Outspoken Beauty

In this episode I speak to actress, content creator and entrepreneur Tanya Burr.
Tanya and I have a brilliant chat and cover all sorts of topics including how our monthly cycles influence our lives, mental health, intuition, self awareness, making things happen and of course beauty.
Tanya has created a wonderful makeup brand called Authored and we chat about the impact she hopes to make through her brand's messaging, packaging and the products themselves.
I've been wanting to interview Tanya for years and it was well worth the wait.

Bryony Blake is back. There are so many highlights I don't even know where to start. They include Bryony recording the episode in a dodgy car-park, a new ad that she's starring in that led to general hilarity about an unexpected feature on a website, a spiritual hand massage and a perfume with a surprising name. Plus the usual beauty bits and bobs.

In this episode I chat to the brilliant James Wilson aka The Sleep Geek. James is a Sleep Behaviour and Environment Expert. As someone who himself suffered from insomnia, James is on a mission to demystify sleep issues and get to the bottom of why we struggle to sleep and what can REALLY help us.
James is not one for airy fairy advice and magical remedies, but works with cold, hard facts about why sleep can be hard and the importance of understanding what kind of sleepers we are to work out what we need as individuals.
James is so refreshing. I love his down to earth advice and the pressure he takes off those of us who worry about lack of sleep.
During the episode he mentions:
Unikbed Mattresses and their Aero pillow
Alpaca fleece duvets from Penrose
AllBamboo bedding (great for eczema and allergies)
Lavitex pillows.

*This episode is in collaboration with Floral Street*
In this episode I chat to the brilliant Michelle Feeney. Michelle, who is the woman behind one of my favourite fragrance brands, Floral Street, tells us how scent-scaping our homes can have an amazing effect on our moods, how people feel when they visit us, how it can be used to punctuate different times in the day and even affect our relationships.
I have been trying it myself and have thoroughly enjoyed the effect of using different scents in different parts of my home and at different times of day (as you'll hear during the episode).
Floral Street have the most INCREDIBLE range of home fragrances. My absolute favourites are Grapefruit Bloom and Midnight Tulip which is my evening scent.
I hope that Michelle inspires you as much as she has me and that you have fun going on your own scent-scaping journey.

In this episode of My Beauty Habits I get to know iconic fashion designer and wellbeing guru Norma Kamali.
Norma started designing in the 60's and is the woman behind hot-pants and the sleeping bag coat. Her designs have always stayed not only current but forward thinking and she has dressed everyone from Whitney Houston to Lady Gaga to Beyonce.
Norma is also the author of empowering wellbeing book I Am Invincible.
During the episode we talk about Norma's fascinating career plus her brilliant beauty and wellbeing habits and tips.
Enjoy!

In this episode I chat to singer, dancer, TV star and entrepreneur Alesha Dixon.
Alesha and I chat about mum life, beauty in all its guises and why it is about so much more than just what we put on our faces. We lead on to talk about ageing, spirituality, balance and why she was inspired to launch her supplement range Nobleblu.
This is a fantastic episode and I can't wait for you to get to know the real Alesha.

Ahead of World Menopause Day next week I wanted to put out a slightly different Minipod this week where I refer back to some of the amazing things that I've learnt from Dr Louise Newson who really is the Queen of Menopause education. I also chat a bit about targeted menopause skincare and my thoughts on it.
If you need help with your own perimenopause or menopause then I recommend:
The Balance App
Preparing For The Perimenopause and Menopause by Dr Louise Newson
Mymenopausedoctor.co.uk
Megsmenopause.com (Check out the 34 symptoms of the menopause - https://megsmenopause.com/34-symptoms/)

*The first part of this episode is in collaboration with Parfumado*
This episode starts with me and fragrance journalist extraordinaire Suzy Nightingale reviewing the brilliant fragrance service Parfumado (@uk.parfumado.com). Parfumado have a library of over 450 scents and you can pick a new one to try each month for £12.95. From niche to luxury to classic to fragrances that even Suzy hasn't heard of, they really do have a great collection. If you fancy subscribing, head to uk.parfumado.com and receive a 50% discount on your first month with discount code OUTSPOKEN50.
Next it's time for the delectable Bryony Blake to join me for our fortnightly dose of gossip, giggles and a big celebration of the beauty products that we're rating. Bryony gives some great makeup tips too.
Enjoy :0)

*Part of this episode is in collaboration with Dcypher Cosmetics*
In this episode I start by getting to know Claire and Adam, the incredible entrepreneurs and founders of Dcypher Cosmetics. They have launched the most amazing service that enables you to order a foundation that exactly matches your skin's tones and undertones. Some of the Outspoken Beauty Panellists have been trying the foundation and putting it to the test. They give their honest reviews of the process and we find out if they recommend it.
(If you would like 15% off a Dcypher foundation then head to https://dcypher.me and use code OUTSPOKEN15.)
Next it's time to hear from inventor and entrepreneur extraordinaire Sophie Trelles-Tvede. Sophie came up with the idea for Invisibobble when she was at university and has turned it into a hugely successful hair brand. This is a story of ambition, making things happen and believing in yourself.
I hope that Sophie, Claire and Adam leave you feeling that anything is possible!

In this week's Minipod I chat through my top eyeliners. I've sported a feline flick since the age of 18 and feel naked without it and I've tested a lot of eyeliners from the ridiculously expensive ones that have let me down to the budget buys that have surprised me. In this episode I list the ones that I think really stand out. Let me know your favourites by DMing me @OutspokenBeautyNicola :0)