Philips Bikini Genie Bikini Trimmer BRT382/15 Review. Philips trimmer for women

Philips Bikini Genie Bikini Trimmer BRT382/15 Review

How are you all doing? Wish a very happy and prosperous New Year to all the readers of IMBB. New Year always excites me, new diary, new calendar, new resolutions. Please share your New Year resolutions with me, I love hearing others’ resolution. This year, I have started writing a personal diary. Every year I think about it, but somehow don’t execute the plan. But this year, I have decided that I am surely going to do it.

Product Description: A fantastic bikini trimmer has been introduced by Philips to give you a safe and easy experience. The new Philips BRT382/15 Bikini Trimmer gives you the perfect bikini line with its advance features. It comes with rounded hair tips and 3 mm length trimming comb that safely removes the hair down there. For a close shave, it comes with mini shaver head that can be used after shortening hairs with the trimmer.

Attachments: Click–on Trimming Comb: Click–on the trimming comb to the trimming head and precisely trim your hair to 3 mm length. Bikini Trimming Head: For an even groomed look, the bikini trimming head trims down the hair to 0.5 mm. Mini Shaving Head: After using the trimming head, use the mini shaving head for a beautifully bare shave.

Price: Rs. 2095/-, but you can easily get it at a discounted price if you order the product online.

Packaging: The product comes in a cardboard box which includes Trimmer Head, Trimming Comb, Trimming Head, Shaving Head, Cleaning Brush, Battery and Storage Pouch.

My Experience with Philips Bikini Genie Bikini Trimmer BRT382/15:

I thought once, twice, thrice…infact infinite times before ordering this trimmer. I read all of its available reviews on Google, watched videos on YouTube, consulted few of my friends. After a brief investigation and research, I finally bought this trimmer and I must confess that this is one of the best investments I have made in my entire life.

I used to shave my pubic hair with razor which would always end up with cuts and rashes. Visiting a parlour for waxing that delicate area was never my cup of tea. I can’t even imagine to bear all the pain involved in this whole process. This “Genie” entered my life as a saviour and saved me from all those pain, cuts and rashes.

The trimmer is designed in such a way that it easily removes the hair without taking much time. The three attachments make sure that you get exactly the length which you want trim or shave. If you use the trimmer with the comb, it will trim the hair upto the length of 3 mm. If you use the trimmer without the comb, it will trim the hair upto the length of 0.5 mm. There is another attachment of a shaving head, which helps in removing the hair and helps in giving a smoother finish.

Before using it, I was bit uncertain that whether I would be able to handle it or not, but thankfully I used it perfectly in one go. Now using it seems so easy peasy and hassle free. Before using it, we need to insert the battery in the trimmer and attach the attachment according to the length we want trim/shave.

The whole process does not take more than 10 minutes. The best part is that we can use it inside the shower as well as outside the shower. It works equally well on dry skin. We don’t need to wet the area before shaving. The trimmer safely trims the hair without giving any cut or injury in return.

I have also used it couple of times to remove my underarm hair, and it has given me satisfactory results. The cleaning process is also easy and convenient. You can either clean it with the brush which comes with the trimmer or you can wash it with water. Overall, it is a hassle-free trimmer to clean that delicate and sensitive area. It is damn easy to use it, and to clean it.

Pros of Philips Bikini Genie Bikini Trimmer BRT382/15:

Easy to handle Removes hair without pain Can be used on dry skin as well Effectively removes the hair Doesn’t give any cut or rashes Comes with three different heads for different lengths Doesn’t take much time Is operated by battery Is travel friendly Cleaning the head is easy

Cons of Philips Bikini Genie Bikini Trimmer BRT382/15:

IMBB Rating: 4.5/5 (0.5 is deducted for the price)

Would I Repurchase Philips Bikini Genie Bikini Trimmer BRT382/15? I don’t think that I’ll need to buy a new trimmer soon as it will accompany me for a long time.

Would I Recommend Philips Bikini Genie Bikini Trimmer BRT382/15? Do I need to even answer that question? I think I have already said a lot about this genius product. I wonder why I didn’t order it 4-5 years back. If you are fed up of using dangerous razors and want to say goodbye to all the pain and efforts involved in the process of hair removing, then this is the only product which can save you.

Philips vs Braun: Which electric shaver should I choose?

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When it comes to buying the best electric shaver, there are really only two brands to consider. These are Braun and Philips, heavyweights of the industry who have produced top-notch shavers across a broad range of for years.

Those who value great industrial design above all else might opt for Braun on the basis of looks – and the allure of buying into the Dieter Rams legend – alone. But we recommend you put your facial hair type, potential for skin irritation, demands from a shaver and budget at the top of your list of priorities.

