Outspoken Beauty

Bryony Blake is back for our fortnightly catch up and we've got lots to discuss including September resets and Bryony's amazing experience at the Practical Magic Premiere. We're got some lovely makeup recommendations too.If you'd like to be in with a chance of winning £1000 worth of makeup goodies make sure you listen out for this episode's letter. Once you have all four, work out the word and leave a comment on @outspokenbeautynicola or DM me. The winner will be picked at random and announced on 30th September 2026.

In this week's Outspoken Review I'm giving you the first of four letters that you'll need to collect in order to be in with a chance of winning £1000 worth of beauty goodies. This is all in celebration of 8 years of the podcast!!*I'll also be talking about the new Trinny London Fearless Skin Drops and a beautiful illuminating base from the brand Votary. Plus I'll be telling you why The Body Shop are doing some incredible things at the moment and why notepads are so important to me!Download wherever you get your podcasts.*Competition t's and c's:Listen to this and the next three episodes of Outspoken Beauty to collect four letters that make up a word linked to the podcastEither DM me the word or leave a comment under a post about the competition over on my Insta @outspokenbeautynicolaTag a friend who you'd like to share the prize with and make sure they're following meThe winner will be picked at random on 30th September 2026.

In this episode I'm chatting to the brilliant editor Editor-In-Chief of Diva Magazine, beauty lover and author of the amazing book What A Girl Wants, Roxy Bourdillon.During the episode we chat about:The incredible lipstick that Roxy swears byHow it took Roxy ten years to come out, having lived the "straight dream" with her then boyfriendHer amazing relationship with her grandmaSociety's ideas around whatr a lesbian "should and shoudn't be"M & S knickers in unexpected placesThe joys of lesbian s*xThe freedom of making up your own rules in a relationshipThe inspiration behind her book.Roxy is the most brilliant woman and I loved every second of our chat.

This week's edition of Outspoken Beauty Editor is an episode of two halves.On the one hand we're celebrating Sarah Creal's new makeup brand (which Perdita will delve into for us) but on the other we're lamenting Elizabeth Arden's decision to go big with anti-ageing messaging.The beauty industry can do so much good and bring so much joy but at times it really baffles us!

Outspoken Beauties! I am so excited to publish the first episode of OUTSPOKEN HEALTH, a brand new series with the utterly brilliant NHS GP (with an expertise in women's health), author and Media Dr, Dr Anisha Patel (@doctorsgetcancertoo).I met Dr Anisha via The Eve Appeal and was so impressed by her knowledge and passion when it comes to women's health. I was as also in awe of the way that she was using her own experience of bowel cancer to help so many people.Anyway, after a lot of chatting and planning, we are finally starting a series that I think is the most important that I have ever done on this platform. Outspoken Health is your place for BS and misinformation free health advice. This is the polar opposite of the overload of noise you are being fed on social media. It's evidence based, solid and trustworthy advice that you can confidently follow.In this episode we start with the 10 things that you can do right now to invest in your health for the present and future. We'd love any questions, comments and ideas for future episodes. We're here to help you!! Don't hesitate to DM us @outspokenbeautynicola or @doctorsgetcancertoo or email [email protected]

I was looking through my interview file the other day and my eyes nearly popped out of my head when I realised that I had somehow forgotten to publish this interview with Cally Beaton which we recorded last year. I mean I LOVED this interview. It inspired me so much and as we did it I was thinking about how much she was going to inspire you as well.Anyway, I'm so very glad that I did find it and that you're getting the chance to listen to this brilliant comedian and author. When we recorded she was promoting her truly brilliant book Namaste Motherf**kers which is now celebrating its 1st birthday. If you haven't read it you simply must.During the episode Cally talks about how she made the life changing decision to become a comedian at 45 (Joan Rivers told her that she should be one!!) and how she radically reinvented herself in midlife. This is exactly what SO many of us need to hear and I just know that Cally will show you that we're only just getting started, whatever our age!!

