Beauty Full Lives

In this episode, Madeleine Spencer is joined by the exonerate, journalist, public speaker, podcast host, and author Amanda Knox.Between 2007 and 2015 she spent nearly four years in an Italian prison and eight years on trial for murder and every single one of those years was splashed across the front pages of newspapers worldwide - often accompanied by the nickname “foxy knoxy”, which she explains in this episode was merely a soccer nickname from school reporters took to because, well, the world had by this point deemed Amanda foxy, her appearance making her more newsworthy. In this episode, Amanda tells her story and also adds the human experience of those traumas such as the challenge to overcome her claustrophobia in prison, what she eventually ate on being released, finding herself opening doors for the first time in years and talks about moments we know from the press, but with her details, her feelings and thoughts throughout.The episode was produced by Rich Jarman, with artwork by Sung Lee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, actress and activist Alicia Silverstone talks about how she came to be a household name, some of her experiences with expectations and the attitudes of the time in which she found fame, why she'd much rather be on a sofa or with her dogs than grooming herself, and how she plans to approach the signs of advancing age.The website Alicia mentions in the episode is mykind.This episode is powered by Amly Botanicals. For 22% off your order, use the code BEAUTY22 at checkout at amlybotanicals.co.uk.The episode was produced by Rich Jarman, with artwork by Sung Lee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author, artist, and slow-living advocate Giselle La Pompe-Moore believes that everything you need to be content lies within, and that there are no barriers to spirituality - you just have to take a moment to take it in (which, incidentally is the name of her book, Take It In). She joins me in this episode to discuss how she entered through the frenzy of modern life and found that doing less helped her to find her inner core self - and use it to help others do the same. There's a guided meditation at the end of the episode, if you'd like to partake. This episode is powered by Amly Botanicals. For 22% off your order, use the code BEAUTY22 at checkout at amlybotanicals.co.uk.The episode was produced by Rich Jarman, with artwork by Sung Lee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, the make-up artist, author, and YouTuber, Lisa Eldridge, talks about her life story, how she parlayed a passion for make-up into a hugely successful career, the eras she finds most inspiring, and which products from her bestselling range she' match up to some of her A-List clients...This episode is powered by Amly Botanicals. For 22% off your order, use the code BEAUTY22 at checkout at amlybotanicals.co.uk.The episode was produced by Rich Jarman, with artwork by Sung Lee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I first met Tova Leigh at the launch of her first book, Fucked at 40, which as the title suggests is a rather no holds barred look at some of the things Tova had experienced in her then 40 years.I liked how forthright, fun, and funny she was, and put her on my wish list of guests to come on the podcast. The pandemic slightly thwarted our efforts to have a chat, so in the end, we recorded this episode over zoom.In it, Tova explains how she went from a studious married woman living in Jerusalem to a divorcee in London, before meeting her husband Mike and going on to have three children. Does that sound like a neat and rounded off happy ending after which our heroine rides off into the sunset? Probably, but Tova, being the boldly honest woman she is, adds nuance, talking about the mental and physical trauma of having children, the need to travel away from them sometimes to reconnect with herself, and the desire that, despite loving them, they'd on occasion, in Tova's words, ‘just fuck off.'We also talk about enjoying rather than performing sex, how she navigates representing her relationship online, and how Tova has used the very same face cream since she was 20. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

I first came across Irish make-up artist Aimee Connolly a couple of years ago, when I picked up a lipstick by her brand, Sculpted by Aimee, and was blown away by the quality married with clever design. That lipstick, by the way, is the Lip Duo in Pink Pair and it is a lipstick with a liner on the other end - very handy - and it is now a staple in my make-up bag.After that find, I started to try more and more by Aimee's brand and continued to be impressed. Aimee came over to mine to record this episode, and I found that the woman behind Sculpted by Aimee is no less impressive; she is a savvy entrepreneur who was brought up as an only child solely by her mum, from whom she draws inspiration. She never took a loan or investors in her business, and she started saving money in uni to fund it.Aimee's grit and a clear vision has served her really well - Sculpted by Aimee is now in its 6th year, and has over 40 products in the range.In this episode, we talk about how she has taken a small brand and grown it across the UK, how she now finds balance as a very involved business owner, and just how she achieves that signature glow. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carrie is an artist who works in a variety of media creating her designs on items as varied as car bonnets, plates and paint cans made of ceramic. She has worked in film, performance and sculpture. Carrie's website describes her output as “anarchic artworks where vintage floral, kitsch, royal and religious crockery is given a new twist by refiring with layers of new ceramic decals." Carrie is perhaps best known for her mosaic home which has become so well known over the twenty years that she has been decorating it, that it has become a recommended stop for tourists making the trip to Chiswick where Carrie lives.To record this episode of the podcast I visited Carrie's home, which as you can imagine doesn't really need a door number because the house is immediately recognisable, standing out from the red bricked buildings on the street thanks to its multi coloured mosaics of all sorts including a cheshire cat, flying eyeballs, dancing skeletons and palm trees covering the front of the house. The legend "I'm an artist, your rules don't apply” is displayed prominently. A bumper detail on the taxi parked in front of the house, also covered in mosaic, reads ‘beware artists, they mix with all classes of society and are therefore the most dangerous.'I first became aware of Carrie's work when I received