Outspoken Beauty (Global Media & Entertainment)

I'm so excited for you to hear this episode. I'm chatting to the brilliant Reena Hammer (daughter of Ruby) about the making of Indu, a beauty brand that is changing the way that teenagers treat and feel about their skin.

At a time when kids as young as 11 are buying expensive and inappropriate skincare and comparing themselves to filtered images on TikTok, Indu is all about keeping things simple, skin safe AND making teenagers feel good about themselves.

During the episode Reena and I chat about how she's making change with her brand, skin tips for younger skin, how we can help teenagers to feel better about themselves and so much more.

Reena will inspire and empower you, particularly if you are a parent who is struggling to navigate this often challenging space.

In this week's episode of Outspoken Mental Health I'm chatting about the Netflix series "Adolescence".

I discuss:

• The sense of anxiety that it has provoked amongst many of the parents that I know
• My views on kids and smart phones
• Why we need to give our kids clear boundaries around social media and phone use even if it feels hard
• Why we mustn't panic

I'd love to hear if you've been watching it and how it's made you feel.

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

*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

It's Bryony time!

This week we're talking:

Zoos and naughty monkeys

Hygiene ratings (and Bryony's shocking admission)

Mardi Gras

Half Term Craziness

Why Bryony's accent changed

and of course we have some fantastic beauty recommendations.

Enjoy Outspoken Beauties xx

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.

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 week's Outspoken Review I'm talking you through my updated skin routine which is working brilliantly and making my skin glowy, healthy and happy.

I'm also chatting about a new trend in the fragrance world...ink scents. They are mysterious, nostalgic and totally addictive.

Enjoy Outspoken Beauties xx

In this episode of Outspoken Mental Health I'm chatting about OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), what it is (and isn't) and the part that it has played in my life.

I also talk about a good way to stand up to it and why there is help out there if you need it.

I am NOT a professional and am speaking from my own experience and research. If you are wondering whether medication might help you then start with your GP. If you feel that they can't give you the information you need then ask to be referred to a psychiatrist or seek one directly.

Please do join the private Facebook Group Outspoken Mental Health where we're building a supportive community.

It's Bryony time!!

This week we're talking about:

• When family board games go rogue
• The extreme measures I went to to get a chia seed out of my teeth
• Why a narrow boat holiday may not be a good idea!
• My fabulous trip to The Devil Wears Prada
• Some of our top beauty products of the fortnight.

Enjoy Outspoken Beauties xx

My fabulous, feisty, funny Mum joins me for a Mother's Day special where we reflect on the past year.

We discuss:

• Tipsy fragrance testing
• Breaking the loo door in a posh Chanel Boutique
• Finding a new passion at 70
• Thai Massage and fabulous podiatrists

And so much more.

I really hope you enjoy our chat and have a great Mother's Day whether with your mum or a woman who means the world to you xx

In this week's episode of Outspoken Mental Health I'm talking about the fear of flying that has been a very annoying part of my life for the past 35 years.

During the episode I talk about the nature of my fear and also a fear of flying in general. I chat about the things I'm doing to try and face it head on, including taking part in the British Airways Fear of Flying Course.

Half way through the episode you'll an interview I did with Captain Steve Allright just before my course flight on Saturday (he's an amazing British Airways pilot and runs the fear of flying course).

Overcoming my fear of flying is something that I want to do not only for me but for my husband and children and to be able to travel happily is a dream that only I can make come true!

Let me know if you also struggle with flying and what you're doing to overcome it.

In this episode I meet Violet Walker, Headteacher of a girls state secondary school in Barnet, North London. Violet is an amazing advocate for girls and the benefits of single sex education. Over her long and distinguished career she really has created a school which stands out from the crowd. In this episode we find out how she has achieved this and the challenges that the modern world throws at young people.

In this week's episode of Outspoken Mental Health I'm talking about how hard it can be to open up about your mental health, even though on paper people are more accepting and knowledgable these days.

I also chat about why those closest to you won't always be able to totally get what you're going through and how it's important to accept that and find those who can be there in the right way.

Finally, I talk about the importance of getting to a place where you can give up safety behaviours as this will teach your brain that all is OK!

Come and join our wonderful private Facebook community here

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.

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

It's our end of the week session with beauty editor and skincare guru extraordinaire, Perdita Nouril.

In this episode we're talking all things ceramides..what they are, why we love them, how they help our skin and the products we love the most.

We also chat briefly about peptides and how sad we are that Lottie London and Ciate are nowhere to be found at the moment.

Get ready for a whole load of beauty products to get excited about. We're talking products that perform, are worth the money and will make you feel a million dollars.

From a sublime Tatcha body cream to the best glow EVER from Glossier to a spectacularly good Inkey List launch to the mascara that everyone's talking about, there's some stuff on the market that us seriously impressing me.

Oh and I've got an old fav to tell you about that gives me the confidence to get my ghostly white legs out!

Enjoy Outspoken Beauties x

It's time for The Outspoken Review and this week I'm talking about antique diamonds, a truly barrier loving cleanser, an SPF that does it all and a high street fragrance that smells incredibly niche and expensive.

Enjoy xx

In this week's episode of Outspoken Mental Health I'm talking about health anxiety and how it can exacerbate more general feelings of panic (plus how to stop it from doing so).

I also chat about a new technique I'm using to keep anxious thoughts and feelings at bay. It's proving to be incredibly simple and effective!!

