And manufacturers prefer the term shaver—every model we tested for this guide is described as such on its packaging. We first tested the Panasonic Arc5 in 2015, then tried it again against our top pick, the Braun Series 7, in 2021. This top-of-the-line Panasonic shaver includes a total of five blades—a quartet of foils and a single oscillating lift-and-cut center trimmer. The Arc5 is quieter than the Series 7, but the noise it does make is much higher pitched, which some may find annoying. If you find that Braun models aren’t working for you, the Arc5 might be a better option for your skin or hair type. Based on our research and testing, we believe a foil shaver produces a better shave for most facial hair.
Simply remove the head of the shaver and rinse it under water. It delivers a smooth, quick shave that no other sub-$100 razor could top. Its features are minimal, Braun Series 5 but it includes essentials like a battery meter and a trimmer for beard touch-ups. It has a charging time of 2 hours and a cordless runtime of 60 minutes.
Foil-based systems use one or more cutting blocks mounted beneath the thin metal head. The foil’s perforations guide the whiskers into the block, where a pair of opposing blades slice them off. The action is more like what you’d get from a pair of scissors than from a knife. Rotary shavers use similar perforated surfaces to guide whiskers toward their cutters, but instead of snipping, hundreds of tiny blades slice hairs with a circular motion.
It also has AutoSensing technology that reads your beard thickness 13 times per second and adjusts the power of its motor automatically to ensure an even trim without a lot of effort. Post-shave, make sure to follow up with Philips Norelco Shaver a soothing and hydrating body lotion to calm your skin and lock in moisture. It’s also important to abide by some best practices beyond shaving days. This includes regularly moisturizing the skin and regular exfoliation.
With this multifunctional shaver, you can try on shaving different body parts efficiently and conveniently. The device is waterproof and can be used with anti-slip grip to prevent slipping over the skin. To achieve the best results and truly reduce irritation while using an electric shaver, prepping your skin is essential. In fact, Dr. King recommends reserving a solid 10 minutes of prep time prior to shaving in order to properly soften the outer layer of skin. If you’re using a dry electric shaver, make sure to moisten your skin with warm water so that your hair is easier to shave.