Braun vs Philips: What’s the difference?

There is one fundamental difference between Braun and Philips electric shavers, and that is their design. Braun shavers use a foil design, while Philips makes rotary shavers. Both aim to cut your facial hair as closely as possible, with as little skin irritation as possible, but they go about it quite different ways.

Let’s look at Braun’s foil design first. A foil shaver uses one or more metal bars that are covered in tiny holes and which catch hairs as the head of the shaver is drawn across your skin. Once fed into the holes of these bars, which form the foil, the hairs are neatly clipped by a blade beneath.

Foil shavers work best when used in one direction, so you’ll find yourself shaving in straight lines, repeating the same action in the same direction until your face is silky smooth. It’s a lot like shaving with a manual blade, but faster, more efficient and with a far smaller chance of cutting your skin.

Rotary shavers, like those predominantly used by Philips, still use a blade to cut your hair, but they do so through one or more (often three) circular foil pods. There are multiple blades beneath these pods, with hair fed into them at any angle. So instead of running the shaver up and down your face in straight lines, the rotary shaver can be rubbed over the skin at any angle, and often in circles.

These types of shavers tend to be best for those with coarse hair that grows in multiple directions, as these hairs are more likely to be missed by a foil shaver travelling in one direction.

Both types of shaver will eventually need their shaving surfaces replaced, which means new shaving heads every two years for Philips rotary shavers and new foils every 18 months for Braun models. Both replacements tend to cost in the region of £50.

Braun vs Philips: Features to expect

As with most products, the more you spend the more features you get. Key features to look out for on electric shavers include battery life and charge time, water resistance (so you can use it in the shower, for example), and whether the shaver includes an integrated or attachable beard trimmer. Naturally the former is more convenient and less likely to be misplaced.

For foil shavers, you’ll want to look out for the number of foils or bars, as more of those effectively means a larger shaving surface and more hairs fed into the blade at once. The equivalent for Philips rotary shavers is how many rotor heads the shaver has.

For both types of shaver you should look at how flexible the shaving surface is, as more movement means it’ll do a better job of closely following the contours of your face, giving a closer and more consistent shave.

Features on more expensive shavers include wireless charging docks, digital displays to show shaving mode and battery life – and if you want something a bit left-field, there’s even the Braun CoolTec CT2CC and its fridge-like electro-mechanical ceramic cooling strip.

Braun vs Philips: Performance potential

For a deep dive into what’s available today, check out our guide to the best electric shavers of 2023, which includes lots of examples from both Braun and Philips.

For a snapshot of what to expect from your new electric shaver, closeness and easy-of-use are the benefits you’ll notice right away. Whether you go for Braun or Philips, modern shavers are good at shaving very closely and, crucially, without causing skin irritation.

Models with more foil bars or more rotary shaving heads will offer better performance and likely mean a shave that is cleaner and closer, but also quicker with less need to go over the same area over and over again.

Battery life tends to range from about 45 minutes to over two hours, with 50 minutes being most common. Most of today’s shavers from both Braun and Philips can be given a decent amount of charge in about an hour, but you’ll be looking at three hours for the Philips Series 9000 Prestige and its wireless charger.

Braun vs Philips: Which brand should I buy?

The brand you choose should come down to which type of shaver you prefer; foil or rotary. We tend to prefer foil shavers overall, and these are generally best for users with sensitive skin. Rotary shavers can perform better on thicker, coarser stubble and are a good option if you are prone to ingrown hairs. Rotary shavers are also best if you’re wanting to use the shaver on your body and head as well as your face.

That said, our current favourite shaver is the foil-style Braun Series 9 9390CC, thanks to its great performance on longer stubble, titanium-tipped blades and good battery life with speedy charging. Behind that (but still awarded the full five stars and crowned a T3 Awards winner) is the aforementioned rotary-style Philips Series 9000 Prestige. For those on a tighter budget, we also highly recommend the rotary-style Philips Series 9000 S9711/31.

The 7 Best Bikini Trimmers of 2023 That Will Leave Your Skin Irritation-Free

Touching up your bikini line is now a quick and easy process.

Alexis is a writer and editor who is obsessed with beauty and skincare. If you’re into it, she’s tried it. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Allure, Vanity Fair and other media outlets.

In This Article

Summer is near, which means you’re probably thinking about spending lots of time in the sun. If you’re looking to escape the cold and head to the beach, pool, or anywhere else you might be donning a swimsuit, dealing with your bikini line is undoubtedly on your mind. There aren’t many pleasant options for managing unwanted hair in the area — waxes can be painful and razors can trigger bumps and sensitivity. Although there are alternatives, such as laser treatments or the (somewhat) less painful sugar wax, they require monthly management to maintain your results. But that’s where at-home bikini trimmers come in handy.

