8 best bikini trimmers I've tested as a beauty editor, for smooth hair removal
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Before we start on my guide to the best bikini trimmers, it goes without saying: intimate grooming is totally personal. I’m not here to tell anyone what to do with their body hair. Some weeks I’m fully committed to the full shaving routine; other weeks I simply can’t be bothered. But when I do want a quick tidy-up and can’t face the pain of waxing (or the patience needed for my IPL device, or the dreaded rummage through my sad graveyard of blunt razors for women), I always reach for my trusty bikini trimmer.
The best bikini trimmers are a gentler alternative to razors, especially if your skin tends to react badly to a super-close shave (like mine). They’re designed to glide over delicate skin and trim hair without scraping directly against it, which means fewer cuts, less irritation and a much lower chance of angry ingrown hairs turning up uninvited. They’ve levelled up, too. Some are slim precision trimmers for neat edges, others are clever 3-in-1 tools with interchangeable heads, and a few can even be used on facial hair, making them a genuinely useful addition to your beauty kit.
At Glamour, we’ve been busy testing the best bikini trimmers on the market ahead of summer – and if we've learned anything, it's that buying one is not the kind of thing you want to leave to guesswork. Since you can’t exactly take one for a spin before committing, we’ve rounded up the very best options to suit every budget and grooming preference.
Featured in this guide:
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How we tested bikini trimmers:
At Glamour, we take all of our beauty testing seriously – but a guide to bikini trimming? That’s really not something we’re willing to take risks on. After researching what makes bikini trimmers different from standard shavers, I called in four options for members of the Glamour team to try over a period of three to four weeks, switching out their usual hair removal method for their trimmer of choice.
When it came to testing, we all had slightly different routines - so whether you’re someone who shaves in the shower, in the bath, on dry skin, with loads of shaving foam or with none at all, there should be something in this guide that works for you. Comfort was a huge factor, too. Each trimmer was judged on whether it caused irritation, bumps or ingrown hairs, and how easy it was to manoeuvre around those more awkward areas.
We also looked at the practical stuff: battery life, wet-and-dry use, cleaning, travel-friendliness, noise, attachments and overall value for money. And, of course, we made a note of what we didn’t like too - because no beauty tool is perfect.
Why you can trust me:
I’ve been a beauty writer for six years now, five spent at The Mirror and the rest of the time at Glamour, and haircare is a topic I take seriously. Nope, not just the hair on my head, which I take a lot of pride in by the way, shoutout to my hair growth serum and hair growth vitamins, but the hair on my body too.
I’ve had sensitive skin my whole life, so shaving, waxing and everything in between has always been tricky. While I know I definitely shouldn’t, more often than not you’ll find me panic-buying those 10 for £2 razor packs in Superdrug after deciding I want bare legs in the depths of winter, which my skin absolutely hates me for. Waxing has always been too painful, and while I love my at-home IPL device, I simply don’t always have time to sit there zapping for over an hour.
That’s where a bikini trimmer comes in handy. For me, it’s the easiest way to neaten things up quickly without going in with a razor every single time. IPL has definitely thinned my body hair, so I don’t always need a full shave, sometimes I just want a quick trim, and that’s exactly what a good bikini trimmer is perfect for.
Ahead, the official Glamour guide to the very best bikini trimmers.
1. Best for Sensitive Skin: Gillette Venus Gentle Trimmer
- Reviewer: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Type: Cordless.
- Use: Wet and dry.
- Power source: Battery operated.
- Modes: Trim.
Glamour-tester review: “I’m usually a razor girl through and through, but I’m also very familiar with the redness, bumps and general post-shave drama that can come with tidying up your bikini line. So, I was intrigued to see whether the Gillette Venus Gentle Trimmer could give me a neater finish without leaving my skin feeling angry afterwards. I used it in the shower and found it really easy to handle - slim, lightweight and precise enough to work around the bikini line without any awkward tugging.
It doesn’t give you that totally smooth, fresh-razor finish - there’s definitely a little stubble left behind - so I’d think of it as more of a trimming and shaping tool than a full shave replacement. That said, for keeping things tidy between waxes or proper shaves, it does the job nicely and felt gentle on my skin. My only real complaint is the noise: for such a small trimmer, it’s pretty loud.”
2. Best Multi-Use: Philips Lady Shaver Series 8000
- Reviewer: Sophie Donovan, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
- Type: Cordless.
- Use: Wet and dry.
- Power source: Battery operated.
- Modes: Shave and trim.
Glamour-tester review: “I've been a razor shaver all my life - because the few times I've endured a Hollywood wax, I've been disappointed both by the expense and how quickly my hair grows back. Unlike my razor, this didn't deliver a clean shave in one fell swoop; however, due to no risk of razor burn, it was easier to keep my clean-shaved look (once achieved) topped up for days after.
