While it may sound a bit odd, I dread shaving. Growing up, I thought there couldn’t be much worse than shaving, especially when I saw my older brothers coming out of the bathroom with tissue paper all over their faces. Logically little me only came up with one solution – my brothers were absolutely insane. Why would anyone WILLINGLY put a razor up to their face? Well, I quickly got an understanding when I started getting annoying fuzz on my legs, underarms, and girly areas. I still remember fighting with my mother when she told me I had to shave before going swimming. From that point on, I was determined that shaving was some cruel joke that guys created to get back at women – like panty hose!

I was even more disappointed when I learned that people in Europe shaved too. Yup, I believed one of my older brothers when they told me European’s didn’t shave.  While I still hate shaving as an adult, I am always willing to try new products to see if they make my life just a little bit easier. Recently through Influenster.com, I had the opportunity to try out one of the Gillette Venus Embrace.  Having used the Gillette Venus Divine for years, I really wasn’t expecting much out of this razor, but I thought I would give it a shot and let me readers know if this razor was worth the extra money. 

Venus Embrace Razor: Features

If there is one thing I have learned about women’s razors over the years it is that they are usually not worth the extra money. You usually end up with a pretty razor that is designed to be girly, making it twice the cost of a men’s razor. Usually, these razors only have three to four blades, just like most disposable men’s razors.  Just like men’s razors, they will tear you apart, leaving you feel uncomfortable with wearing a skirt for days.  What makes the Venus Embrace different from its competition is that it is like a high end men’s disposable razor, having 5 blades on the head of the razor itself. As well, this razor has two moisture strips on the top and bottom of the razor, giving those with sensitive skin a bit more protection. When it comes to the razor handle itself, it has to be one of my favorites, with a soft, no slip grip that is perfect for those of us who shave in the shower.

Venus Embrace Razor: Usability

I have to admit, I am fairly impressed with the Venus Embrace Razor. The head of this razor is the only I have ever tried that truly follows the curves of your body. In all honesty, it took me a few moments to figure out to properly use this razor since it has a very unique head. Rather than using a traditional up and down method, you very carefully move the handle of the razor, letting the head following the curves of your body. Rather than going up and down, the razor lets you move he head at a 45 degree angle against your leg, giving you a smoother, gentler cut that is perfect for those of us with sensitive skin. From what I have personally seen, the five extra blades also give you a truly up close and personal shave. I tested this razor on my legs, arms, underarms, and my bikini areas. In one stroke, I had very smooth legs.

Venus Embrace Razor: Comfort

While the Venus Embrace Razor gives you a very comfortable shave, I have to admit, the blades aren’t my favorite. I only used the blade that came with the Embrace three times before I replaced it with the Venus and Olay refill that was included in my Influenster.com Cosmo Box. Yes, the official Embrace cartridge gives you a very close shave, but did cause razor burn and little cuts all over my legs. While it was perfect for a bikini cut, it was just a little too sharp for everyday use. I have to say, however, that the Venus Embrace’s actual razor handle is amazing, however, since I love how it contours to your body and is very easy to hold while shaving in the shower.

Venus Embrace Razor: Venus and Olay Refill Head

What really made the Venus Embrace Razor amazing for me, however, was the Venus and Olay refill. One of the things I love about all Venus razors, especially the Venus Embrace, is that the razor refills are interchangeable. It doesn’t matter what head you decide to use, allowing you to use your favorite handle. From the moment I tried the new Venus and Olay head, I immediately fell in love with this razor. This razor head has an Olay Moisture bar on the top of the razor and a skin conditioning bar on the other. This unique combination allows you to shave without using shaving cream, and gives you smooth, soft skin that you normally only get after waxing. All of my shaveable areas after using this head were soft and smooth, giving me more confidence and making me a very happy camper!  

One of the largest complaints I have seen online with the Venus and Olay refill is that it doesn’t last long. From the moment I took it out of the package, I was worried that both of the strips would dissolve after a few uses. So far, I have been using this head for two weeks and the bar is still going strong. I really am not sure why so many women are having issues. The only issue I have with the razors is that they seem very pricey – being anywhere from $5 – $6 a head. This seems very expensive, until you realize that these heads allow you to stop buying cream. To me, having the extra room in the shower is worth it, especially with how wonderful my legs feel after the shaving. Really, I couldn’t think of anything better to use than the Venus and Olay refill, especially since it has the Venus Embrace razor’s signature 5 blades!

Venus Embrace Razor: Overall

Overall, I have to say that I like the Venus Embrace razor. While I may not a big fan of its normal heads, it is truly a remarkable razor with the Venus and Olay refill heads. With this razor and head, I truly look forward to shaving since it is no longer a painful and annoying experience. To me at least the extra cost is worth it since I have silky feeling legs without cuts or razor burn. Overall, I would give the Venus Embrace razor itself an B rating (as I said, I dislike the razor that comes with it) and the Venus and Olay refill heads an A+. If you would like to try these razors for yourself, you can purchase these razor’s on Amazon or at your favorite retailer. I noticed on Amazon that they are selling a Venus and Olay razor and head set, but I have not tried the razor handle. If it’s anything like the normal handle for the Venus Embrace, however, I don’t think you will be disappointed! To learn more abou Venus and their line of products, make sure to check out the official Gillette Venus website.

Disclosure: Mew Review did not receive monetary compensation for this review, but did receive a Venus Embrace Razor & Venus & Olay head for review purposes via influenster.com in their latest Cosmo VoxBox. All of the opinions on this blog are the opinions of said author and these opinions may differ from your own.

About Susan Bewley

Susan Bewley is a professional writer and blogger who has been writing content online and in private print format for the past decade. When not writing for Budget Earth or Mew Review, she can be found busily working at her professional copywriting company - The Muses Pen.