Latest news with #razor
The Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
9 best environmentally-friendly razors for a clean shave
Razor blades are meant to be changed frequently, which means waste quickly adds up, not to mention the handles, too. Opting for a razor that lasts a long time (and actually looks nice enough that we want to hold onto it for years), and one that can be recycled, ideally blades and all, is a great alternative. While multi-blade razors are easy to use and tend to deliver a closer shave than single-blade razors, if you have sensitive skin or skin issues, consultant dermatologist Dr Angela Tewari recommends sticking with a single-blade razor (these are often called safety razors). 'Safety razors require a little more patience and skill, even though the technique can be acquired quite quickly', says Dean Harries, co-founder of plastic-free shaving brand Shoreline Shaving. They're weighted, which means they 'give you a smooth shave without the need to apply your own pressure, as long as the blade is sharp', he explains, and recommends short, slow strokes when shaving. And, only 'shave against the grain once you're confident.' After testing lots of razors, some from brands you've heard of, and some you may not have, I've chosen my favourite (the Mühle companion unisex safety razor, thanks to its beautiful design and sharp blades). But, I've also found an adjustable razor, one with a bikini line trimmer, and a blade subscription. Many of the brands in this review have recycling take-back schemes. You should also be able to recycle metal blades as scrap metal at recycling centres, too, but check whether your local centre will do this. How I tested I've been testing these razors over several months. A lot of the brands have their own shaving soaps and shaving oils, but I used the same shaving cream with every razor to keep variables to a minimum. It's also worth noting that most of the brands I tried send blades with their razors, and most of the razors were compatible with any double-edged blades, so you can choose a different blade if you so wish. I assessed each of the razors using the following testing criteria: Ease of use: I acknowledged how comfortable and ergonomic the handles were, assessing their texture and width. I considered the weighting of the head and the handle and how balanced this felt in use. I also changed the blades of all of the razors to assess how easy this was. Shaving results: I made a note of which blades arrived (if included) with each razor, and how gentle and close of a shave I was able to achieve. Environmental considerations and credentials: I asked all of the brands where their razors were made, what materials they're made from, and if and how they could be recycled. I also asked them to confirm whether their razors arrived in 100 per cent plastic-free. I assumed the durability and expected longevity of the razors, looking at the materials and sturdiness of the design. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Lois Borny has years of testing experience to call on, having joined The Independent 's IndyBest section in 2021. She has a particular interest in finding the eco-friendly changes you can make (from waterless shampoo to plastic-free shampoo bars) to better the planet. Beyond this, Lois is conscious of greenwashing and makes sure to fact-check the claims that brands make to ensure that you're getting the best advice possible. All of the products that feature in this review have been tried and tested by Lois The best eco-friendly women's razors for 2025 are:
News.com.au
19-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
Finally, a women's razor that's actually as good as a man's
If you had told me as a teenager – awkward, Greek, and growing hair well before anyone else in my class – that one day I'd genuinely be excited about a razor, I would've laughed. From an early age, shaving always felt more like something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. I would eye off my dad's razor brand, only to sneak one into mum's shopping trolley when she wasn't looking. Now, as an adult, I've been known to 'borrow' my husband's men's-grade blades for myself. They've just always felt sharper, more solid, and simply better for my thick, dark hair, which I've been genetically blessed with. Women's razors, on the other hand, have always seemed more like an afterthought – ultralight and flimsy, not particularly sharp, and always a ton more expensive. The condescending 'pink tax' has never felt more obvious than when looking through the shaving aisle in the supermarket. Rows of razors in feminine shades, promising a 'smooth' and 'silky' experience, but what they actually deliver is just ingrowns. And I'm not the only one who has been fed up with this mediocrity. Georgia Geminder, the founder of Aussie personal care brand Gem, tells she saw the same gap. 'There's always been this unspoken belief that men need a 'tougher' shave, and so the industry has historically prioritised blade sharpness and durability for men's razors – while women's razors focus more on aesthetics or comfort,' she said. 'What's frustrating is that women deserve both: performance and beauty.' She wanted to bring something 'innovative, different and millennial-focused' to market, with thoughtful ingredients, beautiful packaging, while still keeping the price accessible. And she did just that. Earlier this month, Gem launched its 'category-disrupting razors' and shaving gels into Coles, after two years in the making. And fans of the brand are already going crazy for them, with one product selling every minute. When I spotted them on the shelves, I was so curious to try them out, having already been converted to their delicious-smelling deodorants. In my eyes, Gem can do no wrong, but having been burned in the past by so many women's shaving brands, I approached with caution. However, after using the Skin-Loving Shaving Kit, which retails for $20, I've fallen in love. It features a durable razor infused with Hyaluronic Acid, vitamin E, and Aloe Vera, a chic holder for the shower and a blade refill. The razor itself feels luxurious in both design and weight, and the five sharp blades and pivoting head gave me the smoothest shave I've ever had. When used with the Skin-Loving Shaving Gel, $10, which lathered generously, my shave lasted about two weeks. Usually, I'm back at it every few days. My husband even commented on how smooth my legs were, which, to be fair, is a rare occurrence (that I have smooth legs, not that he complimented me!). While you might be thinking, 'So what? It's just a razor.' For me, this feels revolutionary to my beauty routine. If you've been anywhere on TikTok recently, you'll have seen that shaving is having a moment right now and being rebranded as 'self-care'. And after using the Gem razor, I'm fully on board with this idea … that shaving can be something we can actually take pleasure in. It's one of those small luxuries that can make a world of difference to your confidence, without involving an expensive, multi-step routine. As Ms Geminder puts it: 'What once felt like a chore is now an opportunity to pause, reset, and feel good in your skin. 