Blake is back.

This week we're talking:

• My awful memory loss
• Horny meditation
• What we'd wear toThe Brits
• Gratitude
• How to make yourself laugh when you're feeling insecure
• Exfoliating socks
• An amazing hair product
• Newness from Milk makeup
• The wonder of shower puffs

And much much more

Hope this brings a smile to your face

Nicola and Bryony xx

In this episode, Perdi and I get ready for International Women's Day by celebrating some of the the very best females in the industry.

From incredible founders to aestheticians to the wonderful women in our local nail salons, let's celebrate an industry brimming with brilliant people.

Ad info: I have run a 12 week consumer trial for Altrient. During this episode I'll share some of the results.

As many of you know, as well as hosting the podcast, I run the Outspoken Beauty Trialling Panel. This amazing group of almost 600 women trial products and give their honest opinions.

We have recently come to the end of a 12 week Altrient Vitamin C trial with 100 women. This is a brand that I have used and believed in for years and it has been so exciting to see how it has worked for other people.

During the episode you'll be the first to learn about some of the things we found and whether this supplement is worth investing in.

In this week's episode of Outspoken Mental Health I'm talking about why you shouldn't feel disheartened if you think your anxiety is getting better but then you're struck, seemingly out of nowhere by a panic attack.

I'll chat about a recent anxious episode that I had and how I'm dealing with it and will also chat about the importance of accepting that you never fully stop getting anxious...it's your reaction to it that it everything.

Here are some mental health charities as promised:

adferiad.org

Information and support for people affected by mental health problems in Wales.

03444 775 774 (helpline) 

07537 416 905 (text)

anxietyuk.org.uk

Advice and support for people living with anxiety.

0808 801 0677 (England)

0808 801 0433 (Wales)

beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Offers information and advice on eating disorders, and runs a supportive online community. Also provides a directory of support services at HelpFinder.

bacp.co.uk

Professional body for talking therapy and counselling. Provides information and a list of accredited therapists.

0800 58 58 58

thecalmzone.net

Provides a helpline, online and WhatsApp chat, as well as information and support, for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts.

0808 808 7777

[email protected]

carersuk.org

Advice and support for anyone who provides care.

disabilityrightsuk.org

Information and support on disabled people's rights. 

0300 123 6600

talktofrank.com

Confidential advice and information about drugs, their effects and the law.

hearing-voices.org

Information and support for people who hear voices or have other unshared perceptions, including local support groups.

Mind

Support line: 0300 102 1234

mindout.org.uk

Mental health service run by and for LGBTQ people.

nhs.uk

Information about health problems and treatments, including details of local NHS services in England.

0300 7729844

nopanic.org.uk

Provides a helpline, step-by-step programmes, and support for people with anxiety disorders.

0800 068 41 41

88247 (text)

[email protected]

papyrus-uk.org

Confidential support for under-35s at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

116 123 (freephone)

[email protected]

Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS

samaritans.org

Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).

0300 304 7000

[email protected]

sane.org.uk

Offers emotional support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems, including a helpline. 

0808 808 4994

studentminds.org.uk

Mental health charity that supports students. Runs Student Space, offering online information and helpline support delivered in partnership with The Mix.

timetochangewales.org.uk

Campaign to end stigma and discrimination against people with mental health problems.

turning-point.co.uk

Health and social care services in England for people with a learning disability. Also supports people with mental health problems, drug and alcohol abuse or unemployment.

0808 802 5544 (Parents Helpline)

85258 (text the word 'shout')

youngminds.org.uk

Provides advice and support to young people for their mental health, as well as supporting parents and carers.

It's such a pleasure to have the totally brilliant journalist Madeleine Spencer back on the podcast.

Mads recently wrote an incredible piece for Elle Magazine about how well-informed, science backed health advice is often being replaced by misinformation that is being perpetuated by so-called experts (You only need watch Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix to understand how easily things can go wrong).

I was so inspired by the article that I needed to get her on the podcast to delve into this further. During the episode Madeleine talks about the positive side of wellbeing and the amazing things that she has learnt over the years. She also talks about the ease with which misinformation can spread and why we need to be so very careful about who we take advice from.

We also talk about PCOS, supplements, eating in a balanced way and lots more.

Madeleine is so well versed on this topic and I think that this is a really important episode for anyone who is confused and overwhelmed about the health and wellbeing industry.

This is the time of the week where we get skincare focussed with the brilliant beauty editor of Women's Health, Perdita Nouril.

In this episode we're doing a deep dive into SPF and what it can do for our skin. We chat through some of the best on the market that not only feel great but offer something for lots of skin types and conditions.

We also have a chat about home micro-needling and a brand new product from Sunday Riley.

You can find Perdita on Instagram @perditanouril

In this week's episode of The Outspoken Review I'm talking about the misinformation that seems to permeate so much of social media and even the press. With fear mongering headlines about weight-loss jabs, I talk about why there's always more to the story than there first seems.

Next I'm chatting about Selena Gomez who is damned if she does and damned if she doesn't. With damning comments about her weight-loss all over social media I ask why women are STILL being judged on their looks.

Finally I have a list of really good products to tell you about including a new launch from Cerave, the BEST blow up mattress ever, a shower oil that is ridiculously pleasing and the coolest damn perfume I've ever worn.