Bikini trimmers have an answer to all of these woes: You control the maintenance schedule (all you have to do is make sure it’s charged), so if you prefer a totally clean canvas, its within your reach (literally). And best of all, it can be done in less than 10 minutes from the comfort of your own home. Bikini trimmers are also a gift from heaven for anyone with sensitive skin or prone to ingrown hairs, as the trimmers glide across your skin.

Best Overall

Bushbalm The Francesca Body Bikini Trimmer

What We Love: It’s water-resistant and rechargeable.

What We Don’t Love: There are no refill blades.

Bushbalm’s Body Bikini trimmer is a triple threat — it’s waterproof, rechargeable and boosts a whopping five hour battery life. Equipped with a USB cord, it’s easy to charge and take on vacation in case you need to do touch-ups before hitting the beach or pool. It’s versatile and easy to use because you can take it in the shower with you. It has an adjustable guard, so you can use it for three different hair lengths. Plus, you can use it beyond your bikini line. Consider it your partner-in-crime for your legs and underarms, too.

Price at time of publish: 49

Battery Type: USB cord; 5-hour battery life | Features: 6,000 RPM motor, pre-wax and shaving guard, travel bag, cleaning brush, lubricant | Number of Razors: 1

Best Budget

Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Razor with Bikini Trimmer

What We Love: There are multiple replaceable blades inside. It’s also a razor and trimmer built-in-one.

What We Don’t Love: It requires batteries to use.

The Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle is a perfect tool if you’re new to the bikini trimmer world and looking to dive in. Doubling as a razor and a waterproof bikini line trimmer, this device is a classic go-to for people who just want a simple tool they can grab for quick touch-ups in or out of the shower. At an affordable price, this razor comes with an adjustable comb that has four settings you can use to flexibly customize your trim length for a clean look and feel.

Price at time of publish: 17

Battery Type: AAA batteries; 2-hour battery life | Features: Razor with hydrating serum, adjustable combs | Number of Razors: 5

Best for Sensitive Skin

Panasonic Close Curves Razor ES-WL60-G

What We Love: There’s three razors on one shaver to get the closest shave possible.

What We Don’t Love: You only get 35-minutes of battery life.

With a three-blade shaver, the Panasonic Close Curves Razor is perfect if you’re looking for a safe and gentle trim and shave that hugs your curves and. The reusable and rechargeable razor works well against your skin to eliminate skin irritation and cut down on waste that’s often created with disposable razors. The device makes it easy to shave and trim in a back-and-forth motion, eliminating razor bumps if you have sensitive skin. It’s versatile, too. You can use it in your shower or on dry skin.

Price at time of publish: 30

Battery Type: Rechargeable; 35-minute battery life | Features: Cleaning brush, protective cap, charging stand, travel bag, trimmer holder | Number of Razors: 3

Best for Beginners

Brori Electric Razor for Women

What We Love: It’s easy to hold and offers a close shave without the noise.

What We Don’t Love: The blade is difficult to remove during cleaning.

If you’re looking for a device that makes very little noise but gives you a close shave, go with the Brori Electric Razor. It comes in a fun mint green color (along with other pastel shades) and with three razor blades and an LED light to help you hit blind spots, it won’t disappoint. You can use it beyond your bikini line and with the ability to recharge it with a USB cord — with a charging stand – you won’t have to worry about it dying on you.

Price at time of publish: 36

Battery Type: USB charging stand; 60-minute battery life | Features: Built-in LED light, carrying bag, cleaning brush, guide comb, charging cable | Number of Razors: 1

Best for Travel

Philips Beauty BikiniGenie Cordless Bikini Trimmer

What We Love: The design is compact and lightweight enough for travel.

What We Don’t Love: It’s only good for dry shaves — you’re unable to bring it in the shower.

If you’re looking for something that’s portable and easy with a low price tag, the Philips Bikini Genie is a great place to start. With two click-on trimming combs and a mini shaving head, you can trim your bikini line at different lengths and use the mini shaver to reach the spots where you hardly have any hair. The trimmer also comes with a travel pouch and brush, so you can take the device with you anywhere you go.

Price at time of publish: 24

Battery Type: AA batteries | Features: Cleaning brush, storage pouch, 2 trimming combs, mini shaver head | Number of Razors: 1

Best Kit

Remington Smooth Silky Body Bikini Kit White/Pink

What We Love: It comes with all the essentials you’ll need for a smooth shave.

