Gillette Venus Embrace
VIP Review Club

A few weeks back, we sent out a bunch of Gillette Venus Embrace razors to 20 hairy-legged Primps in the hope that they would de-fuzz their pins. And the good news is they are now all hair-free. Woo! But the even better news is this: now is the time for them to dish the dirt on this product, so that we as members of PRIMPED Land can decide whether this shaving tool is something we’d like to try for ourselves. Awesome, huh? Indeed it is.
But first, here’s some info on the product they are reviewing:
Gillette Venus Embrace prides itself on giving you a super close shave for ridiculously smooth skin. The five blades hug your curves (read: your knees, your ankles, your underarms) and are positioned massively close together as well as being spring-mounted, which allows the blade cartridge to sit flatter on the skin for a closer shave. And we all love a close shave (without cuts), don’t we? We do indeed.
For all those who tried this product, we want to know your thoughts on the…
Effectiveness
Gentleness on your skin
Design
Durability
Longevity
Results
Packaging
Value for Money
Overall opinion
…so please tell us, NOW!







The VIP's Verdict
Posted by: Lauren Reading // Wed, 17 November 2010 10:40am
So… the Gillette Venus Embrace. I was so excited when I got the package, and saw I got to review something for Primped! Awesome! I opened it up and saw the pretty pink packaging of the Venus Embrace. I opened the package and thought it was wonderful to see a breast-health awareness booklet inside, and information that Gillette would be donating 50c from each razor sold to the NBCF. Great stuff! First use was that night in the shower, and I have to admit that I wasn’t too stoked with the feel of the razor on my legs- it felt scratchy and I was expecting mega shaving rash to follow. I was shocked to find that not only were my legs incredibly smooth, but there was no shaving rash at all!!! No cuts or nicks, and I found it really easy to use, especially around my knees and ankles- it has 5 blades that all move individually to give a closer shave. I have used it twice more since and it’s continued to impress me, still no injuries or shaving rash to be seen, which is fantastic. It gives such a smooth, close shave and a really great finish. Plus, the shower storer thingy that sticks on the shower wall ACTUALLY STICKS, which never happens, so extra bonus points for that! In short, I will keep using it and when the time comes I will happily buy more razor bits for it. 10/10!
Posted by: Amy Lee-Hopkins // Wed, 17 November 2010 10:45am
I have a thing about my underarm hair, I usually shave it everyday because I can’t stand any hair/stubble there at all. So to my absolute glee, it has been 3 days and counting after I shave with the venus. What a bonus!
Posted by: Naomi Slater // Wed, 17 November 2010 10:53am
I’ve been a fan of the various family of Gillette razors pretty much since I started shaving, so trying out a new one wasn’t too much of a shock to the usual routine.
I really liked the Venus Embrace. It leaves a more smooth result than the previous Venus version, and is easy to hold and maneuver. Would definitely recommend to a friend, and will probably keep buying in the future.
Posted by: JKA // Wed, 17 November 2010 10:59am
Well, the arrival of the Venus Embrace from Primped gave a reason to shave my legs after a few weeks in personal grooming wilderness. With Melbourne’s recent weather there has been no need to de-hair them! I have actually been using a razor from a different brand for the past few years, and the first thing that struck me was how light the Embrace was in comparison. I always shave in the shower so was glad that the Embrace comes with a little caddy of its own – particularly as I share said shower with two other women… space is at a premium!!! I enjoyed using the razor to shave my legs and underarms and have noticed that it shaves so closely and smoothly that my shave lasts for a couple of extra days before I return to my previous wildebeesty state – always a positive. The fact that Gillette is donating money from each of these lovely pink Embraces to the NBCF is also a definite factor in this razor’s favour.
Posted by: Emily // Wed, 17 November 2010 11:00am
This is my first time as a Primped reviewer, and I was massively excited to be part of it. Mainly because I have been using an older version of the Gillette Venus shaver for about the last 100 years and I keep forgetting to buy new blades for it.
