Dermatologist-approved: This hair removal device is a favorite of Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. “Designed to work with thick hair, this personal trimmer has protection fins on the sides for extra caution,” she says. “I also love that it’s cordless, and can be used either wet or dry–and is easy to clean, which is important.”
Designed for wet & dry use: You can use this trimmer in or out of the shower, and it’s compact enough for traveling, too.
Easy to clean: This razor is one of the easiest to clean on this list because it has a single line of blades that can be rinsed under water without having to take it apart.
Glamour’s Kilkeary praises it for its easy-to-hold design, its even shave on coarse, thick hair, and how smooth her bikini line felt afterward. “I typically wax at home or use a razor, but this trimmer was simple to use and gave me a close shave that made my skin look like I’d plucked the area,” she says. “I love how easy it was to get the right angle, and it left me with smooth, bump-free skin. The trimmer’s waterproof feature was a huge plus, and I can already see myself taking it on my next beach trip.”
- Best for: Pubic hair
- Battery: AA Battery
- Run time: Not specified
- Waterproof: Yes
Best for Face: RoseSkinCo. 4D Shaver
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing RoseSkinCo. 4D Shaver
- What we love: Tackles facial contours with ease; pop-up precision trimmer for tricky spots; long-lasting battery
- Worth considering: Doesn’t offer as close of a shave as a foil razor
Rounded, flexible blades deftly navigate curves of the face: Rotary shavers typically feature three or more heads that rotate to lift and cut hair. While they may not provide as close a shave as a foil razor, their rounded blades are better suited for addressing the body’s contours, which is ideal for areas like the chin, neck, and underarms. The RoseSkinCo. 4D is our top choice for a face shaver, with five flexible heads that adjust to different curves.
Extremely gentle on sensitive skin: Our tester found it so gentle that she initially doubted it was working. It excels at tackling cheek fuzz and includes a handy pop-out precision trimmer for tricky spots like between the eyebrows.
Long-lasting battery: The rose-gold razor’s rechargeable battery lasts for up to a month of regular use, making it the longest-lasting electric razor that we tried. It’s waterproof, cordless, and under $50. For the best results, use it in a gentle circular motion with shaving cream to achieve a smooth, irritation-free shave.
“I was nervous to put this razor on my face due to the loud buzzing sound it made when I turned it on, but after I started using it, it felt so smooth and gentle that I wondered if it was even working,” says Glamour reviewer Gabrielle Langdon. “The razor was easy to hold and maneuver around my face. What I loved most is the small pop-up blade on top of the razor that was able to get into the tiniest areas in need of the most precision. The razor is designed with five flexible circular heads that bent it at angles to conform to my cheekbones, chin shape, and arms. This design helped the razor seamlessly glide across my skin.”
- Best for: Face
- Blades: 5
- Battery: USB-rechargeable
- Run time: Up to a month
- Waterproof: Yes
Other electric razors we tested
We tested more than a dozen top-rated electric shavers, trimmers, and epilators, and while several came close, they didn’t perform strongly enough to earn a final spot. Here’s what other devices we reviewed and why they ultimately did not make the cut (or shave, really).
- Remington Smooth & Silky On-the-Go Shaver, ($10): This under-$20 cordless electric razor for women is a smart pick for travel—compact, lightweight, and easy to toss in a toiletry bag—and great to have on hand for quick leg and underarm touch-ups, especially if it slips your mind in the shower. “I have to go a bit slower than I do with a traditional razor, but the shave lasts longer. The razor is easy to hold, and the two main blades are mounted at different angles, so it works on all sorts of body parts. It’s easy to snap the blades off to clean,” says Glamour copy director Talley Sue Hohlfeld.
- Gillette Venus Mini Facial Hair Remover, ($36): This compact rotary shaver is mini enough to stash in a bag or drawer for quick touch-ups—perfect for surprise chin hairs or fine facial hairs that reveal themselves in certain light. “The design of this electric face shaver is compact and small. I found that it did a nice job of buzzing off some peach fuzz around my upper-lip area and in between my eyebrows, and it didn’t leave my skin red or burning after the fact, either,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It was quick, easy, totally painless, and I’d recommend this one for anyone with sensitive skin on your face.”