What We Don’t Love: There is no charger; it only uses batteries.

With three attachments and a travel pouch, Remington’s Smooth Silky Women’s Body and Bikini Grooming Kit is a force. Before you trim, use the exfoliator attachment for easy scrubbing that will expertly prep your skin. The body trimmer attachment is perfect for quick touch-ups, while the foil shaver is ideal for spots that need more attention with close and comfortable trimming. You can use the trimmer in wet or dry situations, making it a versatile go-to for a close and clean trim.

Price at time of publish: 20

Battery Type: AA battery | Features: Foil shaver, rotating exfoliator, adjustable length guide, travel bag | Number of Razors: 1

Best for Thick Hair

Meridian The Trimmer

What We Love: The trimmer offers a really close shave, regardless of the hair type and the area you’re treating.

What We Don’t Love: It’s easy to clean, but it’s difficult to get fine hair out of the razor.

Meridian Grooming’s trimmer is pricey, but it’s worth it for the cuts and nicks it’ll help you avoid. It’s equipped to tackle all kinds of hair – from fine and straight to coarse and curly. With this powerhouse of a device, you won’t have to worry about the uncomfortable pulling or snagging that often comes with trimming your bikini line. That means razor burn and uncomfortable bumps won’t be part of the equation. It’s not on the cheap side when it comes to bikini trimmers, but it’s worth it. The trimmer comes equipped with two adjustable guide combs, a handy cleaning brush and a USB charger.

Price at time of publish: 74

Battery Type: USB-C charging cable; 90-minute battery life | Features: 2 adjustable guide combs, cleaning brush | Number of Razors: 2

What to Keep in Mind

Blades

It’s important to use blades that are sharp and high-quality so you can avoid cutting yourself and irritating your skin. There are two types of trimmers, and the blade length you choose makes a difference. If you have an adjustable trimmer, you can choose the length of hair that the trimmer will snip. With a fixed trimmer, however, you only have one option when it comes to length.

Charging Method

When it comes to the charging methods for bikini trimmers, ultimately, it’s just a matter of preference. While rechargeable trimmers that come with cords are convenient and easy to use, you could find yourself in a bind if your device dies mid-trim and you have to wait for it to charge.

And while trimmers that use batteries might feel a little more dated, it’s easy to pop in new batteries when your trimmer dies — that is, if you have them on hand. Think about what will work best for you and your lifestyle, and take it from there.

Features

Many of today’s top bikini trimmers offer a range of helpful features. While some are waterproof, so you can trim while you shower, others aren’t, and it’s important to pay attention to this distinction before you make a purchase. Some models also come with safety attachments, various comb heads for different trimming results, and LED lights for improved visibility.

Your Questions, Answered

Are bikini trimmers safe to use?

Overall, bikini trimmers are safe to use, but if they’re not used correctly, they can contribute to cuts, ingrown hairs, scarring and skin irritation, says board certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick.

Trimmers are less likely to cause ingrown hairs when compared to razors, but it’s still a possibility. “Given the skin in the groin area is particularly delicate and sensitive, any injury to the hair can lead to potential hyperpigmentation or scarring,” says Dr. Garshick. “That said, trimmers are considered a good option for those with sensitive skin.”

How should you use a bikini trimmer?

Before you get started, check whether the trimmer is water resistant to determine whether it can be used in the shower or not. If it is not waterproof, you’ll need to use it outside of the shower, although board certified dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano says it’s best to trim the bikini line right after sudsing up to make sure the area is clean and the hairs are softened, which makes them easier to shave down. If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, swap your cleanser for a salicylic- or glycolic acid-based exfoliant to remove any dead skin cells and gunk from the area.

If it is waterproof, you’re free to use it in the shower, although you should still follow the same cleansing steps outlined above before trimming.

The best way to use a bikini trimmer, according to Dr. Garshick, hold the skin taut with one hand while trimming with the other hand to allow for a more consistent and comfortable shave. Also, make sure you shave in the direction of the hair to prevent razor burn or ingrown hairs. Change the razor every two to three weeks.

How should you treat your skin after using a bikini trimmer?

“It’s important to moisturize your skin immediately after using a bikini trimmer,” says board certified dermatologist Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky. “This helps to protect the skin barrier, reduce the risk of razor burn, and decrease the risk of irritation.”

She recommends using a fragrance-free lotion or cream that is labeled as non-comedogenic that will moisturize skin without clogging pores.

Do bikini trimmers leave stubble?