So it was a relief to have this shiny new razor. It comes with great packaging, and I really like the pretty pink colour. Also helps to know that a contribution will be made to Breast Cancer.
In terms of the quality of the shave, I was really impressed. Couldn’t have hoped for more in terms of the closeness of the shave. And even though I normally manage to chop a bit of my ankle off when shaving, not this time.
My first use was on a morning where I was rushing out the door, and I didn’t have time to moisturise my legs after shaving. I was really impressed that the razor had shaved so closely, but not left me with dry, flaky legs.
I also really like the cute little shower pod. The suction cap is really quite large, and hence, the pod actually sticks to the tiles. Very tricky.
Overall, I’m really happy with this product. I really like it, and will continue to use it like I did the previous version… for the next 100 years or so.
Posted by: bels // Wed, 17 November 2010 11:07am
This is honestly the best shaver I’ve used for a long time or perhaps ever. Such a great close shave – with the wide head it only takes a few strokes to do the whole legs, and no cuts/nicks whatsoever. Felt incredibly smooth afterwards and lasted longer than other razors. With a moisturiser application following, I couldn’t believe the softness of my legs. Thanks so much and defintely will continue using!
Posted by: MissRochelle // Wed, 17 November 2010 11:08am
So this was the absolute perrrrrrfect product for me to be sent to review for Primped as I am absolutely addicted to hair removal! I wax the un-shaveable parts of my body fortnightly, and shave my underarms and legs every single day….I detest stray hairs anywhere!!
So, thoughts? The shaver is pretty and pink and comes with a nice holder that sticks to my bathroom wall so does not take up any space whatsoever! I love the fact shaving cream is not needed…for one it is a lot cleaner, and for another it is a lot quicker to shave overall, making my impatient housemates a lot happier as they get into the shower earlier!
Results overall? Well my underarms are hair free meaning no embarrassment when wearing sleeveless tops or whilst working out at the gym, and my legs feel moisturised and smooth meaning I’m always prepared shall I meet some gorgeous boy and end up in a romantic situation where he may feel my legs!! (hehe I can dream hey?!)
Thanks primped!
Posted by: strawberrycupcake123 // Wed, 17 November 2010 11:40am
Little did I know what I was missing out on after I used this! Packaged efficiently and nicely in the plastic, I love how I don’t have to cut myself on the plastic opening it with the little perforations made to open it easier! I would definitely buy this razor again not only because it works do efficiently, but because I think the donation to breast cancer is a great thing. I think, however, this shouldn’t go until November this year, it should be a permanent feature, reminding women to check their breasts regularly as well as going to a worthy cause.
The Shower pod included = OMG. Amazing. Bestidea ever! No more messy, broken, dangerous or contaminated razors and so easy to reach for; plus the waterproof refills for the razor head are ingeniously stored in it *thumbs up*.
I don’t think I ever actually realized how bad my last razor was until I used this and it was nice and sharp- I almost thought id cut myself
But this razor gets soooo much closer than others and shaves way better. I love the moisture surrounding the razor as well as the grip; no slips here. This razor is phenomenal for legs, but it’s a bit hard to use for underarms, I think its be easy to cut yourself doing so. For those who prefer no fragrance, this is fabulous, but I would like it if maybe it had a tiny hint of a sweet fruity or maybe floral scent.
Otherwise, an extremely easy to use product and the best thing I’ve discovered for summer! I love this so much that I’m going to buy some as part of a few peoples Christmas presents! While these razors may be pricier than your average ‘plain’ razor, they last longer, give less cuts, work so well, go towards breast cancer awareness and have refills. Better quality razor from a trusted brand = happy me (and you too!) as well as ah-mazingly smooth legs
Thanks Primped and Gilette, I’m totally re-purchasing this!
