My review is actually pretty succinct.

This product is well designed, it's very sleek and cool to use, the battery life is good, and the travel bag is awesome. In fact, I can think of nothing I don't like about it, except that it is an electric razor.

There was a norelco (I think) commercial with the motto: Shaves as close as a blade. No it doesn't. In fact, after using it religiously for 2 weeks, I had more ingrown hairs and odd stubble than ever before. It just doesn't work for my face, so I have to say, Great device, wouldn't buy it.

If you like electric razors, it's a great choice. I just don't.

Works great, continues the less painful shaving tradition of the cool skin line. The new battery makes for a much more compact and lighter body which is good when traveling. Losing the battery charge level indicator is less helpful.

For more than a few years I had been using the Factory Reconditioned Braun 7526 Syncro Smart Logic Shaver I purchased on Amazon. Prior to the Syncro, I had used a Gillette Sensor Excel Razor For Men - 1 ea. Clearly, the Syncro could not give me the close shave of the Sensor Excel. Still, I liked the convenience and the ease of the Syncro and the fact that it held up to rough use.

I had the opportunity to try the Philips Norelco 8040X and have been blown away. My first usage was dry and without the application of the moisturizer. At first, I was slightly disappointed at the whisker tugs and slight razor burn and the ergonomics but decided to give it another chance since my first usage did not use the moistureizer and the unit had not been completely charged.

My second usage was dry and with the use of the moistureizer and the unit was fully charged. The whisker tugs and slight razor burn were gone. After my first use, I was used to the ergonomics (it is a completely different design from the Syncro), facial coverage was exceptional. I also found that one push of the moistureizer button was sufficient for one half of my face. After the use, my face was smooth and soft and, unlike my efforts with the Syncro, very few missed hairs.

My third usage was wet (int he shower) and with the use of the moistureizer. Again, the results were fantastic. With the excellent coverage of the razor head, my shaving time has decreased significantly.

My only two complaints (if they can be called complaints since they are so minor) are (1) the scent of the moistureizer and (2) the charger. Another reviewers have aptly stated the deficiencies with ths scent so I will say no more. As for the charger, you have to place the razor in with some care so that it makes contact with the recharging points. Also, the light signifiying that the unit is re-charging is muted (which is both good and bad) so be alert. Other than those two trivialities, I am extremely happy with the Philips Norelco 8040X shaver.

I have been using this for over three weeks. The manual states it takes three weeks for you skin to acclimate to the shaver. At first I was disappointed. It would not shave close like a razor. Every time I used it kept getting better and better. After three weeks the shave is pretty close but not as close as a razor. Sometimes I would take to long between shaves and it would become harder to get a clean shave. It is best when used every other day or however quick your stubble grows. The only problem I really have with this is not getting the closeness of a razor but it is still passable. The other is that at time I need to use the razor to get stubble by my adams apple or neck area. The shaver doesn't pick it up even by doing it slow or by applying more shave. The last thing is the shave gel can get expensive. I purchased a bottle for $7 and it lasted the three weeks. Overall it is a great shaver. You have to stick with it for a few weeks to see if it will work for you.

For years I had been looking for an electric razor that would come close to being as good as a blade for shaving with no luck. About a year ago, my wife got me the Norelco Arcitec razor. This high end (and expensive) razor finally got me to switch. Now along comes the Cool Skin 8040X (at half the price).

The fact that it is a wet system intrigued me. It uses Nivea shaving conditioner, which is injected into the back of the razor. A nice no mess system ... a spout on the conditioner bottle fits in the razor and injects the conditioner. When shaving, you press a button and a few drops of gel comes up through the heads. You wet your skin, press the button, and shave. I found that I press the button about 8 times during shaving. This means I end up refilling the razor about once or twice a week (no big deal... take less than a minute). The razor also has a nice rubber grip that makes it easy to hold when its wet.

The razor comes with the charger, a cloth pouch, a sideburn trimmer attachment, head cover, and a trial size can of conditioner.