one of her pieces as a Christmas gift - a plate which said ‘buy less, fuck (excuse the expletive) more.' It was kitsch, and yet anarchic. I was curious, so went to take a look at her mosaic house. Here's a woman with a story, I thought, so I asked her on the podcast. Carrie's answer to being invited on a podcast focussing on beauty was ‘I hardly have a ritual - I just wash off grout.' That sealed it - I had to have her come on to tell her story, and to explain how a woman with such a keen eye for adorning had never been seduced by beauty.We sat in her garden to record this, which is why you can hear cars, wind, her dog scratching around, and the general bustle of London. I hope to you that adds to the picture, fleshing out what it's like to have a very frank conversation with a very frank woman. We talk about all sorts from Dolly Parton to art as therapy to how Princess Diana helped to destigmatise self harm to her friendship with a death row inmate. I loved this having this conversation, and I hope you enjoy listening to it.(A little warning before you listen, as you may have guessed, Carrie isn't one for holding back, and you might find some of the topics we discuss triggering.) Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Internet sensation Hyram grew up on a cattle ranch in what he describes as a 'toxic' environment, leaving the country life behind to move to tropical Hawaii at the age of just 18 in the hope of finding a new life. He found it, amassing millions of followers for his forensic and refreshing reviews of products, brands, and skincare routines.Hyram is also now the founder of his own brand, Selfless by Hyram, in partnership with The Inkey List. Every single product purchased will help to contribute to organisations including The Rainforest Trust, who protect tropical forests from deforestation through buying land, and the charity Thirst Project, to provide clean drinking water.In this episode he recounts his journey from a rather challenging start in Arizona, to his flourishing career today, as well as touching on the products he can't get by without - and why he isn't afraid to take on the big players in the industry. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actress Kristen Bell believes, in her own words, 'in moderation with everything.' In today's episode, she talks about how this relates to her attitude towards food, make-up, and her career, as well as running through the products which mean which she simply can't get by without.This episode is sponsored by Scandi brand Mantle, who are kindly offering 20% off their face and body products with the code MADELEINE - but only to the first 50 buyers, so get in there quickly if you'd like to take advantage of the discount to try their CBD-powered wellness products. You can check out their products at https://www.hellomantle.co.uk or @hellomantle on Instagram.To browse Hello Bello products, head to https://hellobello.co.uk.This episode was produced by Rich Jarman, with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join me and journalist George Driver for a very rambling meander through the beauty highlights and themes in some of our favourite Christmas films including Home Alone (HELLO Kate McAllister), While Your Were Sleeping (the jumpers! Elsie's soft cashmere skin!), The Holiday (Jude Law's absurd tan and Diaz's very expensive-looking hair occur), and Love, Actually ('would we call her chubby?'). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this bonus episode in the Innovator's Series, in which I'm shining a light on some of the brands doing excellent things within the industry, I'm joined by GP specialising in dermatology Dr Anita Sturnham to discuss EVERYTHING you need to know about IPL, and about the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL device.We cover how it works, who it is suitable for, why it's safe to use at home, and little details around using an IPL device like the shaving before and - a question I was desperate to have answered - what on earth happens to the hair once it's given up the ghost?This episode is powered by Braun. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today's episode I'm joined by brand founder and make-up artist extraordinaire, Danessa Myricks. Her story is quite something - she grew up with busy parents in Queens as one of 10 siblings, worked alongside her dad cleaning funeral homes, then did a stint at Burger King at 14, before working in nursing homes and hospitals and becoming the director of a nursing school 19.She then moved into make-up, where she taught herself, and grafted hard. Fast forward to today, and Danessa is one of the most influential people in beauty, with an award-winning brand that's lauded by make-up artists and beauty fans the world over. I can't wait for you to hear her story. Ad info: this episode is powered by Parfumado, the perfume subscription service, who offer a smorgasbord of scent options from curated sets to personalised room sprays, to gift cards - so if you've got a fragrance lover in your life, check them out.A monthly subscription where you - or they - will receive an 8ml scent a month is £12.95, but if you use the code MADDIE50 at check out, you'll get 50% off your first subscription.You can of course buy the gift cards right up to Christmas Day (phew), but if you want a physical Parfumado gift box of three fragrances in your hands beforehand, you'll have to get your order in by the 13th of December. The gift box costs £49.95, but you can use the code MADDIE15 to get 15% off it and across the entire gift shop over at uk.parfumado.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, I'm joined by the TV personality and author Georgia Toffolo. We spend some time discussing the acneic skin that has affected her confidence deeply throughout her life to the extent where she was allowed special dispensation to apply a layer of foundation during her stint on I'm A Celebrity, as well as lots of joyous things: dogs, Abba, her top beauty essentials, and politics which, for Georgia, is a topic that arouses great passion. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today, I'm joined by the make-up artist Hannah Martin. She's far too discreet to divulge her client list, but let's just say there are a fair few royals on there, and she's created some of the most dreamy ‘them but better', so to speak, make-up looks that you'll be well acquainted with.This episode is a bit about how Hannah embarked on that journey - I especially loved hearing about how a counsellor changed the trajectory of her life, and found her tips towards the end handy - but it's also a lot about her life, about how Hannah navigated the grief of losing her mum, and about the secret to her long marriage to Simon. I was very moved by a lot of what Hannah said, particularly so during those sections. AD Info / This episode is brought to you by TEMPLESPA; one of my favourite luxury british skincare brands. Using only the finest ingredients, TEMPLESPA are all about creating exceptional results-driven skincare and experiences that make a real difference to your skin and soul health. If the SPA TO GO experience appeals to you and you'd like to host a class as I did, here's a link to book: https://bit.ly/3Fn4yJIAlternatively, if you'd like to become a SPA TO GO Lifestyle Consultant, here's a link for that: https://bit.ly/3oI9nqX See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

