THE JOURNAL

You often see them coming – well-groomed, glowing and generally just in great nick. A man with a solid skincare and shaving routine is nothing to sneer at. In fact, it often induces envy. What are they using? How do they look so fresh? Can I get my hair like that, too?
While these questions normally illicit some sort of vague answer (“Ah, just a good night’s sleep really…”), we’ve managed to pin down some of London’s sharpest blokes to get a proper look inside their wash bags. Read below for three considered routines that are as much about self-care as they are about looking suave.


Mr Charlie Casely-Hayford
Designer
“I’ve never really been into the idea of being too over-groomed. I have always tried to remain relatively understated in my look and aesthetic, so I think my grooming routine falls into the same school of thought.
“Day to day, I like to begin with La Mer’s Cleansing Gel and Byredo Black Saffron Body Wash, followed by a shave. As I naturally have very curly hair, I’ve always had issues with shaving, so a calming agent is fairly necessary. D R Harris’ Windsor Afterhsave Milk has always been my go-to, followed with La Mer Moisturising Soft Cream.
“I tend to use Marram Co for my morning shave. It’s definitely one of the best shaving brushes I’ve ever used. My wife bought me a Lorenzi Milano Three-Piece Carbon-Fire Shaving Set as a gift. I’ve always believed in buying investment pieces for a lifetime rather than cheaper alternatives that you keep having to replace. Lorenzi Milano pieces are beautifully designed.
“We make a lot of our collection in Japan, so I need to be ready to go straight into meetings after long-haul flights to Tokyo. I generally travel with a Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Wash Bag that contains all of these products.
“In terms of scent, I’m a Byredo man through and through. I have a huge amount of respect for the world Ben Gorham has created. Our store scent is Byredo Bibliotheque but most days I’ll be wearing Byredo Velvet Haze.”


Mr Luke Edward Hall
Artist
“I think of my grooming routine as part of my general self-care. I also enjoy the little rituals involved; taking a few minutes out during a busy day to use a preferred product on your skin or hair.
“I live at the top of a hill in north London and the water pressure is quite terrible, so instead of a shower I begin each morning with a bath. I like a gentle, uplifting soap, like Buly 1803’s Superfin Scottish Lichen, which smells of salty winds sweeping across grassy hillsides. I’m obsessed with Buly’s packaging, so I enjoy using the Opiat Dentaire Toothpaste in Apple, which is bright green and emblazoned with a snake.
“I have sensitive skin and I can’t stand highly fragranced, harsh shaving creams, so Malin + Goetz’s Vitamin E Shaving Cream, which is gentle and formulated with soothing menthol, is great for me. Aesop’s Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser smells delicious. A couple of times a week I’ll follow with the Sisley – Paris Deeply Purifying Mask, which eliminates impurities. My skin can get quite dry so I use a good hydrating moisturiser in the morning and night, such as Sisley-Paris’ Sisleÿum Anti-Age For Dry Skin. For extra hydration, I’ll often mix in a drop of serum such as Niod’s Photography Fluid, which I notice really helps to minimise pores.
“For my hair, I use Aesop’s Classic Shampoo and Classic Conditioner then I let my hair dry naturally after a wash. I use a good wax or clay; Hanz De Fuko’s Claymation is packed with natural oils including eucalyptus and sage. On the advice of a barber, I’ve started occasionally adding a bit of oil to my hair to reduce dryness. Sisley – Paris’ Precious Hair Oil Glossiness and Nutrition is a great option.
“Most days I use Le Labo’s Rose 31 Eau de Perfum – I love the scent of roses. Stepping into summer I’m really feeling Diptyque’s Philosykos, which makes me dream of Greek Islands…”


Dr Yannis Alexandrides
Cosmetic surgeon and founder of 111Skin
“Even though I am a cosmetic surgeon, my philosophy for clients is all about prevention rather than intervention, which comes in the form of a great grooming routine. For me, I am very thorough with my skincare; it’s not only a great way to keep yourself in looking and feeling great, but it is also a calming ritual I’ve come to really enjoy. My typical routine is to cleanse, tone, serum, moisturise, and apply an eye cream. Obviously, as the founder of 111Skin, I use my own products!
“I start with the 111Skin Lift Off Purifying Cleanser every day; it is great for getting rid of any pollution or excess oil. As men, our skin is up to 30 per cent thicker, so oil production is a bit heavier – this cleanser really helps combat that. I’ve stop using shaving foam so I often use a cleanser to help me shave and then go in with an aftershave such as the D R Harris Arlington Aftershave Milk. Following that, I always use the 111Skin Y Theorem Repair Serum. Serums are packed full of active ingredients and antioxidants. This was actually the first product I ever made. I then follow that with a little 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Cream and always finish with an SPF.
“At night, I will add in the Black Diamond Retinol Oil. Retinol has so many benefits. I also love using a mask at least once or twice per week. I particularly like the Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask because it is pocket-sized and offers intensive results – perfect for relieving signs of travel-induced fatigue.
“I really enjoy Aesop products for my hair and body and am a huge fan of Frederic Malle. Right now, I am using the Vetiver Extraordinaire, which simultaneously smells warm and woody with a bit of zest – the perfect fragrance for the changing weather.”