Home » Billie Review: Minimalist Shaving Essentials for Daily Grooming?

Billie Review: Minimalist Shaving Essentials for Daily Grooming?

Billie Review

Billie focuses on everyday body-care and shaving essentials designed to make grooming routines feel simple, comfortable, and approachable.

The brand’s shaving lineup extends to accessories and formulas like shave cream and shave gel that are developed to cushion the skin during hair removal and support a more nourishing shaving experience.

In this review, we will take a closer look at Billie’s product offerings, how the brand compares with similar names in the personal care space, and where it may hold an advantage.

We will also evaluate the limitations or gaps you should be aware of, and what real users have shared through their reviews and experiences.

About Billie

Billie is a women-focused brand that emphasizes simple, feel-good grooming routines without creating pressure or expectations around appearance. It first gained recognition for its five-blade razor system developed specifically for women, with features such as an aloe-moisture bar and ergonomic handle.

As per the official website, the brand’s product range primarily covers two main categories, such as shave and bodycare, along with curated bundles and starter kits.

In the shave category, its signature offering is the Razor Starter Kit, which has a handle, magnetic holder, and two blades, available in multiple color options such as pink sparkle, malibu, coral, cool blue, and sparkle.

The lineup also includes Whipped Shave Cream in scents like lavender and bergamot, ultra-gentle, and fresh-squeezed grapefruit, the Body Buffer exfoliating bar, razor travel cases, refill blades, and wax kits for areas such as the body, underarms, face, and bikini.

Beyond shaving, the brand extends into everyday bodycare essentials. This includes the All Day Deodorant range in options such as cotton cloud, santal blossom, coco villa, lavender milk, and tidal rose, along with Bounce Body Lotion, Wonder Wipes for gentle makeup removal, and the Dermaplane Starter Kit with refill blades for facial exfoliation.

The makers highlight that Billie also offers multi-product bundles like the Ultimate Shave Set, Iconic Trio Shave Set, Smooth Operator Deluxe Starter Kit, Hydration Re-Set, and Choose Your Smooth Set, which combine products such as razors, shave cream, lotion, exfoliating bars, and wax kits based on routine preferences.

Billie Review

Billie Bestsellers

  1. Razor Starter Kit

    As per the official website, the Razor Starter Kit includes a handle, two replacement cartridges, and a magnetic holder. This set highlights that each cartridge features five stainless steel blades designed to cut hair at the surface of the skin with minimal tugging.

    The blades are surrounded by an aloe-based moisturizing strip that makes contact with the skin during shaving, helping reduce friction between the metal edge and the outer skin layer. The pivoting head is intended to adjust to different body contours so the blades maintain contact as you move across curved areas.

    The moisturizing strip contains aloe, which helps support water retention in the stratum corneum that may contribute to improved skin hydration during and after shaving. Aloe also contains phytochemicals like amino acids and minor antioxidants that can help support the skin barrier after mechanical stress caused by blade contact. When applied repeatedly through shave passes, the aloe layer can function as a lubricating interface that reduces micro-abrasions and the sensation of irritation.

    The ergonomic handle of the razor includes a matte rubberized backing to improve grip in wet environments, which may help stabilize hand movement and reduce pressure variation on the skin while shaving. The magnetic holder keeps the razor suspended on a vertical surface, which limits prolonged contact with standing water.

  2. Whipped Shave Cream

    The Whipped Shave Cream may help create a cushioned barrier between the razor and the skin during shaving. It forms a dense, emollient layer that helps reduce friction as the blade moves across the surface of the skin, which may lower the likelihood of razor drag and micro-irritation. Its texture is intended to support glide while maintaining moisture on the outer skin layer throughout the shave.

    The formula contains aloe vera, which has polysaccharide content, particularly acemannan. These long-chain sugars can bind water molecules within the stratum corneum, supporting short-term skin hydration during mechanical stress.

    Coconut oil in this cream can help soften the outer skin layer and reduce transepidermal water loss by forming a thin lipid film on the surface. This film can make the skin feel more flexible during shaving, which may help minimize friction-related discomfort.

    The makers also added shea butter in Whipped Shave Cream, which contributes additional lipids, including stearic and oleic acids that integrate with the skin’s natural lipid matrix. These lipids can support barrier function by reinforcing the intercellular spaces within the stratum corneum, which can help maintain moisture balance and reduce dryness that sometimes follows shaving.

  3. All Day Deodorant

    The All Day Deodorant could help manage underarm odor through moisture absorption and surface-level odor-neutralizing mechanisms rather than sweat-blocking action.