English fashion designer Alice Temperley MBE founded her eponymous brand in 2000 after stints at the Royal College of Art and Central St Martins, and her designs have since been worn by Kate Middleton, Madonna, Beyonce, and Halle Berry, among many, many others.Today, Alice and I discuss that ascent and some of the challenges that have come with running a brand alongside being a mum, how being a creative at the helm of a business can at times pull you away from the very thing that put your name on the map, her signature red lipstick, the origin of that inimitable Temperley aesthetic, and her collaboration with Oskia London, for whom she created the 'LOVE' massage candle*.*10% of the RRP is donated to Women to Women International, for whom Alice is an ambassador, when purchased directly from either Temperley London outlets or Oskia online. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this bonus episode, beauty journalist George Driver and I discuss all things beauty - and beyond - in Dirty Dancing. Did Baby steal her sister's beige iridescent lipstick? Is Johnny's silver bracelet the Connell's chain of Dirty Dancing or is it terrible? Can a Danish pastry ever be pure protein, as Max Kellerman suggests? Is Dr. Jake Houseman the scene stealing fox of the film and why does he judge Baby so harshly when Lisa clearly wears make-up daily? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I'm joined in this bonus Innovators episode by Alex Tomic and Nik Mirkovic, who founded the Australian oral care brand HiSmile, and who continue to run it today.We talk about how they came to found the brand and how they made the most of a business idea - both are very keen on working with the best minds and on constantly trying to improve on what's currently on the market.They are big believers in the North Star idea of reaching towards a huge goal which is, for HiSmile, to create the ultimate whitening products that don't damage teeth.If you'd like to buy anything from HiSmile with a 15% discount, please enter MADELEINE at check out.Ad info: I work with HiSmile on my platforms regularly. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, I'm joined by blogger, author, and founder of the Insecure Girls Club, Liv Purvis, to talk about how she came to find success online, on the joys and pitfalls of that job, how her experiences lead her to found the Insecure Girls Club, and how she finds balance. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today's second bonus episode in this series in which I'm highlighting some incredible brand stories and talking to the people behind it all to find out just how they did it, I'm joined by Lizzie Pike, the co-founder of Face Halo. Since launching in 2017, Face Halo has replaced around 370 million wipes in the UK, saying over a billion makeup wipes from ending up in landfill sites globally. Now, Face Halo want to close the loop, and are asking those who've got Face Halos which have reached the end of their life (which is after around 200 wash cycles, FYI) to send them back in so they can be upcycled to make clothing, which you can buy on the Face Halo website. This range, called Modern Merch, comprises buttery soft tracksuits, cleverly-designed t-shirts, and some other bits.In today's episode Lizzie explains how she went from air stewardess to mum to being at the helm of a global beauty business, and how she prioritises her time and energy, as well as sharing some wisdom which might hit home if you're listening with a fantastic business idea jotted down on a napkin somewhere.This episode is sponsored by Face Halo. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, I'm joined by celebrity make-up artist Sandy Linter. Sandy's career exploded in the mid ‘70s, when Vogue wrote a feature on her make-up style, after which she was highly in demand, regularly making up all the top models of the day.She frequented Studio 54, and was part of the hedonistic lifestyle that characterised that era. She also famously had a love affair with the supermodel Gia Carangi, which started after Sandy posed nude alongside Gia for Chris von Wagenheim. Their relationship was written about in Thing of Beauty by Stephen Fried and was immortalised in the HBO film Gia, starring Angelina Jolie.Today, Sandy is a working make-up artist living in New York, and in this episode we talk about her career, and of her memories of that extraordinary period in the beauty and fashion world.We touch on some topics which might be considered sensitive so do please be aware of that before listening. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, I'm joined by journalist and novelist Rebecca Reid to discuss female pleasure in association with Smile Makers, who offered up points from their Smile Makers Report to prompt our conversation, and who are celebrating the launch of The Poet.We discuss our sex lives along with general themes including masturbation and different facets of sex, so please be aware that the content is explicit before listening.If you like the sound of The Poet and would like to buy one and receive a free bottle of Smile Makers Generous Gel lubricant, enter the code POETGG at check out.This episode is sponsored by Smile Makers. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In honour of National Fragrance Week, I'm joined by the sublimely talented beauty journalist and fragrance expert Alice du Parcq. She’s won an army of fans on instagram for her lyrical descriptions of scents and for her series, Desert Island Spritz, in which she invites a guest to share the scents they most love and which have a special place in their hearts.In this episode, we discuss how Alice ended up writing about fragrance, her views on scents expensive and less so, how she feels about ingredients derived from nature and those created in a test tube and she shares some of her all time favourite perfumes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today's episode, I’m joined by Alex Light, a woman who is on a mission to promote body confidence and to discuss eating disorder recovery on her platforms.As a former sufferer, Alex wants to challenge the narrative of thinness equalling happiness, and to raise awareness of the fact that the idea of single ideal perceived body shape is just that - an idea, held by some people, at some moment in time, in some cultures, in some areas of the world.Alex and I discuss where those messages became internalised for her, and how she weeded them out. We also talk about her favourite beauty products, and, of course, meander off on a few tangents - I’m sure you regular listeners will be expecting that.Please be aware that the topics touched on are sensitive and as such there may be some triggering content in this episode. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Chief International Correspondent for CNN, Clarissa Ward, talks about how 9/11 changed her career and how she now balances said career with motherhood (Clarissa is a firm believer that, in her words ‘you can have it all - but not at the same time!’).We also run through what Clarissa packs to go to a war zone from tampons to make-up, how simple grooming moments provide a much-needed semblance of normalcy and an anchor of comfort when in those areas of conflict, and how she reconciles doing a job in which she sees suffering and violence on a daily basis with periods at home where her life is one filled with love and privilege. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of the most sought-after violinists of her generation, Nicola has been showered with awards and accolades, including a grammy, a classical Brit award, and an MBE and then a CBE. She has played in some of the most prestigious venues across the world, including The Royal Albert Hall, Wigmore Hall, and Westminster Abbey, and has released 11 albums. Today, well as playing concerts, Nicola is on a mission to share the joy of classical music and to challenge the idea of it being an elitist career path with her Benedetti Foundation, which went from strength to strength during lockdown thanks to virtual sessions.In this episode, Nicola and I talk about her extraordinary career but also the woman who has navigated that experience and how she has kept such a cool head in the face of her success. She’s refreshingly candid - and I especially loved her admissions that she arrived at music boarding school without some of the classical music knowledge of her peers and that owning a Stradivarius is the source of both joy but a little bit of nervousness about how enormously precious it is.On beauty, Nicola is also an open book, and she relays stories in this episode about how her mum’s more avant grade style didn’t quite work for her in classical music circles, why she sticks to two beauty brands, and how perfume just doesn’t do it for her. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With thanks to this week’s sponsor, Max Factor.Make-up artist and author Wendy Rowe joins me in this episode to talk candidly about having been an ambitious child who wanted to mingle with the greats - and how she made that happen, to explain how grief and losing her parents affected her, to discuss why she reveres eating healthily, and to share a fair few beauty tips - including the one Sienna Miller taught her.P.s. Wendy also brings up Elvis of her own volition. I didn't prompt or bride her in any way to do so, FYI.P.p.s. Do let me know if you too find the idea of meeting someone you fancy on a plane rather off-putting. Wendy and I were of one mind on the matter.Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, I'm joined by beauty editors George Driver and Perdita Nouril, and PR Holly Hope Harper to discuss their career paths, how the beauty industry works (along with some of the pitfalls and perks), how bloggers and journalist's jobs intersect and where they diverge, and whether posts or pages in a magazine containing adverts can still have integrity. We also have a bit of a rant about anonymous websites which allow trolls to flourish, and discuss what we would change about the industry as a whole.Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

'I would see not just in American media, but in Indian media, which actually hurts me more, that fair was considered beautiful. And it was the only thing considered beautiful. I felt like I had to look like that to ever be accepted or thought of as beautiful or to find friendship or love. I love my skin colour so much now that I really, really want girls, men, anyone growing up today to recognise that.'Deepica Mutyala knew from a young age that she would shrug off the expectations place on her and instead forge her own path. That vision - combined with a steely determination and courage to follow her gut instinct - propelled her up the career ladder which started in Ohio working at Victoria's Secret, and sees her currently at the helm of the community and cosmetics company, Live Tinted.In today's episode, we talk about how she has achieved so much so quickly, what the cost of working at that intensity is, how her parents responded to her not taking the route they'd hoped she might when younger, and why she decided she had to leave New York.Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

‘These days everyone wants to put cameras everywhere. I refuse to have them in the dressing room, because that is sacrosanct. Those are the two hours where the person in the chair becomes the person that’s going to be in front of the camera that day. Sometimes that’s themselves, sometimes it’s somebody very different. It’s not just about the physical act of doing the hair and the make-up, it’s the psychological act of becoming.’ I’m joined by the legendary hair stylist Sam McKnight. Sam’s career has taken him all over the world and seen him work with every noteworthy publication, transforming the most high profile people going, including Princess Diana, with whom Sam worked for 7 years, during which time he famously created that iconic shorter, slicked back ‘do.In this episode, we talk about his journey from cleaning windows as a boy to being the most in demand hairdresser in the business, his enduring love of gardening (including how the scents of said garden have influenced his Hair by Sam McKnightrange), and how his job is as much about being a grounding confidante as it is about doing the hair itself.Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