The charger is your standard wall unit that plugs into a plastic base. The razor sits in the base. Takes about 4 hours to completely charge. A green light in the handle flashes while charging and stays lit when fully charged. You should not leave it plugged in all of the time. When the razor needs to be charged, a red light comes on. While this is not as nice as the Arcitec's LED that shows the remaining time left on the battery, this razor is smaller (and a lot less expensive) and there probably isn't room for the display.

The pouch is a soft cloth and really doesn't offer much protection. I don't use it.

The sideburn trimmer is not built in to the razor. Instead, you pop off the blade assembly and snap this in it's place. I thought this would be a pain but its not. But even if it was, it would be worth it. It's so much better than the one built into the Arcitec. It's bigger and cuts better. By being bigger, the blades are further away from the body of the razor and easy to manipulate.

The head cover is a plastic cover to protect the blades; useful for traveling.

The conditioner goes along way (still some left after 2 weeks of use and this is a tiny can).

The most important thing is the shave. As I said before, the Arcitec made me switch from blades. This made me give up my beloved Arcitec. It really does shave as close as the Trac blades and shaving gel system I love to use.

The Norelco 8040X is a good razor equal to all of the very well made ones norelco produces. The two distinguishing features is that it is water resistant so you can use it in the shower and it has a built in lotion dispenser. It works very well in the shower and eliminates the need to separately lather. The lather function also has an interesting refill tube that you twist to expose the pump.

Physically, the razor is much slimmer and lighter than the Norelco arcitec 1090. It is an overall very simple and clean design; there are two buttons (one for power and one to dispense lotion) and two recessed LED's. I find it more appealing to the Norelco arcitec 1090. One thing to keep in mind is that unlike other Norelco's, the shaver head does not catch the trimmings so it may be a little messy if you do not use it in the shower. It does have a trimmer, but it is not built in--instead it is an attachment that otherwise docks on the back of the charger. you have to pop off the shaver head and swap it out to use the trimmer.

Over all, I like this shaver because it is smaller and simpler. The one thing I wished they would include is a stand or holder that we can use in the shower. Like all of the other Norelcos out there, the new design makes it difficult to store the razor when it is not in the charging stand. Overall, it is a quality product that I would recommend for anyone looking for an electric shaver for the shower.

I had tried out a tri-head and was prepared for what I was going to get. The thing I didn't know about was the gel. Normally, when I shave, I avoid things like gel because it doesn't really make my skin feel good. Some people swear by it, whether for the conditioning feeling or because of skin irritiation, and I understand that. Still, I had never really gone there. When I used this product, however, I was pleased with the gel and found myself happy with that --- especially when I want to shave in the shower.

If you are familiar with the tri-headed razors, you know there are pros and cons with them. They hit a lot of area, they pull more than one head over a place, and one blade being a bit mean doesn't mean hat you won't get jacked up. On the downside, the heads fill up fast, the addition of gel can clog up the heads a bit, and the heads sometimes leave you with a bit of hair because they are weak individually. That said, the gel shave is a good feeling shave and the ability to take this beast to the shower --- that is a plus that saves time and energy. For its price, this razor did a lot that razors that cost a lot of money did and lost on functions like digital read-outs (which I'm not sure would work in the shower to begin with). That was also a plus as well.

If you want to try out a razor that has the three-headed approach and don't want to spend a lot to do it, this is a good alternative. It also helps that it can deal with the gel decently well, and that I can take it in the shower and not have to worry about going the way of the "zapped" statistic.
Look at it, think if it is what you are wanting, and then decide. If you feel a "yes," you are good to go with the product. If you feel a "no," ask yourself why and read up on the product to see if there is someone that addresses this. I liked it.

My husband was pleasantly surprised by the Norelco shaving system. It did a much better job than any electric razor he had tried in the past. He was pretty enthusiastic about the moisturizing system, which prevented his skin from getting irritated (which is what usually happens with electric shavers), and it facilitated a smoother, closer shave than he expected.

