Cover Hudson Williams at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes (Photo: Getty Images)
Hudson Williams at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes (Photo: Getty Images)
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Hudson Williams, breakout star of 2026’s biggest drama (so far) Heated Rivalry’, recently shared the secrets behind his camera-ready complexion and his DIY hair hacks—so we’re here to highlight how to achieve his look
If 2024-2025 were the years of the “quiet luxury” aesthetic, 2026 is officially the year of Hudson Williams. Following his magnetic performance in the Canadian hit series Heated Rivalry, the half-Korean actor has become the internet’s favorite leading man, admired as much for his athletic prowess as he is for his impeccably “chiselled” look. The 24-year-old actor has catapulted to global fame, recently making a viral splash at the 2026 Golden Globes in an ivory Giorgio Armani peak-lapel jacket and a serpentine Bulgari necklace.
But while his on-screen character, Shane Hollander, might look like a gritty athlete—Williams’ real-life grooming routine is worth paying attention to as it features everything from K-beauty favourites to French classics. In a recent sit-down with US magazine The Cut, Williams peeled back the curtain on his daily rituals, proving that his “prep-glow” is pretty easy to replicate.
However, for his red carpet debut, Hudson’s make-up artist Aika Flores shared some of the beauty brands she used on him in her Instagram post, including Is Clinical and Bur Bur—showcasing a pivot from his extensive home routine to a streamlined “game-day” prep using clinical-grade products.
As seen on Is Clinical’s Instagram post dedicated to Williams’s Globes look, the five-step skincare routine included products aimed at hydration and a natural skin glow: Cleansing Complex, Copper Firming Mist, Pro-Heal Serum Advance+, Hydra-Cool Serum and Daily Dynamic Hydrator.
It’s safe to concur that Hudson Williams may just be an up-and-coming beauty muse for a new generation of men all over. Here are some highlights of the routine (which you should definitely watch for yourself) that keeps the rising star looking perpetually well-rested—along with some of our own suggestions on alternatives that you can try on your own.
Above Hudson Williams may just be an up-and-coming beauty muse for a new generation of men all over
Hudson Williams may just be an up-and-coming beauty muse for a new generation of men all over
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Cleansing
Williams’s approach to skin is deeply rooted in Korean beauty techniques, a nod to his half-Korean heritage. He apparently avoids using cleansers in the morning, opting instead to wash his face with just water.
For his evening double-cleanse, he reaches for the Shu Uemura Porefinist Sakura Refreshing Cleansing Oil to melt away the day, followed by the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Deep Cleansing Foam to clear his pores without stripping moisture.
Above Cult favourite K-beauty brand Isntree’s Yam Root Vegan Milk Cleanser
Cult favourite K-beauty brand Isntree’s Yam Root Vegan Milk Cleanser
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If you find traditional foams too harsh, the Skin1004 Poremizing line is an excellent entry point. Otherwise, milk cleansers are having a moment right now so it wouldn’t hurt to turn to a lightweight, non-comedogenic alternative like cult favourite K-beauty brand Isntree’s Yam Root Vegan Milk Cleanser.
Toning and Texture
Above The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is easy to use and keeps breakouts at bay
The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is easy to use and keeps breakouts at bay
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Post-cleanse, Williams focuses on texture and getting “the glow”. He layers the Numbuzin No. 3 Super Glowing Essence Toner, a popular product beloved for its fermented ingredients that brighten and even out skin tone. For targeted treatment, he uses The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution to keep breakouts at bay and Medik8 Liquid Peptides for ample hydration.
To replicate his “lit from within” look, The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid is a reliable staple. If you prefer a more “cushion-like” bounce to your skin, the Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a fantastic alternative for achieving that same resilient texture.
Sculpting
Above The Refa Carat Ray Face is considered a holy grail tool by many beauty enthusiasts for good reason
The Refa Carat Ray Face is considered a holy grail tool by many beauty enthusiasts for good reason
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To maintain his sharp jawline for the camera, Williams is a devotee of facial tools. He uses a gua sha tool with oil cleansers to try and eliminate any sign of puffiness after a long night and has even admitted to using a Foreo Bear microcurrent device to tighten his skin before major events.
For a similar lifting effect, go for the Refa Carat Ray Face—considered a holy grail tool by many beauty enthusiasts for good reason. It offers a manual alternative to microcurrent devices, using solar-powered currents to knead and firm the skin without the “zing” of a battery-powered tool—which some people may find uncomfortable.
Game-day prep
Above Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum is a perennial regional favourite thanks to its powerhouse ingredients
Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum is a perennial regional favourite thanks to its powerhouse ingredients
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While his daily routine is about long-term health, his “game-day” look for the 2026 Golden Globes required a different approach. Instead of following the usual multi-step home routine, his make-up artist went with a streamlined, clinical regimen focused on combatting the stress of travel and lack of sleep—understandably so, because just look at the amount of promotional work he’s been involved in during the lead-up to the Globes!
His make-up artist used a combination of clinical-grade skincare products to ensure the skin is plump and light-reflective under HD cameras without appearing oily.
To achieve this camera-ready finish on your own, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic remains the industry’s gold standard as it delivers a similar brightening effect, perfect for days when you need to look refreshed on short notice. For an Asian powerhouse alternative, Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum is a perennial regional favourite; its ginseng-powered formula strengthens the skin barrier while providing that same effortless, red-carpet ready radiance.
Hair care
Above Use Ouai’s Wave Spray to get some volume in your hair for an effortless look
Use Ouai’s Wave Spray to get some volume in your hair for an effortless look
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When it comes to his hair, Williams’s aesthetic is famously “un-done”. He avoids looking overly put together, preferring hair that looks textured and lived-in. He even goes as far as making his own DIY Sea Salt Spray at home with Himalayan salt to get that gritty, post-game volume.
But if you aren’t quite ready to start mixing salt in your kitchen, Ouai’s Wave Spray provides that same effortless, matte texture with a delicious scent.
Andrea Saadan is the Senior Digital Editor of Tatler Singapore. She oversees all digital content for the website and currently leads the Beauty and Lifestyle verticals. As a child, she had always enjoyed reading and writing but it was only after she joined her college newspaper, The Spectrum, in Buffalo, New York, that she considered a career in journalism. Her love for all things beauty started from the age of two—when she was caught playing with (and damaging) her mother’s YSL lipstick. On top of her day job, she is also an unpaid beauty consultant for friends and family. Besides make-up, her obsessions include the wizarding world of Harry Potter, podcasts, ice-cream, her walking pad and watching endless re-runs of The Office (US).