    The formula includes caprylic/capric triglyceride, which forms a lightweight lipid layer that helps smooth the superficial skin barrier without feeling occlusive. This may support the stratum corneum by reinforcing surface lipids, which can reduce friction in the underarm area and support skin comfort during daily movement.

    Tapioca starch in All Day Deodorant can help bind excess surface moisture from sweat, helping limit the humid environment that promotes bacterial growth. It allows normal perspiration to occur while managing wetness at a superficial level by reducing moisture rather than blocking sweat production.

    As per the official website, the deodorant also has coconut oil, which contributes emollient and lipid-replenishing properties due to its triglyceride and fatty acid profile, including lauric acid. These lipids can integrate with the outer skin layer and help maintain softness while supporting barrier integrity.

  4. Body Buffer

    The makers state that Body Buffer is designed to be used before shaving to help loosen buildup on the skin’s surface and reduce the likelihood of ingrown hairs. Exfoliation removes a portion of the compacted cells in the stratum corneum, which is known as the outermost layer of your skin. The curved bar shape is intended to follow body contours so the exfoliating particles make even contact with the skin.

    The bar formula also includes aloe barbadensis leaf juice, which can support short-term hydration and help counter the dryness that can occur after exfoliation. It might also support the skin barrier as it undergoes mild friction from exfoliation.

    As per the official website, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil and jojoba esters in Body Buffer function as emollients that mimic components of the skin’s natural sebum. Jojoba’s wax ester structure integrates with the lipid matrix between skin cells, helping maintain barrier integrity after surface exfoliation.

    Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil could help replenish surface lipids and improve spreadability on the skin, allowing the exfoliating particles to move across the surface without excessive drag.

  5. Dermaplane Starter Kit

    The Dermaplane Starter Kit is designed for surface-level hair removal and gentle physical exfoliation on the face. Dermaplaning involves using a fine blade to remove vellus hair, often called peach fuzz, along with a thin layer of compacted cells from the stratum corneum.

    As per the official website, each kit includes a reusable handle and stainless steel refill blades equipped with protective micro-guards. Stainless steel resists corrosion and maintains a stable cutting edge during repeated contact with the skin. The micro-guard pattern reduces the amount of direct blade exposure on any single point of skin, which helps limit the depth of contact so exfoliation remains confined to the outermost layer rather than penetrating deeper into the epidermis.

    The slip-free handle is designed to stabilize hand positioning and maintain a consistent angle along facial contours. A steady angle reduces uneven pressure on the skin, which can decrease the likelihood of over-exfoliating certain areas or creating small abrasions.

  6. Ultimate Shave Set

    According to the official website, the Ultimate Shave Set includes the Razor Starter Kit, Body Buffer, Whipped Shave Cream, and Ultimate Skin Solution. Used together, the products may support exfoliation, emollient cushioning, and chemical exfoliation to address common post-shave concerns such as rough texture, dryness, and ingrown hairs.

    The routine begins with the Body Buffer, which uses biodegradable exfoliating components such as jojoba esters to create mild surface abrasion on the stratum corneum, the outermost skin layer. This process helps loosen compacted dead skin cells around hair follicles. During shaving, the Whipped Shave Cream provides a cushioning layer that reduces friction between the blades and the skin.

    The razor cartridges in the Razor Starter Kit are surrounded by an aloe-based moisturizing strip, which can make the shaving process feel gentler on the surface while still allowing the blades to cut hair at the skin level.

    After shaving, the Ultimate Skin Solution functions as a maintenance step between shave days. It contains a blend of alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. AHAs act primarily on the skin’s surface by weakening the bonds between dead skin cells, helping them shed more evenly across the epidermis. BHAs in this formula can penetrate the pore lining and dissolve buildup composed of sebum and compacted cells.

  7. Hydration Re-Set

    The Hydration Re-Set is a three-step routine designed to support smoother skin by combining gentle exfoliation, surface-level shaving, and post-shave moisturization.

    The set includes a razor handle with blades and a magnetic holder, the Body Buffer, and Bounce Body Lotion. The routine focuses on preparing the outer skin layer before shaving and providing moisture afterward to help reduce dryness and rough texture.

    The routine begins with the Body Buffer, which supports your skin’s natural desquamation process, where enzymes gradually break down the bonds between dead cells. Clearing this buildup can help keep hair follicles unobstructed, reducing the chance of hair curling back into the skin and contributing to ingrown formation after shaving.

    The shaving step uses a razor, which helps cut hair at the skin level, while the pivoting head maintains contact over curved areas, helping distribute pressure during shaving rather than concentrating force in one spot. Meanwhile, the Bounce Body Lotion in this set focuses on restoring moisture after shaving.