Posted by: Ruth Clayton // Wed, 17 November 2010 02:32pm
First of all, I’ll talk about the things I liked about this product. I really liked the packaging. It was so easy to open (there was a special bit at the back where you could easily pop it open) so I didn’t struggle trying to open it like I usually do with plastic packaging. The shaver looks really cool…it’s pink and grippy and easy to hold onto. Other good features include the ‘Showerpod’…a little capsule which the shaver sits in. The Showerpod sticks to your shower wall, and when you open it, holds a spare cartridge. This is really handy, and I liked this idea. The shaver sits in the Pod nicely, I could never imagine the shaver falling out and causing grief…which is the last thing you want when in the shower
What I didn’t like was how the shaver itself worked. (i think i’m alone on this one) The shaver head is designed to move up and down a lot in order to get a close shave across knees, ankles, underarms. But in my opinion, it moves too much. Because of this, it felt a bit flimsy to me (though maybe it’s just because I’m not used to it) It felt like I had to press down really firmly and put a lot of effort in to get a close shave. This was a downside for me. However, when it did shave, the skin felt really smooth. I think that this is probably due to the 5 blades it has (so that’s an upside)
Loved that this product donates money to breast cancer!
Thanks for the opportunity to review this product Primped!
Posted by: Michelle Lampis // Wed, 17 November 2010 02:36pm
I tend to stay away from razors as I was very bad at shaving, always nicking my skin and having lots of cuts and scars on my legs, so I was using hair removal cream. Yes, I know its smelly, time consuming and very messy. Im soo glad to be selected for this as I have now been converted. The new style has definitel been developed for women in mind as I did not cut myself once. It was smooth and easy to use and my legs felt amazing afterwards.
I was able to do my legs and underarm in the shower within a couple of minutes and I had more time to enjoy the water.
I love the packaging and the shinyness and colour of the razor. My boyfriend knows this is mine so there is no confusion.
I had trouble with the suction to stick on my tiles as I have mosiac on the wall, but thats fine I have a hanging basket in my shower and it now lives in there.
Lastly, this is my first time as a reviewer and want to thank you for the opportunity.
Posted by: Laura // Wed, 17 November 2010 03:40pm
What a lovely surprise in the mailbox from Primped HQ!
You would think that a razor is just a razor but the Venus Embrace is pretty special. I got a nice close shave the first time round which ment less irritation to my sensive, eczema prone legs and no unsightly spotty bits with my underarms. The handle felt quite sticky when i first popped it out of the easy to open box but the the shower it was amazing as i usually do drop the razor when i have soapy hands. The design was comfortable and easy to hold as well. Venus stayed sharp for the couple of shaves that i used her for and the moisture strip around the head lasted as well which is a bonus as it just provides that extra slip. I like that money is donated to breast cancer awareness plus second blade make this razor worth value for money. I was really impressed with Venus as she is easy to use and truly desiged for women.
Posted by: Angela // Wed, 17 November 2010 04:12pm
I am officially a huge fan of the Venus Embrace Razor! I have been using other varieties of Venus razor for years but this one is by far the best. I mean who wouldn’t love a pink razor that, when purchases, contributes some to breast cancer research? It gives an excellent smooth, long lasting, close shave and I have not managed to nick myself with it yet (I am generally somewhat of a klutz when it comes to shaving). I also really enjoy the “Ribbon of Moisture” which means that you don’t even need to use shave gel/foam with this razor so really, it saves you money! Plus it is perfect for lazy time-poor lasses like myself. The shower caddy also makes for a convenient storage option. I will definitely continue using this baby!
Posted by: MelodyMorgan // Wed, 17 November 2010 04:48pm
Hello Primpers,
Well what a surprise it was to find a package on my doorstep containing the new Gillette Venus Embrace. As I opened it, I was quite surprised that such a lovely package contained a very efficient way to remove all that unwanted stubble and trouble. I was a bit hesitant at first as I’ve never tried a 5 blade razor before but I figured, I’ll be doing it for the good of all women so off to the shower we went. First I thought I’d cut myself to pieces, so it took me a couple of days to make myself try it. I’m amazed at the ease and comfort the razor fits in my hand and I do really like the pink handle and packaging and how fabulous that it’s promoting breast cancer awareness.