Beauty Editor Perdita Nouril is back and this week we're doing a deep dive into some of the misconceptions around K Beauty. We're talking about what Korean beauty experts REALLY think about topical PDRN, how many steps are really in a typical Korean skincare routine and why the trending Korean beauty product that you use in the UK may not have quite the same formula as the original.Any topics you'd like us to get to the bottom of? Let us know with a DM or email [email protected]

I was so sad to hear about the passing of Dolly Parton and really wanted to pay tribute to her.In this episode I'm talking about why if there was ever an example of an Outspoken Beauty it's Dolly.I discuss the person who inspired her style, her refusal to please anyone but herself with her appearance, her beauty habits, why she loved Vaseline, her scent, her love of wigs and so much more.I truly think that we all need to be a bit more Dolly and show up in the world in a way that makes us happy. Dolly never wanted to be fashionable. She created her own style and it made her an icon.

Bryony and I are having a long overdue catch up. The last time we saw each other was when we found ourselves on the same Eurostar to Paris...what are the chances!This week we're chatting about:My very strict and feisty therapistSiblings Paris adventuresWhat happens when you get friends from different parts of your life togetherBrilliant, affordable makeupLots moreEnjoy xx

In this week's minipod I'm chatting about the suprising amount of people who feel anxious when they go on holiday and can't settle for the first few days, often not feeling fully right for a week. I'm also talking about the chaos of coming home after being away and the brilliant, affordable makeup that I bought this week.

In this little episode I talk about the chaos of coming back from my holiday and how a couple of days in Paris helped me reconnect with a side of myself that I haven't acknowledged in a long long time. I also chat about things to do with the kids in Paris and the things I liked (and didn't like so much) about the now infamous Citypharma.

In this little episode recorded from France I'm reflecting on what I've learning about confidence, especially having really observed the amazing women here.I also compare becoming more self-confident to overcoming anxiety. It's a gradual process, you need to take yourself out of your comfort zone but eventually it gets easier.Hope you find this inspiring xx

I'm on my hols so am re-releasing one an oldie but a real goodie! It's with the amazing Anna Newton aka The Anna Edit and Lily Pebbles. Enjoy!!In this episode I'm joined by Lily Pebbles and The Anna Edit to talk about how to pick and choose the very best beauty products and let go of the rest. You've heard about a Capsule Wardrobe, but how do you get a Capsule Beauty Collection?Anna and Lily give advice about letting go of what you no longer need and also a list of the beauty products that have made their own personal edits. They also talk about true friendship, being honest with their followers and changing your beauty habits to be more environmentally friendly.I also review the most INCREDIBLE new brand. It's called Wild and Precious and has impressed Nicola so much that it is going to be taking permanent residence in her (newly edited) collection.Remember to subscribe, spread the word and rate us (it all really helps) and give us a follow on Instagram @outspokenbeautypodcast. For product links and more info check out outspokenbeauty.co.uk.

Due to popular demand, in this holiday minipod, I'm telling to about many of the beauty products that I packed for my holiday to France.I'm including a miraculous device that has totally (well 97%) taken the itch out of my many mozzie bites, an SPF that has absolutely blown my mind (the science and ingredients are out of this world) and the easiest and most fantastic body product ever.There's so much more packed into this little episode.Enjoy mes cheries xx

It's Bryony time and in this episode she's got loads of fabulous makeup tips.We're also chatting about some unexpected occurances at Centre Parks, what happens when your younger sister is a little bit over protective, our views on dupes and so so much more!

Happy International Lipstick Day Outspoken Beauties!I have got the most brilliant and perfect guest for such an auspicious occasion!Eileen G'Sell is poet, culture critic, university teacher and author of Lipstick, which joined Bloomsbury’s Object Lessons series earlier this year. I love the description of this utterly brilliant book:"From Revlon to Glossier, from Marilyn to Gaga, lipstick is as shape-shifting and unwieldy as femininity itself. Who wears lipstick today – as a matter of routine? And for those who do, is it out of obligation to a strict feminine standard, or some other reason entirely? Lipstick reconsiders the beauty world's most conspicuous – and contentious – tool of artifice. Tossing expired ideas about femininity like so many tubes of melting wax, Lipstick explores how self-adornment can be a source of play, pleasure, and transformation, as well as how lipstick can knock gender norms off balance."My chat with Eileen got me so over-excited. She is so intelligent and has such brilliant views about beauty, self-expression, femininity and feminism. This is the perfect episode for a day that celebrates something that can feel so powerful and meaningful.

