Even for the most experienced among us, a smooth shave is hardly a slam dunk. But using one of the best razors cuts down on the guesswork—and nicks, redness, and stubble. We've all been in a rut where despite using the same razor for every sesh, or being diligent about swapping out disposables, it feels like each shave yields different results. That's when you know it's time to upgrade.

The key to a great shave is to get really close to where those teeny-tiny hairs meet the skin, while having guardrails in place to reduce the razor burn that can lead to ingrown hairs, discomfort, and discoloration. To help you achieve your silky legged dreams, we spoke to editors and dermatologists about the tools they love—and how to figure out your perfect match. Scroll on for the best razors and relish in the glide.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Billie Razor, $15
• Best Weighted: Hanni Weighted Razor, $42
• Best for Bikini Line: Gillette Venus for Pubic Hair & Skin, $15
• Best for Coarse Hair: Oui the People The Single Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor, $85
• Best Electric Razor: Philips Beauty Lady Electric Shaver Series 6000, $55
• Best Value: Flamingo 5-Blade Razor, $16
• Best for Beginners: Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment Razor, $10
• Best Adjustable: Leaf Shave Razor, $89

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do razors work?
• What are cartridge razors?
• What are safety razors?
• What are electric razors?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Billie Razor

Why it's worth it: The Billie Razor is affordable, aesthetic, and shaves like a boss. Each cartridge bears five stainless steel blades, bordered by a soothing aloe rim, positioned on a grippy, rubber-backed handle that comes in so many sweet colors. We also love the Best of Beauty-winner’s magnetic wall mount, which snugly cradles your razor to keep it from clattering to the tile and gathering mildew and rust between shaving sessions. You can order one-off blade/razor combos, but the subscription model is part of what made the brand so splashy when it hit the scene in 2017. (Billie makes a bunch of body-care products to complement their razors, too.Try the Whipped Shave Cream, which you can bundle into your subscription plan.)

Tester feedback: “I came for Billie’s pink, sparkly handles and stayed for the smooth shave,” says contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman. “My legs will erupt with bumps randomly after shaving, no matter how moisturized and exfoliated I am, and Billie cuts down on that as much as humanly (razorly) possible. The magnetic wall mount is key because if you leave the aloe-edged cartridge on a damp or wet surface for more than a few minutes, it will get gooey.”

Type: cartridge | Blades: 5 | Refills included: 3

Best Weighted: Hanni Weighted Razor

Why it's worth it: The Best of Beauty Award-winning Hanni Weighted Razor was designed to make using a single-blade safety razor a way less intimidating experience. “Safety razor” (which uses a single exposed blade, versus several tucked into a cartridge) might sound scary, but trust us, it's anything but. Installing the blade is basically foolproof (check out Hanni's tutorial if you need some guidance), and the weighted, all-metal handle does the hard work for you—no guessing about how much pressure to use, although we’ve found that less tends to be more.

Even better: The razor head is double-sided, meaning you can tackle more skin in fewer strokes without constantly rinsing the blade. Just make sure to change your blade after four to six uses, depending on your hair coarseness, for best results.

Tester feedback: “My shaving routine felt so much better and painless,” says Allure's tester. “Since no pressure is needed, I didn't have to work too hard, and its blade is sharp enough that I didn't have to go over the same spot over and over.”

Type: safety | Blades: 1 | Refills included: 5

Best for Bikini Line: Gillette Venus for Pubic Hair & Skin

Why it's worth it: If you want a separate razor for your pubes and bikini line, the Gillette Venus for Pubic Hair & Skin is your ideal secondary "down there" razor. The cartridges are on the smaller side, meaning the razor is easier for your to manipulate in tricky, sensitive areas, and the patented "irritation defense bar" between the two blades lets you get a close shave with minimal skin contact. Its rubber-like handle is also nicely grippy, so you can trust the running water won’t steer your shave off course.

Type: cartridge | Blades: 2 | Refills included: 2

Best for Coarse Hair: Oui the People The Single Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor

Why it's worth it: The Best of Beauty-winning The Single Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor by Oui the People is as pretty as it is practical. Made to whack coarse, curly hair with absolute ease, this splurge-worthy razor is weighted to allow the perfect amount of pressure for a comprehensive, non-irritating shave; this model has a tighter angle and exposure that makes it gentler on sensitive skin, too. Because this is a safety razor, there’s more technique to getting set up than just popping on a new cartridge, but fear not—the site offers ample intel on how to make installation easy.