While the Norelco electric is faster and more convenient than his Schlick Quattro, he is definitely a creature of habit, and uses the Norelco when he is in a rush, rather than daily.

Nevertheless, he told me to give it 5 stars as he is very pleased with it.

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

I haven't been just a huge fan of electric razors over the years. There's something to be said for the ease and convenience of an electric razor, but for obvious reasons, they almost always lack the closeness of a true blade, and rarely leave your skin feeling quite as refreshed as the traditional route. So despite favoring the performance and feel of blades, I've always kept an electric for moments when speed or apathy take priority. Most recently, that role has been admirably served by a Braun 7526 Syncro Shaver System with Clean & Charge Storage Stand.

While the Braun has held up well, two aspects of the Philips Norelco 8040X really compelled me. The first, that it could be used in the shower -- my interest in this was less about convenience than it was how the water might change the way my skin feels after an electric shave. The second, the lotion dispenser. Again, one of my two chief complaints with electrics was how it left my skin feeling. Dry, rough, even abraded at times. My hope was that the Nivea lotion included would address that.

In both cases, my hopes were well met. While I can't claim to be getting significantly closer shaves with the Norelco, I can say that I enjoy the experience much more, and my skin feels happier for it. Indeed, my only complaint is that the Nivea lotion has 'fragrance' as an ingredient. While this doesn't matter to the majority of the population, fragrance is toxic, and for a number of people (like myself) it can cause some problems. I can't claim it as a detracting factor however, with the water from the shower going, the lotion is foaming and rinsing away relatively quickly. Obviously I could choose not to use the lotion, if I so desired, but even with the fragrance issue, I think it's a valuable part of the experience.

The Braun has been retired to back-up status under the sink, and the truth is, I'll probably electric shave much more often than I did before now, because of the value and benefits this particular model brings. Very happy to be an 8040X owner.

Hubby wanted this for the office to dry-shave his 3 o'clock shadow. It worked great. His face is smoother after using this probably because of its massaging action. We never bothered with the moisturizer.

Having used regular razors all my life, this was my first experience to an electric razor. I was quite disappointed.

I gave the Norelco 8040X a solid week of use, thinking that it might get better over time (as their manual suggests). It did not.

Every morning after shaving I had to manually touch-up using a $2 Bic razor. This product did not come anywhere near my skin no matter how light or hard I pressed it against me. Maybe that's just how electric shavers are? I'm not sure, but they can't be this bad.

I was however impressed with the battery life (a full week on a single charge) and how quiet it is. With the shower running, I could barely hear the motor. It's waterproof, so I can use it in the shower. It comes with a nice travel case.

The sideburn attachment is a nice thought, but there was no ear/nose trimmer which I have seen in $20 Norelco sets.

As for the moisturizing part, the lotion smelled nice but it didn't really add to the experience. And from what I can see it's very expensive.

It's back to my $2 razors for me.

I've owned several electric shavers before - a few of them Philips Norelco, in fact, but none of the old shavers I've owned have been very satisfying. I found it difficult to shave using an electric shaver for a long time, as the shaver normally gets hot and razor burns get too much to bear. For a really close and refreshing shave, I normally turn to a manual razor with shaving cream. I was skeptical with the new Norelco 8040X shaver. For one thing, the shaver looks mighty cheap (even though I knew that it wasn't that cheap). I don't really go for the cheap, almost disposable looking blue plastic. Upon close inspection, the unit looked more promising: it has all the features I need, including rechargeable, and multi pivoted shaving surfaces. The integrated moisturizing system also turned out to be a really good idea, as the lotion greatly reduced the razor burn. Without the lotion compartment and system, I wouldn't be able to get a close shave.

Pros:

- Water-proof, easy to clean.
- Lotion injection and releasing mechanism is indeed a very very good idea.
- Rechargeable.

Cons:

- The Nivea lotion is not bad, but you have to buy the specific container designed just for the shaver. I would prefer an unit that takes ANY shaving lotion.
- No razor lid or carrying pouch, making this shaver infeasiable for traveling.
- Battery doesn't seem to last for more than a couple shaves.
- Looks and feels cheap.