Oh how I love this woman! Makeup artist, comedian and content creator extraordinaire Genevieve Turley is back. It's been a good few years since she was last on the podcast and it 's SO good to catch up with her.Before I get into my chat with Gen I spend 10 minutes or so telling you in some depth about my experience with the Ziip Halo. This all came about when my most trusted aesthetician Pam Marshall recommended it to me. I've been obsessed ever since. This is a paid for section as Ziip were keen to support me but as ever it is totally unbiased and I hope you'll find it really informative. If you do decide that you would like to purchase one then follow this link and it will give you 10% off. If the link doesn't work then just head to ziipbeauty.co.uk and use the code OUTSPOKEN.Back to Genevieve. We're talking about:How her career has gone stratosphericHer journey to becing a comedianHer recent big show in the West EndLife and home changesLots of empowering insights about womenBeautyAnd lots lots more.You're going to love this one Outspoken Beauties xx

It's Wednesday and that means I'm talking you through some of my top products of the week.This week I have:A fabulous blusher/lip hybridA Balm that will melt your makeup awayMy body oil picksA great SPF for dry, sensitive skinThe serum I keep going back toand more....

In this episode I'm joined by two icons of the beauty industry. Lesley Blair is CEO and Chair of BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology) and Candice Gardner is the Education Manager of Learning and Content at Dermalogica, where she develops and oversees educational content and training for skincare professionals across the UK.Earlier this year I was incredibly inspired when I joined them at the Houses of Parliament for the launch of Sharp Standards, a UK-wide good practice guide and toolkit for micro-needling that is available to beauty practitioners across the UK. This industry shifting guide was authored by Candice on behalf of Dermalogica, in partnership with BABTAC.During the episode we talk about:The lack of legislation in the beauty industry and why they've been fighting for tighter laws in parliament for a long timeWhy they realised that they had to take matters into their own handsThe questions we should all be asking when we have an aesthetic treatmentThe risks of micro-needling and what we need to look out forHow to tell if a beauty practitioner has the right qualificationsWhy Sharp Standards will help both beauty practitioners and customers to feel more confidentWhy we should all be more aware of what can go wrong when we have beauty treatmentsThis is such a great listen. More than anything it helps empower us as consumers to know what we should asking and also helps beauty professionals to become fully confident in their business practice.

Beauty editor Perdita Nouril is back and this week she has got the most incredible recommendations for you including:A gentle but hugely effective Korean acid peel A natural deoderant that performs well even in a heatwaveAn affordable face cream that is as good as the light version of Charlotte Tilbury's Magic CreamSome amazing Korean makeupYou're going to adore this episode!!

It's The Outspoken Review and I've got some truly beautiful things to tell you about this week including an addictive scent that reminds me of those ginger hot shots and a body oil that will 100% be coming to France with me this summer.I've also had some incredible chats this week and I'll share why they've made me feel relieved and less guilty about everything.Hope you enjoy our little weekly catch up.xx

It's time to catch up with the one and only Bryony Blake.Poor Bryony is always gets into trouble even though she's innocent and this week she had something very unexpected confiscated at a nightclub.We're also talking about weird and wonderful ways we're keeping cool, why we love giving compliments, a word that gives me the major ick and the iconic beauty brand that's doing amazing innovation at the moment.There's lots more for you to enjoy too!

