In this episode I chat to the brilliant Sarah Brown who is the founder of Pai Skincare. Sarah talks about the persistent struggles with her own skin that eventually led her to create what is now seen as one of THE go to brands for sensitive skin. During the episode Sarah not only shares her story but gives great and practical advice for anyone who has ever struggled with their skin. Later in the episode I review a few of the products that I'm loving at the moment. If you want to get involved wit...
Aug 15, 2020•34 min
In this episode of #MyBeautyHabits I'm joined by the brilliant skincare expert and aesthetician Sherna Malone. Sherna's Mum was Ireland's leading skincare expert and opened Ireland’s first Beauty Training School in 1972. Sherna has inherited her mother's passion and talent for skincare and in this episode she shares her secrets and the products that she adores. This is a lovely episode and if you like your products, Sherna is definitely your woman. She is brimming with fabulous recommendations. ...
Aug 11, 2020•42 min
In the 3rd episode of #TheOutspoken Podcast we're talking covid and careers and are focussing in on the current situation in the beauty industry where any treatments that take place on the facial area are still forbidden. I start with the results of a poll I did in which more than 600 of you took part. I'll be revealing how many of you have had your livelihoods affected by Covid and the shocking amount of you who are struggling to make ends meet. I then focus in on the Beauty Backed initiative, ...
Aug 10, 2020•26 min
In this special episode in partnership with Stories Parfums, I'm joined by the wonderful Tonya Kidd-Beggs who tells us how a trip to Grasses to create her own personal fragrance led to the unexpected creation of her own beautiful brand and business. Tonya's fragrances don't just smell lovely, but have been created with the purpose of taking the wearer on a personal journey to discover their own story, an idea that I find exciting and actually really empowering. Tonya believes that we can not onl...
Aug 08, 2020•34 min
In this episode of #MyBeautyHabits I get to know makeup artist extraordinaire and Pat McGrath Labs UK Education and Artistry Manager, Adeola Gboyega. Adeola tells me the story of how with pure determination and grit she progressed from working at Boots to eventually taking on her dream role at Pat McGrath Labs. We also get to know her via the beauty products that she adores. Adeolya's recommendations are fabulous and are all wrapped up in a passion for the beauty industry that is utterly infecti...
Aug 04, 2020•45 min
In this episode I'm joined by Theresa Edward, the wonderful founder of skin/body brand Skin Alchemists. Theresa has the most wonderful story that begins on the Island of St Lucia where her Aunty was one of three herbalists who saw to the medical needs of many of the islanders. Theresa watched and learnt and became passionate about the wonderful ingredients that the island provided. Years down the line and suffering from stress and the effects of living in London, Theresa returned to the island a...
Aug 01, 2020•37 min
Happy Lipstick Day Outspoken Beauties. In this episode of #My Beauty Habits I'm joined by amazing author and beauty journalist Rachel Felder. Rachel not only writes for The New York Times and GQ Magazine (amongst others), but is the author of Red Lipstick: An Ode To a Beauty Icon, a book that celebrates red lipstick in all its glory. During the episode we talk about Rachel's passion for red lipstick and the hugely important role that it has played in her life and at helping her express the woman...
Jul 28, 2020•36 min
Welcome to Episode 2 of #TheOutspoken. In this episode we're talking about all things ageing, anti-ageing, ageism and positive ageing. I start by chatting to 86 year old comedian (dubbed the Joan Collins of the fringe), author and burlesque dancer Lynn Ruth Miller. If you've ever feared getting older then you need to listen to this woman. Her energy, ambition and joy in her age are just so incredibly inspiring. Next I read out all your messages and emails talking about how you feel society views...
Jul 27, 2020•39 min
In this (the 200th episode of the podcast) I'm joined by consultant dermatologist and fountain of skincare knowledge, Dr Anjali Mahto. I first encountered Anjali via her brilliant book The Skincare Bible and was struck by her no nonsense approach that just made so much sense to me. She totally demystifies and simplifies our skin and what we should be doing to keep it looking its best. Anjali shares her brilliant knowledge and advice during the podcast and I know that if you've ever felt confused...
Jul 25, 2020•37 min
In this episode I get to know food writer and entrepreneur Deliciously Ella. We chat about her new book "Simple Pleasures" and what has been an utterly crazy year getting it written whilst juggling a baby, a pregnancy and her business. Ella and I chat about her work, her life and of course her beauty habits. Ella loves natural skincare and recommends some beautiful, small brands, some of which are founded by her friends. I loved getting to know Ella through her beauty choices and know you will t...
Jul 21, 2020•36 min
In this episode I'm joined by agent and author extraordinaire Melanie Blake. Melanie started her career as a camera assistant in The Top of The Pops studio but the more she to know all the stars, the more she realised that they loved hearing her opinions. Eventually this led to her becoming an agent to a whole load of well known and loved popstars and soapstars and subsequently an author. Melanie tells incredible anecdotes about life in showbiz and we talk candidly about the pressure on celebrit...
