Image courtesy of Oui Shave

Despite the name, safety razors, with their single sharp blade, are intimidating—and especially so for women, since most of us don’t grow up getting the barbershop experience or lessons from dad in front of the mirror. If you’ve ever nicked your Achilles tendon or knee, one look at a safety razor will bring on visions of Sweeney Todd and send you running back to your plastic tool wrapped in a clunky shea butter bar. But it shouldn’t, because the benefits far outweigh the slight learning curve.

Here’s what you need to know: This razor comes with four blades, and each lasts a few weeks depending on how often you shave. Unscrew the base of the razor to place a blade under the protective metal cover, then screw it tightly back on top. Coat your skin in a thin layer of oil (cream works, too, but oil makes for the smoothest glide), then shave as usual, save for one rule: Don’t use any pressure to press the razor onto your skin; the head is weighted and does all the work for you. You’ll step out of the shower with the closest shave of your life, and absolutely zero irritation—and this is coming from a girl who has struggled with ingrowns and redness her entire life. The next best thing about it? The razor itself lasts a lifetime, so you just have to stock up on blades (and a pack of 10 is cheaper than two morning coffees). Make the switch, and you’ll never look back.

Oui Shave Carrie 14k Gold Razor Set (shaving oil not pictured), $85, approx. RM341.80, ouishave.com.