Billie Advantages

  1. Women-First Brand Ethos

    Billie claims it was established explicitly as a female-first company to address longstanding gaps in women’s grooming within a category historically shaped by male-centered design.

    The brand frames its origins around the view that many women’s razors were adapted from men’s products, often resulting in limited functional innovation, higher prices, and designs that did not account for women’s shaving patterns, such as larger surface areas, body contours, and in-shower routines.

    Founder-led messaging emphasizes that Billie set out to create products intentionally designed for how women shave and care for their bodies, rather than modifying existing men’s tools.

    This women-first philosophy is reflected across the product lineup, which the brand presents as a coordinated system focused on comfort, usability, and everyday care.

    The Razor Starter Kit, Whipped Shave Cream, Body Buffer, and All Day Deodorant are collectively positioned as products developed with attention to skin sensitivity, ergonomic handling, and gentle performance.

    Design features such as multi-blade configurations, integrated shave soap, nourishing formulations, and non-irritating application are framed around supporting women’s daily routines without relying on aggressive performance claims or corrective beauty messaging. The extension from shaving into broader body care supports the brand’s claim that women’s needs guide both product development and category expansion.

  2. Inclusive Personal Care Messaging

    Billie regularly uses expansive language such as “womankind” to signal that its products and communications are intended for a broad range of people across body types, skin tones, and gender expressions. This choice of language is positioned as an intentional effort to move beyond narrow definitions of femininity that have traditionally dominated personal care marketing.

    Billie’s campaign history offers specific illustrations of this positioning. Efforts such as “Think of a Woman” are framed to challenge one-dimensional portrayals by featuring diverse identities and appearances, while strengthening the idea that grooming is optional and self-directed rather than socially mandated.

    The brand’s Project Body Hair campaign represented a clear break from category norms by showing women shaving visible body hair, stretch marks, and natural skin textures without treating them as imperfections. Phrases like “We all have it” and “however, whenever, if ever” positioned body hair as neutral and personal, avoiding corrective language or visual contrasts that imply improvement.

    As Billie has expanded into body care categories beyond razors, the brand claims it has carried this inclusive perspective forward. Deodorants, shave creams, and exfoliation products are introduced with messaging that emphasizes comfort, routine integration, and choice rather than transformation or concealment.

Billie Limitation

  1. Subscription-First Business Model

    Billie follows a subscription-first business model in which recurring refills are positioned as the primary customer relationship after initial onboarding. The typical entry point is the $9 Starter Kit, which includes a handle, blades, and holder, and is designed to transition customers into a default blade refill subscription. After sign-up, you are enrolled in recurring shipments of four replacement cartridges every one to three months, with timing determined by a shaving-frequency quiz.

    This pricing and fulfillment structure assumes relatively consistent shaving habits, even though grooming frequency often varies due to skin sensitivity, seasonal changes, or personal routines.

    Although Billie’s adjustable delivery intervals acknowledge this variability, consumer feedback indicates that changes in usage can still result in excess inventory unless you actively manage your subscriptions. This introduces an ongoing monitoring requirement that shifts the experience from simple, need-based purchasing to periodic subscription maintenance.

    The subscription-optimized pricing model also influences purchasing flexibility and trial behavior. While the low $9 starter price reduces the initial barrier to entry, most refill options are structured around recurring delivery, which can limit impulse or one-off purchases through the brand’s primary channel.

Pros

  • Designed specifically for women’s shaving needs with rounded, curve-friendly edges.
  • Features modern, minimalist branding and visually appealing aesthetics.
  • Offers starter kits and bundled offerings that increase beginner value.

Cons

  • Some users report that blades become dull after only a few shaves.
  • Some customers reported feeling that subscription pricing increases reduce perceived value.

Billie Alternatives

  1. Flamingo

    Flamingo positions itself as a grooming-focused brand centered on essential body hair and care tools, with a primary emphasis on razors, blades, dermaplaning tools, and pubic-care grooming systems.

    The brand’s catalog is built around hardware and refill ecosystems, including products such as the Original Razor, Moisture Plus Razor, Pubic Razor, Refillable Dermaplane Razor, Disposable Dermaplane Razors (3-Pack), Shave Refill Set, Original Blades, Moisture Plus Blades, Pubic Blades, and Dermaplane Blades.

    The offering is complemented by accessories such as the Suction Shower Holder and Adhesive Shower Holder, as well as starter options like the Shave and Dermaplane Starter Set and the Starter Set available in shades such as Lilac and Papaya.