- Remington Smooth & Silky Body and Bikini Trimmer, ($25): Our tester appreciated that this foil shaver and trimmer was comfortable to hold and easy to use, but said it struggled to deliver a close shave on sensitive spots like the bikini line or underarms.
- Finishing Touch Flawless Bikini Shaver and Trimmer, ($20): A budget-friendly, battery-powered option with a light for precision, but it only works on dry skin. Our tester liked the built-in light but found the angled head awkward—especially for left-handed use—and noted some irritation afterward.
- Panasonic Bikini Trimmer and Shaver, ($35): It’s compact and portable, with multiple attachments for trimming and shaving, but the unclear instructions and clunky maneuverability made it frustrating to use. Our tester felt the shave wasn’t noticeably closer than what her attachment could provide.
Frequently asked questions
How we chose electric razors
We started by researching more than 30 electric razors, trimmers, and epilators, pulling from dermatologist recommendations, expert interviews, and best-seller lists across major retailers. From there, we selected 13 models to test based on criteria like price range, features, and availability. Seven Glamour contributors then used each razor across multiple areas according to each product’s recommendation for best use—on the legs, underarms, bikini line, upper lip, and cheeks.
Each razor was tested at least twice before testers provided detailed feedback to our shopping team across these categories:
- Ease of use: How seamlessly the razor handled trickier spots like knees, ankles, and the bikini line
- Comfort: Whether skin felt irritated, nicked, or tugged
- Battery life: How long the tool lasted on a full charge, and whether it was rechargeable
- Waterproofness: Performance both wet (in the shower with cream) and dry
- Cleanliness: Whether hair and buildup rinsed or brushed out easily
- Value: How well it held up over multiple uses compared to its price point
Models we didn’t include often missed the mark on comfort (some tugged or irritated sensitive skin), battery life (dying before finishing a full shave), or overall value (not offering enough features for the price). The final list reflects the razors that balanced performance, comfort, and reliability—the ones our testers said they’d actually keep using in their own routines.
How to shop for an electric razor
- Think about where you’ll shave most often. Larger areas like legs benefit from wider shaving heads, while smaller or contoured spots—like the bikini line or underarms—are easier to manage with more compact, precise designs.
- Match the razor to your grooming style. If you like options, look for devices with multiple attachments or interchangeable heads for both trimming and shaving.
- Prioritize comfort and control. An ergonomic handle can help you navigate curves and harder-to-reach areas more easily.
- Go cordless and waterproof, if possible. These features let you shave in the shower and make it easier to fit grooming into your routine, wherever you are.
- Look for a long-lasting battery. A solid charge means less time plugged in and more reliable performance.
- Opt for easy-to-clean designs. Built-up hair, skin, or product can dull performance and trigger irritation—look for razors that rinse clean or come with cleaning tools.
- Consider your skin’s sensitivity. If you’re prone to irritation, choose a razor designed for sensitive skin or one with features like hypoallergenic foils or rounded heads.
How to use an electric razor
- Prep your skin. Start by exfoliating and cleaning the bikini area, which removes dead skin cells, creates a smooth shave, and reduces the risk of irritation and ingrown hair. Trimming or shaving in the shower will be more comfortable than shaving dry, since the force required to cut through hair is lower than when it’s dry, says Caitlin Orszulak, senior scientist at P&G Grooming.
- How to shave your face: When shaving your face, apply light pressure and go against the grain for a closer result. A foil razor works best here—stick to short, straight strokes and keep the skin taut for better contact.
- How to shave your body: For the body (like legs), foil razors perform well on flatter areas, while rotary razors may feel more comfortable on curves such as knees or underarms. Move in long, steady motions and let the razor glide—avoid pressing down.
- How to shave your bikini area: In the intimate region where skin is more sensitive, Dr. Westbay recommends reaching for a foil razor or a bikini trimmer, which are more precise and gentler. Stick to slow, careful passes, and start with a guard or trimming attachment, if your device includes one, to help prevent nicks.
What are the two different types of electric razors?
