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Dawn O’Porter is the bestselling author of Paper Aeroplanes, Goose, The Cows, So Lucky, Life in Pieces, Cat Lady and Honeybee. She’s also well known for her TV work, journalism, podcasting and designs for Joanie Clothing, and is one of the co-founders of the NGO Choose Love. She was also runner-up on the most recent series of Celebrity MasterChef.
After years living in LA, Dawn recently resettled in the UK with her husband, Chris O’Dowd, her two boys, Art and Valentine, and a menagerie of animals.
What’s the last treat you bought for yourself?
Frøya face cream. I kept getting spammed with it on Instagram and eventually gave in. I have never had so many compliments on my skin as in the last few months. But, to be fair, who knows what causes that? I have a long list of things I do to have good skin. Both in what I eat, take and slather all over it. It’s an obsession.
Frøya Anti-Age & Insane Glow day balm
Where do you buy your food?
A mix between a lovely, privately owned health food shop that’s close to my house and Waitrose or M&S.
What’s the best present you’ve given – and received?
I got a friend a tattoo voucher when she was pregnant with her first baby, so she could get the baby’s name as a tattoo after she was born. And a Peloton, from my husband, for my 40th. It keeps my middle-age spread in check.
Peloton bike
What’s your favourite online store?
Fumbalinas. A mecca of fabulous kaftans. It’s my version of a candy shop. Oh, and Esska for shoes. They’re so cute and so comfy.
What’s your favourite bricks and mortar shop?
Trindle Stores, just outside Kew Gardens station. I love independent food brands, and it sells some of the best. It also does amazing coffee and has a gorgeous seating area in the nursery at the back.
What’s the gadget you use most often?
The Lyma laser. I was given one to try. They are painfully expensive, so I feel lucky. It’s a really strong red light laser. I hold it to different parts of my face for three minutes every single night. You’re supposed to see results after three months. I get a little Botox around my eyes, and since using the laser I have been getting half the amount. A device like this goes deep and definitely works. But the price tag is OUCH.
Lyma laser
What’s the purchase you regret the most?
Jeans. Countless pairs of jeans. I see other women look so great in them, so I buy them and never wear them because I can’t quite get it right for my shape.
What’s the thing(s) you get delivered?
EVERYTHING. I am trying so hard to go to the shops instead, and I love going to the supermarket, but finding the time is so hard. So I get it delivered a lot, but the thing I need the most never comes.
Where do you buy your underwear?
I need new underwear. I found a really lovely company called Cuup in the US. I’m looking for suggestions. Seamless, lightweight and BIG.
What would you buy with £20 – and £200?
For £20, I’d probably buy a good nail file because I like to do that while I am mulling over what to write about at my desk. And £200 would go on makeup: I love buying foundations, eye shadows, and nude lip glosses. Charlotte Tilbury is a go-to for me. Victoria Beckham. And I LOVE Jones Road foundation.
Tweezerman glass nail file
Charlotte Tilbury Plumpgasm nude lip gloss
Jones Road What the Foundation
What’s your ‘saved search’ on eBay/Vinted?
High-waisted, vintage circle skirts. I can never have enough. I’m a sucker for one with a novelty print.
What item do you buy on repeat?
Dark brown eyeliners.
Victoria Beckham satin kajal liner
How do you make your coffee at home?
A french press with a splash of my homemade almond milk.
Bodum french press
What’s your biggest splurge?
Food and skincare. That’s what most of my money goes on.
And what everyday item do you scrimp on?
I think the eyebrow industry is a scam. I use dark brown eye shadow on mine – I refuse to buy a product specifically for them.
Jones Road dark brown eyeshadow
And what’s your greatest vintage find?
Don’t make me choose. OK, if I have to, it’s probably a white Ossie Clark with Celia Birtwell print.
Honeybee by Dawn O’Porter is published by HarperCollins. To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com (£8.99). Delivery charges may apply.
For more, read How I Shop with Jo Malone
English (US) ·