Bikini trimmers typically do leave some stubble since they do not shave as close to the skin as traditional razors do, says Dr. Zubritsky. Trimmers don’t remove the hair entirely — they just cut the hair down to a shorter length. If you’re looking for a completely smooth option, opt for something like waxing or laser hair removal for the best results.

Why Shop With Us

Alexis Benveniste is a freelance writer and editor with more than eight years of experience reporting on beauty and culture. To discover the best bikini trimmers out there and the best way to use them, she interviewed board certified dermatologists Drs. Marisa Garshick, Mamina Turegano and Lindsey Zubritsky.

The Best Bikini Trimmers

W hen it comes to trimming and shaving the delicate bikini area, gentle grooming tools are key — especially for those with sensitive skin. With the help of tender-skinned, irritation-prone testers, we tried out eight of the highest-rated bikini trimmers and bikini razors on the market and selected three standout performers.

W hen it comes to trimming and shaving the delicate bikini area, gentle grooming tools are key — especially for those with sensitive skin. With the help of tender-skinned, irritation-prone testers, we tried out eight of the highest-rated bikini trimmers and bikini razors on the market and selected three standout performers.

The Philips Norelco – GoStyler, a men’s body trimmer with an easy-to-maneuver body and small trimmer head, turned out to be ideal for the bikini area. Our runner-up was the Veet – Sensitive Precision Beauty Styler, a women’s trimmer that cuts hair effortlessly and also wins points for its light, ergonomic design. The Gillette – Mach3 Men’s Razor, another men’s tool, won in the best bikini razor category for its narrow head and extra-close yet gentle shave.

How we selected products to test

We kicked off our research with a visit to Amazon to find out which bikini trimmers and razors were rated the highest by users and why. Then we compiled a list of the features most sought after by women in a trimmer or razor.

Reading through subreddits, trusted product review sites and Amazon customer reviews helped pinpoint the problems faced by users with sensitive skin, as well as the tools they’d personally tried that had provided the smoothest trim or shave with the least irritation.

Given the volume of discussion surrounding how to minimize irritation while trimming and shaving sensitive skin, we decided to dedicate a separate category to the best bikini trimmers and razors for sensitive skin. We also consulted with cosmetologist and skincare expert Sabrina Orchid about her trimming and shaving best practices, and how to avoid irritation.

Once we were fully educated and up to speed on bikini hair removal, we selected five trimmers (three of them designed especially for sensitive skin) and three razors that boasted high customer ratings on Amazon and checked the boxes of our desired features: affordable tools that were easy to hold and maneuver and delivered a quick, close yet gentle shave or trim with minimal nicks or irritation.

Are men’s grooming products better?

While researching women’s bikini trimmers and razors, it was impossible to ignore the number of men’s grooming tools that had received high ratings from women for delivering a smooth, nick-free trim or shave specifically in the bikini area. These products often outranked women’s trimmers and razors designed especially for the pubic area.

This observation begged the inevitable question: Do men’s grooming products deliver a higher quality trim/shave than women’s products? (Spoiler: The answer is yes, according to our tests. Scroll down to see our testing results.) Consumer Reports even noted in their Electric Razor Buying Guide that they’ve chosen not to test any women’s models because they had performed relatively poorly in trials — but that there was no reason why women couldn’t use men’s shavers (insert side-eye here).

According to a study published in 2015 by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, women pay an average of 13 percent more than men for equivalent personal care products and an average of 11 percent more for women’s razor cartridges than men’s cartridges. This phenomenon, dubbed the Pink Tax, has stirred up a good amount of outrage.

A quick search online unearthed long and heated subreddit discussions regarding the superiority of men’s grooming products over women’s — often for a fraction of the price. This was also a recurring theme in Amazon customer reviews of men’s body hair trimmers and razors, in which women often raved about how much better the product in question had performed in comparison to those specifically designed for women.

Women’s brands clearly have some catching up to do when it comes to bikini trimmers and razors. In the meantime, we decided to include three highly rated men’s trimmers and razors (which also passed our testing criteria with flying colors) in our pool of contenders.

Compare the best bikini trimmers and razors

Bikini trimmers

ProductPriceTypeOverall Performance

Bikini trimmers vs. bikini razors

Bikini trimmers

Because trimmers cut hair above the skin, without the blade actually coming in contact with the skin, they’re a great choice for women with sensitive skin. There’s no razor burn to worry about, a smaller chance of irritation or ingrown hairs and virtually zero chance of cutting yourself. With trimmers, women can keep the bikini region neat and groomed without shaving everything off. However, though you can usually choose a hair length setting, you’ll never be able to cut your hair as close as you can with a razor.