'I just feel a bit like "why do I think I'm entitled to look younger than I am?" I am 40. I don't actually want to look younger than I am, I just want to look like a good version of where I'm at. For me, botox would not be the path to looking like a good version of me now. I don't really mind if my friends or people I meet think "oh she looks her age." That doesn't freak me out. I just think "well, yeah, that's as it should be."'Singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis Bextor joins me on this episode to discuss her work and home life, including how she balances having five children with performing, realising that fake tan just didn't suit her, how she approached that huge burst of fame in her early 20s, and the joys of Julie Andrews, Grease, Elvis, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Leanne Pero founded her award-winning The Movement Factory in 2001 at the age of 15, which has to date impacted over 500,000 young people through its programmes. The catalyst for Leanne learning to dance was a period of abuse suffered while at the home she ended up fleeing at 13.In 2016, Leanne was diagnosed with cancer. During her treatment, she realised how underrepresented the BAME community were in the dialogue surrounding cancer - and how many misconceptions abounded. Her response was to found Black Women Rising UK, a lottery-funded project designed to raise awareness.Today, as well as working on those projects, Leanne is an author, the CEO of Pineapple Dance Studio’s charity, Pineapple Community, and has won scores of awards for her work.In this episode, Leanne discusses turning adversity into positive action, focussing on how she found inner resilience through tough times, the importance of processing trauma, and the power of beauty rituals when challenged.Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bobbi Brown is a woman so synonymous with her the eponymous make-up brand she started in the early '90s, that it was somewhat surreal to be sitting with the real, human Bobbi Brown. In this episode she teases the two Bobbi's apart, talking about both how she made hers a household name for make-up before leaving the company three years ago, and the human endeavour behind it.We also talk about Bobbi’s life today, from her pared back approach to beauty (towards the end we look through her travel beauty stash and I was astonished at how minimal it was), why she decided her new company, Evolution 18, should focus on beauty from the inside out, and how she harbours a little crush on Lenny Kravitz.Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Author, presenter, and founder of TRINNY LONDON joins me in this episode to talk about everything from growing up with acne while her older sister breezed through adolescence with spot-free skin, learning to loathe fake tan, managing an addiction to sugar, handling her mental health during challenges like IVF, tackling money issues, and the thrill of not knowing 'what's behind the closed door.'‘Your make-up can age you, and define the decade in which you felt your most beautiful. Taking away that protective thing is the hardest thing to do, but once you say “look, you can make yourself ageless by giving yourself a glowing skin, giving yourself that energy from within. Begin that process of exfoliation if you never do it, consider an acid, look at a retinol, protect your face from the sun, wear a white trainer with everything - you will look ageless suddenly, and then you will not be judged by decades in which you felt your happiest. Make this the happiest decade.’Products, and places, mentioned:Eve Lom CleanserNo 7 LipstickClinique 3 Step skincare routineErno LaszloShannon at Nicola Clarke's branch of John FriedaEvolve Gel Balm Cleanser Santa Maria Novella Pot PourriForeo LunaBiologique Recherche P50Julia Hunter Maximal Strength Night RegenerationAmeliorate Body LotionFaceGym ProNuFACE Microcurrent Facial Toning DeviceHeliocare SPFAllies of Skin Vitamin C 35%Colbert, Sloane SquareScott's, MayfairThe Wolseley, Picadilly Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

'I feel uncomfortable with doing something interventionist to my body that means that it's somehow kind of disguising what I really am. I have a sort of Dorian Gray feeling about it, that you know somewhere this person, this old crone will be there underneath it all and you're wearing a kind of mask.'Journalist and former editor-in-chief of Vogue, Alexandra Shulman, joins me in this episode to discuss her life, and her 25 years at Vogue, candidly, touching on everything from the expectation to look a certain way, to panic attacks, maternity leave, fear of failure, and sizeism in magazines.She also talks about her renewed passion for make-up, her views on ageing, and how she came to curate a collection with No 7, which is currently available in shops.Products, and places, mentioned:- Molton Browners- No7 x Alexandra Shulman- Vaishaly Patel- Wildsmith Active Repair Nourishing Cleansing Balm- No7 Airbrush Away Primer- By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Concealer- Clinique Airbrush Concealer- Golbourne Road- Regent's Canal- Ida RestaurantBeauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.This episode is sponsored by HiSmile. To receive 20% off HiSmile products, enter 'BEAUTYFULL' at check out at HISMILETEETH.COM See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

‘As soon as you feel great, however that is presenting yourself - for me it’d be just having something on to feel a bit more polished in terms of my make-up - that impacts the way you present yourself. Yes, it’s kind of a shame that you feel “I need to have this make-up on to feel great”, but I think that’s overridden by the positives that would come from any interactions you’d have when you feel great.’Blogger and make-up artist Rose Gallagher is a much-loved figure in the beauty industry for both her candid approach to make-up and honesty about her battles with rosacea, and because she welcomes people in, encouraging them to find quick and easy beauty solutions under her tutelage.In this episode, we talk about the Irish roots that schooled her in the art of community, how interning and trying to get a job in magazines was financially challenging, the power of saying no, and how rosacea affects Rose's confidence.Products, and places, mentioned:- Peaches and Cream Liverpool- Talonted Lex - Hunsnet- Beauty From The Heart with Rose Gallagher- It Cosmetics Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.This episode is sponsored by HiSmile. To receive 20% off HiSmile products, enter 'BEAUTYFULL' at check out at HISMILETEETH.COM See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When road and track cyclist Dani Rowe and I first met, I was really struck by her candid nature and fascinated by her anecdotes about her extraordinary career as a thrice world champion and Olympic gold medallist, so felt she'd be a perfect fit for the show.Happily, she agreed to come on and in this episode talks openly about everything from meeting the Queen (the