We Tested Dozens of Razors—These 11 Are the Best for a Smooth Shave (2024)

TL;DR

Our most-loved women’s razor is theJoy Razor. It’s affordable, features sharp blades and a sturdy handle, and yields incredibly smooth results. If you want to splurge on one that will last you for the long haul, you can’t go wrong with theOui the People The Single Sensitive Skin Razor. But if you’re in need of a razor specifically to remove hair on your face, we recommend theTweezerman Facial Razor.

It’s no secret thathair removal can be a frustrating, irritating (literally and figuratively), and a costly experience. Regardless of your chosen method, there are bound to be pros and cons. If you prefer to shave, you’re likely familiar withrazor bumps, burning, and other forms of skin irritation. Thankfully, razor designs have come a long way in recent years, and plenty of great options deliver smooth results minus the common side effects. Licensed aestheticianJodi Shays recommends high-quality razors with disposable blades for the closest shave.

With that intel in mind, wetested dozens of the most popular and highly rated razors by having a group of testers take one razor home and use it instead of their go-to option. They evaluated each based on blade and lubrication strip performance, grip and handle, overall efficacy, and the skin’s look and feel after usage. Finally, we combined this insight with guidance from two experienced estheticians before naming these options the best razors.

Our Top Picks

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Best Overall, Runner-Up:

SALE

Billie Razor Starter Kit at Amazon$15$12
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Best Facial Razor:

Tweezerman Facial Razor

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Best for Long-Lasting Hair Removal:

Lumi Silky Skin Bundle at Roseskinco.com

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What We Like

  • Blades are sharp and don’t dull after a few uses

  • Razor comes with two refill blades

  • Easy to hold and maneuver

What to Consider

  • Some reviewers got shaving nicks

Handle Material: Plastic, silicone | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: 5

The best razors are sharp, simple to maneuver, have an easy-to-hold grip, and are affordable, and this one checks every box. While not the cheapest option we tested, it comes pretty close—and given that it’s extremely high quality and comes with refill blades, we think the value is fantastic. It features five blades, a lubricant strip, a silicone nonslip handle, and an ergonomic design.

Our tester, associate commerce editor Caitlyn Martyn, raved about her experience using it, noting that the sharp blades were designed to prevent her from cutting herself, something she often struggles with. She also adored the texture of the handle, claiming it helped her to grip the razor and not have to worry about dropping it. The razor also allowed her to get a close, incredibly smooth shave that minimized bumps, especially under her arms, making it a product she highly recommends.

Caitlyn, associate commerce editor: “My legs feel so smooth! I also noticed less bumps around my underarms, which I attribute to the lack of friction. I think the smoothness of the glide worked wonders here.”

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What We Like

  • Curved handle is easy to grip

  • Glides easily across the skin

  • Kit comes with a razor handle, two blades, and a magnetic holder

What to Consider

  • Replaceable head tends to pop off

Handle Material: Resin, rubber | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: 4

The chances are you’ve heard of Billie or seen its ultra-popular advertisements and products. According to our tester, Elena (plus some of our editors), the brand lives up to the hype—its razor is excellent. It features five blades, a rubberized and curved handle that’s easy to grip, and lubrication strips that make gliding across the skin effortless. Elena said it was great on her sensitive skin (she cited that it didn’t cause the usual bumps or irritation she gets), and it effectively removed hair from various parts of the body. She also appreciated that it didn’t rust during the test despite the fact she kept it in a wet environment. Even the lubrication strips remained intact. Elena’s one con is that the replaceable head doesn’t seem to securely attach to the razor body, leading to it popping off occasionally.

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What We Like

  • Wallet-friendly

  • Ergonomic design is easy to use and aesthetically pleasing

  • Handle is easy to grip

What to Consider

  • Lubrication strips fade after a few uses

Handle Material: Weighted plastic, non-slip grip | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: 5

For less than $10, this chic, high-quality razor gets the job done. It has five sharp blades, a lubrication strip, and an excellent handle that’s weighted and coated to ensure it’s easy to hold and maneuver across the skin. If you struggle with shaky hands, the weighted component can be really beneficial for you. Our tester, Avery, has easily irritated skin and said this razor created a very smooth shave the first several times she used it, although the lubricating strip and blades did fade a bit over time, leading to a bit of friction. However, she explained that during the period when the blades remained sharp, her results were smoother than usual. Considering refill blades from the brand cost no more than $2, we think this razor is still a great option at a budget-friendly price.

