Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Grooming Journals: Leo Chan’s No-Frills, Full-Proof Personal Care Routine

Leo Chan
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Welcome to Grooming Journals, where we talk to men across the country about one of their most intimate daily investments: Grooming.

This week, Leo Chan takes us inside his efficient personal care regimen with our Style and Grooming Editor, Christian Gollayan. While the travel and menswear influencer is usually trekking across the world, Chan still manages to keep a hectic schedule in our new shelter-in-place reality, thanks to his menswear blog, Levitate Style, and his philanthropic fashion line, Wear for Humanity, which is directing all of its proceeds to nonprofits who are leading the fight against COVID-19. In the middle of all these projects, Chan will also lend his expertise as a panelist in our annual Grooming Awards, which will launch on July 8. Read on to learn more about his grooming routine.

Occupation: Menswear and travel influencer and Founder of Wear for Humanity

Age: 30

Location: New York City

Hobbies: Travel, basketball, and video games

Skin Type: Normal to combination

Hair Type: Thin

Morning Grooming Routine

Leo Chan
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Growing up, my parents didn’t teach me about skincare or anything like that, so learning about grooming was definitely a journey of self discovery. I think a lot of guys think grooming is too scary, but I learned that once you nail the essentials and take baby steps like finding the right cleanser and moisturizer, it’s easy to build your way up to an effective skincare and haircare routine, and the results are worth the effort.

Body Wash: Innisfree Hydrating Body Cleanser

Innisfree Hydrating Body Cleanser
Image used with permission by copyright holder

I usually shower in the morning after my workouts, and I’ve really liked using this body wash by Innisfree. It’s a Korean brand, and they incorporate natural ingredients in all their products, so this doesn’t feel irritating on my skin, and it smells great.

Shampoo and Conditioner: Head and Shoulders Shampoo and Conditioner

Head and Shoulders Shampoo and Conditioner
Image used with permission by copyright holder

I love a reliable two-in-one hair wash because it’s quick to apply and gets the job done. I wash my hair every three days so my hair doesn’t get too dried out.

Face Wash: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Image used with permission by copyright holder

To me, the shower is a one-stop-shop for grooming, so I wash my face in there as well. I love using Cetaphil’s cleanser because it’s thick, not complicated, and leaves my face feeling clean.

Face Scrub: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub

Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Every few days, I like to use a face scrub while showering (instead of using a cleanser), to just slough off any dead skin cells.

Lotion: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Image used with permission by copyright holder

My skin feels really dry after a hot shower, so I like applying this lotion on my hands, elbows, and knees.

Deodorant: Old Spice High Endurance Pure Sport

Old Spice High Endurance Pure Sport
Image used with permission by copyright holder

I’ve tried so many different antiperspirants, but I always keep going back to this classic. I usually wear cologne anyway, so I just want a deodorant that will prevent underarm odor, and this certainly gets the job done.

Cologne: Creed Aventus

Creed Aventus
Image used with permission by copyright holder

I love this cologne. The smell is so distinct, and it lasts all day. I get so many compliments when I wear it. Creed has such an interesting brand history. It’s a lot like when you’re at a bar and order a Macallan, people know you know your stuff. That’s how I feel when I wear Creed.

Hair Product:  V76 By Vougn Molding Paste

V76 By Vougn Molding Paste
Image used with permission by copyright holder

I have thin and straight hair, so if I want a more textured look, I have to put in a lot of effort, otherwise it looks straight. After I shower, I blow dry my hair. I blow dry from the top, then gently pull my hair from the roots to create more texture. I then apply hair product by V76. I really like this paste because using a little bit of it goes a long way, it has a strong hold, and is easy to wash off. I put it all over my hair to create texture, then I pull it into a man bun.

Shaver and Trimmer: Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 5100 Wet and Dry

Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 5100 Wet and Dry
Image used with permission by copyright holder

I don’t like to wet shave because it requires shaving creams, and I don’t like the extra hassle. I love this electric shaver because it’s easy and quick to use, and includes different guards so you can use it as a trimmer and a shaver. When I want a really clean shave, I use the three-head attachment, and then when I want a more stubble look, I switch to a number 2 clip guard. I also use this to trim any body hair to keep it under control

Evening Grooming Routine

Face Mask: PerfeCore Facial Mask

PerfeCore Facial Mask
Image used with permission by copyright holder

I use the same cleanser in the evening. Afterwards, I like to wear this ice mask for 10 minutes, which helps get rid of puffiness. It’s easy to put on, and I usually check my emails or watch television while I’m wearing it.

Moisturizer: La Mer Crème de la Mer

La Mer Crème de la Mer
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This is such a great moisturizer to treat yourself. It goes on very thick, and it’s just so moisturizing, and the texture just feels so good on my skin.

Serum: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Face Oil

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Face Oil
Image used with permission by copyright holder

I like to end my evening routine with a serum. This is easy to put on, and my skin looks and feels better in the morning.

Editors' Recommendations

Christian Gollayan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As the former Associate Managing Editor, Christian Gollayan was in charge of the entire editorial team across The Manual. He…
Grooming Journals: Joey Zauzig’s Secret to Camera-Ready Skin
Joey Zauzig

Welcome to Grooming Journals, where we talk to men across the country about one of their most intimate daily investments: Grooming.

This week, Joey Zauzig talks to our Style and Grooming Editor, Christian Gollayan, about his daily personal care regimen. Zauzig first got his start in fashion at a New York City PR firm before branching out to develop his personal brand. Since then, he's grown a sizable Instagram following (160,000 and counting), and has worked with Hanes, Nike, Bentley, and more. He'll also serve as a panelist for our Grooming Awards on July 8. Read on to learn more about his skincare regimen. 

Read more
Grooming Journals: Phillip Holmes’ Tips to Looking Great During Conference Calls
Grooming Journals Feature

Welcome to Grooming Journals, where we talk to men across the country about one of their most intimate daily investments: Grooming.

This week, Phillip Holmes talks to our Style and Grooming Editor, Christian Gollayan, about his tips and tricks to looking presentable at all times, especially in our current virtual working culture, where we're constantly on video conference calls. After all, the 34-year-old freelance stylist and content creator knows his way behind -- and in front of -- the camera as he began his career as a styling manager for Gap Inc., and has since consulted on marketing projects for legacy brands like BMW, Jaguar, Gillette, and more. He'll also be consulting on our annual Grooming Awards on July 8 as a panelist. Read on to learn more about his personal care routine. 

Read more
Is This Natural, No-Frills Grooming Line Right for You?
Plant apothecary body washes

For many of us, putting a grooming routine together isn’t as easy as it should be. There are so many products to sift through that sometimes the process of finding the right serums, cleansers, and moisturizers that match our needs can feel overwhelming. Enter Plant Apothecary, a one-size-fits-all grooming line featuring mostly natural ingredients that are suitable for a variety of skin types. 

The Brooklyn label was founded in 2012 by Bjarke Ballisager and Holly McWhorter, a husband-and-wife team with the ambitious goal of providing sustainable skincare for all. To make this possible, the no-frills brand focused on making products using natural ingredients that are gentle enough for most skin types, and a majority of its offerings are certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And to build on the brand's socially conscious credentials, some of its products are outsourced to Bklyn Unltd, a nonprofit organization that provides work and training opportunities for people with disabilities.

Read more