I also loved the addition of the facial shaver, which provided an easy introduction to at-home dermaplaning. I'm not sure I'd spend £80 over my usual £15 on a fresh razor and additional heads, but it's certainly more eco-conscious, and probably really useful on holiday when I'm regularly wearing a bikini. More testing needed - I'll report back!”
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3. Best For Travel: Philips Essential Bikini trimmer
- Reviewer: Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior Commerce Editor.
- Type: Cordless.
- Use: Wet and dry.
- Power source: Battery operated.
- Modes: Shave and trim.
Glamour-tester review: "I'm going to be totally transparent here: the Philips Essential Bikini Trimmer is the first bikini trimmer I've ever tested. So, I don't have too much to compare this model to – besides my previously preferred hair removal methods of shaving and hair removal cream. That said, I can speak to its pros and cons as a standalone product, because there were quite a few features that really impressed me. First up, the Philips Essential Bikini Trimmer is a great price – under £30 – which feels fair for what it is. When I opened the box, I was pleased to find a silky, protective case inside – perfect for travelling – as well as two shaving heads plus two click-on trimming combs. I took a look at the instructions: the shaving heads allow you to go totally smooth and bare, while the trimming combs allow you to pay with lengths, trimming hair at three or five mm. I also appreciated that it comes with a (very) small cleaning brush, to keep your bikini trimmer in pristine condition. I wish more trimmers came with one of these.
"The product is really easy to use: you simply push the switch on the ergonomic handle to the on position, and the device begins whirring. It's a tiny bit noisy, but nothing too antisocial. Then, simply glide the trimmer against the direction of hair growth. Skin should be kept taut while trimming to ensure best results and no cuts, but if you do this, I really think you'll find it to be delicate and gentle against skin. It's not irritating, nor did it graze my skin. Plus, it works really quickly. Generally speaking, I find shaving in the shower to be a little more convenient than adding an extra step, but if using a bikini trimmer is your preferred hair removal method then this feels like a solid buy."
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4. Best For Precision: Braun Bikini Trimmer Silk-epil Bikini Styler
- Reviewer: Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Type: Cordless.
- Use: Wet and dry.
- Power source: Battery operated.
- Modes: Shave and trim.
Glamour-tester review: “As someone who prefers beauty tools that are straightforward and easy to use, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when four different attachments slipped out from the little silk drawstring pouch. Inside, there’s a precision head, a bikini shaping head, two trimming combs and an included AAA battery - which I always appreciate, because there’s nothing more annoying than buying a new beauty tool and not being able to use it straight away.
I liked that this felt more like a detail tool than a full-on shaver. The precision head is designed to be held a bit like a pen, and that made it much easier to tidy up edges and smaller areas without feeling like I was about to slip or nick myself. The two trimming combs let you choose between 5mm and 8mm, so you can keep hair at a neat, even length rather than accidentally taking everything too short. I also liked that you can use the same precision head on eyebrows or facial hair, which makes it feel more useful than a bikini-only gadget.
In terms of downsides, it’s not the fastest trimmer I tried. Because the head is small and precise, you do need a bit of patience if you’re covering a larger area, and it won’t give you a completely smooth shave. That said, it didn’t scratch, graze or irritate my skin, and for shaping, neat edges and controlled trimming, I can see why it earns its place in a bathroom cabinet.”
More bikini trimmers I'm currently testing:
Your bikini trimmer FAQs, answered:
Is a bikini trimmer better than a razor?
Women's razors are certainly one of the more affordable options when it comes to hair removal, but a bikini trimmer is a lot more precise at getting the job done. Razors tend to feature moisture strips which - while great at keeping your skin nourished - can make reaching difficult areas impossible, whereas bikini trimmers are easy to manoeuvre.
Do bikini trimmers get rid of all the hair?
The clue is sort of in the name: they're trimmers. Bikini trimmers won't shave down to the skin, so if you're looking for a completely smooth result they might not be the best option for you. They will leave some stubble due to the way the blades work - but this does mean you'll avoid ingrown hairs and razor rash. If you are seeking the former, consider laser hair removal or an IPL device.
What are the different kind of bikini trimmers?
There are a few different types of bikini trimmer, and the best one depends on how much styling you actually want to do. Some are simple, slim precision trimmers for tidying edges and shaping the bikini line, while others come with comb attachments so you can choose your preferred length rather than trimming everything super short.
Wet-and-dry trimmers are great if you prefer doing your hair removal in the shower, while dry-use stylers tend to be better for more precise, mirror-in-hand touch-ups. You’ll also find multi-use options with interchangeable heads for brows, facial hair or smaller areas, which can be handy if you like a beauty tool that earns its place.
The main thing to remember is that most bikini trimmers are designed for neatness, comfort and control - not necessarily a completely bare, razor-smooth finish.
