In this little episode I chat about my top rules for Christmas Day including how to avoid getting a terrible haircut from your mother-in-law, why you should never tell your sister off for buying you the wrong knickers and how to keep that festive feeling going way beyond the big day.
I hope this mini guide makes you giggle. Thanks for all your support this year. You're the most phenomenal community and I've got lots of great stuff in store for you in 2025.
Merry Christmas Outspoken Beauties xx

In this week's edition of the best of 2024 I'm talking about all the lovely smelling products that I've rated this year. From fragrance to candles to bath and body and even a cleanser, these are the products that have stood out to me and my nose the most!
Expect a mixture of old favourites and some newness that has really taken my breath away!

This Episode is in Parternship With Lyma       

In this episode I get to know Lucy Goff, the founder of cutting edge beauty/wellbeing brand Lyma.

Lyma was born when Lucy was incredibly ill with sepsis following the birth of her daughter. She was struggling to function properly when she came across Professor Paul Clayton, a world-renowned expert on preventative degenerative disease and evidence-based nutrition. He prescribed a series of supplements that had "peer-reviewed, patented ingredients, dosed at active levels, had a rigorous sourcing procedure, and were formulated so that the body could actually absorb them." Lucy saw her health improve and the rest is history. Lucy and Paul worked together to come up with Lyma supplements that did all of the above. They were the first luxury supplement brand with a huge amount of data and proof to back them up.

Fastforward to now and Lyma have broken boundaries again with a laser device that is as powerful as the ones you find in clinic but that is safe to use at home and even fits in your handbag! 

During the episode we chat about the making of Lyma, the supplement world being a bit like the Wild West in terms of knowing what actually works and we also talk about the incredible science behind the supplements and the Lyma Laser. (The laser can do truly incredible things for the skin).

This is a fascinating brand that is breaking boundaries and going to the nth degree to back up everything that it does with good, solid proof.

So many questions this week and such a variety.
I'll be talking about excessively sweaty feet and hands, my thoughts about Sisley and whether it's worth the money, under eye concealers that don't crease, which 5 perfumes I'd GET RID of from my collection, what I've asked for this Christmas and lots more.
If you have any questions for next week's episode DM me @outspokenbeautynicola.

If you're looking for a fragrance, are after something a little bit different and want to make a day of it then you need to listen to this episode.
This is my guide to some of the very best perfume shops in London...the ones that will elevate the simple act of shopping to something truly experiental and unforgettable.
I've got a store in Covent Garden where the knowledgable and passionate staff will help you explore the exciting world of niche fragrances, a perfume lounge which is so cosy you'll never want to leave, eccentric boutiques hidden down historic little parades in Piccadilly and a luxurious little store in Mayfair that is overflowing with rare and mind-blowing scents.
I hope that this will inspire some of you to go on what Suzy Nightingale and I love doing most...a Scent Safari! Do it with your best friend, have some bubbly and have fun! Oh and don't forget to bring a  notebook and pen so you remember your favourites!!

Buckle up for a journey through the makeup products that have made the grade this year and are now full time residents in my makeup bag.
Some of these are old favourites and some are products that I've encountered this year and absolutely loved.
Here are the brands I mention during the episode:
@violette_fr
@vievemuse
@sweedbeauty
@itcosmeticsuki
@stilauk
@maybelline
@rubyhammerbeauty
@byterryofficial
@cbm.colourbymaya
@hildunbeauty
@toofaced

Let me know what you've been loving xx

If you only listen to one thing this week make it this.

Tracey Woodward is one of the most influential women in the beauty industry, she's also one of the kindest. Her career has seen her hold roles at beauty brands including Aveda, Urban Retreat Spa at Harrods and Harvey Nichols. She's worked as an advisor for Marks & Spencer where she helped re-design and develop the beauty department and was CEO at Aromatherapy Associates (and that's just for starters).

But it's not only Tracey's career that is so startling, it's her strength, resilience and the way that she rose like a phoenix from a childhood that could have taken her on a very different path. 

During this episode, Tracey opens up and talks from the heart about her incredibly difficult childhood, the women who held her hand and helped her to become the person he is today, navigating a very scary cancer diagnosis and how she keeps herself mentally and physically as health and balanced as possible.

This is an interview that will stay with you and if you're anything like me, inspire you in a multitude of ways.

I'm testing this new series where I answer all of your most pressing beauty/wellbeing/fragrance/life questions. If I can't answer anything myself I'll ask one of the many brilliant experts that I know and love.
This week I'm answering your questions about budget BB Creams, sunscreen for sensitive eyes, LED masks and I have some advice about prescription skincares.
If you'd like to ask me anything contact me via DM on my insta @outspokenbeautynicola or email me [email protected].

On Thursday Suzy Nightingale and I hosted our incredible annual event, On The Scent Live. We both chose four of our top fragrances of the year to talk about and in the first installment of this brand new series, I wanted to talk you through my choices. They are all different and incredible in their own rights and I'll explore what makes each one so special.
If you adore fragrance make sure that you have a listen to The On The Scent Podcast this and every Thursday.
Here are the scents I mention:
Hermés Barènia
Merit Retrospect
Thameen Centre Stage
BDK Rouge Smoking

It's that time of the year again..my annual round up of my top products of the year.
This is the first installment and I'll be talking through my top skincare products of 2024.
I wonder if any of your favourites have made it onto the list!
I'd love to hear what you've loved this year. Let me know via my Instagram @outspokenbeautynicola.

In this episode I'm chatting to the thoroughly brilliant Executive Beauty Editor of Marie Claire, Shannon Lawlor.
During the episode she tells me about her brilliant career journey and gives a great insight into the (always fascinating) world of magazines.
Shannon is such a knowledgable and trusted voice in beauty. I love her opinions combined with her utter passion for fragrance.
Enjoy getting to know this brilliant woman.