Bikini razors

For the purpose of this article, we’re going to FOCUS on the two types of razors best suited for the sensitive bikini area: cartridge razors and electric foil shavers.

Cartridge razors come in 3-blade, 5-blade and even 7-blade varieties, and the number of blades you choose comes down to personal preference. Some razor users claim that less blades scraping the skin equals less irritation; others say that razors with more blades reduce the number of swipes required for a smooth, irritation-free shave. Cartridge razors are a good choice for women who want a close, baby-smooth shave.

The “foil” in the head of an electric foil shaver is a thin, perforated sheet of metal covering the razor itself where hairs enter the shaver and are cut by the oscillating blades underneath. Because only the foil comes in contact with the skin — never the actual blades — electric foil shavers tend to cause less irritation than cartridge razors.

Some electric razors are wet/dry, which means you can either use them on dry skin or wet with shaving cream, which typically gives a closer shave. Electric foil razors are convenient and great for traveling (or anytime you don’t have access to a shower); however, they usually don’t deliver as close of a shave as cartridge razors.

Whether you choose to use trimmers or a razor for your bikini area, when you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to trim hair down with scissors to about a quarter of an inch, which prevents your trimmers or razor from getting clogged.

Trimming and shaving tips for sensitive skin

Our bikini-area skincare expert, Sabrina, recommends dedicating one razor to the bikini area only, rather than using the same tool for bikini, legs and underarms. In her own experience, she has also had better luck using a shaving cream instead of a gel.

“My two go-to shave creams are Coochy Oh So Smooth Shave Cream and Cremo,” says Sabrina. “Apply the cream first thing when you get in the shower, wait to shave last in your routine, apply the cream again and shave. Doing this will help make sure the hair is as soft as possible and the skin is prepped.”

Sabrina also points out that tending to your skin outside of the shower pays off in a big way when grooming the bikini area. “Dry brushing can help beforehand, as well as using witch hazel after to help calm skin. To prevent ingrowns, I use PFB Vanish Chromabright. If you have extra sensitive skin, make sure to toss or change out your razor blades weekly, and store your razor outside of the shower.”

Important features to consider

Wet vs. dry

When choosing the best bikini line trimmer for you, it’s important to note that many electric trimmers and razors advertised as “waterproof” are not actually impervious to water. Even if the product box is plastered with terms like “water-resistant,” “shower-ready” and “waterproof,” we recommend reading the manufacturer’s instructions or even contacting customer service before taking your trimmer or shaver into the shower with you.

While some electric trimmers and razors are truly waterproof, be forewarned that the majority are only intended for dry trimming and shaving, sometimes with the option to detach and rinse the head under running water.

Trimmer skin guards/combs and hair-length settings

To achieve your desired hair length and keep your tool’s blade from touching skin, bikini trimmers will either feature a built-in skin guard/comb that can be clicked into various hair length settings or include separate, manually attachable combs of different lengths. Some skin guards/combs feature rounded tips for an extra-gentle glide — a bonus for those with sensitive skin.

When selecting your trimmer, consider how closely you want to trim your hair down there. Are you aiming for a super close trim? Happy to keep things neat and tidy, but not super short? Or do you want the option of achieving different lengths, depending on the season?

Blade type

The best bikini trimmer for sensitive skin will have hypoallergenic, stainless steel blades and foils, to avoid redness and irritation. Bikini razor blades generally fall into two categories: stainless steel and carbon steel, which should be avoided since it tends to rust. Many razors also feature lubricating strips, which are intended to keep skin moisturized as you shave.

Size and maneuverability

The bikini zone is one area where an easily maneuverable razor or trimmer is vital. We recommend using slim, compact, lightweight grooming tools and razors with heads that aren’t too wide (no more than 3 centimeters, including attachments) so you can access hard-to-reach spots.

Ease of cleaning

As we noted above, some water-resistant bikini razors and trimmers require you to detach the head to rinse them under water, while others are watertight and can just be rinsed off quickly while still intact. Most come with a cleaning brush to help remove tiny hairs from the head. Razors with moisturizing strips can be tougher to clean, since they often end up with more gunk to remove from the blades.

How we tested

To test our lineup of eight bikini trimmers and razors, we recruited female testers with especially sensitive skin who had been through the gamut of ingrown hairs, red bumps and general irritation. Our sensitive-skin warriors rated the trimmers and razors on a scale of 1 to 10, using the following metrics.

Hair-cutting performance

• How well does this trimmer/razor groom your bikini area to your liking?
• How close of a shave does this razor deliver? Any irritation or nicks?
• How well do the skin guards/combs perform?
• How effective is this tool’s blade? Do you only need to go over an area once, twice or several times?

