Quick Pick: Gillette Venus Spa Breeze Razor Blades

I picked these rather oversized razor blades up in a whirlwind trip to Boots the other day, attracted by their claim that the pink bars eliminate the need for a separate shaving cream or body wash.  I was half expecting them not to really work - I think I thought that the slightly rubbery pink bits would provide a little bit of slip, but not really enough compared to a separate cream.  But I was absolutely wrong - used when the legs or underarms are wet in the shower, the razor glides smoothly across the skin, providing a close, clean shave with little lather and no irritation.

At around £9.60 for four, these are certainly an expensive way to shave - but if you're looking for something quick and easy to use, and which takes up less space in your bathroom or your bag than a razor plus shaving cream combo, they're pretty great.  Find them at Boots.

Review: FAB Smooth Shave Cream

I bought this travel sized Smooth Shave Cream as a part of one of those Advantage Card points deals you get at Boots - you know, the ones that somehow manage to get you to spend more than you wanted to with the promise of a few bonus points.  It's from new brand on the block, First Aid Beauty (FAB), who offer mid-range priced products in chic, feminine yet modern packaging.  

Anyway - there's not a huge amount to say about the concept - it's a shave cream, it aims to reduce nicks and irritation whilst keeping the skin soft and smooth.  There is, however, a huge amount to rave about with the product itself - this is one of the best shaving creams I've ever tried.  Unlike it's foamy cousins, it's a thick cream not unlike a rich hair conditioner.  It spreads easily over the legs (or armpits), and a surprisingly little amount goes a long way - a 50p sized blob was enough to generously coat my lower legs.  Once applied, it sticks to the legs until you've shaved it off.  

The best thing about it, though, is the 153% extra glideyness* that it imparts.  The razor veritably floats across the skin, with absolutely no drag and no need to apply more pressure to stubbornly stubbly areas.  After rinsing, my legs were left feeling beautifully smooth and fuzz free, and completely soft and hydrated - no dryness, and no irritation to be found.  

I'll definitely be repurchasing this - in the small size for travel, and in the large size to leave on the side of my bath forevermore.  If you'd like to try it for yourself, you'll find the FAB range at Boots, both in store and online - the travel size 60ml Smooth Shave Cream will cost you £5.50, and the large 200ml size will cost £12.

* This statistic may quite possibly be scientifically inaccurate.

Review: Remington Cordless Lady Shaver

Disclosure: PR sample

Whilst I love having smooth legs and armpits, I really hate shaving.  I've long been annoyed by the insanely high price of razors and blades, and given my epic clumsiness, am well used to nicking myself on the ankle.  I'd not really explored the electric shaver area as I thought that they looked like a bit of a faff compared to the quick zip-zip-zip shaving action of a traditional razor - so when I received Remington's Cordless Lady Shaver to test, I wasn't entirely convinced I'd like it.

The shaver itself is a fairly functional looking thing, with the only interesting accent being the lilac power switch.  Gently curved, it fits well in the hand and is easy to hold and control - even when your hands are slippery in the shower or bath.  And whilst it's safe to use in both the shower and the bath, the biggest benefit of the shaver (for me at least) is that it can also be used on dry skin.

I'm a bit forgetful, and I've lost count of the number of times I've been getting ready for work, ready to brave the summer weather with bare legs, and realised that I could do with shaving my legs.  I then have to half-undress, hop into the bath, and quickly shave and rinse down my legs, adding minutes to my already cramped morning routine.  This shaver, then, with its lovely foil, is perfect in that it allows me to give my legs a quick going over without hopping into the bath and lathering up - which is a definite time saver (shaver?) if you're in a rush.

As lovely as no-soap shaving is for your legs, I'd definitely not recommend it on your armpits - I've had a go, in the interests of scientific testing, and found that I ended up with some very irritated and very red armpit skin.  Ouch.  A bit of lubrication is definitely needed for pits and other, ahem, sensitive areas.

At £29.99, it's not particularly expensive compared to a razor - with a pack of eight blades costing around £17 (£17!!!) and a razor body costing £4.  I can sometimes get through razorblades at an alarming rate in the summer (not least because I lose them in the bathroom cupboard), and the replaceable bits on the shaver only need replacing every six months or so, making it a good value for money purchase.

That sense of value, and the fact that I've yet to cut myself whilst shaving with it, pretty much means that I'm now a convert to the Cult of Shaver.  Granted, it's not quite as quick as a traditional razor with sharp blade - you have to go more slowly, and often a couple of times up each leg - but the lack of blood and expensive razorblades makes this little unit a winner in my book.

If you'd like to try the Remington Cordless Lady Shaver out for yourself, you'll find it in many an electrical store, and online via Tesco Direct, where it will cost arund £30.

What do you think?  Are you more fond of a razor or do you have a shaver?  Let us know in the comments!