So the first stroke didn’t cut me to pieces, in fact it has to be the closest shaved my legs have ever been. I think that I’ll never use a one blade razor again, a convert you could call me, I guess. Love the fact it comes with replacement blades and a little thingy to hang it on, very handy.
So all round a great product, I’m sure to be using it from now on.
Be beautiful!
Luv Melody Morgan
Posted by: Shayna // Wed, 17 November 2010 05:58pm
I was awed when I unwrapped my parcel from Primped HQ. The Venus Embrace comes in a beautiful package showcasing all of the luscious curves of the razor, and it’s pink!!! My favourite.
I cracked it open with a LOT of huffing and puffing and had to resort to scissors and wrenching the pointy hurty plastic. It was no mean feat even getting the thing open!
Once it was free, I admired the sleek white holder. It’s a lovely rounded shape, very different from what I’ve seen before. I’ve had in hanging in my shower for a week or so now, and it falls off the tiles *a lot less* than my previous shaver caddy!
The razor itself is lovely, and there are certainly many many blades in there! However when I used it, I really didn’t think there were any in there.. it was so smooth, it honestly felt like soft rubber running over my armpits. My legs were shaved in what felt like an instant, and there were NO NEW RAZOR CUTS. At all! I *always* cut myself when busting out a new razor blade, but not this one!
I felt the areas I’d shaved afterwards and was surprised to feel they were not only absolutely 100% hair free, but they were also smooth and soft and generally really lovely to touch. Those blades had their work cut out for them, but they passed the first shave test with aplomb.
I’ve since used the razor coming on 10 times, and can safely say it’s one of the best I’ve used. No matter how many times I run it over my skin there is ZERO irritation, thanks to the soft razor head. It also leaves my pits and pins lovely and soft and moisturised each and every time I shave them.
I’m very impressed with this little beauty, and implore everyone – especially dry, scaly legged and arm-pitted girls, and those who have to wear band aids from excessive razor cuts. This is a RIPPER and I love it. : )
Posted by: shoegal1786 // Wed, 17 November 2010 08:21pm
Wow!! What a great razor. The Gillette Venus Embrace is definitely a step up from the razor I had been using. That razor has now been relocated to the inside of my bathroom bin and the new Gillette Venus Embrace has taken pride of place with the rest of my shower goodies. What sets this razor apart from all others is definitely the design. The handle is easy to grip and the fact that it’s pink is just a bonus. The 5 blade head gave me a super close shave every single time, gliding over my ankles and knees. With ZERO cuts.
Aaaaaaaahmaaaaazing. The razor heads also last forever; I’m still on the first one. Overall I’m really impressed with this razor. It ticks all the boxes and gives me super smooth legs, every single time. Winner xx
Posted by: Kathy Mere-Smith // Wed, 17 November 2010 10:29pm
I looved this razor. It’s super smooth to use and i swear the hair has taken longer to grow back ( had completely smooth legs for like 3 days)!!The design is really nice i like the pink and its super sleek. It was really comfortable to use – glided perfectly and was really smooth/ moisturising. I recon it’s pretty good value for money for what you get and the quality of it. Would definately recommend it!! Thanks Primped for letting me trial it!!
