Gillette Venus Embrace Gets Super Close

A few weeks ago, I tested Gillette’s Venus Embrace, which is a five-bladed razor. It has a “Protective Ribbon of Moisture” that goes around the razor head, which basically helps make the shave go smoother both during and afterwards. It also has a ShowerPod, which has a suction cup allowing it to attach to your shower wall. The ShowerPod is of decent size, such that it can hold extra cartridges so you can grab them whilst in the shower. No more of those, “Ugh! I forgot to change the blade!” moments.

Last time I wrote about razors, I raved about the Schick Quattro. I know what the first question you have for me is: which one is better?

Well, find out!

They are both great razors. They are different, and some people will have definite preferences, but for me either one works just as well. I do find that the curved razor head of the Venus Embrace to be particularly helpful when shaving under my arms, because it just fits so well. At the same time, the razor head is a bit larger than my previous razors, which means it can be a little clunky to use on some areas. The razor head also moves more, so it can curve around areas and move with the shave/body part as you go, which might make it easier for some.

Both razors are priced right, and they’ll always do you right. I’ve alternated between both brands since I started shaving, and I’ve yet to be disappointed. The same is true with the Venus Embrace and its five-blade technology. You will definitely get a close shave with this razor. Remember not to exert too much pressure while shaving, else you may cut yourself.

While using the Venus Embrace, I did try it with Venus’ Avocado Shaving Gel, which squirts out in gel form and lathers up pretty quickly. A little of the gel can go a long way. I find I’m more generous with areas prone to sensitivity and require more post-shave care than I need to be with my legs, though. The gel is kind of like mousse – it quickly grows on you, so don’t get more than a dollop of the gel at a time.

Accompanying these products was a nifty product guide/shaving guide, and I wanted to share some of the more interesting parts of it…

“Contrary to conventional thought, the scientific conclusion is that shaving does not increase the re-growth of shaved hair. Shaving doesn’t alter the size or color of the hair. Further, shaving doesn’t cause shaved hair to grow back thicker, darker or faster. Shaving does, however, alter the tip shape of the re-growing hair, which may initially change the way hair feels to the touch when it grows back. If the shaved hair is allowed to grow back completely, the hair will return to its previously silky and soft-feeling state.” — Gillette Venus Ultimate Shave Guide

Gillette has a guide called “Seven Steps to the Perfect Shave.” I think it’s useful, and it’s pretty easy to follow, so I thought I’d paraphrase for you.

• Step 1: Shower or bathe before you shave; the hydration will make it easier to cut the hair (but no more than 10 minutes).
• Step 2: Remove any natural oils, perspiration, etc. (aka clean) the area you intend to shave. Use a shaving gel to make it easier for the razor to glide.
• Step 3: Have a good razor for the job! This means one that is clean, sharp, etc. (Like the Venus Embrace… duh.)
• Step 4: Sharp razors do it better. Gillette recommends replacing your razor every ten shaves.
• Step 5: Go easy. No need to get rough with your hairy parts, just apply little to no pressure, gilding
  across the area.
• Step 6: Leave the hard parts for last. Gillette advises shaving gel be left longer on hard-to-shave areas to make it easier overall.
• Step 7: Moisturize! When you’ve finished shaving, moisturize well and often.

I bet you didn’t realize that shaving isn’t always easy. Some of us are lucky — we can shave willy nilly and never knick ourselves, don’t know what a razor bump or in-grown hair is, etc — but many need to take a few more precautions. After you shave, it is important to pat the area dry and then seal in the moisture with a rich moisturizer.

I found Gillette’s “Ultimate Shave Guide” a good read, if only because they made shaving sound like an art form. Did you know that the average woman has approximately 8,400 hairs on each leg and 300 hairs under each arm? Awesome! Did you know the hair under your arms grows 50% faster than the hair on your legs? I bet you thought so, and now you know it’s true!