Tester feedback: “With a disposable razor, I usually have to press down firmly and retrace my strokes until my armpits felt raw, but I didn't have to exert any energy with the Sensitive Skin Razor," Allure commerce editor Sarah Han said in her review. “I even shaved my bikini line for the first time in my life, and it was, no joke, just as simple as my underarms. If I had known it could be that easy and painless, I would've done it so much sooner.”

Type: safety | Blades: 2 | Refills included: 2

Best Electric Razor: Philips Beauty Lady Electric Shaver Series 6000

Why it's worth it: Whether you follow a strict shaving schedule or often find yourself busting out your razor unanticipated, speedy touch-ups before heading out the door, the Philips SatinShave Prestige Wet & Dry Cordless Electric Shaver is a great option. The go-anywhere tool comes with dual foils inside its flexible head to ensure the most comfortable shave possible.This USB-rechargeable shaver comes with a bunch of accessories, including a textured glove, so you can do a quick, exfoliating scrub before you get buzzing. One charge yields 40 minutes of cordless use, so if you’re traveling with this thing, you can leave the wires at home.

Type: electric | Blades: 1 | Refills included: n/a

Best Value: Flamingo 5-Blade Razor

WWhy it's worth it: The flexible hinge on Flamingo's Best of Beauty-winning 5-Blade Razor makes for a comfy shave every time, and an aloe and shea butter exterior enrobes the blades to make for more gliding and less bumpiness. California-based board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, previously explained to Allure that the non-slip grip of the razor's handle helps you better control your strokes, which can cut down on nicks.

And, most cartridge razors don't have weighted handles, but this one does (yay). We’ve found that the blades can get a little grimy if you don’t clean them thoroughly, but it’s nothing a good, hot rinse can’t fix.

Tester feedback: “I wasn’t really loyal to any razor brand, but since using Flamingo, I’ve never strayed,” says contributing editor Deanna Pai. “The hinged razor head makes it easy for me to shave my knees and in the hollow of my armpits without risking a nick. It’s also super-gentle: I can even swipe the back of my legs with minimal shave gel and not have to worry about irritation.”

Type: cartridge | Blades: 5 | Refills included: 3

Best for Beginners: Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment Razor

Why it's worth it: The Schick Intuition Razor may have been your first-ever razor, and honestly, we understand if you've stayed loyal. The built-in thick, solid soap buffers the edges of the blade to eliminate the need for shaving cream (although it can help move things along to use a touch of additional lubricant) and also cut down on nicks, ensuring you have enough of a sudsy barrier with every stroke. While it’s comfortable to use, the body is a little thicker than you may be used to, so expect a little adjustment period if you’re more familiar with skinny-handled razors. If you have particularly sensitive skin or want extra assurance in terms of preventing razor irritation, Han likes the Schick Intuition Sensitive Care Razor. And for extra dry skin, consider Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture.

Tester feedback: "At the recommendation of my best friend, I used a Schick Intuition Razor the first time I shaved my legs in seventh grade, which took the nervousness out of the whole process," says Blackman. "Plus, no shaving cream means less mess, which was a huge perk at age 12—and even now."

Type: cartridge | Blades: 4 | Refills included: 4

Best Adjustable: Leaf Shave Razor

Why it's worth it: Another primo safety razor option, the Leaf Shave Razor is beautifully designed to hug and glide your whole body. The handle is slightly longer than its peers’ and weighted for easy balance and control, and the blade setup is adjustable, meaning you decide how close the blades get to your skin. For the closest of close shaves, load up the razor with all three blades, and if you're looking for something a little more low-key on your sensitive skin, remove the bottom blade. Unlike some other makes, the Leaf Razor is compatible with any standard safety razor blade, so you don't need to drop extra cash on marked-up, brand-exclusive blades. And of course, for guidance on how to get started, Leaf whipped up a handy tutorial to help you out.