Electric razors typically come in two main forms that are designed for convenience and comfort, but are slightly different based on where you are shaving on the body. “Foil razors have a thin, straight layer of metal that covers the blades while they oscillate, which is great for precision and sensitive skin,” says Dr. Westbay. “Rotary razors have round, spinning heads that adjust to the curves of your face or body.” While it’s completely up to preference of which razor you prefer, foil razors tend to be more effective on flatter areas (think: legs, arms), while rotary razors can help get into nooks and crannies, like around the bikini line and underarms.
What’s the difference between epilators, electric razors, and trimmers?
An electric razor (or shaver) cuts hair right at the skin’s surface. It’s quick, painless, and low-risk for nicks, but regrowth appears within a few days. For women, razors are a go-to for everyday use on legs, underarms, and even the bikini line—especially foil razors, which are more precise and gentle on sensitive skin.
A women’s electric epilator, by contrast, removes hair from the root using dozens of tiny tweezers. The process can feel more uncomfortable, but it leaves skin smoother for much longer—up to four weeks before regrowth. Dermatologists say epilators are best for areas like the legs or arms, while they may be too harsh for sensitive spots like the bikini line.
A trimmer doesn’t shave hair down to the skin; instead, it shortens strands to an even length using a guard and an oscillating blade. This is the gentlest of the three, and they often come with comb attachments so you can choose how much length to keep.
TL;DR: Electric razors and electric shavers are the fastest and smoothest option, epilators deliver longer-lasting results, and trimmers are the gentlest choice for precision and sensitive skin.
What kind of razor gives the closest shave for women?
“Manual razors provide the closest shave since there’s nothing between the blade and the skin,” says Lillian Tung, cofounder and CMO at hair and skin care company Fur. By contrast, the protective guards on electric razors prevent blades from touching the skin directly, so they won’t shave quite as closely as a manual or straight razor.
Still, electric razors offer a strong balance of comfort and safety, especially for sensitive skin. For women who want a smooth shave with less risk of cuts, foil razors are the top choice. “They’re designed to cut hair really close to the skin and work best if you shave regularly,” says Dr. Westbay. “They are most effective on flat areas, so you might have to go over curves a couple of times.”
If closeness matters but you’re willing to skip shaving altogether, epilators can be another option. They pull hair out at the root rather than slicing it at the surface, which means weeks of smooth skin before regrowth—though they can be more uncomfortable to use. Trimmers, on the other hand, are designed for gentleness and precision, not closeness, making them a safer pick for the bikini line or anyone prone to irritation.
What are the best electric razors for legs and the bikini area?
Most experts agree that electric trimmers and foil razors designed specifically for the pubic region are your best bet for the bikini area—especially if you have sensitive skin. “An electric trimmer is often recommended, as it’s more gentle and less likely to cause irritation,” says Faisal Al-Jabri, founder and CEO of beauty and skin care brand RoseSkinCo. He notes that trimmers also offer better control and customizable length settings, so you can decide whether you want to tidy up or trim hair down to nearly bare.
Foil razors are another smart option—they’re precise, glide more gently, and often come with attachments designed to reduce the risk of nicks. In contrast, standard rotary razors not designed for pubic hair can create too much friction and may increase razor burn or ingrown hairs.
How to clean an electric razor
To clean more foil and rotary razors, simply turn them off, pop off their heads, and brush out loose hairs. If the device is waterproof, you can rinse it under water (and maybe add a drop of soap). Ensure the parts are dry before reattaching.
What are the most hygienic electric razors for women?
The most hygienic razors are waterproof and designed for quick rinsing, since that prevents buildup that can cause irritation. Materials matter too. Hypoallergenic stainless-steel foils are durable, rust-resistant, and safe for most skin types. Some trimmers use ceramic blades, which hold sharpness longer and are highly resistant to bacteria and corrosion.
- Lillian Tung, cofounder and CMO at hair and skin care company Fur, who was interviewed via email by Malia Griggs in May 2025
- Rachel Westbay, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical, who was interviewed via email by Malia Griggs in May 2025
- Caitlin Orszulak, senior scientist at P&G Grooming, who was interviewed via email by Malia Griggs in May 2025
- Faisal Al-Jabri, founder and CEO of beauty and skin care brand RoseSkinCo., who was interviewed via email by Malia Griggs in May 2025
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC


