Philips Norelco 8040X Moisturizing Shaving System

by Philips

Product Features

• Unique shaver combines Nivea moisturizer dispensing system with advanced shaving technology
• The flex tracker automatically tracks the curves of your face and helps to protect against skin irritation
• The shaving heads have unique glide rings to help the shaver move smoothly over your face
• Anti-slip grip panel features advanced layered rubber gripping surface
• Charge time: 4 hours; shaving time: 40 minutes

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Philips Norelco Moisturizing Shaving System: The Future is Closer than You Think
	Nivea For Men Conditioner Dispensing System Nivea for Men shaving conditioner is dispensed directly onto your skin for a moisturizing and soothing shave. The formula is enriched with vitamins and chamomile to condition your skin and support a healthy look.
Improved Nivea for Men Shaving Conditioner The new line of Philips Norelco Cool Skin shavers comes with an improved Nivea for Men Shaving Conditioner that makes shaving even more comfortable and less irritating for your skin. The Lift & Cut system has been improved so that the appliance gives an even closer shave. Thanks to its new design, the shaver fits more comfortably in your hand, while new features make it easier to clean.
		Flex Tracker System The unique Flex Tracker System closely follows the contours of your face, giving you a smooth and perfect shave. The flexing action ensures that the blades are aligned with your skin to allow hairs to be cut exceptionally closer to the skin. Thus you can enjoy a remarkably smooth and fresh look.
Glide Rings The shaving heads have unique Glide Rings to help the shaver move smoothly over your face.
		Integrated Cartridge Refill System You can Simply pump the Nivea for Men shaving conditioner from the refill can directly into the Cool Skin shaver. Philips Norelco HS8040 Nivea Moisturizing Shaving System gives you the advantage of saving you time and energy by not applying any moisturizer on your face prior to the shave. Just wet your face before you start shaving then press the shaving conditioner button until a sufficient amount of shaving conditioner has been released. Each refill bottle of Nivea for Men shaving conditioner lasts up to three months under regular use conditions.
Super Lift & Cut System The Moisturizing Shaving System is equipped with a dual blade system to give you an ultra close shave. The advantage of having two blades is that you enjoy a comfortable and soothing shave. The Lift & Cut system is designed so the first blade lifts and the second blade cuts for a comfortable close shave. Easy Grip for Total Control Specifically designed for the difficult curves on the face, the Philips Norelco 8040 Nivea Moisturizing Shaving System is an ideal solution for perfect grip and optimal handling. The perfect grip ensures that you enjoy the ultimate comfort and easy shave.
Wet Use--Waterproof Shaver Shaving in the shower saves time and gives you the fresh sensation of wet shaving. The Philips Norelco 8040 is a washable so it is very easy to keep it clean and hygienic with a simple rinse under the tap. It also includes a cleaning brush to remove small hairs.
What's in the Box Charging stand, power plug, travel pouch, protection cap, and quick start leaflet.

Product Description

The unique Flex Tracker System closely follows the contours of your face, giving you a smooth and perfect shave. The flexing action ensures that the blades are aligned with your skin to allow hairs to be cut exceptionally closer to the skin. Thus you can enjoy a remarkably smooth and fresh look.

See all Product Description

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000UK2VRK
• UPC: 075020000163
• Item model number: 8040X/18
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (101 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #91,135 in Health & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Health & Personal Care)
  • #48 in Health & Personal Care > Personal Care > Shaving & Hair Removal > Electric Shavers > Men's > Rotary Shavers
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Useful for Travel, but Too Many Shortcomings for Everyday, July 16, 2008

By 

D. R. Jeanclerc "Reader, Listener & Obsessive... (Brunswick, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Philips Norelco 8040X Moisturizing Shaving System (Health and Beauty)

(What's this?)

The Philips Norelco 8040X electric shaver is a compact, lightweight unit that can be used dry or wet. In either case, it uses Nivea for Men shaving conditioner to smooth the razor over your face as you shave. Ultimately, it is capable of delivering a good shave, but it has too many drawbacks to recommend for everyday use.

SHAVING PERFORMANCE

Used dry, the 8040X is below average compared to other shavers that I've used (including my five-year-old Norelco which still shaves rings around this one). Its shaving heads are very compact and pivot nicely so you can easily reach all contours of your face and hard-to-reach areas, e.g. under your nose. However, the blades themselves don't do provide a close shave at all. I have a beard that's only moderately thick/stiff, and the 8040X left me feeling like I would have a five-o'clock shadow in minutes.

Used wet in the shower, its performance is much better. This is also when the Cool Skin moisturizer really shines - in fact, it's downright necessary to get the heads to glide over your face when used wet. It has a pleasant scent and does leave the skin on your face feeling refreshed afterward (even if it's also apparent that the "cool" is just from some alcohol in the formula). It certainly won't be the quickest shave that you've ever had, but if you take your time, you can get results that rival even a blade.


USE & MAINTENANCE

The 8040X comes with a cradle for storing it upright and also for charging it. Unfortunately once the razor becomes fully charged, you can't leave it in the cradle without unplugging it - doing so can damage battery life. Plus, the plug for the cradle is gigantic and ugly, so you won't want to leave the cradle on display anyway. I would have preferred a simple direct-cord charge design instead.

The Nivea conditioner that is used with the shaver is expensive in the long run - about $6 for a can that will last about a month (don't believe what the box says - it's only a month's worth). Suddenly that close, wet shave is looking pretty pricey in terms of time and money compared to simply going back to shaving with a blade. Also, the pump system that feeds the conditioner into the razor is proprietary, i.e. you can't just fill it with any skin conditioner because only the Nivea Cool Skin fits the razor's plug. So, you're out of luck if you don't like the scent or feel of the Nivea product. Also, the razor would lose just about all usefulness if/when they stop making those cans.

There is no readout to display the remaining battery life. Instead, the power light will begin to flash when the battery is getting low. Given the cost of this razor, this seems like a cut corner. I don't like the idea of guessing how much juice I have left.

The razor needs to be cleaned after each shave. Compared to most closed-head designs, this makes for even more time that the razor requires with each use. You also need to regularly check that the tubes which deliver the moisturizer haven't become clogged.

It does have a travel lock feature which will prevent the razor from accidentally turning on while you have it packed away. Coupled with its compact size, I think that the "weekend getaway (not for business)" may be the ideal application of this razor.


CONCLUSION

The 8040X Moisturizing Shave System promises too much. Ultimately, it works best when shaving wet, using a lot of the moisturizer, and taking a lot of time to do so. This, coupled with its lightweight, compact design, good battery life and travel lock make it ideal for weekend getaways. But given its cost - both immediate and in the long run - this just isn't enough return on your investment.

PROS
* Close, comfortable shave when used wet
* Compact and lightweight
* Travel lock prevents accidents while razor is packed
* Good battery life

CONS
* Unimpressive shave results when used dry
* Expensive cost-to-operate due to (very necessary) moisturizer
* Demanding upkeep/maintenance requirements
* Lack of battery gauge

32 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Norelco 8040X, October 19, 2007

By 

Pen Name - See all my reviews

This review is from: Philips Norelco 8040X Moisturizing Shaving System (Health and Beauty)

A little background on me so you can understand where I am coming from with this review: Generally I shave every other day, though I probably should shave everyday, I stretch it to every other day without it being a huge problem. I'm coming from a Philishave Cool Skin, which is the same as the Norelco but I believe it is the brand sold outside the US. I'm not certain of the model number, but you get the idea that its the predecessor of this model, which used the lotion cartridges. I've owned that shaver for about 4 years and have replaced the blades a couple times. My Philishave is in perfect working condition, however required new blades; so I decided to take this opportunity to upgrade to the sleeker 8040X.
My choices. I have pretty sensitive skin, particularly around my neck so I wanted to go with a wet/dry shaver with lotion. So I chose the Norelco 8000 series. There are three models available in this series, the 8020, the 8040 and the 8060. Each of these models will give you the same shave, but the price difference comes from the additional features related to each model. The 8020 requires a longer charge time at 8 hours and gives 30 minutes of shave time, the 8040 requires 4 hours of charge time providing 40 minutes of shave time, the 8060 requires 1.5 hours and also gives 40 minutes of shave time. The 8040 and 8060 also offer a quick charge. Another major difference between the 8060 and the lower models, is that the 8060 automatically refills the shaver's bladder so the shaver is full of lotion every time you use it. Both the 8040 and 8060 have a battery full indication, which the 8020 lacks. I find that useful because I know when to remove my shaver from the charger, so as not to damage the battery by over-charging. So the big differences are in the battery and the charge stand.
My decision: I decided to go with the 8040 because I was comfortable with the 4 hour charge, though a 1.5 hour would be nice. 8 hours just seems too long to fully charge my shaver. Also, I liked the idea of the battery full indicator. So that left me between the 8040 and 8060. The big turn-off of the 8060 was the bulkier charge stand. I'm not so lazy that I would pay the extra $50 primarily to have the shaver refill itself. So, the 8040 it is; a nice middle ground and more streamlined.
Initial impressions: My first shave was extremely comfortable, with zero irritation; thanks to the glide rings provided on each model. Even with my old shaver, I would get some irritation; particularly on my neck. The new design is easier to manipulate than the bulky models that preceded it. The shave lotion also smells nicer, more like an aftershave, though it did burn a little; most likely the result of alcohol (which is used to create that nicer smell) though the burning quickly subsided. I didn't seem to be as smooth as I was with my old shaver, but Norelco recommends using the shaver for 21 days to become accustomed to it. After using is for a short time I found that I never really got that close shave. Not that its not smooth at all, its just seems a little less smooth than I was with my previous shaver. What this means for me: Now I shave everyday to maintain a smoother face; I'd probably get too scruffy if I tried to stretch it to every other day. My fiancé is probably my biggest critic when it comes to shaving and she actually prefers this model to my previous one b/c now I am shaving everyday and have greater periods of a smooth face instead of scruffy one. I can do a relatively quick shave, maybe 7 minutes or so to get the desired results of at least a clean-cut appearance.
So why 4 stars (I would say 3.5, a little better than the halfway mark)? I figure there are many factors that go into shaving, not just having a very close shave. This shaver is extremely comfortable, I finish each shave with almost no irritation, whereas my old shaver would often leave my neck red and could be quite painful. Its also comfortable to hold and the smaller design makes it easier to travel with (as well as the fact that it includes a travel lock). So even though the shave isn't as smooth as I was hoping for, its still a pretty descent shaver all things considered.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable!! the best electric shaver I've had period, February 22, 2008

By 

EnReVe "Rollerblader" (CT, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Philips Norelco 8040X Moisturizing Shaving System (Health and Beauty)

I bought the 8040x a couple of days ago and even I am surprised at how impressed I am with the shaver. I have always been a reader of reviews on Amazon and this is but my second review. This product makes me want to recommend it to everyone I see. Wow!! First, let me tell you about the shavers I have had.

My past shavers: I have had a Braun Synchro (lost with luggage on an international trip), a Norelco Reflex that I absolutely hated (but still hung on to for emergencies) and a Braun Activator 8595 (with Clean N Charge station) that I had till recently and absolutely loved. My Braun Activator (which I had for the past 3 years) broke when it slipped from my hand last week. Hence, I was in the market for a new shaver and thought I will research the shavers available since I was going to spend some money.

My new 8040X: I used my old Norelco Reflex for a week on a temporary basis till I bought a better model and absolutely hated it. It made my skin all red. As I was researching I came across the 8040X on Amazon and was intrigued by the idea of a wet shaver (having used only foil dry ones thus far). I tried it out in the shower for the past couple of days and I must say it has absolutely blown me away. It is so convenient, and the smoothest shave I have had in several years (as good as a Mach 3 shave that I stopped years ago). My wife was super impressed and to quote another review on this site....my cheeks AND I MUST EMPHASIZE even my neck, chin feel like "Baby's bottoms". The lotion that comes along with the shaver is awesome and goes along really well with the Nivea after shave lotion that I was already used to. Cleaning is a breeze...just hold it under water and run the motor for 30 secs. No more Clean and Charge Refills (boy are they expensive)

For the past several years I have been held hostage by the Braun company consumables (Clean and Charge solutions). It is a great relief that I found a shaver that wont hold me hostage like that, save for a little bit of moisturizing lotion that goes in the shaver (you dont really need a lot if you shave in the shower or by the sink). I am planning on buying one each for both my brothers as well as my father in law. Wonderful shaver and very well worth the money.

I have no intention of returning this shaver (I bought it thinking that I will try it for 3 weeks). Go out and buy this model, save your money and do not buy the 8060...dispensing the lotion into the shaver is really easy.

I will try and refresh this review in the next few weeks.



AS PROMISED ---- UPDATED APRIL 2008 --- AFTER 6 WEEKS OF USE

It has been at least 5-6 weeks since I bought the shaver and not surprisingly, I have not returned it to Philips. This is a great shaver. I have tried using it in the shower as well at the sink.

After having read complaints about the cost of consumables that come with this shaver, I decided to put it to the test. I began by trying Edge shaving gel prior to shaving with terrible results. It resulted in a very sticky shave....not good at all. I then decided to try a small travel pack of Nivea shaving gel.... and believe it or not....it worked like a charm....as good as the shaving conditioner. Apply a very small amount and do not lather it up vigorously...just a thin film.

Here is what I do nowadays..... I apply very little of the Nivea shaving GEL (not conditioner) and apply gently, do not lather up heavily. I use the shaver with little or no conditioner and it works just as well either in the shower or at the sink. Very little irritation and smooth effective shave. Also, applying the gel on your face prior to shaving prevents spraying of debris on and around your basin.

If there is anything I do not like about this shaver, it is the power and speed of the motor. While I cannot attest or comment on previous Coolskin models, that I have never owned, I can say that I can live with the power and speed of this shaver for several reasons. It is smooth, does not irritate your skin (which is extremely important for me after having experienced other shavers and razors) and easy to use. Go get one and if possible try getting it at one of your local stores like Bed Bath Beyond or Linens n things with a 20% off coupon.