Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story Packing for a trip is a balancing act between saving space and bringing all your (actual) essentials. The best travel razors—and leaving your everyday shaver at home—can help you accomplish both in a single tool. A fraction of the size of a standard razor , a travel razor makes it easy to avoid banged-up blades, gummy lubrication strips, and that awful, damp-all-over feeling, so you can comfortably shave on the go.
Most models come with a carrying case that’s designed to protect the blades and keep the whole thing dry with perforations or vents. They usually don’t need shaving cream to achieve silky-soft results, either. Just make sure yours has a built-in moisturizing strip, says Brendan Camp , MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist in New York City. Beyond that, look for one with a hinged head that follows the contours of your body and a handle that’s comfortable to hold. Because the best options don’t just save you some packing stress—they can deliver an amazing shave in their own right, too.
What is TSA's razor policy? How should I pack my razor for travel? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers We can’t guarantee your journey will be smooth sailing, but with these editor- and expert-approved travel razors, at least your shave will be.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Gillette Venus
Why we love it: Gillette’s Venus Extra Smooth Travel Razor Kit gives you the same top-notch shave you might expect from the brand, but in a compact little package. The tiny handle is easy to maneuver, making short work of quick cleanups and everything showers alike. The razor head has five blades that are surrounded by Venus’s Lubrastrip, which activates when wet and nourishes the skin with time-tested conditioners like avocado oil. That’s this razor’s main selling point for Dr. Camp, who notes that the moisturizing strip should help prevent post-shave irritation. The mini handle is compatible with most Venus refill cartridges (except the Simply Venus and Venus Pubic Hair varieties) and comes in a vented clamshell case to keep the head nice and dry between uses.
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
“When I travel internationally (a luxury I'll never take for granted), I limit myself to a single carry-on suitcase and a personal bag (usually a small duffel or backpack). I refuse to check bags in the land of Lost Bag Central, and, honestly, I don't want to lug extra weight around when I don't have to. So that means I have to get scrappy when it comes to packing. Aside from cutting down my 20 pairs of underwear to 10 (you can never have too many!), I also limit my toiletries. If I'm traveling with my husband, we bring enough minis to share, but I draw the line at my razor. I need my own. I really like the Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Travel Razor for this exact reason. It's not too big or bulky, and still manages to get the job done as well and as fast as (sometimes faster) my traditionally sized razor at home.
“I don't use shaving cream or gel (never really have), so the fact that I can use this sans barrier—without getting nicks or cuts—in oddly shaped hotel showers makes this worth the purchase. I also like that it comes in bright colors, which makes it easier to quickly find in my toiletry bag when I'm in a rush.” —Sarah Kinon…