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What We Like

  • Easy to grip

  • Is gentle on sensitive skin

  • Comes with 10 replacement blades

What to Consider

  • Swapping out the blade can take some practice and takes longer than other options

Handle Material: Stainless steel | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: 2

There’s no denying this is expensive for a manual razor, but hear us out—we think it’s worth it. The weighty, stainless steel design is easy to grip, and the single blade is gentle yet highly effective—even on sensitive skin. Plus, the razor comes with10value-added replacement blades. At first, our tester, Avery, was slightly intimidated by the setup of the razor, explaining that it’s different from other designs. You need to unscrew the head of the razor to input the blade, which can be a bit confusing at first and slightly more time-consuming than other options, but once Avery mastered it, she adored her experience with this product. She explained that the singular blade created a precise, close shave and didn’t cause bumps, cuts, or other irritation on her sensitive skin. If you’re looking for a razor with a handle that you won’t need to replace, that provides a close shave, and that creates impressively smooth results, we highly recommend this one.

Avery, tester: “It glides over the skin and leaves a very smooth finish,” she says. “For example, one time, I shaved one leg with this razor and the other with a more traditional competitor, and the finish was smoother with this one.”

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What We Like

  • Easy to maneuver on the face

  • Gentle enough for sensitive areas (like the crevices of the face)

  • Blade is sharp and sturdy

What to Consider

  • Handle could be more ergonomic to allow for a better grip

Handle Material: Metal | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: 1

If you have peach fuzz or hair growth on your face that you want to get rid of, and shaving (aka dermaplaning) is your hair removal method of choice, we highly recommend opting for a razor that was created specifically for the face. Our tester, Riyana, explained that because the blade is extremely sharp, she had to be extra careful, but it worked beautifully to remove hair thoroughly. While she didn’t find the handle to be the most ergonomic in terms of shape, the weighted component made it easy to use. After removing the hair, Riyana’s skin was left looking and feeling soft. It’s worth noting that while many facial razors are meant to be used on clean, dry skin, the brand recommends using this one on moisturized skin or while washing your face. This can help to prevent irritation.

Riyana, tester: “My skin feels very smooth and soft. It's definitely the ’closest’ shave I’ve gotten on my face thus far.”

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What We Like

  • Adjustable settings

  • Design is easy to hold and control

  • Can be used to trim and create a close shave

What to Consider

  • Can be a bit harsh on sensitive skin

Handle Material: Plastic | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: 1

This trimmer is a fantastic option for the hair in your bikini area, underarms, and really anywhere that has longer, thicker hair. It can be used to trim, groom, or remove body hair, and it comes with a guard that can be used to achieve different trimming levels. It’s also waterproof, has up to five hours of battery life, and comes with a USB cord for charging. Our tester was hesitant about using this product because she had never used an electric trimmer before, but she was really happy with her experience and pleased with how easy it was to use. It gave her a close shave when she didn’t attach the guard, and she didn’t notice any razor bumps or ingrown hairs after use. While this trimmer didn’t cut or scratch our tester, some online reviewers say they struggled with that a bit. We recommend applying minimal pressure and testing it on a less sensitive area until you get used to using the tool.

What We Like

  • Kit comes with high-quality handle, two razor cartridges, and a magnetic hook for storage in the shower

  • Provides a very close shave

  • Affordably priced

What to Consider

  • Needs to be used with shaving cream or lubricant

Handle Material: Aluminum base, silicone handle | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: 9

Razor kits are nice because they take the hassle out of constantly having to repurchase new razors or blades. This one is super affordable, comes with refill blades and a magnetic hook for storage, and the razor itself allows for an incredibly close shave. It also comes in tons of adorable colors, which is an added bonus!

As for the performance, our tester, Roxanne, had a lot of positive things to say about it. First, the blades are extremely sharp and create a very close shave. She appreciated this, though she did note that she believes the intensity of the shave led to drier skin and the need for more moisturization afterward. She also noted that the lubricating strip didn’t do much in terms of helping the razor glide, and she highly recommends using a shaving cream with this razor. In combination with shaving cream, she loved the results, saying her skin felt incredibly smooth and there was no hair left behind. Considering how affordable the kit is and how effective the razor is, we can’t recommend this one enough.