Posted by: emmaflaubert // Wed, 17 November 2010 10:40pm
Thanks to Primped for sending one of these my way! I am a Gilette lover, I stole Fusion off my boy but my gosh is this version beautiful!really nice shimmery pink look,summer love:) I’ll admit the bendy tip wasn’t my face feature,but the close shave won me over. I would like it to be more moisturising perhaps,it didn’t nick my legs at all but I felt I still needed some shave gel/cream,as it was a bit of a rubbery sensation on my legs. Do want though, and will be repurchasing this when te time comes for a new razor! Also,claps to Gilette for supporting breast cancer awareness,and teaming it with the cutest shaver shower caddy I have EVER seen!!:)
thanks Gilette Venus,thanks Primped!!:)
Posted by: emmaflaubert // Wed, 17 November 2010 10:42pm
That comment was supposed to read ‘wasn’t my FAVE feature’,I did not shave my face haha! Pits and legs only ladies hehe
Posted by: goddessmagick // Thu, 18 November 2010 12:54am
Shave Slave no more! Gillette Venus Embrace makes shaving fun and easy, it’s my fave new Super Shaver. With 5 spring mounted, curve shaped blades the shave head sits close to my skin and comfortably glides along it including areas like my knees giving a close shave minimising nicks. The protective moisture ribbon surrounding the razors shave surface is great as when used with water, soap, shave gel (I like the SatinCare Alluring Avocado!) or body wash it glides smoothly without grabbing at skin or hairs giving a clean shave. It has a soft, gel hand grip that’s comfortable to hold and gives easy control over shaving meaning less nicks as I found I wasn’t accidentally slipping my hand on the handle digging it into my legs! It comes with a shower pod so I can hang it in the shower/bath area, store 2spare cartridges and razor together always ready for use. The special edition Pink Venus Embrace supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation donating for every razor sold between October to mid November and includes a “breast awareness booklet” encouraging women to be more breast aware, a great initiative. On my sensitive skin the Embrace gave me no irritation after shaving but did give a close shave for both legs and underarms that lasted a number of days, could easily get away with weekly or bi-weekly shave on my fair hair. I was amazed that it didn’t leave my legs with shaving rash like many razors do and my legs still felt hydrated and silky after shaving, not itchy or flakey. After at least 6 uses on legs and a few more on underarms the blades on mine are still going strong, I estimate changing the cartridge monthly. Good value for money as the razor comes with 2 cartridges so should give a number of shaves before needing new ones. Love, love, love ♥ the Venus Embrace and will happily use it as my new staple razor from now on every time I shave! Perfect for fuzz free legs and gals like me who want shaving to be fast, effective and pain free.
Posted by: Fiona Moore // Thu, 18 November 2010 02:26pm
Sorry I’m a bit late (sickness and work) but my preblogged review is live at littlelioness dot net!
I will post here, shame I can’t share my pics
Does your parcel post guy deliver on the weekends? Ours does at times, and one of those times he arrived with a package from primped a Gillette Venus Embrace razor to take to my legs and review… Shortly after comparing hairy legs at a fun run! Timing!
Now I’m a leg shaver from way back – way back to hacking my ankles open with single bladed disposable razors on a regular basis through high school. I’m that dedicated. I’ve had them waxed maybe twice in my life, before extended holidays, but honestly, I’m happy to run the razor over them most summer mornings to keep away the stubble, I can’t deal with waiting. Yes, I’m impatient. Oh, and yes I do have other means of hair removal… Mostly completed by the skilled hands of the girls at Brazilian Butterfly or the occasional torture session with the epilator… erm…
The packaging was easy to open (it was perforated – I hate trying to get through the plastic packets like this when they’re not) though the individual packets for the cartridges seemed a little excessive! Maybe there is a reason for it?
Stuck to t
Posted by: Fiona Moore // Mon, 22 November 2010 11:06am
Sorry I’m a bit late (sickness and work) but my preblogged review is live at littlelioness dot net!
I will post here, shame I can’t share my pics
Does your parcel post guy deliver on the weekends? Ours does at times, and one of those times he arrived with a package from primped a Gillette Venus Embrace razor to take to my legs and review… Shortly after comparing hairy legs at a fun run! Timing!
Now I’m a leg shaver from way back – way back to hacking my ankles open with single bladed disposable razors on a regular basis through high school. I’m that dedicated. I’ve had them waxed maybe twice in my life, before extended holidays, but honestly, I’m happy to run the razor over them most summer mornings to keep away the stubble, I can’t deal with waiting. Yes, I’m impatient. Oh, and yes I do have other means of hair removal… Mostly completed by the skilled hands of the girls at Brazilian Butterfly or the occasional torture session with the epilator… erm…
The packaging was easy to open (it was perforated – I hate trying to get through the plastic packets like this when they’re not
Posted by: Fiona Moore // Mon, 22 November 2010 11:06am
Sorry I’m a bit late (sickness and work) but my preblogged review is live at littlelioness dot net!