rules: no selfies, no questions), how she geared herself up to cycle in the Olympics (music played a role), the pay gap between men and women in cycling, and how working hard played a much bigger role in her success than native talent.Products, and places, mentioned:- Clinique Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator- Clinique Super City Block SPF 40- Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation- Lucas Papaw - Professor Steve Peters, The Chimp Paradox- Bobbi Brown Smokey Eyes Mascara- Blink Brow Bar- BBB London Clear Brow Gloss- Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic in Ecstasy - Urban Decay Naked palettes- Bobbi Brown skincare- Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir- Jo Malone Poppy and Barley- MAC Velvet Teddy LipstickBeauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As a budding (ahem) florist, Nikki Tibbles was often required to wake up very early in the morning and had little time and even less inclination to put on make-up.Fast forward 23 years, and Nikki's time is even more stretched; her Wild at Heart business is flourishing, and she's also at the helm of the Wild At Heart Foundation, which she founded in 2016, with the mission to bring an end to the world's 600 million stray dog problem by organising rescue projects, sterilising as many as possible, and educating people worldwide.(To date, the Wild At Heart Foundation has rehomed 1,175 dogs - one of whom is my rescue beagle/pointer, Monty, who hails from Cyprus and is utterly delightful - and sterilised a further 16,000.)In today's episode, Nikki discusses the childhood that set her up to be very driven, how she's harboured a love for animals throughout her life (she has throughout her life always owned at least one rescue dog, and has six today), which skincare she finds effective, how she'd choose David Gandy to come to her ideal dinner party, and her 35 piercings...Products, and places, mentioned:- Guerlain Mitsouko perfume- Timothy Han fragrances- Chanel Crystal Eau de Parfum- Miller Harris perfume- Barbara Sturm skincare- Apogii Notting hill- Drunk Elephant skincare- Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, and Chic-to-Cheek blush- Maria Tash PiercingsBeauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Between straddling the roles of producer, mother, and designer of FROST yoga wear, it's little wonder that Sadie Frost has had to make an effort to prioritise creative and family time and therefore has a very streamlined and efficient routine.In today's episode, Sadie and I discuss that routine, along with how she balanced having a career with motherhood ('I’d get myself to a situation where things would be going really well and then I’d get pregnant again. But I’ve always been driven and I’ve never wanted to give up'), the challenges surrounding divorcing when you have children ('I think it’s just better to be friends with your ex and to be loving and wish them well even when you’re going through difficult times'), and letting the wrong people in ('I trusted people who were actually quite jealous and just wanted what I had so they screwed me over, and that hurt').We also discuss amongst other things her postnatal depression, how subsequent weight fluctuations affected her approach to food, and how her height was a double-edged sword.Products, and places, mentioned:- Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturiser- FaceGym- Lucas Paw Paw- Benefit Gimme Brow- Chanel Vitalumiere Foundation- Chanel No 5- Guerlain l’Heure Bleue- Triyoga- Everyman Belsize Park and Hampstead- Limonia RestaurantBeauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the first of this season's bonus episodes, I’m joined by the award-winning beauty journalist Sam Silverand the fashion and celebrity stylist Gemma Rose Breger who jointly founded This Is Mothership, an online platform designed to share practical tips and tricks on beauty and fashion for busy mums.In today’s episode, we talk about how - and why - Sam and Gemma came to found This Is Mothership, their own pregnancy challenges, how having babies affected their careers, and they of course impart some wisdom on the best products around to tackle everything from lacklustre skin to bags under eyes.Products mentioned:NioxinThis Works In Transit No TracesSt Tropez Purity Face MistTan-Luxe Sleep OilBecca Under Eye Brightening CorrectorEstee Lauder Pure Colour Lipstick in EnviousSmashbox Always On LipstickEstee Lauder Pure Colour Lipstick Poppy SauvageVictoria Beckham for Estee Lauder Morning AuraChanel Les Beiges Eau de TeintGiorgio Armani Power Fabric ConcealerBecca Ultimate Coverage Longwear ConcealerClinique Pretty Easy Liquid Eyeliner PenBeauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Make-up artist and beauty industry maverick Ruby Hammer MBE's story speaks of her innate chutzpah and inner conviction, and includes ditching plans to work for the UN n favour of make-up artistry after a chance encounter, hard graft while growing her career as a mum to a young daughter, and launching a huge brand while going through a divorce.Her advice to her younger self? ‘When I was young, I was always an optimist and I was pretty naive, and I think now I realise is that life is not all singalong and happy and you’re going not to be giddy and happy forever. Is it full of ups and down and let downs, whether they’re commercial, financial, emotional. I’ve lost my parents now, I’ve gone through a divorce so I would say to [a younger] me, “just be prepared, Ruby. And don’t lose sight of who you are; integrity means a lot.”'In this episode, we discuss the role of beauty and it's emotional impact on Ruby's life, her move from Nigeria to London, how she ended up going from helping at her mum's restaurant to a make-up artist creating looks for Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire among others, and what having an MBE means to her. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Yoga teacher Tashi Dawa (@tashi_dawa_yoga) believes that beauty has nothing to do with exterior but rather is about one's experience of life: ‘This is the oldest we’ve ever been and the youngest we’ll ever be again so this moment is passing. Feel your feelings, explore the adventures; life’s short and it would be terrible to live your last couple of breaths going “I was really scared of being judged.” That deep respect for the miracle that we are - not so concerned with what it looks like as a miracle, but what it feels like - that is beauty, I think.’This theme carries through her entire life: all Tashi's possessions fit in a single rucksack, she spends her money on travel and training, eschewing treatments and products in favour of time spent pursuing her goals.In this episode, Tashi explains how she came to work as a yoga teacher, details some of her views on what can be done to combat stress diseases and which philosophies might engender a fresh perspective. She also chants, something I'll never fail to find relaxing after having heard her do it daily at Vale de Moses (the yoga retreat on which we met), so I'd encourage you to bookmark the episode and return to that chanting if you want something soothing to listen to at the end of the day... Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Over her 30 plus years in the beauty industry, Alison Young has noticed a seismic shift in the attitudes of beauty customers. Where once she found herself advising people merely on what to buy, she now more often than not has to tell people to scale their efforts back, buy fewer products, use the things they already have to get the best result. She is unreserved on the topic, claiming many of us are over-egging the pudding.Her views on the role beauty should play are equally as sensible, with her saying to those who have found what works for them: “well done - you’re in control of your beauty, beauty’s not in control of you, and if you don’t want anti-wrinkling and anti-ageing and to try to keep up with the insta image, good on you”.In this episode, Alison and I chart her journey from young girl with chronic eczema and a fondness for horses and dogs who didn't consider herself to be very academic to beauty therapist administering treatments to 80s models at Grayshott to presenter at QVC and award-winning beauty expert.Alison also explains why she doesn't condone cosmetic surgery, which products she uses, and how her appetite to learn has not yet been sated: ‘Everyone thinks when they’ve come out with a qualification that that’s it, they’re great. No - you’ve started. I’m 35 years in the industry and I’m still starting. You never stop learning.’Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Singer-songwriter Joy Crookesmade the transition from extracurricular singing at school to artist over many years, or, as she puts it 'it was so gradual - my life has been so gradual.'And despite Vogue calling her 'one of the most exciting artists to emerge on the music scene this year,' her approach is still steady and careful, dodging people who 'blow smoke up your a***,' and with a healthy dose of wariness when it comes to social media.Her attitude towards make-up similarly started with some sensible contemplation: ‘I hated make-up, I hated it! I thought it was the devil. And that sounds so granny of me but I just told myself “just don’t get into it.” You see these girls who are 13/14 who have to powder themselves up in make-up every morning, and fair enough if they don’t feel like they’re comfortable - but I don’t want to get to a point where I’m uncomfortable in my own skin.’In this episode, Joy and I discuss all the above along with her approach towards looking after herself both physically and mentally, how having a Bangladeshi mother and Irish father has affected her, and the influence of Elephant and Castle on her appearance.Joy is an ambassador for Maytree.org.uk, and recommends Baatn.org.uk, the Black, African, and Asian therapy network.Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Writer and author Sophia Money Coutts doesn't remember seeing any make-up during her young life because ’the posh old school thing is that women aren’t supposed to wear a lot of make-up - or if they do they’re certainly not supposed to look like they’re wearing a lot of make-up.'Aged 11, vitiligo started to leach pigment from her skin, and when Sophia eventually started to use make-up, some of her efforts were directed at the white patches.In today's episode, we talk about how make-up has never been a big feature despite it inching its way into her life, Sophia's fascination with silky hair, and how a bath is her preferred way to end a day.We also discuss botox, break ups, navigating uni life, being judged for having a 'posh' name, and how Sophia went about crafting characters for her two books, The Plus One, and What Happens Now? (The latter of which I read in a satisfying gulp over the summer and very much enjoyed so would encourage you to buy.)Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

By the age of 30, make-up artist Gucci Westmanhad already had a hugely successful career, working on films like John Malkovich and with a client list which included Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz.Ever after a new challenge, Gucci decided to leave the film industry to try her hand at editorial work. She initially hit a bump in the road with Creative Director Grace Coddington, but once given the opportunity to show what she could do, Grace declared Gucci to be one of the greatest talents she'd discovered.From there, Gucci worked solidly, making up huge celebrities for campaigns and covers of magazines.Gucci's make-up trademark: beautiful, luminous skin. It therefore came as no surprise to anyone who's followed her work that her make-up line, Westman Atelier, homes in on creating juicy, luscious skin. (Side note: I use the Vital Skin Foundation Stick regularly and recommend it heartily.)In this episode, Gucci talks about how she achieved all that while managing to remain balanced and healthy, and also delves into her childhood memories, painting a picture of a girl who grew up with spiritual parents who lived slightly unconventional lives - and for whom make-up was a mere glimmer of excitement on the horizon.Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ayda Williams didn't stick to her plan in life. She wanted the reliable, to have a job that was dependable. She was fixed on that course, studying to become a tax attorney, and was, in her words, 'super square - I was a super student.'The death of her beloved grandmother changed that: 'I always wanted to be an actor, but I was too afraid. Everyone [in LA] was an actor slash model slash singer and I thought "I can do better than that, I'm good at school, I can do something with myself, by golly."'When I was studying abroad in Paris, my grandma has just passed away and it was very weird being in her city without her. I remember walking the streets of Paris, and there was this weird thing that happened where I thought 'wow, she'd be so sad that I was so afraid of my dreams that before I even begun, I stopped. She'd be the one person in my corner really pushing me to go for my dreams and here I was so afraid of them that I wasn't even going to try. And I felt this overwhelming sense of regret and disappointment, and at that moment, I just decided I was going to try.'After landing a job fairly quickly in Days of Our Lives and then going on to work