    Alongside product development, Flamingo highlights a social-impact commitment through partnerships with organizations such as Girl Scouts of America, Exhale to Inhale, Black Girls Smile, Girls on the Run, and AAKOMA, with initiatives focused on body confidence, education, emotional healing, and holistic support for women and girls.

    Billie, in comparison, operates within the shaving category while extending more broadly into body care and routine-based personal care. Its razor ecosystem includes offerings such as the Razor Starter Kit, Razor Refill Blades, Dermaplane Starter Kit, and Dermaplane Refill Blades, supported by complementary products designed for pre- and post-shave use. These include the Body Buffer exfoliating bar, Whipped Shave Cream in varieties such as Lavender and Bergamot and Ultra Gentle, V Smooth pubic shave gel, and Ultimate Skin Solution for ingrown-prone skin.

    Billie also expands into bodycare ranges such as Revive, Exfoliate, Soothe, Bounce, Detox, and Glow body washes, along with Glow and Bounce body lotions, aluminum-free deodorants such as Cotton Cloud and Santal Blossom, AHA deodorants including Tidal Rose, and additional personal-care options. Its curated bundles, including the Ultimate Shave Set, Iconic Trio Shave Set, Smooth Operator Deluxe Starter Kit, and Choose Your Smooth Set, reflect a routine-building approach with multiple color choices across accessories and kits.

    The key differences between Flamingo and Billie are reflected in their scope and positioning. Flamingo remains more specialized in hair-removal tools and refill-based grooming systems, with notable depth in categories such as dermaplaning, pubic-care razors, and moisture-bar razor formats, alongside a defined social-impact narrative.

    Billie takes a broader lifestyle direction by connecting shaving tools with skincare and bodycare extensions, fragrance-oriented product options, and bundled sets designed to support complete body-routine use.

    While both brands offer razors, blades, dermaplaning tools, and color-varied starter kits, Flamingo leans toward functionality and practical grooming systems, whereas Billie emphasizes variety, routine integration, and a wider personal-care variety suited to everyday bodycare needs.

  2. Athena Club

    Athena Club positions itself as a broader personal care and body wellness brand with an extensive catalog that goes beyond shaving. Its lineup covers body care, deodorants, shave products, bundles, candles, scrubs, lotions, wax strip kits, face wipes, sleep masks, and curated ingredient listings with EWG score references.

    The brand emphasizes clean-label formulations with lengthy exclusion lists covering parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oils, and drying alcohols, along with attributes such as cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free. Its product variety is a defining feature, with recurring scent families like golden vanilla, super pink, sea splash, and coconut sparkle across multiple categories.

    The shave range features The Razor Kit, The Mini Razor, Blade Refills, Glossy Shave Oil, Fluffy Shave Butter, Cloud Shave Foam, and Whipped Shave Cream, supported by accessories such as the Razor Travel Case and Magnetic Storage Hook.

    On the other hand, Billie remains more focused on shaving, body care, and everyday grooming essentials with a streamlined yet design-forward variety. The catalog centers on the Razor Starter Kit, available in multiple colorways such as Pink Sparkle, Malibu, DreamPop, and Periwinkle, alongside refill blades, a magnetic holder, and complementary tools including the Dermaplane Starter Kit, Body Buffer exfoliating bar, and Whipped Shave Cream. The range extends into targeted options such as V Smooth pubic hair shave gel, Ultimate Skin Solution for ingrown care, AHA deodorant, all-day deodorant sticks, Wonder Wipes, Super Salve balm, and Floof dry shampoo.

    Both brands operate in an accessible range, though their structures differ slightly. Athena Club maintains relatively consistent pricing across categories, with individual shave and body products generally priced around $9 to $13 and larger bundles typically ranging between $30 and $43. Blade refills and shaving tools are priced to support long-term use, with multi-pack refills available for $24.

    Billie follows a similarly affordable approach, but its pricing varies more by routine depth and product function. Its core essentials, such as the Razor Starter Kit and blade refills, are priced around $8 to $10, while bodycare, deodorant, and targeted options like Ultimate Skin Solution or dry shampoo generally fall within the $7 to $14 range. Athena Club’s pricing aligns with a broad, multi-category portfolio, whereas Billie’s pricing reflects a tiered structure built around its shave-first routine.

    Athena Club distinguishes itself through its wider product ecosystem, ingredient-education emphasis, fragrance-based collections, and wellness-leaning product mix that extends beyond grooming. Billie, meanwhile, remains more razor-centric, prioritizing streamlined grooming routines, exfoliation, shave prep, and coordinated accessories supported by color-driven design and practical starter kits.

How Did We Evaluate?

  1. Brand Reputation

    Billie works as an online personal care and grooming brand, focusing on women-oriented shaving essentials and body care products such as razors, body washes, and lotions, along with subscription-based replenishment features designed around affordability and convenience.

    As of 2025, the brand holds an A- rating on BBB and is not BBB-accredited. It has received some complaints, where most concerns relate to delivery issues, subscription management, fulfillment discrepancies, and customer service responsiveness. In several cases, the company acknowledged issues, issued refunds, or escalated matters for follow-up, which indicates a willingness to resolve complaints even when customer frustration stemmed from delayed communication or order errors. At the same time, recurring themes around shipment accuracy and subscription cancellation suggest areas where process reliability and accessibility of support could be strengthened.

    Our evaluation indicates that Billie demonstrates responsiveness when issues are raised through formal channels, but the complaint history highlights operational gaps that you may want to keep in mind when considering the brand.

  2. Real User Experiences

    To evaluate Billie, we reviewed Trustpilot feedback from 2022 to 2025, where the brand holds a 1.8 out of 5 rating based on 130+ reviews. The feedback reflects recurring concerns about product consistency and shaving performance.

    Several users mention razors becoming dull after a few uses, limited closeness of shave, irritation, or blades detaching during use. Customers who purchased starter or disposable packs also report blunt blades and uneven results, even with minimal use. A few users share positive experiences or note satisfactory support outcomes, although these appear less frequent compared to critical feedback.

    Several customers highlighted concerns related to customer service, billing, and logistics. Some even describe challenges with canceling subscriptions, unexpected repeat charges after cancellation, or slower response times from support teams.

    Others highlight issues with shipping, including delays, lack of tracking visibility, damaged packages, or uncertainty around delivery status. Even among users who are satisfied with the razor itself, there are recurring observations around subscription management and order fulfillment processes.

    This evaluation indicates that customer perceptions of Billie are mixed, with notable concerns centered on product reliability, subscription transparency, and service experience. While there are customers who remain satisfied with the brand, the broader pattern of feedback suggests that expectations are not consistently met across these areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Billie offer options for people who experience post-shave ingrowns regularly?
    Yes. The brand offers products designed to help reduce and manage post-shave ingrowns, including the Ultimate Skin Solution that helps dissolve buildup while soothing skin with aloe. The brand also includes the Ingrown Prevention Whipped Shave Cream and the Body Buffer exfoliating bar to gently prep skin before shaving.
  • Does Billie provide compatibility guidance for people using retinol or exfoliating acids?
    The brand generally does not provide detailed compatibility guidance for combining its body products with separate retinol or high-strength exfoliating acids. Rather than offering retinol-mixing advice, the brand keeps usage directions limited to product-specific contexts, without extending them to external active formulas. People who combine potent actives typically need to rely on general skincare guidance or professional advice outside of what Billie currently provides.
  • Does Billie offer a dedicated product for post-shave redness or sensitivity recovery?
    The brand does not offer a dedicated post-shave recovery product specifically targeted at redness or sensitivity. Instead, its approach focuses on minimizing irritation during the shave itself. It integrates soothing ingredients into core products such as the Ultra Gentle Fragrance-Free Whipped Shave Cream and the V Smooth Shave Gel & Cleanser for the pubic area to cushion the shave.

Conclusion

Billie emphasizes comfort, functional design, and everyday usability rather than appearance-driven beauty messaging. Its razors and body-care products combine features such as ergonomic handles, multi-blade systems, and aloe-based moisture bars, which align with general shaving principles aimed at improving glide, reducing friction, and supporting a gentler shaving experience.

However, results might vary depending on skin type, shaving technique, and frequency of use. Its subscription-first purchasing model may feel less convenient if your shaving needs change. The scientific support around comfort and irritation reduction is largely based on general shaving mechanics and ingredient function rather than extensive brand-specific clinical trials.

It is essential that you review ingredient lists if you have allergies or sensitivities, patch-test new products when possible, and avoid shaving over irritated or compromised skin.

Billie offers strengths in design simplicity, usability, and comfort-oriented positioning, while key downsides include subscription dependence, a narrower product portfolio, and outcomes that may differ across users.

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This project was supported in part by NSF Grant IIS-03-25867 (ITR: An Electronic Field Guide: Plant Exploration and Discovery in the 21st Century) and by the Washington Biologists' Field Club.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views, opinions, or policy of the National Science Foundation (NSF).