Here's Why You Should Be Shaving With the Billie Razor Starter Kit

Welcome to Skimm Tested, where we put products to the test and then give 'em a report card. (Check out all of our tried and tested faves here.)

The assignment…

To see if the Billie razor ($10/starter kit) should become your go-to shaving tool. With a subscription, you can get new razor heads delivered to your door.

Straight A’s in…

• Quality of shave. We found shaving with the Billie razor to be comfortable and precise. The head is made with five blades and is definitely sharp (especially when fresh), so there’s no need to press down on your skin. Gently running the razor over hair will be enough to get that close-shave feel. We also loved the whipped shave cream and how silky it felt.

• Blade replacement. Getting refill blades shipped at a cadence that works for your shaving needs is a game changer. With the Billie subscription, you’ll be reminded to swap out heads, keeping your razor consistently sharp. There’s also a sustainability aspect here that we love: Blade refills means you don’t need to trash the actual body of the razor. Aka less plastic winds up in landfills. PS: It also arrives in a cardboard envelope, with refill blades housed in a cardboard holder as well. 

• Price. Billie is fairly priced and even a bit cheaper than similar subscription-based options on the market. The Starter Kit runs you $10, and you’ll get the handle, two refill blades, and the magnetic holder. When you need more refills, your subscription will send you 4 for $10 (with free shipping). 

• Aesthetic. IOHO (in our humble opinions), the Billie razor is pretty darn chic. It’s colorful, comes in a limited-edition glitter option, and just looks incredibly sleek.

Room for growth…

• Head stickiness. When the razor is lofted and attached to the magnetic holder with the blade cap on, the actual head can air dry. If you use the razor and then place it face down on a bathroom shelf, there’s a good chance the wet head will get a little gooey and stick. TL:DR — once the head is wet, you really do need to keep the razor lofted or face up to dry.  

• Subscription frequency. Not a huge con, but since the refill blades are shipped to you at your chosen cadence, there may be instances when you’re backlogged and don’t actually need ’em. In this case, you’ll need to remember to delay your next shipment. Annoying at most, but worth mentioning for those who dislike handling multiple subscriptions.

Plays well with…

• Anyone who shaves frequently. We’re talking every day, every other day, or at least a few times a week. You’ll get a ton of use out of it and will feel like a sustainable pro since you won’t be using throwaway razors. 

• Someone who travels often. The travel case means you won’t have to worry about cutting a finger when you reach into your toiletry pouch.

Gets extra credit for…

• All Billie products are vegan and cruelty-free. 

• One percent of revenue goes toward charitable organizations like Every Mother Counts, YWCA, and Black Girls Code.

• The brand carries an array of bathroom essentials, from dry shampoo to makeup-removing wipes.

How we did our homework…

• One Skimm HQ’r tested the razor over months, shaving her underarms, legs, bikini area, etc. She paid close attention to the quality of the shave and how her skin felt post shower. Was there stubble left behind? Did the razor nick her skin? She also kept track of how the blades wore over time, including the aloe moisturizing head and how it degraded.  

• The HQ’r also tested the magnetic holder and whipped shave cream. Even after months (and a humid bathroom), the magnetic holder never once fell from the shower wall and always securely held the razor. Important to note: In her shower, the HQ’r mounted the razor on a wall that doesn’t get soaking wet from the showerhead. The whipped shave cream felt luxurious and helped to create a smooth, even shave. When mixed with water, it quickly lathered to help the razor glide. 

• We also incorporated anecdotal evidence from HQ’rs who’ve used the Billie razor for years and could speak to its continued quality in the long-term.

Footnotes…

• $10 per shipment

• The starter kit (available in seven colors) includes a handle, two refill blades, and the magnetic holder.

• Four refill blades can be delivered to you as frequently as you want.

• Shipments can be delayed or cancelled when necessary.