Darren Criss Picked Out the Ultimate Grooming Gifts For Dapper Dudes

Sami Drasin
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You may just know Darren Criss as a Broadway star or Blaine from Glee, but in real life, he's actually an entrepreneurial beauty guru. When I sat down with him earlier this year to talk all things grooming, he blew me away with his knowledge about everything from essential oils to not overstripping his curls of moisture. When it comes to looking and smelling fine, Darren knows what's up.

That's why the triple threat is the perfect person to help you pick a present for the guys in your life — be it your brother, boyfriend, or boss. Here, Darren rounded up his favorite gifts from the dapper men's ecommerce site The Motley. (Darren is actually an investor in the cool-guy grooming site, founded by siblings Matt and Madison Ruggieri). Keep reading to find out which lotions, fragrances, and candles Darren is loving this season. Plus, there are a few bonus stylish picks (Valentine's Day is coming up sooner than you think . . . ).

The Motley Cologne Collection

The Motley Cologne Collection

"With four distinct, hand-poured aromas inspired and created by ingredients from all over the world, this little quartet gives you the best bang for your buck," Darren said. "Their portable size are great for traveling around this holiday season, and even greater to impress with when you arrive. Ditch the department store. Be unique."

The Motley Cologne Collection ($50)

Buckler's Chapped Skin Remedy

Buckler's Chapped Skin Remedy

"Classic. One of our most popular products," Darren noted. "Can't go wrong with this puppy. Guys dig it. Girls dig it. We all dig it. So, if you haven't dug it yet — dig in."

Buckler's Chapped Skin Remedy ($19)

The Motley x Life/After/Denim Woodsmoke Candle

The Motley x Life/After/Denim Woodsmoke Candle

"For those of you who enjoy being transported to a cozy place when you enter a room . . . You don't even have to open your eyes," Darren explained.

The Motley x Life/After/Denim Woodsmoke Candle ($58)

The Motley All-Stars Kit

The Motley All-Stars Kit

According to Darren: "If you're the type of person who always gets the sampler platter just to get the most out of what's on the menu — or, even better, if you're the one who zones out when looking at the menu and instead opts for asking the the waiter, 'What's good here?' [Then] this one's for you."

The Motley All-Stars Kit ($48)

Life/After/Denim Beanie

Life/After/Denim Beanie

"I know beanies are cool for people who just don't want to deal with their hair," said Darren (who has a ton of hair). "But believe it or not, they're lifesavers when it's freezing outside in a real Winter — I'm talking to you, Californians (my people!)."

Life/After/Denim Waldo Hat ($72)

The Motley Waterproof Jetsetter Tri-Fold Dopp Bag

The Motley Waterproof Jetsetter Tri-Fold Dopp Bag

"I love this bag," Darren enthused. "I travel so much that I don't even bother unpacking it most of the time — I just use it as the ultimate organizer for all my products. Not only is it waterproof, but it can also hold more than it looks. This is a nice perk when you feel silly about maybe packing up more toiletries than you might need. It's a must have for the frequent flyer."

The Motley Waterproof Jetsetter Tri-Fold Dopp Bag ($34)

Todd Snyder Black Twist Crew Sweater

Todd Snyder Black Twist Crew Sweater

"'Ugly sweaters' are so par for the holiday course that it seems you just gotta have a regular ol' sweater to stand out these days," Darren noted. "Might as well be a nice one."

Todd Snyder Black Twist Crew Sweater ($395)

Bespoke Post Membership

Bespoke Post Membership

"Finding time to shop is hard. Bespoke has different themed boxes full of cool new stuff," he said. "I want all of them."

Bespoke Post Membership ($45 per box)

Buckler's Chapped Lip Remedy Stick

Buckler's Chapped Lip Remedy Stick

"[I] never leave the house without this guy," Darren explained. "Keys, phone, Remedy Stick. Yeah, just called it a Remedy Stick. Let's see if it catches on."

Buckler's Chapped Lip Remedy Stick ($7)

Electric Surfboard​

Electric Surfboard​

"I just recently got into surfing, but am still getting the hang of finding the right waves," Darren said. "So I wouldn't mind relying on super cool technology to help me ditch the ocean and just cruise like a magic carpet down a river somewhere. To ruin Doc Brown's iconic words — Waves? Where we're going we don't need waves . . . "

Onean Carver Board ($3,790)

Electric Skateboard

Electric Skateboard

". . . Or if you'd rather stay on dry land, this is the closest thing you could get to Marty McFly circa October 2015, but in 2016," Darren added.

Onewheel + Ultracharger ($1,499)