This Old Thing presenter Dawn O’Porter: 'I find working out very boring'

TV PRESENTER Dawn O’Porter, 36, shares her beauty tips

This Old Thing, presenter, Dawn O’Porter, beauty, style, husband, Chris O'Dowd, Sarah EwingWENN

TV presenter Dawn O’Porter, 36, shares her beauty tips

Which beauty products do you swear by?

I love Jane Iredale Mineral Foundation because it has a smooth finish and doesn’t sink into any lines or creases. And Smashbox Eye Liner is great for creating a smoky look. 

Which women do you consider beautiful?

Tilda Swinton, because her clothes are so expressive and theatrical and she’s not a carbon-copy beauty.

What’s your signature fragrance?

Until four years ago, I wore Obsession by Calvin Klein, but my husband [actor Chris O’Dowd] isn’t a fan. So I’ve since been looking for one we both love. The search continues.

I’m a healthy eater but I don’t deny myself treats

Dawn O’Porter

How do you pamper yourself?

I love going to get my nails done. I’m in LA right now and nail salons are everywhere. It’s cheap as chips, quick and easy to get done.

Do you diet?

No, I’m a healthy eater but I don’t deny myself treats. I love blueberries. I’m not one of those people who can live without carbs, though. If I don’t have carbs with every meal, I get hungry. 

How do you stay in shape?

I find working out very boring. Instead, I go power walking every morning for an hour with my rescue dog, Potato, while listening to audiobooks. 

If you could change one part of your body, what would it be?

I have a really flat bum – so it would be nice to have some shape. Also, if I put on any weight, it always goes to my belly, so I’d like this to be more toned. I’ve gone through periods in my life where I’ve made a real effort to tone up, but it’s just so boring. The older I get, the more I wonder if it matters.

Would you ever consider cosmetic surgery?

If someone is really unhappy with the way they look, then I don’t have a problem with it. But when taken too far, to fit an ideal that I don’t think is attractive, then no way. I like smile lines and expression. Ageing shouldn’t be looked upon so negatively by society.

How would you describe your style?

Vintage. I go for high-waisted items that skim over my belly and I use a tailor, so everything is unique. I have my own vintage clothing range now, called BOB, and everything I’ve designed is with the intention that you don’t have to be skinny to wear it.

Who’s your favourite designer?

I don’t buy high-end clothes because I can’t justify the money. But if I am going to spend more than usual, it has to be something iconic like vintage Ossie Clark. 

Do you have a favourite shop?

High Street clothes don’t appeal to me. I’m happier to browse a flea market for eight hours and come out with one dress, but I love Jaeger Boutique.

What’s your all-time favourite outfit?

A bright green 1960s A-line shift Courrèges dress, which I wore to an awards ceremony in 2012. That cost £2,000 and it was the most I’ve ever spent on anything, apart from a car. My best friend wore it at my wedding, so it’s special to me.

Have you ever had any fashion disasters?

I have them all the time. There are some things that you put on at home and you think it’s great, but then it doesn’t photograph well. It’s always a gamble when you don’t stick to safe clothes – but there are worse things in life.

Dawn O’Porter is an ambassador of Rescue products. She uses Bach’s Rescue Remedy to ensure she lives in the moment. Available from Boots and rescueremedy.co.uk

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