Henry Crouch approaches beauty much like he does the spaces he surrounds himself with: intuitively, curiously and with an eye for what feels good. The L.A.-based creative mind finds ritual in the everyday – a near-daily bath, sun-soaked afternoons spent surfing, and an hour of quiet before bed – while still keeping plenty of room for experimentation. His beauty cabinet is equally personal: cult skincare, a beloved lip balm and a bottle of Neroli Oranger.

How do you define beauty?

Whatever feels honest.

Who or what was your earliest beauty influence?

Going to the M.A.C beauty counter with my older sisters before their high school dances.

Have you found that time and ageing has evolved this in any way?

As I've gotten older, I've become much more intentional about taking care of myself. My job also gives me access to some incredible products. My drawers and vanity are those of a borderline hoarder.

How do you feel about growing old?

Ageing is beautiful. On my last trip to Paris, we were talking about how inspiring it is to see people embrace ageing so naturally. You don’t see it much in L.A.

How has your relationship with your reflection changed over the years?

I’ve grown more comfortable in my own skin. My confidence grows each day.

Alternatively, do you have any beauty hang ups?

I hold myself to a high standard. I just want to create beautiful things and sometimes it’s not always as easy as I planned.

What’s one beauty lesson you wish you could tell your younger self?

Wear your retainers.

What kind of beauty look do you feel the most comfortable in?

A fresh tan with a dewy face.

You share a lot of your interior taste and style online – how important is curating a beautiful space to you?

It’s so important. I spend a lot of time alone at home. I get inspired every time I walk through the door.

How have you curated your own interior taste, style, or preferences over the years?

Staying curious. Finding inspiration in anything. Surrounding myself with like-minded people.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

I hate to say it, but I check my phone. Scroll TikTok. Then I’ll put music on the Sonos speaker and it’s time to get out of bed.

And the last thing you do before you go to bed?

I always watch a show before bed. Right now, it’s Modern Family (for the 10th time) and Homeland.

Can you tell me your top five skincare products?

Biologique Recherche Lait VIP 02 cleansing milk for a moisturised wash. Ultraceuticals Ultra B2 Hydrogel sheet mask (expensive, so I save for special occasions). Lubriderm Extra Dry Body Lotion, which I have used for years. I also love the Caudalie Beauty Elixir mist and La Mer lip balm.

What about hair care – what are the tools or products you can’t live without?

On the daily: Days of Dirt cream, and then I air dry. For a night out, I use Chris McMillian’s Dry Texture Spray.

What elements make a bathroom special or calming, in your opinion?

A good bathtub with excess hot water. I take a bath almost every day.

What’s your signature scent?

I love perfume. Right now, Neroli Oranger from Matiere Premiere.

What is the most unusual beauty habit you have?

I almost always sit in the shower.

What’s the one beauty product you always have on your person?

La Mer Lip Balm and Lumify Eye Drops.

Can you share your wellness rituals – the ones that have made a tangible impact?

Making the hour before getting in bed special. A pot of mint tea, candles, fluffing my bedding (weekly washed sheets), and trying not to go on my phone. I look forward to this time.

What’s the most L.A. thing about you?

My zip code.

You also love to surf – what do you love about it?

Surfing is my therapy. I feel so connected to the water. It’s meditative, but at the same time exhilarating. I pretty much moved to California from Colorado to surf.

Are there any beauty or wellness spots in Los Angeles you recommend to friends visiting?

Golden Ocean Spa on Sunset Blvd. A hole in the wall, but trust.

Do you have a wellness vice?

Diet Coke.

Is there a ritual you lean on when you’re having a crisis, or a bad day?

Jumping in a body of water.

What is the last beauty product you recommended to a friend?

The CHANEL BEAUTY Baume Essentiel in Transparent.

And the last product you bought because you were influenced?

Aestura Cream Mist. I love it.