Effect on skin

• How gentle is the blade on skin? Any irritation, bumps or redness?
• What is the effect of this tool’s skin guard/comb on your skin? Any irritation?

Maneuverability and ease of use

• How easy is it to grip this tool while shaving?
• How would you rate the tool’s size, in terms of ease of use?
• Does it reach the areas you want to shave or trim?
• How easy is it to clean this tool after use?

Price

• Do you think this tool is worth its listed price?
• Would you buy this tool yourself, based on its performance and listed price?

Best for sensitive skin: Philips Norelco

After mowing our way through eight contenders for the best women’s bikini trimmer, the Philips – Norelco GoStyler — a grooming tool marketed specifically toward men — was the standout performer, checking off all of our testing criteria and then some.

Although it was neck and neck with the Veet – Sensitive Precision Beauty Styler, the GoStyler’s winning feature was its capacity to trim all the way down to 1 millimeter — shorter than any lengths offered by the other trimmers. Offering interchangeable 3-millimeter and 5-millimeter combs as well, the GoStyler caters equally to those who want the closest trim possible without shaving, as well as users who prefer a longer, more natural groom.

The GoStyler features stainless steel blades that cut easily and efficiently, requiring only one or two swipes over an area to trim hair to the desired length. Although the GoStyler’s advertising specifically touts its “DualCut” technology (basically, two blades in the head that move speedily from side to side to trim hair), most of the trimmers we tested also featured a two-bladed design.

We experienced zero pulling or irritation during our trimming sessions with the GoStyler, with no nicks to speak of. The buzzing noise produced by this trimmer is not ideal; however, all of the trimmers we tested left something to be desired, decibel-wise.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Philips Norelco. GoStyler

Our top trimmer pick won us over with its narrow trimmer head, easily maneuverable lightweight body and smooth, efficient trim, cutting down to 1 millimeter and up to 5 millimeters.

In a sea of glossy pink, white and lavender women’s trimmers, the GoStyler’s matte black-and-red color scheme is certainly more subdued. Its lightweight, slender body (about 17 centimeters long, with the circumference of an electric toothbrush) fit effortlessly in our hand and was easy to maneuver; the handle’s textured, rubberized surface also provided good grip.

With the comb attached, the end of the GoStyler’s trimmer head was one of two tools we tested that were only 27 millimeters wide (the other was the Veet model). Whereas some of the other trimmers were much too wide for the bikini area, the head of the GoStyler felt appropriately narrow, giving us the option to do more detailed trimming.

According to the manufacturer, the GoStyler is watertight; however, Philips advises against using it under wet conditions because “wet hairs cannot be lifted by the comb properly.” In any case, the trimmer can be rinsed under water and used in the shower if you choose to risk wetting your hairs.

Though this review is focused on its trimming capabilities, it’s worth noting that the GoStyler also comes with a “detail shaver” head — a floating foil-style electric razor head that could be handy for cleaning up the bikini line (though you won’t get as close a shave as you will with a cartridge razor like the Gillette Mach3).

The trimmer also comes with a cleaning brush and AA battery, and Philips offers a 45-day money-back guarantee and full 2-year warranty. With its sleek shape, efficient blade and superb maneuverability, the GoStyler feels high-end and expensive for its 19.95 price tag.

• Though it’s designed for men’s use, the Philips Norelco – GoStyler is our top trimmer choice for the women’s bikini area, delivering a smooth, effortless trim that can be adjusted down to 1 millimeter.
• With 3- and 5-millimeter hair-length options as well, the GoStyler is a good choice for a variety of trimming preferences.
• The GoStyler is truly watertight; it can be used in the shower and rinsed with water.

Runner-up: Veet – Precision Beauty Styler

Our runner-up for best trimmer is the Veet – Sensitive Precision Beauty Styler. In many aspects, the Veet trimmer is like the Philips Norelco – GoStyler’s fraternal twin, delivering the same excellent performance in a glossy pink-and-white package.

Like the GoStyler, the Veet model includes interchangeable combs, though with two length options instead of three: 2 millimeters and 4 millimeters. While the GoStyler features a fully rubberized, textured surface for grip, the Veet model is only partially covered with textured rubber, making it slightly tougher to hang on to. However, it did feel slightly more lightweight in our hand than the GoStyler.

The Veet tool trimmed our bikini area smoothly, requiring only a couple of passes down each “trimming path” to groom the hair to our liking. We didn’t experience any tugging or nicks, and our skin wasn’t irritated or red afterward.