Type: safety | Blades: 3 | Refills included: 10 blades

Best for Travel: Alleyoop Portable Travel Razor

Why it's worth it: Sort of like the Swiss army knife of razors, the Alleyoop Portable Travel Razor is an all-in-one force of nature that's TSA-approved and effortlessly packable. The round container features a turning knob that allows you to switch between your chamomile- and olive oil-lined razor, a moisturizing bar, and a refillable spray bottle to wet and prep your skin for seamless, shave-worthy, travel-ready convenience. You can swipe on the shea-butter-infused bar (that won’t melt) before and after shaving for double the moisturizing boost.

Type: cartridge | Blades: 3 | Refills included: 1

Best Trimmer: Meridian The Premium Trimmer

Why it's worth it: When tackling big swaths of hair after a shaving hiatus (we have all been there), going in with an analog razor can feel like cutting your front lawn with a pair of office scissors. That's where Meridian's The Premium Trimmer comes in. TikTok clued us into the power of shaving your body—mainly your she-shrubbery—using what is technically a beard trimmer, because it's designed explicitly to motor through coarse hair. But coarse hair grows everywhere, so you can also use this gadget on your pits, legs, and arms. It's not the closest shave, but it's the perfect way to get started before whipping out a cartridge or safety razor. "If you are into being bare down there, then a razor is for you. For big-, small-, or medium-bush energy, it's trimmer all the way," Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut, says.

Tester feedback: While news editor Nicola Dall'Asen is sticking with waxing for her bikini line, she loves Meridian’s tool for upkeep. "But for my lovely lady garden, I'm never giving up my trimmer because it's so damn easy. I'll also be picking it up for any and all last-minute body-hair removal emergencies," she shared.

Type: electric | Blades: 1 | Refills included: n/a

Best for Sensitive Skin: Athena Club Razor

Why It's Worth It: The Best of Beauty-winning Athena Club Razor is another subscription-based favorite thanks to its ultra-gentle but thorough performance. Its five sharp-as-heck blades are thoughtfully spaced, readily adapting to your physique's little curves and contours. Plus, a water-activated hyaluronic serum strip ensures your skin stays all lubed up, helping you steer clear of pesky cuts—but you’ll still need shaving cream. The silicone-coated aluminum handle offers a secure, slip-free grip, and the gorgeous range of colorways is the cherry on top. Master your shave schedule by receiving replacement cartridges every month, every two months, or every three months.

Tester feedback: "Apart from the sharp-but-gentle blades that give me a blanket-smooth shave without cutting myself, it also has this cool water-activated serum that prevents razor bumps," says an Allure tester. "Plus I'm a sucker for the metallic detail, it's just so pretty," she adds.

Type: cartridge | Blades: 5 | Refills included: 1

Best for Face: Tweezerman Facial Razor

Why It's Worth It: Even if you don’t have a Santa-level beard, there may be some hair on your face you’d rather do without. Whether you have peach fuzz on your cheeks you want gone or a strip of shadow above your upper lip you’re looking to erase, Tweezerman’s Facial Razor can handle it. This 2023 Best of Beauty-winning, single-blade dermaplaner is precise and straightforward—a great pick for beginners and pros alike. It gently exfoliates, clearing your face of dead skin as it glides and razes. It stands out among many of its disposable dermaplaning peers for a replaceable blade, which should be swapped out every two to three months.

Tester feedback: "Never has shaving my face felt so fancy," says Dall'Asen. "The luxurious weight and sleek silver handle of Tweezerman's Facial Razor takes dermaplaning from a chore to an experience—one where my facial hair feels like it's coming off entirely on its own because the razor is so finely serrated. Plus, I can sidestep the sustainability sin of throwing away single-use plastics, thanks to its refillable razor cartridge."

Type of Razor: dermaplane | Number of Blades: 1 | Refills included: 2

Frequently Asked Questions

How do razors work?

While different razors offer different means of removing hair, there are some basics every model shares. "The leading edge [of the razor] is designed to gently stretch the skin taut prior to the blade's arrival," explains Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. It helps to have a razor edge that uniformly stretches the surface flat to allow the blade to come through with minimal nicks, she says.

