Photo via Paul Zimmerman/Wireimage.
Hair removal, pricey facials, wigs, and sandbagging: It's no secret that Hollywood actresses put a lot of effort into looking effortless on the red carpet. But it makes us feel like we're on a slightly more even playing field when we think about the fact that David Beckham, Kit Harington, Michael B. Jordan, and Justin Bieber don't wake up with glowing complexions and perfect hair every morning, either. There's always someone behind the curtain pulling the strings.
Yep, the guys have pros on hand to smooth their cowlicks, brush their brows, and mattify their complexions before they step out on the red carpet or in front of the camera (hell, even John Mayer has a multi-step skin-care routine nowadays). They're called groomers -- and we're putting the spotlight on them.
Ahead, L.A.'s most in-demand primping pros for the dudes are spilling their secrets and sharing their tried-and-true products. So call your dad, ping your brother, and text your friends. Let's hear it for the boys.
The Expert: Carola Gonzalez
The Clients: Michael B. Jordan, Elijah Wood, George Clooney, and more
For oily, thin, or limp hair...
"This product really does wonders," Gonzalez tells us. "It's amazing for when you want to add volume at the roots or get rid of oil. For lift, grab a little, rub between your hands, and massage into the scalp with fingertips. Or, to remove excess oil on hair, lightly go over just the areas that get greasy...using your fingers, a little product at a time." [Ed. note: Use on dry hair.]
R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste, $28, available at Barneys New York.
For a natural-looking hold on all hair types...
"This product is super-easy to work into the hair," Gonzalez says. "It has a strong hold, but the texture is soft, making it great for styling, shaping, or adding texture to dry hair."
Magic Move Hard Paste, $18, available at Diamond Beauty.
For a coiffed, dressed-up look...
"This cream is great to use on damp hair," Gonzalez says. "It gives medium hold, it's not sticky, and hair looks naturally styled. Rub a bit through the roots and lengths of hair, then sculpt hair by blowdrying with a brush or just using your hands."
Oribe Sculpting Cream, $35, available at Oribe.
For unruly brows...
To keep brows looking naturally groomed, Gonzalez swears by Make Up For Ever's clear formula.
Make Up For Ever Clear Eyebrow Gel, $19, available at Make Up For Ever.
For dry or chapped lips...
Not all balms are created equal: "Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm is a matte lip balm that hydrates chapped, dry lips well," says Gonzalez.
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm, $7.50, available at Sephora.
For troubleshooting...
Hangovers, sleepless nights, and common colds don't stand a chance against Gonzalez's tried-and-true regimen for waking up a client's complexion: "I refresh his face with Sisley's Botanical Floral Spray Mist for immediate hydration, then I apply Kiehl's Eye De-Puffer under the eye area," she says. "Then, to moisturize the skin, I use Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream if client doesn't have oily skin. If he does, then I use Murad's Oil Control Mattifier and mist again with Sisley's spray."
Sisley Botanical Floral Spray Mist, $100, available at Nordstrom; Kiehl's Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer, $20, available at Kiehl's; Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, $47.50, available at Kiehl's; Murad Oil Control Mattifier, $39.50, available at Sephora.
For grease-free SPF...
Sun damage doesn't discriminate, so Gonzalez relies on this formula for her guys for two reasons: It isn't greasy and it's totally sheer. "It does not leave any white residue on skin," she says.
Elta MD UV Daily SPF Facial Sunscreen, $26.50, available at DermStore.
The Expert: Ashley Streicher
The Clients: John Krasinski, Michael Fassbender, Andy Samberg, and more
For a cool, lived-in hair look...
"I love using Hanz de Fuko products for men's hair," Streicher says. "All of the products they offer can be mixed to get the perfect look -- without creating flakes or causing the product to ball up. My all-time favorite is Quicksand. It's a super-matte paste that styles almost like a salt spray, so it gives your hair a dry texture, but also holds."
Hanz de Fuko Quicksand, $19, available at Hanz de Fuko.
For healthy-looking skin...
"I just discovered the Shiseido men's line, and I love the Hydro Master Gel as a moisturizer," Streicher tells us. "It absorbs very quickly, but leaves men's freshly shaven faces plump and moisturized without being oily. Then, I love using the Laura Mercier Secret Finish Mattifying Gel on my guys that get shiny -- it looks very natural."
Shiseido Men Hydro Master Gel, $32, available at Shiseido; Laura Mercier Secret Finish Mattifying Gel, $28, available at Nordstrom.
For facial hair...
"I love Tom Ford's beard oil," Streicher says, noting that she even got her boyfriend hooked on it. "It's important for men to moisturize the beard. The hair can be very wiry and coarse, so this step is important -- and this one smells divine. It makes you much more kissable."
Tom Ford Beauty Oud Wood Conditioning Beard Oil, $50, available at Mr Porter.
For more man-scaping musts, visit Refinery29.
By: Lexy Lesback