Howard Hughes’ vanity table wasn’t glamorous — it was clinical. Where other Hollywood men displayed colognes, brushes and grooming luxuries, Hughes kept a setup that looked more like a sanitization station than a dressing area. His grooming rituals reflected his obsession with precision, cleanliness and control.
Barbasol Shaving Cream
Hughes was loyal to Barbasol — a simple, reliable shaving cream that matched his preference for functional, no‑nonsense products.
Gillette Safety Razors
He kept multiple razors on hand, rotating blades frequently to reduce what he considered “contamination risk.”
Ivory Soap
Pure, unscented and famously simple. Hughes avoided fragrance and preferred products he believed were “cleaner.”
Alcohol & Disinfectant Bottles
This was the centerpiece of his vanity. He kept rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, disinfectant solutions, sterilized cotton pads and sealed glass jars. He wiped down tools, surfaces and his hands repeatedly.
Metal Nail Tools (Sterilized)
Nail clippers, files and cuticle tools were stored in glass containers and cleaned before and after each use.
Hair Brushes Wrapped in Tissue
To keep them “clean,” Hughes wrapped his brushes in tissue paper and replaced them often.
White Hand Towels
Stacks of fresh white towels, folded with precision. He used them once, then replaced them.
Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)
A simple staple he used for dry skin and minor abrasions, especially during long flights.
Cotton Gloves
He occasionally wore cotton gloves to avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily or after applying ointments.
Hughes’ vanity table reveals a man whose grooming rituals were shaped by:
- control
- repetition
- sterility
- precision
- and an intense desire to manage his environment
It wasn’t about beauty — it was about order.
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?
