What To Look For
When shopping for an electric shaver, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the various choices. You need to look for a shaver that's going to give you the close shave you want without cutting your face. If you want to shave on the go, make sure that your new shaver has a rechargeable battery that sits on a base; if on-the-go shaving is rare for you, choose a shaver with a removable cord. Rotary shavers use a series of rotating blades that spin and cut the whiskers. Foil shavers have a smooth, perforated metal cover over the blades; the whiskers go in the holes in the foil as you pull the shaver across your face, and then the whisker is cut by the internal blades. Consumer Reports found that the best shavers for a close shave are foil models instead of the classic rotary shavers.
Common Pitfalls
Since you're not constantly rinsing the blades of an electric shaver as you do with a standard razor blade, cleanliness can be an issue. An electric shaver should be cleaned after each use to keep it sanitary and prevent bacterial buildup that can cause a breakout on your face. Some models are extremely difficult to clean, while others even have a self-cleaning cycle using sanitizing liquid. Choose a model that you will be able to clean given your lifestyle and available time.
Where To Buy
You can find electric shavers at a wide variety of stores. These range from discount stores such as Target to drug stores like CVS all the way to home stores such as Bed Bath & Beyond. You want to choose a store with a return policy that will allow you to try the razor and return it without hassle if it's not the right model for you.
Cost
Electric razors are more expensive than classic razor blades, obviously; the price varies according to the model's features. At Bed Bath & Beyond in 2010, prices on the best shavers range from $100 to $400. Target offers electric shavers starting at $25 and going up to $250.
Accessories
You will need to replace the blades on your electric shaver periodically; depending on the model, this can be anywhere from every six months to every two years. These blades can range from $25 to $45, and their cost should be figured into your overall cost of use.
Insider Tips
Don't spend two or three days with a new shaver and assume that your results are the best you'll get. According to Consumer Reports, it can take as long as three weeks for your face to get used to your new electric shaver if you've changed shaving styles, such as going from razor blades to an electric razor. Most models come with a 30-day money back guarantee, and it may take close to this long to determine if your new electric shaver is right for you.
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