Panasonic Close Curves ES2216PC

Reviewers say that manual razors are still the best form of hair removal for women, but users with sensitive skin may prefer an electric shaver because it causes less irritation than other methods. Electric shavers can also be used wet or dry. Even though the Panasonic Close Curves ES2216PC does better than most in professional and user reviews, it still doesn't outshine men's shavers, which tend to be superior to the women's category. However, Close Curves offers features that make it gender-specific, such as a pivoting head that follows the contours of the body and gets hard-to-reach areas like the knees and ankles, a bikini trimmer attachment, and a pop-up trimmer for longer hair.

Users at Amazon.com say it's easy to use and to clean -- it can be fully submerged in water. Although electric shavers don't provide as close a shave as manual razors, several reviewers say that the Close Curves ES2216PC comes pretty close. Neither option, however, provides long-term results. If you prefer to go longer between shaves, you should consider the Braun Silk-Epil 5 (*Est. $80), an epilator that pulls hair from the skin instead of simply trimming it.

ConsumerReports.org provides the only professional testing of the Panasonic Close Curves, albeit for an older model. User reviews at Amazon.com and Drugstore.com are especially useful in evaluating durability and overall consumer experience.