
Tired of nicking your ankles with flimsy disposables and wondering if a nicer razor is actually worth the upgrade? The Billie Razor Starter Kit promises a smoother, more affordable shave, but it has a few quirks you should know about first.
Overview
The Billie Razor Starter Kit is designed to solve a familiar problem: you want a closer, more comfortable shave without overpaying for pretty packaging or signing up for a confusing subscription. Billie aims to be that middle ground, pairing a colorful weighted handle with five-blade cartridges and a magnetic shower holder at a price that competes well with drugstore brands.
At its core, this is a simple system. You pick a handle color, get two cartridges to start, plus the magnetic holder that sticks to your shower wall. Replacement blades are sold in packs and can be delivered on a schedule or picked up at major retailers, which keeps the whole setup low effort once you decide you like it.
This review focuses on how the Billie Razor Starter Kit performs in real, rushed, daily-life shaving: the smoothness of the shave, how it handles sensitive areas, how long blades last, and the trade-offs compared with other popular options.
What you get in the Billie Razor Starter Kit
Billie keeps the kit streamlined so you are not paying for extras you might never use. Inside the starter box you will typically find:
- One Billie razor handle with a rubberized, grippy coating in your chosen color.
- Two five-blade cartridges with a built-in soap cushion around the blades.
- One magnetic holder that adheres to a flat shower surface to keep the razor off wet ledges.
The handle feels more substantial than a flimsy disposable. It has a bit of weight, with a tapered shape that sits comfortably in the hand. The rubberized coating helps when your hands are soapy, and the slightly curved neck makes it easy to reach angles around ankles and knees.
The five-blade cartridges are housed in a wide, rounded head, surrounded by a soapy, coconut oil infused cushion and an aloe moisture strip. This creates a slick surface as soon as it touches water, so you can technically shave without extra shaving cream, though most people with sensitive or dry skin will still want a separate cream or gel for the best glide.
Who it is for
The Billie Razor Starter Kit is a good fit if you shave regularly and want something nicer than a bargain disposable, but you do not feel ready to commit to a safety razor or a high-end refillable system. It shines for people who like a fuss-free routine and want to stop overpaying for cartridges in the drugstore razor aisle.
It tends to work especially well for:
- Leg and underarm shavers who want a quick, close shave with minimal passes.
- People with somewhat sensitive skin who get redness or razor burn from cheaper, tuggy blades.
- Anyone who likes a tidy shower and appreciates the magnetic holder getting the razor off the tub edge.
It is less ideal if your skin reacts to fragrance or coconut derivatives, since the cushioning strip and soap contain those. Extremely sensitive or eczema-prone skin may do better with a razor that has no built-in soap and is paired with a fragrance-free shaving cream instead.
It is also not made for people who want a very precise trimmer for detailed bikini line shaping. The head is on the wider side, which is great for covering ground on legs but less precise for intricate shaping in tight areas.
How it feels and performs
Handle and control: The Billie handle is lightweight but not flimsy, with enough heft that you can guide it without pressing down hard. The rubberized coating gives good grip, even with slippery hands. The pivoting head follows curves well around knees and ankles, reducing the need to twist your wrist into awkward angles.
Glide and comfort: Once wet, the soap cushion around the blades becomes slick and slightly creamy. On areas with fine to medium hair, like calves or forearms, the razor glides smoothly with barely any drag. You can get away with using only water in a pinch, though pairing it with a shave cream or conditioning body wash noticeably improves slip and reduces the risk of irritation, especially on dry or textured skin.
Closeness of shave: The five-blade cartridges give a closer shave than most basic drugstore disposables. On legs, many people can get a nearly glassy finish with one or two passes, depending on hair density. Underarms also come out very smooth, though you may need a second pass in the opposite direction of hair growth if you have thicker hair.
Performance on sensitive areas: On the bikini line and inner thighs, the Billie can still perform well, but this is where any razor tends to show its limits. The wide head makes it easy to cover the flatter parts of the area, but less ideal for very precise edging. If your skin is easily irritated, pairing the razor with a generous layer of fragrance-free shave cream, using light pressure, and rinsing often helps prevent bumps.
Blade longevity: How long each cartridge lasts depends on how often you shave and how coarse your hair is. For an average user shaving legs and underarms a few times a week, many can get roughly 7 to 10 full shaves before the razor starts to feel less sharp or the soap cushion wears down. People with very coarse hair may notice tugging sooner and want to swap at the lower end of that range.
Magnetic holder and storage: The magnetic holder is genuinely handy. When stuck to a clean, smooth tile or glass surface, it does a good job keeping the razor dry between uses, which helps extend blade life. On heavily textured tile or in very steamy bathrooms, the adhesive may loosen over time, so pressing it firmly into place on a flat area and giving it a full day to set helps it stay put.
How to use for best results
The Starter Kit is simple to use, but a few tweaks can make a big difference in how your skin feels afterward.
- Prep your skin. Shave at the end of a warm shower when hair is soft and pores are open. If your legs are very dry, use a gentle body wash instead of harsh soap.
- Use a shaving cream or gel if you are prone to irritation. Even though Billie has built-in soap, adding a separate, cushioning layer reduces friction, especially on sensitive or bumpy areas.
- Let the water activate the cushion. Run the razor head under warm water for a few seconds before the first stroke so the soap around the blades softens and starts to lather slightly.