As for blades, razors can come in single- or multiple-blade formats and can be spaced differently. "Multiple blades can achieve a closer shave with fewer strokes," says Dr. Ilyas. "Ideally, the blades should be closer together to avoid nicking the skin. If they are too widely spaced, once the first blade drags across a hair, the skin can start to bulge slightly and get nicked by the next blade. Lastly, the handle should be comfortable enough to avoid the need to vary the pressure applied during the shave.

What are cartridge razors?

Cartridge razors feature disposable cartridges, where two to six blades are tightly spaced for a quick, close shave. "The cartridge can often be flexible or gently bend to allow the blades in the cartridge to curve," Dr. Ilyas notes, adding that they can be used in areas that require the blade to move with the contours of your skin. "This is a safe, close, but potentially pricey shave." While the initial purchase may present cheaper than metal handled options, the price can add up over time due to the cost of regularly re-upping on cartridges. And the regular re-upping is key. Ifyou use a cartridge for too long, you may injure yourself. "Hairs often get trapped between the blades as well, making them less effective over multiple uses," Dr. Ilyas explains.

Disposable razors are similarly constructed and can be used on the same body areas. Still, they are only designed for one or two uses, says Sonia Batra, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in California. (For your reference, the American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD, recommends changing blades or throwing away disposable razors after five to seven shaves to minimize irritation.) "A disposable razor generally has lower-quality blades, so the shave is less close, and you are more likely to nick or cut yourself," Dr. Batra explains.

San Francisco-based board-certified dermatologist Tracy Evans, MD, previously told Allure that a razor with multiple blades can also help compensate for the fact that hairs grow in an irregular pattern, meaning more coverage and fewer passes needed.

What are safety razors?

Safety razors are single-blade razors made for long-term use with a protective device positioned between the blade's edge and the skin. Dr. Batra explains that safety razors use disposable blades, which are much cheaper (10 to 20 cents each) than those used in cartridge razors (typically $2 and up). "[Using] these still have a learning curve despite the protective device; however, they are not as difficult to master as a straight razor," she says.

People who develop razor burns from cartridge razors may benefit from safety razors. "There are safety razors with closed combs and longer handles that are recommended for women's legs and armpits," says Dr. Batra, who notes they can also be used on the face as a dermaplaning tool to exfoliate the skin while removing peach fuzz.

It’s worth noting that you can’t bring safety razors in carry-on luggage—you need to put it in a checked bag if you plan to travel with one. So, it’s a good idea to keep your safety razor at home and buy a cartridge razor for trips.

What are electric razors?

Electric razors have motorized blades topped with "foil," a.k.a a thin metal sheet with small holes. "The tiny holes in the foil capture the hair, and the oscillating blades come by and cut it," says Dr. Ilyas. "This makes for a safe and fast shave, but not necessarily as close as with a traditional razor." It's worth noting that even though these are thought to be less irritating, it's possible that not only hair gets pulled into the foil, but the skin as well (ouch).

Rotary electric razors have three circular heads spaced like a triangle. "The round guard of each head captures hairs, and an internal spinning blade or cutter shaves these hairs," says Dr. Ilyas. This safe and fast shave permits quick movement around the contours of the neck and jawline, where hairs are captured at multiple angles.

Meet the experts

• Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and founder of UV-protective apparel brand AmberNoon
• Sonia Batra, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Santa Monica, California, and a co-host of the TV show The Doctors
• Azadeh Shirazi, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in California
• Tracy Evans, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology based in San Francisco
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We are particularly discerning when writing about skin-care devices. This is because of the increased risks and, in many cases, the high price points, that accompany at-home dermatological tools and devices.

Each device undergoes extensive testing and must be approved by a senior member of our beauty team prior to appearing in Allure. Additionally, our editorial team consults board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists about the science behind product claims and independently reviews any studies cited by brands. Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value. To learn more information on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

More on shaving:

• The Hack for Avoiding Ingrown Hairs While Shaving Your Bikini Line
• Allure's Head-to-Toe Guide to Hair Removal
• Facebook Banned This Ad of a Woman Shaving Her Legs

Now, check out all the methods you can use to remove leg hair:

Follow Allure on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to our newsletter for daily beauty stories delivered right to your inbox.