'The rise of self-care culture has encouraged people to romanticise the 'mundane' and shaving is the perfect example. 'When you're using beautifully-scented products, enriched with skin-loving ingredients, it becomes less about just hair removal and more about creating a moment for yourself.' It's not just Gem that has realised women want 'tougher' shaves, with other brands also reclaiming this traditionally unsexy ritual, making it feel relevant again. Recent statistics show the Australian shaving market valued at over $528 million in 2024 and expected to reach $785 million by 2034. While a survey from Philips found more than half of women (53 per cent) head to the men's aisle for their shaving needs. For me, Gem razors have made shaving less of a hassle and more of a ritual I actually look forward to. No more waiting for my 'everything shower' to feel put together – because now having smooth legs is an everyday thing. It's about time.
The Independent
09-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
8 best safety razors that will help you boss your grooming regime
Walk into any supermarket or pharmacy and you'll find rows of flashy multi-blade razors – complete with lubrication strips and even vibrating handles, in some cases – promising your smoothest ever shave. While these cartridge razors dominate the shelves, they don't always represent the best options – particularly if you've got sensitive skin. More blades can mean more tugging and friction, which often leads to irritation, razor burn, and those dastardly ingrown hairs. Enter: the safety razor – a simple, single-blade tool that's been quietly making a comeback. Originally designed more than a century ago (the double-edge safety razor was first patented by Gillette in 1901), safety razors, by their very design, come with less drag, making them ideal for anyone prone to redness or bumps. Safety razors are also far better for the planet, with no plastic cartridges and fully recyclable blades. They can be easier on your wallet, too. Sure, they can take some getting used to, but, once you've mastered the safety razor, it'll be hard to go back. We put a range of models to the test, from beginner-friendly razors to precision tools for seasoned shavers. Whether you're looking to cut down on irritation or just want a more sustainable shave, keep scrolling for the best safety razors worth adding to your grooming routine. How we tested For this review, our tester shaved with a number of different safety razors – mainly double-edge safety razors, although, they did find a rare single-edged safety razor to include (more on that later). Each razor was used at least twice, using the blade included, or a Shark blade if a blade was not packaged with the razor. For context, our reviewer has thick, curly, dark hair, which makes them more prone to ingrown hairs. Therefore, they did not shave against the grain, as they find this increases the likelihood of irritation. Nivea's shaving gel (£2.70, was used pre-shave, while Nivea's sensitive after-shave balm (£8.69, was used post-shave. While our tester would advise using a shaving brush and shaving soap for the full safety razor experience, he understands those new to using a safety razor might not have a full shaving set, which is why he used these easily accessible Nivea products instead. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Richard Jones has been writing feature reviews for IndyBest since 2022. Whether he's reviewing men's wallets, hoodies, joggers or safety razors, he prioritises high-quality products that deliver, and he will only recommend those be believes are worth your money. The best safety razors for 2025 are:
CNET
07-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
If You're Quick, You Can Get This Incredible Philips Electric Razor for Just $23
While Prime Day doesn't officially kick off until tomorrow, there's no shortage of great deals around. Calling it a day is misrepresenting things too, as the deals event will be going on until the end of the week. It's a good chance to pick up a lot of great items for cheap, and for this deal, that means a really good razor. Right now, you can get the Philips Norelco OneBlade Intimate electric razor for just $23. That's a brand-new all-time low price, and it's an excellent chance to upgrade your grooming with ease. Just make sure you snap this up quickly though, as it's not likely to last long at this price. This razor uses unique OneBlade technology, which basically means its blade moves incredibly quickly, which allows it to cut through hair with ease, making the whole process of shaving far more efficient. It's also got rounded edges, a bridge and rounded tips to help you avoid cutting yourself, even if you can't see where you're shaving. It comes with an attachable body comb as well, to add another layer of security to the whole process. It's waterproof, of course, and it's easy to recharge too. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. A quality razor like this normally costs a lot more than $23, or you have to check out a shave club instead. So, being able to get your hands on this while it's cheap is a great opportunity. Why this deal matters Deals are always nice, but when something's down to a new low price, it's always better. This razor is an excellent choice as it'll last ages, but it's also kind to skin, which is essential. With all of that in mind, at this price, it's not worth missing out on.