I've got the most innovative self tan/skincare hybrid to tell you about this week. I'm absolutely loving it.I'll also tell you about a really good vitamin C/antioxidant serum, a beautiful moisturiser and the affordable fragrance that might just become your scent of the summer.There's lots more too.Enjoy xx

If you were to take a good long look at your skincare collection, there's a chance that some of the products you've spent your good money on won't be delivering on their promises. In a world of TikTok trends, aesthetic filters and clever marketing, we’ve been conditioned to buy into skincare hype that at times has little clinical proof behind it.Well, in today's episode, we are stripping away the marketing fluff and looking at the science of skincare with my amazing guest Lorna Bowes. Lorna started her journey as an NHS dermatology nurse, has authored over 20 clinical papers, and is the founder of Aesthetic Source, the award-winning platform that brings clinically proven skincare technologies directly to top-tier clinics across the UK.Lorna is no BS and SO knowledgable. If you're muddled about where you are with your skincare right now, I have a feeling that she's going to help you get back on track.

The Beauty Editor is back!The gorgeous Perdita Nouril is talking about all things SPF misinformation after doing a massive investigation for a recent piece in Women's Health.This is such a great insight into how fear mongering can spread online and why we must listen to the experts and facts.

In this week's Outspoken Review I'm telling you about some of the things I've been thinking and doing today. I'll be talking about:The perfume launch that inspired a huge banana installation in LibertyThe Flo app and what it's teaching me about my anxietyWhy I love M and S fashion but the one reason it's not working brilliantly for meThe K Beauty lip gloss that I bought today and why it's so different to anything I've ever triedThe J Beauty experience I had and why I feel like we have so much to learn (and unlearn) about skincare here in the UK.And that's all in about 10 minutes....phew.....

In this episode makeup artist extraordinaire Bryony Blake is back and we have lots to catch up on.We're chatting:Kim K's blonde bobGoing rogue at all you can eat buffetsThe hot sound guy who should be Prime MinisterBryony's AMAZING makeup tips for hot weatherand lots more.Enjoy Outspoken Beauties xx

After the success of last week's AM routine, this week I'm talking you through what I do at the other end of the day. I'll talk you through three different skincare routines, my skin non-negotiables, the fragrances I lean towards at bed time and why I always give my hands and feet a bit of attention before bed.I

*This episode is supported by Laura Geller Beauty*It's not often you get to chat to beauty royalty like Laura Geller, but when you do, it's a conversation that you'll never forget.I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed talking to the woman who went from Broadway makeup artist to building one of the first founder led makeup brands of all time. Laura is the woman who championed primer, putting it on the map and also brought baked makeup to us. She's also someone who has always lifted women over 40, even establishing National Mature Woman's Day - an annual celebration to champion and celebrate us.It was Laura's makeup that impressed me first but now I've got to know the woman, I love her just as much.Laura talks about so much including building her brand, her ethos and why she is still going strong. She also talks about some of the harder moments in her life with honesty. You are going to feel so utterly inspired by her!Enjoy this Outspoken Beauties. It's a great listen.

I haven't done an episode like this for ages. It's my current morning routine from my shower heroes to my skincare, deoderant, body care and a fragrance that I'm currently addicted to.I really rate all these products and hope you enjoy hearing my thoughts about them.

In this episode I'm chatting to the brilliant and utterly lovely Dr Jennifer Owens.Jennifer is one of Ireland’s most respected practitioners in aesthetic medicine and the founder of The Glow Clinic, which has locations in both Dublin and Cork.Dr Jennifer’s career began in dentistry, including time spent working in the Australian outback and as Google’s in-house dentist. Over time, she transitioned into aesthetic medicine, training extensively in London, Amsterdam, and New York before opening The Glow Clinic in 2018.During the episode we talk all things skin, skincare that works, women's confidence and we have a really interesting conversation about the psychology of botox and more invasive treatments.This is a fascinating expert with a top expert. Enjoy it.

Beauty Editor Perdita is back and we've got loads to catch up on.Perdi has been on some really interesting press trips and launches and also tells us about why Beauty Pie have been in a little bit of trouble.I'm also telling you about the amazing Fragrance Foundation Awards and we're chatting about a weird and wonderful facial that has changed the way Perdita does her skincare (and potentially lives her life).Enjoy!