Conclusion

Could be better, but this is the best electric shaver I've used thus far. So recommended for those who are shopping for a home electric shaver.

This is a review by proxy; I got this razor for my partner Trent. He uses electric. Despite the fact that I shave a bit more surface area than he (I also shave my head,) I do it the old fashined way.

Here's what he had to say about this product: I was afraid to use the lubricating gel, many things with fragrance of any kind cause a reaction especially on my face. So I used it as a regular electric razor.

It's nice that it doesn't have to be plugged in like my old one. It's also nice that this can be used in the shower (wouldn't try that with the old one --ZZZZT!) It works as well as any electric razor I've used...however, there is nothing to catch the whiskers once they've been cut, so they just fall on the counter and make a mess if I'm at the sink. I am going to keep using this rather than return to the old one which I've had for years; I'll just have to be careful to get the hairs in the sink--or use it in the shower.

Over the past few years I've used a Panasonic electric foil shaver. The unit was reliable, never having needed any change in parts, and did a pretty good job of giving the best approximation to a razor blade shave. Therefore, I hold the Panasonic to my standard here. I do not use regular razor blades as they tend to give me razor burn on my rather thicker facial hair.

Upon unboxing, I felt really frustrated right off the bat. Apparently, the manufacturer decided it was a brilliant move to put the contents into a blister pack inside the package box. This meant getting risk of injury just taking everything out. For a unit that costs this much, this is a completely unacceptable practice. Charging the unit took a long time. I'm used to quick recharges on my Panasonic, but this unit took so many hours. The charger uses regular cheap wire contacts for charging rather than induction like my Panasonic. Kind of a shocker to see this on an expensive shaver.

The unit itself utilizes three rotating wheels with a unique shaving gel dispenser that you press to ooze some out on the blades. This seems like an ingenius idea but there are several downsides noticeable right off -- you need to use a special shaving cream bottle as the nossle needs to inject the cream directly into the shaving unit. It might be hard just finding this type of special cream, and will likely be very overpriced relative to its volume. Not happy about that. The company clearly wants to reap profits on consumables. Additionally, it is questionable whether the cream dispenser in the unit will clog over time. This is particularly the case if you don't use the shaver for a while, which allows the cream to solidify. Additionally, the pressure injector may fail. And finally, the amount of cream stored onboard is so small that I have to inject new cream daily. Seems a little too gimicky.

As for the shave itself, the results were lackluster -- Could not get the same close shave as my Panasonic, BUT the shaving cream mechanism did allow for a more pleasant shaving experience, but I think I would prefer just spreading some cream manually over my face instead. The unit does not shave very quickly. I have to spend quite a bit more time getting the shave that I need. Additionally, my face is rather curved so getting the hairs at the top of my neck often failed so I have to touch up with a razor blade.

Overall, I could grow on using this shaver except for the high upkeep costs and very high outlay cost of the unit itself. Really, the price needs to come down for this shaver to be competitive. A closer shave would be nice too.

Nevertheless, I will continue to use this shaver for several more weeks and will post an update at that time. Stay tuned!

Or, for those who prefer to view all events in a positive light, someone should be promoted. I was fortunate enough - or so I thought - to receive the Philips Norelco Arcitec 1090 Rechargeable Cordless Men's Shaving System last year and although it is not a comparison of equals, I now also have the Cool Skin 8040x. The 1090x is Philips/Norelco's flagship razor and this one is more of a middle of the road competitively priced product so any comparison is unfair...for the 1090x. For the last month, I've alternated between this razor and the 1090x, and my impression is without reservation, the 8040x delivers a superior cut. I've finally found a cordless that eliminates the need to keep some manual razors in reserve. Whomever led this product development team is making the top tier team look bad.

