Trib tested: Venus Embrace and Satin Care Alluring Avocado Shave Gel

Melanie Wass

A razor is a razor, right• Not if it's the new five-blade Venus Embrace razor. I've used Gillette's triple-blade razor for months and thought I was happy with that model -- until I tested the Embrace. This is, honestly, the first razor I have used that really adjusted around those tough-to-shave spots that have given me fits since my teen years -- you know, the ankles, knees and even underarms. And I'm convinced that I am the last woman in the country to realize how wonderful shaving gel is. To save money, I've always used my husband's shaving cream. No longer! The Satin Care Alluring Avacado gel left my legs smoother than ever. Even without a habitual dose of moisturizer after my shower, my legs felt silky smooth. The light scent of aloe, jasmine and orange blossom was just that -- light -- which is fine with me since I'm not interested in a scent to compete with my shower gel. Consider me sold on both items.

Caroline Hirt

Ever since my mother taught me how to shave, that pink, plastic 2-blade razor has been a fixture in my tub. And through the years, I've perfected its use, minimizing -- but not eliminating -- nicks and scrapes on my overly sensitive skin. Generally, I've found that razors with more than 2 blades leave my legs looking like I shaved with razor wire, forcing me to wear pants on hot days to cover up the massacre. But I'll try anything once. The curved handle felt molded to my hand. The head of the razor is quite large, as it is surrounded by the "Protective Ribbon of Moisture." And it holds five blades, making me think that targeting my underarms might be more difficult, but I was happy to be proven wrong. Because the head of the razor is mounted to the handle, and each blade is mounted to that head, I had absolutely no problem turning the razor and reaching every last unwanted hair. The head is changeable, popping off quite easily, and the storage shower pod is better than my usual "where did the razor fall to now?" I gave myself only one knee-cap nick with the Venus Embrace, as I started to shave faster and build confidence, but I loved it overall. My legs still were "shorts worthy" smooth the next morning. The accompanying shave gel, the new scent of Alluring Avocado, smelled light, clean and refreshing. It even layered well with my lavender lotion

Kellie Gormly

I love this razor and shaving gel. I've always used the inexpensive, single-blade razors, and I definitely can feel a difference with this five-blade product. A decent effort leaves no hair uncut, and nicks -- which I get all the time -- happen less. The moisturizer surrounding the razor gives it an extra-soft touch and glide-ability, although, when combined with the shaving gel, it's hard to say how much difference that alone would make. The shaving gel has a nice consistency that bursts into foam, and it smells good.

Additional Information:

Venus Embrace and Satin Care Alluring Avocado Shave Gel

The claim: The five-blade shaving system includes a ribbon of moisture that provides a smooth glide for a close, comfortable shave. The five curve-hugging blades individually adjust to stay in contact with the skin -- even around tricky shaving areas such as knees and ankles. Also includes a ShowerPod with suction-cup attachments for convenient razor storage.

The shaving gel contains a blend of natural ingredients and avocado butter that leaves legs feeling satiny smooth. The gel features a light fragrance of aloe, jasmine and orange blossom.

Cost: $9.99-$11.99 for Venus Embrace, including a refillable razor and ShowerPod; $2.49 for Satin Care Alluring Avocado Shave Gel

Where: Major food, drug and mass retail outlets