In this week's Outspoken Review I'm chatting about:One of the best barrier protecting moisturisers I've usedAn innovative, non-greasy SPF currently being tested by the Outspoken Beauty Trialling Panel and what they think of it so farFrench beauty must havesA hero product from Lixirskinand much more.

It's Bryony time and we've got lots to chat about including:The big wedding dress disaster storyFashion ruts when you have big boobsChat GPT relationship issuesFabulous fragrancesOur beauty recommendationsThere's lots more but I'm writing this description late at night and my bed beckons so you'll need to listen to find out all about our misadventures this week and the products that have impressed us the most.Enjoy xx

In this week's Outspoken Review I'm chatting about the affordable serum I keep going back to, the luxurious hand cream that smalls out of this world, why I wish I could afford to keep buying a particular spf and why I'm so sick of the Clean Girl trend.Enjoy xx

I'm so happy to finally welcome the founder of PHENOMENAL makeup brand Hildun onto the podcast. Suzy Griffin Dunne is such a brilliant personality with a background in both beauty writing and makeup artistry.Suzy's creation of Hildun has really inspired me. Every product is so carefully thought through and is such a pleasure to use. I know that you'll love getting to know the woman behind it and hearing her story. It's one of ambition, graft and Suzy is bound to make you laugh too - she's a true Outspoken Beauty.

I am sitting here writing up this week's Outspoken Review in my knickers. I'm sweating in places that I didn't know could sweat and I'm frequently spritzing the poor, over-heated rabbit with water.Anyway, heat aside, I have some lovely products to tell you about this week including a brilliant SPF, the best tinted lip balm (that I've been using as a highlighter too), minty freshness from Neom, some mind-blowing fragrances and two simple but impressive recipes.Enjoy fellow Outspoken Beauties xx

In this episode I'm chatting to cosmetic scientist and The Good Housekeeping Institute's Innovation Tester Juliet Heaton.Juliet is in charge of rigorously testing products against their claims in the Institute's lab to make sure that they actually deliver on their claims.During the episode we have a really interesting chat about how clever marketing can lead us to believe things about our beauty products that simply aren't true and why some of the social media personalities who recommend things to us may be aligned with brands or at a basic level, recommend products that work for their skin but that are useless for us.Juliet's job is to use tech that can really prove (or mis-prove) product claims and tell us about the brands and products that stand out and will deliver on their promises.We also chat about the inaugural GHI Believe In Beauty Awards, the winners of which which have now been announced. We'll chat about some of the winners and whzt makes the products stand out.This is such a great episode and in a world of too much information and choice, it will help you find the beauty products that really work.

In this week's Outspoken Review I have some real treats in store... the most beautiful, glowy SPF and another game-changer that has been 6 years in the making.I'll also tell you all about the absolutely beautiful new Acqua di Parma discovery kit , my fabulous sound bath experience, why I'm not really enjoying the "clean girl aesthetic" at the moment and lots more.

Scientist, dietician and author Dr Emily Leeming is back for another incredible episode about our gut health and this time we're chatting about fibre. Whilst on paper fibre sounds pretty boring, Emily is here to prove that it is quite the opposite. There is so much research showing just how vital it is for our health and wellbeing and Emily is here to tell us about all the latest scientific findings and how we can apply them easily to our own diets.Emily is never about taking food away but about adding bits here and there that add up to make a big difference. She'll tell you more about this during the episode.Emily also talks about her new book Fibre Power which is a must read. It's full of easy tips, tricks and recipes and I recommend it wholeheartedly.What a brilliant and important episode this is!

