BzzAgent Review: Gillette Venus & Olay Razor

Hey, Dolls! This month I’ve had the absolute pleasure of trying out a new Gillette razor courtesy of BzzAgent. Even though razors aren’t exactly fun like makeup or skincare products, they are pretty essential and are one of the more expensive costs associated with the drugstore. When you’re going to be spending $8 on a razor, it’s nice to know if other women think it is worth the value or not.

I don’t really try to be exclusive to one brand of razors, but I have been using Gillette Venus Embrace razors for years already. I keep going back to Gillette Venus mostly because I really like the five-blade design and once you buy any of their razor handles, all cartridges will fit. Honestly, razors are pretty much my least favorite things to buy because they are just so darn expensive. A pack of refill cartridges for $15? Kill me now.

The Gillette Venus & Olay Razor is the same basic design as their other five-blade razors, but with the added bonus of moisture bars that are supposed to lock-in moisture. When I received this product, I was definitely apprehensive about the effectiveness of the razor and skeptical of the extra cost associated with this type of blade, but I was also excited to try it out because it smelled so fantastic. The scent I received is called “Sugarberry” and that is exactly what it smells like. Unfortunately, the scent fades after one use in the shower, but it was nice while it lasted.    As far as effectiveness goes, this razor was only slightly different than my regular Gillette Venus. After a week of daily usage, I would say that my legs were definitely less dry after shaving, but they also weren’t particularly soft. I think the addition of the moisture bars is very effective, but the same effect could also be achieved with a standard razor by using a good shaving cream (or even conditioner). Despite the extra size associated with the moisture bars, I found this razor very easy to shave with and had no problem navigating all of the angles of my legs. I also thought that this razor shaved just as closely as any other five-blade versions I’ve tried.
One big downside to this razor is that the moisture bars dissolve quickly. The moisture bars on my razor are nearly half gone after only one week. I can’t even imagine how they’ll look in another week. As someone who regularly likes to get 3-4 weeks out of a razor (yes, I know that is longer than recommended), I don’t like the idea of having to replace this razor every two weeks. That is just more money that I don’t want to spend.
All in all, the impetus for re-purchasing this razor comes down to the addition of the moisture bars and if I think it is worthwhile to spend more money. Right now I am spending $15.97 for a 4-pack of Venus Embrace cartridges, or I could spend the same amount on a 3-pack of these Venus & Olay blades which won’t last me nearly as long. To be honest, I am just not sure I want to dish out the extra dough. As it is, I am thinking about going down to four blades to save myself some money*, so spending even more on a razor that is only slightly better does not appeal to me. This product might be great for someone else, especially someone prone to dry legs and sensitive skin. The price point is just not worth it for my frugal self. I’m a total cheapskate so take my conclusion with a grain of salt. I hope this review helps you ladies be a little more informed next time you’re shopping for a new razor!
* Note to my readers: How many blades are on your razor? I have no idea why I am adamant about using five blades, but I’m definitely thinking about going to just four (or maybe even three?) but I’d love some input. Does the blade count really matter?

Disclosure: BzzAgent has compensated me with this complimentary product in exchange for my participation in its program. However, I was not obligated to write this review. I am not afraid to speak my mind about products that I do or do not enjoy, and I was thus truthful in my statements and I only spoke from personal experience, uninhibited by the fact that I received this product for free.