When Billy Porter was 14 years old, a particularly alarming pubescent zit sent him running to a department store in downtown Pittsburgh in search of something to soothe the inflamed area. It was there that a kindly store clerk introduced him to Kiehl’s, a brand he still uses for all his basic (and not so basic) skincare needs. These days, though, his standards a little higher than ridding himself of some adolescent acne. “My skin has to look like it glows,” he summarizes. “And it does.”
In the latest episode of Grooming Gods, Porter walked us through all the products that help him get there. Pick up all of his favorites below.
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash
Since his Kiehl's awakening, this is how Porter has washed his face. This gets his day started with a pop of minty freshness.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
It’s 2021, and we’re finally opening our hearts to face oil. A great gateway into this expansive world: trusty Kiehl’s, whose pre-bedtime concoction blends lavender and primrose for lots of overnight TLC.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30
“Whenever soap and water touches my body, lotion goes on after that,” Porter affirms. His go-to right now is—what else?—Kiehl’s, and he makes sure to always buy something with SPF.
Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream
Porter uses Kiehl’s full line of shaving supplies on hand to keep things clean and healthy—and to get the closest shave possible.
Kiehl’s Crème de Corps
That thing about soap and water? Just as true for your hands as it is for your face. Porter carries this around for a little post hand-washing moisture boost. If you’ve squeezed out a bit extra, don’t be afraid to go past your wrists up your arms—when it comes to elbows, it never hurts to over-moisturize.
Herbivore Lapis face oil
This vivid face oil isn’t just eye candy for your bathroom shelf: it gets its hue from an organic compound called Azulene that soothes, balances, and calms all at once.
Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying cleanser
Any advocate of bold makeup looks needs a good makeup remover on hand—there’s nothing worse for skin than letting any of that gunk sit overnight. This balancing cleanser helps smooth impurities while melting everything off for a squeaky-clean, toner-ready face.
Molton Brown Russian Leather shower gel
“Nothing’s better than Molton Brown body wash,” Porter says. His favorite scent is the Russian Leather, which layers black tea, pine, and smoke.
Kevin Murphy Free Hold cream
When it comes to hair, Porter keeps an arsenal of pomades on hand to get his curls in perfect condition. This one goes on white (“it looks a little crazy at first,” he warns), so make sure you’ve got ten or fifteen minutes to spare while it sinks in.
A hair sponge
Porter uses the larger coil side of a hair sponge to separate out his curls, going in circular motions across the top of his head.