In this week's Outspoken Review I'll be talking about:

The iconic Burberry check

Skinny jeans

My new fav bath brand

The only dry shampoo that I truly love

Eborian v IT Cosmetics

My 360 on Lisa Eldridge's Pinpoint Concealer

and more...

Enjoy my weekly beauty review xx

Women's Health Beauty Editor Perdita Nouril is back for our weekly edition of Beauty News and Views.

This week we're talking about:

-National Vitamin C Day and the best vitamin c's on the market PLUS why so much fuss is made about this anti-oxidant when there are so many others around.

-The new exosome serum from The Inkey List and what we think of the science

-What I'm using from Medik8 and why I can't get enough of it after giving up Klira for the time being.

If skincare is your thing then this is 100% the episode for you.

In this week's episode of Outspoken Mental Health I'm talking about the people/books/courses who really helped me when my anxiety was awful.

I also chat about why it is so important to be wary of who you follow and where you spend your money when you feel at your most vulnerable because sadly people will try and take advantage of you.

DM me if you need to chat about anything I raise on this series xx

In this episode I chat to the incredible model, content creator, and confidence activist Dani DMC.

"Dani is a rebel against society by nature and is a firm believer that confidence is the gateway to true freedom. She’s a firm believer in radical self-love, taking our power back and gaining full control of our minds and bodies. She utilises her social media platforms to push her message to her ‘Confidence Crew’ and empower and encourage women to love themselves unconditionally and step into unapologetic confidence."

During the episode we talk about Dani's childhood and how being bullied shaped her. We also talk about the expectations on women in society and how we can fight them, the meaning of radical self love and how we can start feeling true confidence in who we are and what we stand for.

Dani is a force to be reckoned with and chatting to her made me feel energised, excited and ready to be a stronger person with far more boundaries.

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!

I'm so excited to announce that the brilliant Beauty Editor of Women's Health and self- confessed skincare nerd Perdita Nouril will be a regular Friday co-host.

Each week we'll be getting under the skin of the biggest beauty trends and products and discussing the science, research and whether they're worth the hype.

This week Perdie explains why the iconic Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 may not be as readily available as it once was and how this superstar skincare product is to thank for the brilliant PHA products that are now so readily available.

We'll also hear about all the unexpected ways that PHAs can benefit us (I knew they were good but never knew quite HOW good) and Perdita will share some of her top PHA products.

Enjoy this fellow skincare enthusiasts and thanks to Perdita for her amazing knowledge.

It's our weekly beauty deep dive with the amazing beauty editor of Women's Health, Perdita Nouril aka Perdi.

This week we're chatting about the wonderful haircare brand Davines. Perdita travelled to their HQ in Italy this week and was blown away by their sustainability credentials, commitment to regenerative farming AND the Michelin star food that they serve their employees.

We also talk about our products of the week (P has an awesome cleanser and mine is a spectacular body scrub) and also have a chat about what's going on with heritage makeup brands at the moment (are they losing their way a bit? Will Gen Z brands last?)

Enjoy xx

It's time for the Outspoken Review where I talk honestly about some of the beauty products that I've been testing.

This week I have a hair serum that promises to out perform Olaplex and K18, the mascara that I'm falling more in love with by the day, the brand that I love to share with the kids and a the candle brand that everyone needs to know about.

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.

In this episode of The Beauty Editor Weekly, Perdita Nouril (beauty editor of Womens Health) and I talk about how Sienna Miller gets her amazing glow. From the facialists she sees to the products she uses, Perdita has all the info.

We'll also be looking at affordable alternatives!

Enjoy xx

It's our favourite moment of the fortnight. Bryony's back and this week we're talking:

• Kisses gone wrong
• Kisses gone right
• The boy who asked if he could do something involving his finger
• The man who didn't ask if he could do something that gave Nicola a big shock
• Why Bryony's mug habit has gone to a new level
• Nicola's tips for a great lunch in Paris
• Perfume dupes
• Some incredible beauty recommendations

Enjoy xx

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

adferiad.org

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

Anxiety UK

03444 775 774 (helpline) 

07537 416 905 (text)

anxietyuk.org.uk

Advice and support for people living with anxiety.

Beat

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.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

bacp.co.uk

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

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

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.

Carers UK

0808 808 7777

advice@carersuk.org

carersuk.org

Advice and support for anyone who provides care.

Disability Rights UK

disabilityrightsuk.org

Information and support on disabled people's rights. 

FRANK

0300 123 6600

talktofrank.com

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

Hearing Voices Network

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

mindout.org.uk

Mental health service run by and for LGBTQ people.

NHS UK

When you are prone to anxiety you need to look after your mental health and there are a number of things that you can do to help keep yourself in a good place.

However, when you are experiencing disordered anxiety, it's important that we don't use our mental health tools as crutches.

During this episode I go into more detail about my everyday good mental health protocol and also the things I've learnt to do when things get tough.

I also mention Anxiety Josh's brilliant book Untangle Your Anxiety.

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 The Outspoken Review I'm chatting about our narrow boat holiday and the fragrances and beauty products that I used on board.

I also chat about why I'm so passionate about positive ageing and the brilliant pro-ageing movements that I'm coming across and that are utterly inspiring.

xx

Perdita Nouril is the fabulous Beauty Editor at Women's Health and joins me each Friday for a deep dive into the latest beauty news and trends.

This week she's talking about a recent article she wrote about K- Beauty and why having spoken to the experts she has found out that you most definitely don't need to do numerous steps in order to get glowy, luminous skin.