- Shave with light pressure. Let the weight of the handle and the sharp blades do the work. Pressing hard is more likely to cause nicks and razor burn, particularly on ankles and knees.
- Rinse frequently. With five blades, hair and shave cream can clog the cartridge if you rush. After two or three strokes, rinse the head under running water and tap gently on the side of the tub if needed.
- Pay attention on sensitive areas. For the bikini line, shave in the direction of hair growth first, then, if needed, make a second gentle pass across the grain instead of directly against it.
- Rinse and dry. After shaving, thoroughly rinse the razor, shake off extra water, and hang it on the magnetic holder so it can dry between uses. Avoid leaving it blade-down in standing water.
- Moisturize afterward. Pat skin dry and apply a simple, fragrance-free lotion or cream to help reduce post-shave dryness and bumps.
Pros and cons
Here are the main strengths and weaknesses of the Billie Razor Starter Kit to consider before you buy.
Pros
- Very good value compared with many similar five-blade razors, especially once you factor in cartridge pricing.
- Comfortable, grippy handle that feels stable in wet hands and makes it easier to maneuver around knees and ankles.
- Smooth, close shave on legs and underarms with fewer passes than basic disposables.
- Built-in soap cushion that adds slip and convenience, useful when you are in a hurry or traveling.
- Magnetic holder keeps the razor off damp surfaces, helping blades last longer and keeping the shower less cluttered.
- Fun color options and modern design that make the razor feel less clinical and more like a personal accessory.
Cons
- Built-in soap is not for everyone, especially if your skin is very reactive to fragrance or coconut-based ingredients.
- Wide razor head can be a bit bulky for precise bikini line detailing or very small areas.
- Five-blade design can clog more easily with thick hair if you do not rinse often between strokes.
- Magnetic holder relies on a smooth surface, so it may not adhere well to rough or heavily textured tile.
- Environmental impact is similar to other cartridge razors, since the cartridges are not widely recyclable in standard curbside programs.
Final verdict
The Billie Razor Starter Kit delivers on its core promise: a comfortable, close shave at a reasonable price, packaged in a way that feels a bit more thoughtful than most drugstore options. The handle is comfortable, the blades are sharp, and the magnetic holder is more than a gimmick once you have used it for a few weeks.
If you have moderately sensitive skin, prefer a quick and easy shave, and like the idea of setting and forgetting cartridge refills or grabbing refills when you run errands, the Billie system is a strong option. Extremely sensitive or fragrance-reactive skin types, and anyone who prefers ultra-precise bikini grooming, may want to pair it with a very gentle shave cream and manage expectations, or look for a more minimal razor head instead. For most everyday shavers, though, the Billie Razor Starter Kit is a smart upgrade that balances performance, price, and convenience well.
See also
If you are focused on avoiding irritation around the bikini area, start with our guide to the best razors for sensitive bikini lines and consider pairing your shave with a soothing, non-irritating lotion such as the one in our gentle moisturizer review.
- Read our detailed Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream review if your skin is dry or eczema prone.
- Compare textures and ingredients in our First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream review for deep hydration after shaving.
- For barrier-supporting hydration, see the Skinfix Barrier Plus Triple Lipid Peptide Cream review.
FAQ
Is the Billie Razor Starter Kit good for sensitive skin?
For many people with mildly to moderately sensitive skin, the Billie Razor Starter Kit performs well, especially on legs and underarms. The blades are sharp and the glide is smooth, which helps reduce tugging that can lead to redness. However, the built-in soap and moisture strip contain fragrance and coconut-derived ingredients, so if your skin is extremely reactive or you have a history of contact dermatitis, you may want a razor without added soap paired with a fragrance-free shave cream.
How long do Billie razor cartridges usually last?
Most average users get around 7 to 10 full shaves per cartridge when shaving legs and underarms a few times per week. Signs that it is time to change the blade include increased tugging, needing extra passes to get a smooth result, or visible wear on the soap cushion and moisture strip. If you have very coarse hair or shave larger areas more frequently, you may want to change cartridges on the earlier side of that range.
Does the Billie magnetic holder actually stay put in the shower?
On a smooth, clean surface like glass or glossy tile, the magnetic holder adheres well and keeps the razor securely in place, even in daily steam. Problems usually show up when it is stuck to rough, textured, or dirty surfaces, where the adhesive cannot fully grip. To get the best hold, clean and dry the area first, stick the holder firmly, and let it sit for at least 24 hours before hanging the razor.
Can I use the Billie razor on my bikini line and pubic area?
You can use the Billie razor on the bikini line and surrounding areas, and many people do so successfully. Because the razor head is fairly wide, it works best for general grooming and cleaning up edges rather than very detailed shaping. For sensitive zones, use a thick layer of shave cream, shave in the direction of hair growth first, avoid pressing down, and rinse the blade frequently to reduce the risk of bumps and ingrowns.
Is the Billie Razor Starter Kit worth it compared with cheap disposables?
For most regular shavers, the Starter Kit is a noticeable upgrade over ultra-cheap disposables. You typically get a closer shave in fewer passes, less tugging, and a more stable handle, plus the convenience of the magnetic holder and easier access to refills. If you only shave occasionally or are very satisfied with a basic disposable, you may not feel a dramatic difference, but anyone dealing with nicks, razor burn, or frustration in the drugstore aisle is likely to appreciate the improvement.
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