steadily as an actress in LA, Ayda met British singer Robbie Williams and decamped to the UK to be with him.Today, Ayda primarily lives in the UK with Robbie and their three children, a family set up she talks about in today's episode as being her biggest triumph: 'I never thought I was going to have this amazing life where I got to be in love and be a mummy. There were definitely times and horrid relationships where I thought I'd be alone.'We discuss all the above, including the products Ayda loves, how she looks after her physical and mental health, and how the passage of time - and having those children - has affected her perspective.Ayda Mentions:YSL Paree Scent, Kevyn Aucoin Face Forward book, Stila Lip Glaze, Lancome Juicy Tubes, MAC Lip Glass, MAC Spice lip liner, Omorovicza Blue Diamond Super Cream, Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm, B683 Marc Antoine Barrois Cologne, Le Labo Santal 33, Rose 31, and AnOther 13, Dr Sebagh Rose Serum, Charlotte Tilbury nude lipstick, John Masters Organics, STRIIIKE in LA, Cowshed massages, Sarah Chapman's facial, Josh Wood for hair colour, Perfect 10 for waxes and tan by Fake Bake or Sienna XBeauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Katie's first big beauty memory is unsurprisingly related to her mum. But rather than it being simply a memory of her mum's face or beauty rituals, Katie rememberers her singer mum's microphone, coated in lipstick. That symbol of glamour remained with her, and after a stint working as a manicurist, both in salons and latterly on shoots, Katie pivoted her career to work as a make-up artist.Today, her skills are in demand, working on shoots with hugely famous models (think Ashley Graham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley), and sharing tips with her following on instagram. She also works with brands, helping to show how versatile their products are, which is how she went on to become ELEMIS' resident glow expert - and how this episode came about as Katie flew to London for some masterclasses and events with ELEMIS and found an hour to sit down and record with me.ELEMIS have kindly offered a discount to my listeners: just use the code BFL15 for 15% off your order on ELEMIS.com.*Also, it would be remiss of me not to thank this episode's sponsors Hairstory. Their hero product, New Wash, is pretty innovative because rather than grab all oils from your hair to be washed away with the water, it leaves your natural barrier intact, so that you can skip conditioner altogether. I’ve been trialling a bottle for the past month and am hugely impressed as I highlight my hair regularly and it usually needs a fair amount of conditioner plus oils pulled through the ends to stop it from looking parched but I noticed it was smoother and less frizzy from the off and after a month is definitely in better condition than before, so I’d encourage you to give it a whirl if you find your hair seems brittle and you’d like to try something new. Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.*Terms & conditions: Offer not valid on gift vouchers, travel sizes, collections or reduced items. One use per customer only. Offer ends 31.12.19 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Beauty industry insider, facialist, and brand expert Caroline Hirons commands a huge audience across her various platforms thanks to her reputation as a forthright, honest, and reliable skincare expert.To give you an idea of scale, at the time of the episode going live, Caroline has 270 thousand instagram followers, 180 thousand youtube subscribers, and 76 thousand twitter followers.In this episode, we talk about Caroline’s childhood, her work ethic and experiences in the beauty industry, the mindsets that have steered her safely through internet fame, and, of course, we talk skincare.Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jillian Lavender's work came to my attention around five years ago after a few friends learned Vedic meditation at the London branch of the Meditation Centre she co-founded. After the course, they were more focussed, calmer, happier - and all from twenty minutes of meditation morning and noon.Keen to learn more, I went to interview Jillian a few years ago for a feature and found her approach to be extremely sound. After leaving, I was quite astonished while researching by how many studies there were that suggested that meditation has a hugely positive impact on those who practise it. In this episode of the podcast, Jillian explains how she came to find out about meditation in the first place, who might benefit from it, how Vedic meditation charms the mind, and some of the effects you might be able to expect should you choose to learn it.Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Award-winning journalist and author Poorna Bell's family features heavily in her new book, In Search of Silence, in which she muses on and explores the new landscape of her life following her husband Rob's death by suicide. They are also a big part of her beauty identity, with Poorna talking in this episode about her grandma who always looked pristine despite her messy bedroom, and how her mum's dressing table held allure.We also discuss how appearance and beauty have had an impact on Poorna's life as an adult, and topics we cover include her tattoos, colorism, intuitive eating, and the appeal of power lifting (which, as Poorna explains, extends beyond just being able to lift your own furniture).Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After being in a car crash, Katie Brindle went from expert to expert trying to find relief from pain to no avail. Finally, Chinese Medicine provided it, and so convinced was she that its principles were founded in good sense, that she went on to train as a practitioner. That was in 2002, and Katie's since become something of a go-to for those in the know for both treatments and advice.Katie is now at the helm of several projects, including having founded the Ha'you Method range of Beauty Restorer Gua Sha products (aka tools designed to help increase circulation and release tension - I am a firm fan of the original jade restorer as well as the comb), as well as having written a book, Yang Sheng: The Art Of Chinese Self Healing, in which she distils some of her abundant knowledge and offers guidance on how to safeguard health and wellbeing through the practises.In this episode, Katie explains some of the ways in which Chinese Medicine principles can be incorporated into every day life, and explains why it's more important now than ever to safeguard health.Link to the breath ritual mentioned: https://hayoumethod.com/the-rituals/rescue-breath-ritual/Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.