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What We Like

  • Can be used wet or dry

  • Gentle blades designed for bikini area

  • Portable and travel-friendly

What to Consider

  • Requires one AA battery for operation

Handle Material: Metal and hard plastic | Number of Blades: 4 | Color Options: 1

When preparing to groom your bikini area, you might consider waxing vs. shaving. If you opt to shave, you want a razor that’s easy to use, offering maximum control over the body’s contours while also being ultra gentle. This Panasonic option ticks all the right boxes. Two head attachments allow for trimming and shaving pubic hair, and a skin guard attachment ensures you don’t accidentally nick yourself in the process. The body of the trimmer is lightweight but robust, and the fact that it’s waterproof means you can use it in the shower as well as dry, depending on what you prefer. With over 11,000 five-star Amazon ratings, this is clearly a popular razor. A common complaint among reviewers, however, is that it requires one AA battery to operate rather than coming with its own charger. But given its effectiveness and travel-friendly size, it’s a small inconvenience we can overlook.

Best for Long-Lasting Hair Removal

Lumi Silky Skin Bundle

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What We Like

  • Comes with an IPL for permanent hair reduction

  • Five-direction, flexible head

  • Waterproof and rechargeable

What to Consider

  • Permanent hair reduction takes time

  • IPL requires contrast between skin and hair colors to work

Handle Material: Metal and hard plastic | Number of Blades: N/A | Color Options: 1

What if you could not only get a super close shave but actually reduce, or even eliminate, the need for shaving over time? That’s the goal of this silky skin bundle, which combines Rose Skin Co.’s 4D razor with an IPL handset by Lumi. Firstly, the razor (which you can also purchase separately for $49) is genius. It features five rotating shaving heads that glide effortlessly across your skin and around even the tricky-to-shave curves, making it suitable to use on virtually any part of the body. Five hours of charge will get you around a month of use, and the blades stay sharp for up to six months. Rose Gold Co. says its 4D razor is the perfect close-shave precursor to IPL, AKA intense pulsed light hair removal, which is where the second device in this bundle comes in. Like a laser hair removal device, Lumi’s handheld IPL targets hair roots and destroys them with pulsed light, providing certified results in 12 weeks or less. It also has a 90-day guarantee, so you can return it if needed. One downside: IPL requires contrast between skin and hair to work, so if you have pale skin and light hair or a deep skin tone and dark hair, it might not be for you.

What We Like

  • Comes with five heads for head-to-toe grooming

  • Hypoallergenic foil prevents irritation

  • Easy to grip and clean

What to Consider

  • Doesn’t provide a super-close shave at first

Handle Material: Metal and hard plastic | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: 1

Real talk: Hair removal can be a seriously laborious process, especially for those of us with thicker hair types. This smart tool from Conair aims to tackle every area of the body and face, so you can consolidate your grooming tools into just this one. Five head options allow you to target larger areas, like the legs or underarms, as well as smaller areas that need a more precise approach, like the nose or eyebrows. It can be used dry or in the shower, and its nonslip handle makes it easy to maneuver while wet. Some say it’s hard to get a close shave, but Conair counters that it may take a few weeks for your skin and hair to adjust. Once they do, you’ll get the silky-smooth results you’re after.

What We Like

  • Helps prevent ingrown hairs

  • Elegant design

  • Includes 10x replacement blades and a travel pouch

What to Consider

  • Takes practice to gain confidence

Handle Material: Brass handle, zinc alloy head | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: 2

If your skin tends to be on the more sensitive side, and you’re prone to razor bumps and ingrown hairs, a single-blade safety razor might be the solution for you. Fewer blades mean fewer passes over the skin, thus less opportunity for irritation. But that doesn’t mean you compromise on the smooth finish; with a little practice, a single-blade razor delivers a satisfyingly close shave. This option from sustainable brand Zero Waste MVMT has a brass handle and zinc alloy head that won't rust or corrode, so it will stand the test of time. When the blade needs changing, just switch it out for one of the 10 replacement blades included with your purchase. This one also gets bonus points for being so damn pretty.

What to Look for When Buying Razors

A good razor allows you to remove unwanted hair quickly and easily—without irritations like burning or bumps. We suggest considering the following factors to determine which razor is right for you.

  • Number of Blades: You’ll find that razors come with anywhere from one to six blades, and while a certain number isn’t necessarily better or worse, there are some things to consider. Generally, razors with more blades tend to cover larger surface areas and get a close shave quickly. With several blades, the first one pulls the hair back, and the rest cut the hair and shave the skin, which can lead to ingrown hairs and irritation if you have really sensitive skin. Single blades tend to cut the hair without shaving the skin, which is usually less irritating. Just beware when using a single-blade razor; it can take some practice to avoid cutting yourself.
  • Handle: Razor handles can be made of plastic, aluminum, steel, or another type of metal and often have rubberized components for a better grip. Shays says a razor’s grip is important as this will prevent it from slipping out of your hands while shaving, which can result in nicking the skin. She adds that an ergonomic handle is ideal, as it’ll feel more comfortable in your hand while reducing strain at various angles. Better still, look for a razor with a weighted handle for ultimate balance and control—this will also be super helpful if you have shaky hands.
  • Additional Features: Some razors have additional features that may be important, such as a lubricating strip, an ergonomic head, or multiple replacement blades.