I will post here, shame I can’t share my pics
Does your parcel post guy deliver on the weekends? Ours does at times, and one of those times he arrived with a package from primped a Gillette Venus Embrace razor to take to my legs and review… Shortly after comparing hairy legs at a fun run! Timing!
Now I’m a leg shaver from way back – way back to hacking my ankles open with single bladed disposable razors on a regular basis through high school. I’m that dedicated. I’ve had them waxed maybe twice in my life, before extended holidays, but honestly, I’m happy to run the razor over them most summer mornings to keep away the stubble, I can’t deal with waiting. Yes, I’m impatient. Oh, and yes I do have other means of hair removal… Mostly completed by the skilled hands of the girls at Brazilian Butterfly or the occasional torture session with the epilator… erm…
The packaging was easy to open (it was perforated – I hate trying to get through the plastic packets like this when they’re not) though the individual pac
Posted by: selkii Enthusiast // Sun, 5 December 2010 12:41pm
Wow. What else can I say but wow. Honestly, my first thought when reading other reviews for this was ‘Yeah yeah sure, its great, it has five spring mounted blaes, but doesn’t cut? Phooey’. What razor doesn’t cut you when you use it? Well, let me just say that I was incredibly impressed with this razor and pleasantly surprised too. Not only did it give me an incredibly close shave but also I DID NOT NICK, CUT, GRAZE OR SLICE MYSELF IN ANY WAY AT ALL. At first, I was careful – very slow over the knees, very careful over the ankles. But once I realised just how safe this was, I was able to shave my whole leg at the same speed without cutting myself once, including all the tricky bits. But here’s the best bit, I had a scab on one knee from a cut from my previous razor, and went over this with the Embrace AND IT DIDNT RECUT IT. The scab stayed there, all scabby and ick, and everything around it was whipped off with ease. I nearly passed out (and not from the hot water).
Along with this magical blade system, it has a rubbery feel to it which stops it from slipping out of your hands mid-shave. Th little hanging/holder pod is great, with suction cups now instead of those stupid double sided tape that the old pods had, so you don’t have to worry about ripping it off when you move house or clean the shower (and then it not sticking again because the tape is CRAP). This pod only holds two extra razor heads instead of 3 o4 like previously but thats about the only downside of this product. LADYS WHO SHAVE: INVEST IN THIS PRODUCT NOW. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!!
Posted by: roxymisha Master Fan // Thu, 24 March 2011 01:41pm
I have used many shavers over the years but this has to be one of the best designed shavers. It is light and fits in your hand easily and I have never dropped it (which often happens with hand razors). I have used it to shave my lower legs and under arms and have not had one nick or cut. It shaves very close to the skin and my skin feels very smooth afterwards.
I haven’t given it 5 stars because I find that I have to change the blade fairly often. I do not mind because it is a great shaver but it costs me a little more than I would want to pay. Overall though it is a great shaver and, unless something better comes on the market, I will continue using it.
Posted by: Coconal Master Fan // Mon, 20 June 2011 02:55pm
I have to confess, I only bought this so I could use this while I was travelling overseas.
I usually use the Schick Intuition because it saves me having to lather up, I never ever cut myself and it gives me the smoothest legs after.
But I was completely amazed by this product…it actually handles really well, I didn’t cut myself at all, and it’s extremely user-friendly both in your bathroom at home and even while travelling! A single set of blades lasts quite a few shaves and you don’t get razor burn after.
I’d recommend at least trying it once and making your own mind up.
Posted by: lotte98 Enthusiast // Sun, 11 September 2011 07:38pm
Fabulous product! It was gentle on my skin – When I was using it it didn’t hurt of feel scratchy. The design is nice. It last me FOREVER without getting blunt – The only thing is that because I have very long legs, I can’t do very long strokes without it getting clogged up but I guess it happens with all of my razors so yeah.