In this week's Outspoken Review I'm talking about:My experience of the new Lisa Eldridge cheek and lip balmA shampoo and conditioner that are making my hair look amazing and healthA new moisturising face mist that I can't get enough ofThe power of Baobaband lots more

I am so excited to finally be able to publish this episode with the utterly brilliant GP and media health spokesperson Dr Anisha Patel.Anisha had always been a GP who specialised in women's health and then in 2018 she was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer and it made her even more certain that she wanted to make a difference. Since then she has made it her absolute mission to help us navigate our health by delivering factually correct information, tackling misinformation and raising awareness of a broad range of issues including women’s health, menopause, cancer, mental health and well-being to people of all backgrounds.Like me, Dr Anisha is also an ambassador for the life-changing charity The Eve Appeal. Every May is "Get Lippy month" where they work extra hard to raise awareness of the five types of gynaecological cancers, raise as much money as possible for the vital research they contribute to (and their support for women) AND this month they're pushing against medical misinformation online.In this episode, Anisha and I are talking about her own journey and then move on to talking through the five types of cancer and all the things we women should be looking out for. We go on to talk about how to navigate misinformation and to advocate for ourselves with our drs.Thank you SO much to The Eve Appeal for all that they do and for making this episode possible. If you would like to Get Lippy and get vital information check out the Eve Appeal website here.

In this week's Outspoken Review I'll be chatting about:Josh Fletcher's incredible new bookWhat the amazing aesthetician Pam Marshall thinks of the Zip HaloThe new MAC liquid eyeshadowsLaura Geller makeupA phenomenal foot cream for members of the Foot Improvement Society.

Yay! It's Bryony Blake time and she has got loads of makeup wisdom to share with us.We're also talking about:My strange experience with a psychicMen's dressing gownsInfluencer eventsand the crazy world of AIEnjoy Outspoken Beauties :0)

Beauty editor Perdita Nouril returns and this week we're talking about Cult Beauty's decision to pull their ads from GB News, how AI is already causing issues in the beauty marketing space and we're also hearing about Perdi's big interview with a Spice Girl!

In this week's edition of The Outspoken Review I'm telling you about:My Charlotte Tilbury makeover and the products I choseA great spray for helping with back and arm spotsA beautiful lip liner that doesn't budgeA phenomenal pedicure that gets rid of dead skin more effectively than any others I've tried.Enjoy!

In this little episode I'm chatting about gut health. I was looking through my books the other day, came across and devoured Dr Emily Leeming's "Genius Gut". It's a book I've read before (I've also interviewed her on this very podcast) and it is absolutely AMAZING!I'm now feeling very inspired to sort my microbiome (and constipation) out and am chatting through some of the wisdom I've (re) learnt and why I think everyone needs to read it.

This episode is in partnership with Spotlight Oral CareI've been so looking forward to publishing this episode as it's brimming with information that I know will help you.I'm chatting to the brilliant dentist and co-founder of Spotlight, Dr Vanessa Creaven. I've been a fan of both Vanessa and her brand for many years. It's all about education and products that are gentle, well researched and actually make a difference to my teeth.I was really excited when Vanessa wanted to work with the Outspoken Beauty Trialling Panel who have been testing her whitening powder and toothpaste plus mouth tape for the past month. You'll hear their honest reviews at the end of the episode.Before that, Vanessa and I are doing a proper dental health 101 where we talk about gentle whitening, flossing, removing stains, gum care and so much more. We also chat about the greater health benefits of good dental care, why dental routines are a bit like skincare ones and Vanessa puts some TikTok myths to bed once and for all.I LOVE this episode and Vanessa and hope you get loads out of it.

The gorgeous beauty editor Perdita is back and this week she's been researching dark showers, chatting to one of the world's most iconic makeup artists and trying out a brand new brain massage!!

In this week's Outspoken Review I'm talking about the dry shampoo that basically washes your hair, the barrier cream that is great for rosacea and sandwiching with your retinoid, an amazing French shampoo that gives great volume and lots more.I'll also be reflecting on a brilliant panel event I went to at the Houses of Parliament this morning. It was led by Dermalogica who are making incredible changes in the microneedling world.Enjoy the episode and let me know if there's anything that you'd like me to review for you. Find me on Instagram @outspokenbeautynicola.