According to the manufacturer, the Veet is a truly wet/dry trimmer. The buzz that emanates from the trimmer is on par with the GoStyler — it’s not obnoxiously loud, but it will make its presence known in your bathroom. In an ironic twist, the femininely designed Veet model’s whine is lower-pitched than the masculine GoStyler.

Runner-up: Veet. Precision Beauty Styler

Our second-place trimmer cuts hair down to either 2 or 4 millimeters with just a couple of strokes, with a lightweight, ergonomic waterproof body that’s a cinch to maneuver.

Like the GoStyler, the Veet feels like a petite, lightweight electric toothbrush in the hand and is easy to hold and maneuver. Its front is coated with rubber for grip, and we wish the back was as well; the shiny white plastic is pretty to look at, but counterintuitive for a non-slip tool. However, the Veet makes up for it with a slightly flatter and wider body, which feels more ergonomic to hold than the GoStyler. With its 27-millimeter head width (with comb attached), this trimmer is narrow enough to maneuver the difficult curves of the bikini area.

Like the GoStyler, the Veet trimmer kit includes an additional head option — a two-sided eyebrow trimmer with 16-millimeter and 6-millimeter hair length options, as well as an attachable eyebrow comb that shortens the length to 2 or 4 millimeters. An AA battery is also included, as well as a cleaning brush. The whole set comes in a clear pink zippered pouch, which is handy for travel. At around 20, the Veet trimmer kit is well-priced for its value, though it doesn’t come with a warranty.

• The Veet – Sensitive Precision Beauty Styler trimmed smoothly and efficiently, with no pulling and no irritation afterwards.
• This tool’s easily maneuverable design features a slightly flatter body that’s particularly comfortable to hold.
• Truly waterproof, the Veet trimmer can be used in the shower.

Best bikini razor: Gillette – Mach3

Another men’s grooming tool, the Gillette – Mach3 Men’s Razor, is our pick for the best bikini line razor. The Mach 3 has received many endorsements from women for its efficient, gentle, top-notch shave.

The Mach3’s three stainless-steel blades glide effortlessly over the skin of the bikini area, with no roughness or feeling of “catching” on the hairs. After passing the razor over each area once or twice, our skin was literally as smooth as a baby’s bottom. We only nicked ourselves once when, accustomed to shaving with less capable razors, we pressed down too hard mid-swipe. Clearly, the Mach3 requires zero pressure to produce a super-close shave.

Besides that hiccup, we found this men’s razor to be very gentle on the bikini area. Our tester, who has extremely sensitive skin and is prone to red bumps and ingrown hairs, saw no signs of irritation other than three minor bumps the day after she shaved.

Best Bikini Razor. Gillette. Mach3

Narrow, compact and easy to maneuver, the Mach3 Men’s Razor gave us a smooth, super-close shave in the bikini area with minimal irritation.

In a world of bulky cartridge mega-razors loaded with up to seven blades, the Mach3’s slender, lightweight handle and narrow three-bladed head are ideal for hard-to-reach parts of the bikini area. The rubberized grips on its 14-centimeter chrome handle make it easy to hold on to in the shower, and because its pivoting head measures just 4 centimeters across, we were able to access all the areas we wanted to shave.

Bonus: Since the Mach3 only has three blades, with more space between them than what you’d find in a 5 or 7-blade razor, it rinsed easily after shaving. The Mach3 is priced at around 8 with cartridges running about 2 a pop.

• Unlike some bulky bikini razors that were supposedly designed for the difficult-to-navigate pubic area, the Gillette – Mach3 Men’s Razor has a compact, narrow head and slim body that make it easy to reach tough spots.
• The Mach3’s three stainless-steel blades gave us an incredibly close shave.
• Our sensitive-skinned testers experienced minimal irritation after shaving with the Mach3.

The bottom line

After testing a lineup of both women’s and men’s trimmers and razors on the bikini zone, we were most impressed with the men’s tools for grooming the area gently yet effectively. The narrow and efficient Philips Norelco – GoStyler gave us a fast and tidy trim, cutting our hair all the way down to 1, 3 or 5 millimeters with no irritation. Simple to hold and maneuver, the GoStyler won us over with its easy to grip, rubberized body and the closest trim of all the tools we tried.

Our second choice, the Veet – Sensitive Precision Beauty Styler, performed as well as the GoStyler, with the option to trim hair down to 2 or 4 millimeters. While its body was only partially covered with rubber, we liked its lightweight feel and ergonomic shape.

Out of the razors we tested, the Gillette – Mach3 Men’s Razor, turned out to be the best shaver for the bikini area. With a narrow, pivoting head and three stainless-steel blades, the Mach3 gave us butter-smooth skin and minimal irritation, even for our sensitive-skinned testers.