“I am obsessed with my hair”

Benedict Browne is a style writer and stylist who spent many years working at The Rake. The London-based online magazine is considered a modern voice of classic elegance — not only in the UK, but around the world. Today Browne is style director at Mr Porter.

You’ve been featuring many independent, British brands at The Rake Magazine. Did that influence your style? 

Supporting British manufacturing and independent brands has been a central theme at The Rake. It’s important to get behind them and support their craft as those skills were looking at extinction but they’re bouncing back. And yes, my personal style is influenced by that. If I like the brand and the story, I like to wear the product.

How do you define beauty? 

It sounds cliché, but it’s about confidence in your own skin and taking pride in your appearance. 

Do you remember your first shaving experience? 

Yes, it was at school when I was about 14. I probably didn’t need to shave but I it made me feel grown up. I probably knew what to do from watching my older brothers and from movies. 

How do you pamper yourself? 

I get my haircut every two weeks. I’m obsessive about my hair and getting it regularly cut is a confidence boost. I also love a professional wet shave. 

Do you have a beauty routine? 

I cleanse my face every morning and evening and exfoliate every two to three days. I use a face mask once or twice a week. I never leave the house without a little product in my hair. Finally: aftershave. As I work in fashion, I’m often sent products and aftershave is something that I collect.

What are your most important products?

Dr Jackson’s Night Cream, it’s full of natural and organic ingredients and helps my complexion with quick results. Also, Le Labo’s Thé Noir 29 – you barely need to use it but it will keep with you all day.  

This interview was first published in the print edition of 30 Grad in spring 2019.