The Outspoken Review- Simpler Skincare Routines and Menopause BS Frustration

In this week's episode of The Outspoken Review I talk about my frustration at the amount of money that people are trying to make out of us perimenopausal women and why I won't be buying a mushroom latte any time soon.I also chat about skincare and the fact that there are so many new and exciting ingredients around which ironically have led me to embrace a simple and comprehensive routine with products that I know and trust.Get in touch any time via my Instagram @outspokenbeautynicola.

This series is possible because of the brilliant support from Dr Paw Paw. Find the Outspoken Beauty x Dr Paw Paw lip-balms here . All profits go to Young Minds!In this special episode of Outspoken Mental Health (Kids), I'm speaking to Natasha Thomas who is an Advisor on the Young Minds Parents Helpline.Natasha chats about the current mental health issues that our young people are navigating and gives some incredible advice about how to navigate some of them. She also talks about the invaluable helplines that Young Minds offer and the kind of help and direction that you can expect when you call them.Find out about the Parents Helpline here and thanks again to Dr Paw Paw for their huge generosity and support.

Apologies for the slightly X-Rated title but Bryony is back and a lot has been happening.In this episode you'll hear about:An eventful visit to the old peoples homeSomething awful that Waffle the rabbit has been doingAn unlikely rap artist who sings about unexpected subject matters......which leads to a conversation about what we'd do if we had a penis for a dayUncomfortable datesMounjaroand of course lots of beauty reviews.Enjoy xx

This episode is in partnership with KEEO HairIn this week's minipod I'm talking to top UK trichologist Kate Holden about some of the reasons that we struggle with hair loss, damage and weakness and what we can do about them.Kate is an ambassador for KEEO Hair, a brand that I have used and loved since I discovered them a couple of years ago. KEEO was founded by an amazing hairdresser called Alfredo de Benedictis who has done a lot of research into the damage caused by hair tools, realising that it's not just heat but tension from pulling, clamping and dragging that causes us so many issues. He addressed this by making the most amazing tools that are engineered to glide rather than pull.During this mini episode Kate gives us an insight into why KEEO stands out in a market that has largely ignored the tension issue. She also gives lots of really excellent hair tips, some of which might surprise you.If you'd like to explore the KEEO range and their amazing new KEEO pro head to keeohair.com. There is currently £50 off the pro and you can get an extra 10% off by using the code Nicola10

THIS EPISODE IS IN COLLABORATION WITH DR PAW PAW. Together, we're raising mental health awareness and as much money as possible for the incredible charity Young Minds. You can buy our lip-balms here. 100% of profits go to Young Minds.In this week's episode of Outspoken Mental Health I'm talking to Daisy Greenwell who is one of the founders of the Smartphone Free Childhood Movement.During the episode Daisy tells me why and how the movement started and how it's gained unprecedented traction across the UK.We also talk about the proven reasons that smartphones have a negative effect on our childrens' mental health and how even if you've already allowed your child to have one, there are still things that you can do to protect them.This is an inspiring and insightful episode and shows that when we come together we really do have power!

THIS EPISODE IS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AYU COSMETICSIn this episode we get to know Suzie O'Neill who is the founder and CEO of the truly brilliant Cosmetics brand Ayu. Suzie tells us her story which took her from educator and makeup artist to the CEO of one of the best performing makeup brands that I've come across. Suzie is open about the ups and downs of juggling building.a business with all the other challenges of life and I love how down to earth and honest she is.100 members of the Outspoken Beauty Trialling Panel tested the Ayu concealer and at the end of the episode you'll hear their honest opinions.I loved getting to know Suzie. What she's achieved is brilliant and with makeup that is better than many of the most well known brands out there, she truly deserves all the success.

This week Perdita is telling us about the new Shark Hyrdra-Facial tool that is meant to be almost as good as going to a salon. We're also talking about the latest launch from Trinny and the very embarrassing injury that Perdi suffered after making too many cocktails (plus the product that helped heal her).

In this week's Outspoken Review I'm chatting about an exciting lash launch I went to this week, an impressive skincare brand with robust science and my first experience of cushion foundation.

*This episode is part of a huge collaboration with Dr Paw Paw. Together we're raising loads of money for the kids mental health charity Young Minds and raising awareness about mental health*Trigger Warning: Ben's brother took his own life and this is referenced in the episodeI can't believe October is finally here. I've been SO eager to get my collaboration with Dr Paw Paw started. This month we have a huge event with Anxiety Josh where we'll be talking about how to keep our mental health healthy and what to do when things get hard. We'll also be selling special Outspoken Beauty X Dr Paw Paw lip-balm sets with 100% of profits going to Young Minds. Finally, we have this series of Outspoken Mental Health where we're focusing on helping children.This first episode is with one of the most prolific and truly incredible mental health campaigners in the UK, Ben West.Ben's story was shaped by the loss of his younger brother to suicide. This spurred him on to take his life in a whole new direction and try to make much needed changes in the mental health arena.Ben has lobbied government and works tirelessly to make improvements in the education system. He has also written "This Book Could Save Your Life" which is an incredibly powerful and important read.It is an absolute honour to start the series with his story and I am so grateful to him for the way he has shared it so honestly.If you or someone you know needs help then this is the number for Samaritans: 116 123. They also provide online chat.Young Minds provide support to parents and children. Their number is 0808 802 5544 Ben mentions https://hubofhope.co.uk/ during the episode. It provides info about local mental health support.

It's Bryony time and this week we're talking about:The best adventure of Bryony's lifeThe woman who (we think) baths with ducksAimee Connolly's amazing new cushion foundationIBSBeauty worth buyingand lots moreEnjoy lovely Outspoken Beauties xx