Interview with Dawn, TDS Beauty Editor

Tell us a little about yourself

I am skincare and beauty obsessed so becoming the beauty editor at TDS has been a little dream come true! When I’m not working towards a new blog post, my day-to-day job is an Ops manager and I also do freelance makeup at the weekend. When I do have a free minute, I’m either at the gym or out for coffee.

How long have you been part of TDS?

I started writing for TDS three years ago and always had so much to write about it ended up being a weekly thing! I have been the beauty editor for around 2 years now and I LOVE every minute! I also love reading the other girls posts and I’m super proud to be a part of the team.

What do you love about being part of TDS?

There isn’t anything I don’t love. I love working with brands, reviewing products, and getting to chat about all the things I’m passionate about. Within the last 3 years I have extended my knowledge so much and have been lucky enough to continuously find new things to talk about. I’ve also made two good friends in Sam and Jen who have always massively supported and helped me since day one.

What is your day job?

I’m an Ops manager Monday to Friday and an MUA on a Saturday.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I start work at 8am and since the pandemic I have been home based, which for me is a dream come true as my work/life balance has massively improved. My days are always super busy, but I always try to make time for a lunch break around 12pm before I then finish at 4pm. I think it’s important even when working from home to ensure you take some time away from a screen! During the week I go to PT, and I’ve also found a new love for Spin so I try and fit in at least 2 classes of that a week as well.

How do you spend your weekends?

I always start my Saturday morning with an early spin class, I feel like this sets me up for the weekend! If I have people booked in for makeup that will normally take up a few hours on a Saturday afternoon which I love doing! I always try to meet up with friends whether it be for coffee, lunch or dinner and drinks. When the weather is nice I love fitting in a big walk too! Sunday, is always my life admin day and I always try and finish up any blog posts for the following week.

Where did your love of beauty and makeup come from?

I feel like it has always been there! I was definitely the first girl in primary school to have the rollerball lipglosses and hair mascara. Whether it comes from having an older sister or its just inbred in me, I have always been the same. My favourite thing to do from being really young was spending any money I had on makeup (that hasn’t changed!).

If you could only ever use one skincare product ever again, what would it be and why?

That’s so hard! But if I really had to choose it would be Hyaluronic acid, for me this is key to that plump and hydrated skin. Since using this, my overall skin has improved dramatically.

What makes your day better?

Coffee!

What is your greatest achievement?

Honestly as cringeworthy as it sounds, becoming part of TDS. I love that people read my blog posts and come to me for advice on social media about things I genuinely love, it’s given me my own identity and really improved my confidence.

And now for some fun quiz style questions…

Favourite food?

I am such a foodie, but my favourite would be Greek!

What is your all time favourite film?

Dirty Dancing or The Holiday are the two films I always reach for if I need a pick me up!

Cats or Dogs?

Controversial but CATS, I love them and have always had a cat in my life since I was 5 years old. I love how sassy they are.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

The ability to speak any language.

Would you take it if you had the opportunity to be immortal?

Probably not, because I wouldn’t want to be without the people I love.

If you won 1 million £, how would you spend it?

Sort out my family and friends and invest in property, I worry I won’t be able to own my own home, so a lottery win would sort that out!  I would absolutely buy some more makeup too!

What is the most stupid thing you’ve done in your entire life?

I once said goodnight as I left a really important interview (I still cringe hard at this!!!) I also gave too many people too much of my time who didn’t deserve it.

What’s your favourite time of year?

Autumn, I love September, October and November the most and I absolutely love all things Christmas!

What are your pet peeves?

Rude or arrogant people and I absolutely hate when someone puts ?????? in an email to me, if you do that you go to the bottom of the pile.

What comes to mind when you hear the words ‘bucket list’

Travel!

And finally…

What are your ‘daily struggles’ and how do you overcome them?

As with a lot of people I can struggle with my mental health, and it usually occurs if I’m not looking after myself properly. If I am starting to feel this way, I look at what I’m eating, how much I’m exercising and if I’ve stopped doing the things I love like writing. Usually when I up all of these things I start to feel better.

I also struggle with saying no, I am naturally a people pleaser so will sometimes end up helping others before I help myself.

Who inspires you?

My mum! She is the kindest most generous and patient person I know and will always go out of her way for other people. She’s retired, but loves keeping fit and going out with her friends and never lets life get her down for too long. We lost my dad nearly 10 years ago and she amazed me with how well she coped and how she supported both my sister and I. She was always the Mum my school friends loved and I aspire to be just like her

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

I would love to be doing more writing and be more involved within the beauty industry. Personally I would love my own family and remain healthy and happy!