Jul 18, 2020•49 min
In this episode of #MyBeautyHabits I'm joined by broadcaster, entrepreneur and avid runner Jenni Falconer. Jenni and I reminisce about our radio days together and about all of the beauty product recommendations we used to share with each other. We chat through some of her favourite skincare and makeup products, her love of exercise and in particular what running means to her and a fantastic new collagen supplement that she has launched. It was lovely to catch up with Jenni and I hope you enjoy g...
Jul 14, 2020•33 min
Welcome to Episode 1 of #TheOutspoken. This is a new fortnightly podcast that gives your voice a platform to be heard and where the overall aim is to build a community of outspoken changemakers. In this episode we talk about founder of Blink Brow Bar, Vanita Parti's frustration at not being able to offer brow treatments (even though men are allowed beard trims), Sophie Joanna kicks off a conversation about the issues surrouding pubic hair and we discover a new beauty brand with a lovely story. I...
Jul 13, 2020•20 min
In this episode I'm joined by the renowned American dermatologist Dr Ava Shamban. Ava has such a wonderful, sensible approach to skin, health and life in general and in this episode she share some brilliant tips as well as her beautiful sense of humour. I loved chatting to Ava and found myself feeling very uplifted after our chat. Enjoy :) xx
Jul 11, 2020•40 min
In this episode of #MyBeautyHabits I'm joined by the brilliant cook, writer and broadcaster Rachel Khoo. In 2006, Rachel, who loves an adventure, gave up a job in PR, moved to Paris (with no knowledge of French) and did a patisserie course at Le Cordon Bleu. Fast forward a few years and she had forged an incredibly exciting career with her own cookery show called The Little Paris Kitchen, and a number of published books. Fast forward to now and Rachel is living in Sweden and has just made a new ...
Jul 07, 2020•44 min
Introducing my brand new platform and series #TheOutspoken. In this episode I tell you all about how you can get involved and become part of a community of Outspoken change makers. If you want to get your voice heard you can: 1. DM me on Insta @OutspokenBeautyNicola 2. use #theoutspoken in your Instagram posts 3. Join the private Facebook Community : The Outspoken 4. Email me directly: nicola@outspokenbeauty.co.uk ************************* The new podcast series starts on 13th July and will take...
Jul 06, 2020•5 min
In this episode I'm joined by one of the first artists in the world to show their gender fluidity...the super talented Courtney Act. Courtney, who was one of the stars of Season 6 of RuPaul's Drag Race, is not only a spectacular performer but is incredibly eloquent and passionate and we have a wonderfully honest chat about her childhood, gender fluidity, identity and of course beauty and what it means to both Courtney and Shane. I loved getting to know Courtney so intimately and can't wait for y...
Jul 04, 2020•35 min
I'm taking a week off #MyBeautyHabits to have an in depth conversation with Dr Sam about her new Flawless Brightly Serum. So many of you have been in touch with questions about how to use the serum and what the ingredients will do for you and Dr Sam has all the answers. As you know, I'm a huge fan of Sam's and I have been incredibly impressed with this serum so thought it would be interesting to have Sam on to demystify it for us. Later on I review a fabulous mascara, some incredible neon eyelin...
Jun 30, 2020•31 min
Get ready for an episode that will uplift, inspire and energise you. My guest is the force of nature that it Ateh Jewel. Ateh, who has been challenging racism and prejudice throughout her 20 year career as a beauty journalist, producer and entrepreneur, talks about what it feels like to live with racism in your everyday life and how it has affected so many aspects of her career. She is using her voice right now as she always has done, to help instigate change. We also talk about being a mother, ...
Jun 27, 2020•35 min
In this episode I'm joined again by the brilliant beauty editor/journalist Lucia Ferrari who talks us through her top edit of radiance boosting beauty products including skincare and makeup. Later on we talk through some of the beauty treatments that Lucia has mastered in lockdown and that she will continue to do by herself from now on. (I particularly love the hair removal cream that smells of roses!) Lucia is so knowledgable and doesn't take her recommendations lightly (I know she thoroughly t...
Jun 23, 2020•50 min
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 fasci...
Jun 20, 2020•33 min
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, intellige...
Jun 16, 2020•47 min
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...
Jun 13, 2020•38 min
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 ...
Jun 09, 2020•42 min
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 t...
Jun 06, 2020•40 min
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.
Jun 03, 2020•41 min
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 f...
May 30, 2020•34 min
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...
May 26, 2020•41 min
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 epis...
May 23, 2020•50 min
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 o...
May 20, 2020•50 min
