How do you know what percent body fat you have? Is it like: the doctor's chart says that I should weigh 200 pounds, but I weigh 210, so that's 5%, or is it some other way of figuring it?
You could get a dexascan which costs anywhere from $100-300 and that will tell you exactly what % you are.
Or you could just check visually. Everyone holds bodyfat in different places; for example I mostly hold it in the hips and midsection and chest. Just google image search "bodyfat guide for men" and you'll know.
Another thing to note is that it's not the percentage that matters; 10% for me looks a lot different than 10% for someone else.
I’ve never been less than about 15-17%.
If you hold a lot of fat on your face like I do, then leaning out will help. It uncovers the fat which hides your jawline, cheekbones, etc. Even now I have been cutting down from a high bodyfat to low, and living in NYC I can tell the difference because I will catch women's eyes just walking around now. Previously I would never see them look at me, EVER. I'm not even lean yet so when I fully lean out that's when it will get really interesting.
I think going overboard on looksmaxing is a bit ridiculous. All any man needs is the following:
Be lean
Have a haircut that suits your face shape
Shape your eyebrows
Whiten your teeth
Have a skincare routine
Either be clean shaven or have a well maintained beard
That's pretty much it. Everything else is overboard IMO.