Look at a picture of Rob Lowe in his teen heartthrob years, then look at the shot above of Rob Lowe today. Remarkably similar, right? The 51-year-old author of two best-selling memoirs and star of more than three decades’ worth of film and TV hits including St. Elmo’s Fire, The West Wing and new Fox sitcom The Grinder looks both perennially handsome and preternaturally youthful. Jealous? Good news: Finally, he’s not only spilling his secrets, but he’s also creating products to help other guys look their best, too. Where sat down with Lowe the day his new skin-care line, Profile, launched at Nordstrom at the Grove to chat about the products, his other new projects and, of course, a few of his favorite ways to enjoy a day in L.A.
How long has your new line, Profile, been in the works?
Six years, from the ground up. We chose the labs, made the packaging. It’s been totally hands on. … And today brings us to the unveiling of what’s been really a passion project for me.
You’ve had a very busy career over the last six years. This year alone you have three shows out, if I’m counting correctly.
The Grinder, Moonbeam City, The Lion Guard—did you get that? I’m Simba. And You, Me and the Apocalypse, which will be on NBC in the fall, premiered this week in the U.K. … And, of course, then, the books, you know? I’ve been busy! And in the meantime, I did this. [Laughs]
Exactly! So why take on this huge project?
I think a lot of it has to do with raising my two sons, who are now in college, and having shepherded them, as dads try to do, into teaching them how to present themselves to the world. Going from “Time to wear deodorant!” to “Maybe a little less body spray,” you realize that guys just don’t know! I have had the basics done to me, because of my job, since I was 15. You see the results now.
What have you learned developing this line?
I’ve learned a lot. [For example,] it was obviously very important to me that this line was nontoxic. If you want just massive results, there are things you can use, but then they’re not nontoxic. So finding a balance of something that really works and gives you what you want and still maintains its credibility has been a really interesting conversation to be part of, and very time-consuming. So, I’m really proud of the bull’s-eye we’ve hit between powerhouse [effectiveness of the line] and having it still be really, really healthy.
Do you think there’s less pressure on men than women to stay looking young?
I think if you could say, “Here’s what the results could be,” all men would go, “Yeah, I want that, that’s great.” But most guys are busy, it doesn’t come naturally to them, they don’t know where to begin. And if they’re anything like my sons, if someone can show them the way, they’re down to do it. That’s what this is really about. I’ve had the conversation with my audience for 35 years now, and people ask me with some pretty significant regularity, when I’m supposed to be talking about something else, “What do you do to maintain yourself?” So, this is the answer.
Eating at Pink’s Hot Dogs
Hitting the Santa Monica Pier
Digging into pies and other desserts at the Apple Pan (10801 Pico Blvd., L.A., 310.475.3585)
Catching a game at Dodger Stadium
Eating French dip sandwiches at Philippe’s
Renting a stand-up paddle board in Malibu