Having just completed the Spring/Summer 2016 runway circuit for the recent menswear collections in Europe, walking for the likes of Perry Ellis and Gucci, rising American-born New Zealand-based model Dane Bell shares his grooming tips while spending life on the road.
What's the best part about travelling?
I love learning new languages, so living in France for a few months and then also visiting Milan has been such a joy and opportunity for me in that regard. I also find it really fascinating to experience the customary lifestyle of another country and the little cultural accessories that adorn it. French pastry culture is so deliciously pervasive that I had to start limiting myself to one a day! I'm glad I got to live in Paris for a more extended period of time, because I feel like I've really been able to get a feel for the vibes here. And now I can cherry-pick all these different customs and, with them, refine my own lifestyle.
What do you do to keep active and healthy when travelling?
Regular sleep (easier said than done) and water. I always bring my jump rope with me when I travel, because you can do that wherever you go. Keeping a diet which is fairly close to your normal routine can be really difficult when travelling, but I think it also makes a big difference in how you're feeling. I always keep some fruit, nuts and water with me in case I get lost or stuck somewhere (like in a two-hour line for a casting).
What's your morning grooming regime?
It depends on whether or not I need to shower and/or shave, but if I don't, usually just rinsing my face with cold water, brushing my teeth and trying to de-bedhead myself 10 minutes max. What takes forever is breakfast (I make the healthiest, most delicious oatmeal out there), which is so important to me.
What was the first grooming product you bought?
Probably a tube of Chapstick. Gotta keep them lips lookin' fresh.
What was the last grooming product you purchased?
I think it was the sea salt spray (for hair) from Lush.
What grooming product or fragrance would you most like to try?
I've always wondered what in the world aftershave is. Probably too classic for me, though. Comme des Garcons has a cologne that smells like ash or a bonfire, and I've always wished I'd been whimsical enough to get it, because I like the idea. Maybe one day.
How often do you shave?
Every three days or so if I don't have anything going on, but always the morning before a photoshoot or runway show.
DANE'S GROOMING CABINET PICKS:
Commes des Garcons 2
This year I've been running around in Comme des Garcons 2. I love the scent, though it becomes almost undetectable within an hour of putting it on.
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Advertise with NZME.Papaw Ointment
Papaw Ointment on my lips, even if it does get a bit melty in the summer. Nothing works better. It's fun seeing it in the kits of some of the makeup artists I work with almost everywhere I go. It makes me nostalgic for New Zealand.
Olive soap
I've been doubling up my super-basic olive oil soap as a shaving cream, which works just as well and is super-gentle on my face and free of any unpronounceable mystery chemicals, which is always an ace in my books.
Florame floral water; florame.com.au
To clean my face after working out or at the end of the day, I use a floral water from Florame, which just has a touch of plant-based glycerine in it. It's also very gentle and chemically simple and natural. Then use a couple of drops of rosehip oil to moisturise afterward. When practised consistently, I find this duo to be optimal for my facial complexion.
• Dane Bell is represented by Red 11 Models and IMG Australia.
