The thing I’ve always loved about Bevel — and, by extension, the way its founder Tristan Walker thinks about grooming — is that its offerings are just as educational as they are effective. Walker’s first product lineup, an end-to-end shaving system that launched in 2014, can claim responsibility for introducing a lot of men, and particularly men of color, to the concept of single-blade shaving. (Lots of black, brown and yellow guys — myself included — can get ingrown hairs from using multiblade razors, so Walker thoughtfully packaged a shaving brush, pre-shave oil, shaving soap and a safety razor together to help this audience avoid the problem altogether. That white guys can benefit from a system like this too is just the cherry on top of a really well-conceived cake.)
The line’s ease of use breeds consistency, and a consistent skincare regimen is always going to produce better results.
That thinking returns today with the launch of Bevel’s new skincare line. The four products in it are also designed to be used as a system, and while it’s not explicitly stated as such, this system has clear benefits for oily and combination skin. There’s witch hazel, coconut water and tea tree oil in the cleanser to help reduce excess oil without drying out your face. The moisturizer features algae extract and vitamins C and E, all antioxidants that can help with hyperpigmentation and signs of aging.
But the line also includes two products that you might not need every day. The exfoliating toner, which is recommended for use at night twice a week, can help you avoid ingrown hairs and improve the appearance of large pores and uneven skin tone. And the spot corrector can help you treat the errant pimple, or the hyperpigmentation that’s often a sign of a blemish that’s gone away.
I’ve been using the skincare line for the last three weeks, and I like it a lot. My skin certainly looks more even, and it doesn’t feel as oily as it sometimes does when I’ve used cleansers, toners and moisturizers from different brands. Like Aesop’s In Two Minds range, it takes the guesswork out of taking care of your skin. Unlike the Aesop products, it costs a lot less: the products range in price from $12 to $15. Their attendant ease of use (this step first, this step second, and so on) breeds consistency, and a consistent skincare regimen is always going to produce better results than something slapped together during a drugstore run.
You can buy the products online right now, and they’ll be on the shelves at your local Target in mid-February. My recommendation? Don’t wait.