Outspoken Beauty

In this episode Bryony Blake is back and we're talking about her life as a makeup artist and her current work with the brilliant David Walliams on Britain's Got Talent. I also reminisce about a rather eventful interview I once did with Jason Donovan, David Walliams and Matt Lucas where I got into a bit of trouble. This leads us to chat about strange cab journeys, over-working and of course we tell you about some of our current beauty loves with a beautiful lipstick, fab face-mask, an update on home laser hair removal and the perfect cream for winter ravage skin. Enjoy!

In this episode I get to know the truly inspiring Faye Speedie. Faye was forced to take a step back from her high powered role in the beauty industry due to health issues and the fact that she was finding it hard to conceive.
During the episode we chat about issues that apply to so many of us. From health to the pain of not being able to conceive, to having the strength to step away from your career to starting an incredible and successful company on your own...it's all here. Faye and I also have a great chat about the beauty industry and she also gives some of her own excellent recommendations.
Faye's company Beauty Bulb helps beauty, personal care and wellbeing brands in a number of ways including with sales and business growth. You can find her and her brilliant team at beautybulb.co.uk.

In this week's minipod I talk a bit about the high levels of anxiety that I have been experiencing and what I'm doing to try and get them under control. (If you're also struggling I'm always here for a chat. Just DM me @outspokenbeautynicola).
I also talk about another body cream that has had the Becki Murray stamp of approval (she'll be back for another episode next of Tried and Thoroughly Tested next week) and is a really good budget option. Finally I chat about a serum that has landed on my desk and that I'm finding very interesting, the best leggings I've ever bought (which just so happen to be on sale right now) and a beautiful new brand made for babies but that is also really great for us.
Here's what I mention:
Bam leggings
Aveeno moisturiser
Evereden
Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C
Anxiety Josh

In this week's episode of My Beauty Habits my guest is the amazing fragrance journalist and expert and my great friend and co-host of The On The Scent Podcast, Suzy Nightingale.

Suzy and I have had so many incredible conversations about scent but I've never really asked her about the other aspects of beauty that she love. I'm so happy that I now have because I absolutely ADORE her beauty habits and rituals.
During the episode Suzy chats about why she is drawn to glamorous makeup and looks from different eras, her humongous lipstick collection, how she tames her fly-aways and why her skincare routine is so important to her. There are obviously a couple of fragrances in there and we also chat through how Suzy looks after her wellbeing.
I can't tell you how much I loved recording this episode. Suzy is a breath of fresh air and I adore her passion for beauty and how much it empowers her.
Here's what she mentions:

Skincare:

Nighttime routine:

ELEMIS Nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil,
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm OR Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Medik8 Intelligent Retinol 6TR
Medik8 Intelligent Retinol for Eyes
Hada Labo Super Hydrator (hyaluronic acid)
Curél Deep Noisture Spray
ELEMIS Pro Collagen Marine Cream (light in Summer) OR Modern Botany Recovery Cream for more intense comfort boost. OR La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5. OR De Mamiel Skin Recovery Balm (smells amazing, works overnight even on scars).

Day:

Cleansing balm (as above)
Ren Ready Steady Glow AHA Tonic
Medik8 C-Tetra
La Roche-Posay Serozinc
Medik8 C-Tetra Eye
Clinique Moisture Surge Eye
Erborian CC Dull Correct SPF 25

Body:
Dry body brushing
Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax

Hair:
Hershesons Almost Everything Cream
Sam McKnight Lazy Girl Dry Shampoo / Easy Up-Do / Modern Hairspray

Makeup:

Lipsticks -
Lisa Eldridge (nearly everything) faves: Velvet Ribbon & Velvet Myth (wild mulberry)
Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment Light my Fire
Lisa Eldridge Velvet Fawn & Gloss Embrace in Velvet Muse

Eyeliners:
Black felt liners - Haus Labs (lady gaga) &
Maybelline Hyper Precise All Day Eye Liner

Mascara:
Marc Jacobs At Lash’d

Perfume:
Skin Alchemists Equilibrium pulse point remedy
Ormonde Jayne Woman

In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking to psychologist Dr Julie Smith.
Julie has made it her mission to spread her knowledge of mental health to the masses and her incredibly popular TikTok account (which now has over 3 million followers) has become a hub for useful nuggets of wisdom that are helping so many people.
During the episode we talk about Dr Julie's views on mental health and focus in on her new book "Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?"
Throughout her book Julie provides brilliant support and tips to help us overcome a number of issues including grief, fear, relationships, depression and so much more. During the episode we chat through some of the challenges that so many of us experience and Julie gives sensible and achievable advice whilst talking honestly about some of her own personal issues.
Dr Julie is doing great things in the mental health sphere and I hope that you enjoy getting to know her. Her book is available on Amazon and is a brilliant and relatable read.

The delectable Bryony Blake is back from Thailand and joins me for another of our episodes. This week we're talking Covid testing Thailand style, overcoming Bryony's fear of heights, why Bryony is cooler than me and why she'll will soon be touching David Walliam's face.
We also have our usual six beauty recommendations with this week's picks covering everything from a beauty balm with guaranteed glow, an addictive body moisturiser and an almond shower oil that cocoons your skin in the most delightful way.

In this episode I get to know playwright and artist Matilda Velevitch. Matilda works with the charity Care4Calais and helps many refugees and in this episode we talk about what she has learnt and about the reality of their situation.
We focus in on what it means to be a female refugee, lose your dignity and experience challenges that many of us couldn't even dream of. Matilda also reveals some truly shocking details about some of the things that are happening to refugees under our very noses in this country.
Amongst the extreme challenges that these people are facing is also a story of humanity and laughter and a coming together of women plus how you might be able to help.
I realise that this isn't a beauty related episode but after getting to know Matilda and hearing the story of some of the refugees that she's worked with, it's one that I had to publish. I always say that beauty starts important conversations and this really is a conversation that needs having.
If you'd like to help Care4Calais here's the link to their website: https://care4calais.org/

In this week's Minipod I chat through some of the things that I've been loving this week, from an excellent multi-functioning retinoid/vitamin C to the vase of dreams to a truly brilliant frizz tamer, these are the products that I really rate.
I also make an exciting announcement about a brand new series that's coming to the podcast which will see me being joined by science journalist extraordinaire, Becki Murray and recommending products that have been trialled and tested to the nth degree.
If you'd like to join the Outspoken Beauty Trialling Panel, DM me on Instagram @outspokenbeautynicola and make sure that you join our private Facebook community The Outspoken Beauty Club.