Buying a new razor isn’t exactly something I normally get excited about. For the longest time, I just bought the same ones my mom used from the drugstore and assumed I was good to go. But with so many different styles and new emerging brands on the market right now, finding the best razor has become more of a process—in a good way. Now, instead of spending time and your hard-earned money on at-home laser hair removal devices, you can achieve a similar (and easier!) look at home.
Whether you’re new to shaving (we have a whole guide about how to shave your legs if so), a seasoned shaving vet, or someone who only shaves every once in a while, finding a great new razor in 2022 can make all the difference between a super smooth shave and one that leaves you with razor burn or tons of little cuts.
Plus, there are some razors that should only be used in the bikini line (see: Marie Claire’s guide to the best bikini trimmers for more on that), while others are great for shaving the hair all over your body. Because there are so many options to choose from these days, we turned to Maria Desmarais (opens in new tab), the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of body care brand Athena Club, for guidance. Keep reading to see her answers to your most common shaving questions and to shop her expert-approved picks. Or, keep scrolling to shop the top-rated razors on the internet from brands like Billie, Venus, Schick, and more.
What to Look For in the Best Razors
While all razors promise to do the same thing, a few small details make some razors for women work better than others. One of Athena Club’s razor kits, for example, has technology that fights irritation and nicks. Desmarais told Marie Claire over email that a skin guard “sits at the bottom of each five spaced-out, stainless steel blades and helps prevent irritation, razor burn, and nicks” and “allows hair to seamlessly pass through without getting caught.” The guard is also outfitted with a water-activated moisturizing serum full of hyaluronic acid and shea butter.
Equally important to the blades themselves is the razor’s handle because it helps to “ensure you have full control while shaving,” Desmarais says. “Ours is ergonomic for this reason."
How Many Blades Do You Need?
While you might ignore the number of blades in a given razor, the amount of blades does actually make a difference in the quality of your shave. “When a razor has the appropriate number blades and they are spaced properly, it allows hair and shaving cream to pass through easily and ensures that no hair is missed,” says Desmarais. “This reduces the number of times you may need to pass the razor against your skin, limiting the risk of irritation.”
That said, she notes that too many blades can actually harm your shaving experience. Any razor with more than five blazers “can cause razor burn."
The Best Razors Out There
Athena Club offers razors on a subscription basis via their Shaving Kit, which starts at $9. You can choose the number of blades you want and how often based on how often you actually shave and prices start at $2.25 a blade. The kit includes one razor handle, a detachable blade, and a magnetic hook that suctions to the wall of your shower.
Over 4,700 five-star reviews don't lie: This classic razor from Gilette does it all. Users claim its one of the only razors on the market that actually soothes their sensitive skin, while others say it's virtually impossible to cut yourself while using one, even on trickier spots like your knees and ankles. "These razors are so great," wrote one reviewer. "You get a really close shave and I have yet to get any razor bumps/burn or accidentally cut myself with it."
Double-sided razors might seem dangerous, but thankfully this top-rated tool is easy to use and you don’t have to be concerned with accidentally injuring yourself. The normal straight razor is perfect for large areas or underarms, while the other side with a trimmer is ideal for bikini areas. This trimmer is battery-operated and can be used in the shower or out of the shower if you need to do any specific pubic shaping. With over 27,000 five-star reviews, it's easy to see why people love it so much. Users say that it lasts up to one year.
Cocoa butter makes this four-blade razor feel super nourishing on the skin. Available in three colors, this razor is outfitted with a pivoting head for a closer shave. You can even store it standing up so that takes up practically no space in your shower. Reviewers on Amazon say that the larger format takes some getting used to, but it's still one of their favorites.
Need to stock up? This single purchase includes 120 (!!) disposable razors from BIC. The iconic two-blade razor has been a standby for years because they're easy to use, effective, and no-fuss.
The world of electric razors got better with this shaver from Phillips. It can be used wet or dry and is suitable for all hair types. While some reviewers claim that it doesn't leave as close of of a shave on hard-to-reach parts of their body, they say that it's a great option for quick touch-ups without having to take a shower.
This handy-dandy dermaplaning tool has you covered when you can't make it to your salon for a much-needed wax. It works as an eyebrow tool and removes pesky upper lip hairs, but it also works as a gentle exfoliating tool. Just don't forget to apply some shaving cream to the face before you get going.
Not only are their razors cute (I'm a sucker for aesthetics), but Billie makes sure their customers don't get sticker shock due to the pink tax. Get a handy magic holder with whichever razor you choose and two five-bladed blades for $9. Refills (four refill blades) start at that same price and can be delivered literally whenever.
Safety razors look a little different than others that you would typically find on the market, but they can actually be the key to a closer shave. Instead of a cartridge-style razor, safety razors use a single replaceable blade. They can be used on both the face or the body, and you shouldn't apply pressure as you go, which will cause less irritation.
This razor from Hanni reimagines what a razor can do. It has an extra-long 5" handle, is coated in a powder that actually stops it from rusting in the shower, and has a curved cap design that makes shaving to tricky underarm spots a breeze. The slightly heavier base means that it will glide along your skin without leaving behind cuts here and there.
This razor's flexible hinge puts all other razors to shame; it glides so quickly and so easily, you'll wonder how you ever thought shaving was such a daunting task. Unlike other hair removal tools, Flamingo's handle is a little bit heavier than most due to its grip technology. Never face the annoyance of dropping your razor mid-shave again. Users say that this razor is also sharper than others on the market, so you'll get a closer shave. One reviewer said: "Such a smooth razor and love the five blades. And it looks nice and even comes with the holder that works well."
This wet/dry design comes with the usual trimmer and razor, but its best tool is the attachable rotating exfoliator. It'll help prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn. Also, if you're not looking for an entirely clean slate down there, it features an adjustable clip with four different trim settings.
Just because it's small and perfect for your travel cosmetics bag doesn't mean it can't pack a punch. This little guy features five blades encircled by a ribbon of moisture to double protect you from tiny nicks and cuts, all while giving you a perfectly smooth shave.
What's The Best Way To Reduce Razor Burn?
While Desmarais recommends investing in a high-quality razor first and foremost, she says that the way you prep your skin can help when it comes to avoiding razor burn. "Exfoliating before you shave helps to smooth skin for less irritation," she says. Once you're in the shower, shaving with high-quality shaving cream like Athena Club's Cloud Shave Foam (opens in new tab) can also help you to avoid irritated skin. After you're done in the shower, immediately hydrate the area you shaved with a luxe body butter or body lotion. Desmarais recommends Athena Club's Dewy Body Lotion (opens in new tab) to "lock in moisture and soothe your skin."
Does Shaving Exfoliate The Skin?
If you’ve heard that shaving can exfoliate your skin, I have mixed news for you. “Shaving does remove dead skin cells along with hair, but some people prefer to exfoliate prior to shaving to get skin extra smooth for an even closer shave with less risk of irritation,” says Desmarais. If you’re looking for a body exfoliator, check out our guide for the best (easy) homemade body scrubs.
Meet The Expert:
Maria Desmarais is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Athena Club. Prior to co-founding the company in 2018, she worked for management and strategy consulting firm, McKinsey & Company, where she served as a Business Analyst. After spending two years in the corporate world, she left to follow her dream of transforming the personal care industry and created Athena Club, the first modern CPG company which offers consumers a way to get better quality self-care essentials more conveniently.
Maria earned her B.A in Political Science from Columbia University. Since launching Athena Club, she has received a number of accolades including being named a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient in retail and ecommerce (2019).