Welcome to “Prettys Boy,” where we challenge outdated notions of masculinity and delve into the beauty routines of cool guys with unique perspectives. In this series, our male and man-aligned readers can discover skincare, makeup, and hair tips from a trusted and inclusive source. Today, Chase Stokes of Outer Banks fame shares his favorite hair product, summer scents, and the secret to John B.’s iconic hairstyle.
Tell us about your partnership with Armani. What attracted you to work with the brand?What do you love most about the fragrance?Share your fragrance memories with us. What was the first scent you wore? Is there a scent that triggers nostalgic moments or reminds you of someone you loved?Considering that Outer Banks is a summer-centric show and you’re known for embodying that summer vibe, what does summer smell like to you?You’ve been traveling extensively and always seem to be on the go. What products do you always carry in your bag?Based on your experiences on set, what’s the best skin or hair tip you’ve learned?How would you describe your grooming approach on a day off versus a day of press or walking the red carpet?Finally, what scent do you think your onscreen character, John B., would wear?When you think of Chase Stokes, you can’t help but associate him with the beach—and for good reason. Growing up near the coast in Florida and landing the role of John B. Routledge, the charismatic leader of the Pogues in Netflix’s hit series Outer Banks, Stokes is practically synonymous with summer. The show’s renewal for a fourth season guarantees more adventure, mystery, and romance, and for Stokes, it means plenty of sun protection.
But there’s more to Stokes’s year than just Outer Banks. Between filming the upcoming installment of OBX in Charleston, South Carolina, preparing for the premiere of his film Uglies alongside Joey King, and a packed travel schedule, he’s a man on the move. Stokes has also teamed up with Armani Beauty as one of the faces of their renowned fragrance, Acqua di Gio. In a new campaign featuring Stokes, his Outer Banks co-star Jonathan Daviss, White Lotus actor Lukas Gage, and All-American actor Michael Evans Behling, the iconic cologne takes center stage.
With its citrus, sea water, cedar, and musk notes, Acqua di Gio captures the essence of a day spent by the water—an ideal match for Stokes. It’s worth noting that Stokes and his fellow campaign stars are part of Armani’s Gen A, a collective of ambassadors that includes Maude Apatow, Camila Mendes, Isabela Merced, and Lili Reinhart.
During his lunch break on the Outer Banks set, Prettys caught up with Stokes to discuss his fragrance memories, scents that transport him to happy summer days, and the scent he believes his onscreen persona, John B., would wear.
Tell us about your partnership with Armani. What attracted you to work with the brand?
I’ve always been a fan of Armani. It was actually the first fragrance I ever received as a gift for Christmas. I admire Mr. Armani’s work both inside and outside the company. Armani is a timeless brand with a truly classic appeal. Acqua di Gio is a product that not only appeals to someone like me but to people from all walks of life. It’s a name that everyone recognizes when you mention it. Being associated with something like that is truly exciting.
What do you love most about the fragrance?
I appreciate the complexity of its scent. At times, it feels fresh and fun, reflecting my unconventional side. Other times, it exudes a rugged masculinity, which resonates with my lifestyle. There are moments when I like to present myself well-groomed and put-together, and other times, I hop into my pickup truck with my dog and head to the beach. Acqua di Gio mirrors my life in that way.
Share your fragrance memories with us. What was the first scent you wore? Is there a scent that triggers nostalgic moments or reminds you of someone you loved?
The first fragrance I owned was Acqua di Gio, and it has truly stood the test of time for me. I’ve always had a weakness for scents associated with holidays—whether it’s the scent of fireworks on summer nights, the aroma of candy corn on Halloween, or the festive scent of Christmas.
These scents hold a special place in my heart, and I’ve come to realize that our brains have aunique receptor that can retain specific scents and transport us back to cherished moments.
Considering that Outer Banks is a summer-centric show and you’re known for embodying that summer vibe, what does summer smell like to you?
The essence of summer evokes scents of Sex Wax (the surfboard wax), sunscreen, a hint of chlorine, and the fragrance of fresh fruit. Growing up near the beach, these scents were a constant part of my life and served as the perfect summer snacks.
You’ve been traveling extensively and always seem to be on the go. What products do you always carry in your bag?
I always make sure to have a moisturizer with me. Currently, I’ve been using Armani’s moisturizer, which includes SPF. Now that I’m 30 years old but still playing a 17-year-old character on TV, it’s essential to maintain a youthful appearance. Additionally, I carry a high-quality toothbrush with toothpaste. Sensodyne is my go-to toothpaste because I believe it’s the best on the market. For my hair, I’ve been using a product called Dirt, which happens to be my absolute favorite for achieving that John B. hairstyle.
Based on your experiences on set, what’s the best skin or hair tip you’ve learned?
Staying hydrated is crucial. Hydration and SPF are key because the sun can either be your best friend or your worst enemy.
How would you describe your grooming approach on a day off versus a day of press or walking the red carpet?
It’s like night and day. On a regular day, I wake up with my hair looking like a bird’s nest. I try my best to style it, but truth be told, 99% of the time, I end up wearing a baseball hat to maintain a sense of anonymity and live a normal life.
My routine remains relatively consistent. One thing I’ve come to love in this industry is using eye patches. In the morning, while enjoying my coffee, I indulge in ultra-moisturizing eye patches. It adds a touch of luxury to my day. On a typical day, I follow this routine: eye patches, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Since we’re often exposed to the sun here in Charleston, I apply SPF to prevent getting scorched.
For red carpet events, I’m fortunate to have a fantastic group of grooming experts. Marissa Machado is usually the one responsible for making me look much better than I actually do.
Finally, what scent do you think your onscreen character, John B., would wear?
I’d like to think that he would wear more deodorant, considering he’s been a bit grungy throughout the past three seasons. Perhaps I’ll slide a bottle of Acqua di Gio into his trailer and say, “Hey bud, you need this.”