How We Tested Razors

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Below are the features our team of editors and contributors evaluated over the course of two weeks to help determine our top picks.

  • Blade and Lubrication Strip Performance:Nothing is worse than a dull razor—it increases the risk of nicks and requires more effort to remove hair. As such, we evaluated which blades were adequately sharp and sturdy, along with how effortlessly their lubrication strips helped them glide onto the skin.
  • Grip and Handle:A razor’s handle is more important than you might think, as it controls how well you can maneuver the device. We noted how ergonomic each razor handle was, paying attention to the steady grip (or lack thereof) it allowed throughout the entire shaving process.
  • Efficacy:No matter how chic a razor may look on your bathroom counter, it means nothing if the tool does not work as it should. To determine efficacy, we observed the evenness of the shave each razor gave us, as well as the level of irritation, if any, it left behind.
  • Skin Look and Feel:As the last step in our testing process, we noted if our skin looked dolphin-smooth after using each razor, or if it left behind burning or ingrown hairs.

FAQ

  • What’s the best way to shave?

    The proper way to use a razor depends on the model and the body part you’re shaving. With most models, however, you should begin with clean, wet skin and apply shaving cream if needed. Then, starting from the bottom of the area with the blades facing upward, slowly and gently glide the razor in the opposite direction of hair growth. This will provide the closest shave. However, dermatologists recommend shaving in the direction of the hair growth to avoid ingrown hairs. If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, you might want to consider shaving this way.

  • What parts of the body is it safe to shave with a razor?

    Aesthetician Joshua Ross says razors can be used anywhere on your body you’d like to remove excess hair. In addition to more obvious areas like your legs, armpits, and bikini zone, this includes your feet, toes, stomach, back, arms, hands, and face. Remember that some models or head attachments are better suited for certain areas than others.

  • How often should you shave with a razor?

    According to Ross, razors can be used daily, as long as shaving this frequently doesn’t irritate your skin. “However, this depends on the rate of hair growth, which is unique for every single person,” he tells Byrdie. “Some people need to shave every day depending on the body area, while others may only need to shave once a week.”

Add to Cart

Before you check out, here are some products to complete your shave routine and guarantee smooth sailing from start to finish:

  • Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub:This body scrub uses sugar to remove dead skin cells, which allows for a closer and more efficient shave. Formulated with vitamin E, shea butter, and Moroccan oil, it will leave your skin velvety soft and prepped for shaving.
  • Glee Shave Mousse: This shaving cream is as good as it gets. Its fluffy and lightweight consistency never impedes your shave, and most importantly, it allows any razor to glide effortlessly over the skin. Pair this shaving cream with our favorite, matching Joy Razor for an undeniably smooth finish.
  • Coco Cloud After-Shave Moisturizer: A good moisturizer is essential post-shave because the skin can be dry or irritated. However, this moisturizer has you covered, as it is specially designed to be used after shaving. With shea butter, coconut oil, mango butter, vitamin A, and vitamin E, this moisturizer delivers maximum hydration, and it can reduce any inflammation or irritation. Plus, its whipped consistency looks like frosting!

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. Alyssa is an associate commerce editor at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty.

Theresa Holland is a commerce copywriter specializing in lifestyle, wellness, and beauty. She considered numerous models from various brands, ultimately choosing options with high-quality designs and multiple notable features.

Esme Benjamin is a freelance writer, editor, and podcaster based in New York. She began writing and editing for the Byrdie commerce team in 2023. As a wellness expert, she has a particular interest in naturally derived beauty ingredients and the intersection of beauty rituals and self-care.

For this story, contributors spoke to the following experts:

  • Joshua Ross is an aesthetician and celebrity facialist with over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry. He is also the founder of SkinLab, a Los Angeles beauty boutique offering a range of cosmetic services for the face and body.
  • Jodi Shays has been a licensed aesthetician in California for 20 years. She is the owner of Queen Bee Salon & Spa in Culver City, which offers treatments from waxing, facials, tanning, and more.
We Tested Dozens of Razors—These 11 Are the Best for a Smooth Shave (2024)
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