Notwithstanding bells and whistles, the primary function of any razor is to offer a smooth, comfortable shave and this rechargeable gets the job done with aplomb, with or without utilization of the moisturizing system, whether employed as a wet or dry shaver. I'm not a real big fan of products that obligate additional expenditures for consumables like the Nivea Conditioner but I realize it is a nice feature for those who may need the conditioner to avoid skin irritation. I would recommend Nivea and Norelco team up to produce a fragrance free version as this product does conflict with other scents the consumer might use. It is not my practice to use the conditioner every time I shave (every other day) but at my present rate, I would anticipate the initial conditioner supply will last at least six months.

Cleaning the shaver is a snap. Just turn it on and wash the heads under hot running water. I wish the upscale model cleaned as efficiently, but then, as I facetiously stated in another review my primary use for that pricey unit is as a display item now.

This razor's tracking system follows facial contours (head in my case) quite efficiently and does not require anywhere near as much pressure to achieve a close cut on stubble as has been my experience with the top of the line model. Additionally, the relatively compact size and shape is easier to manipulate. The 8040x also has a detachable trim head that can be used for close grooming and you can actually see what you're doing, another advantage over the premium model. Just pull off the tracker head and lightly press on the trimmer attachment.

Charge time for a full charge is about four hours for 40 minutes of shave time. There is a 9 minute quick charge capability that provides enough power for a three minute shave. The charging stand has a reasonably small footprint although for convenience and my take on durability, the charging cord has to be unplugged but remain attached to the base. The inexpensive plastic retainer does not look as though it would withstand multiple rotations. The travel locking feature is a nice touch but the travel case is a joke.

Yet, for nearly $150 less than the top of the line model and superior shaving capability, I'll figure out how to securely pack it.

You might say he's set in his ways. The same brands of toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, and razor have served him well for quite a while, so to him any change would seem silly and a waste of time - unless, of course, the change involved a car, a television, or software. (If it ain't broke, don't fix it is one of his favorite phrases).

He received this shaving system with a quiet thank you (translation: I'll put it away and forget about it). So, it took some pleading to get him to try it. However, when he did he became a changed and smoother shaved man. A lot of what sold him on this shaver was the ease of use in the shower. Not only was it easy but it speeded up his morning routine, and he found the shower shave accompanied by the Nivea conditioner both soothing and refreshing.

Another plus for him was the fact that the shaver really gave almost 40 minutes of shave time after recharging.

Now, it's as if he was the one who discovered the Philips Norelco Shaving System and the advantages it offers.

Wow it really works in the shower! I got a clean close shave that was way better than I expected. You can even use your own shaving cream in addition to or instead of the shaving gel in the razor! All this and it just washes off with water. I usually skip shaving Saturday and Sunday mornings. Come Monday this razor handled the extra growth just fine. It definitely gave a closer shave than a dry electric razor and it is faster than a standard blade.

Items to note:

- The razor is easy to fill up with shaving gel. I found a refill at a local big box store and it was inexpensive.
- When shaving just hold it under the water from time to time to wash away the clippings. There isn't a reservoir to empty.
- I actually have fun using it and would recommend it to friends.

I've been using various models of Philips Norelco shavers for the past 8 years and have always been happy with them. Each time I buy a bit more expensive model hoping I'll save even more time each morning...though I've never really saved much time!

Since this model was distinctly different from the others I had purchased before, I thought it would be a revolutionary new experience shaving in the shower and/or with moisturizing lotion. To be honest, the experience wasn't really any different and took me the same amount of time. The lotion adds an additional consumable requirement, and shaving in the shower seems such a waste of water. Not to say, however, that they don't contribute slightly to a great shave.

For those moments when I decide to shave OUT of the shower, the fact that there is no place for the stubble (cut hairs) to go besides down on you is a bit inconvenient. I understand why a model like this has such a requirement, but it's inconvenient when you're all dressed and you've got to watch for anything that might be on your shirt. I'm not shaving a beard everyday or anything but the good news is that most of the stubble seems to stick near the plastic head. As long as you rinse well after every use, you're probably in great shape.

It's a bit inconvenient, for travel usage, that you've got to carry around the charging dock/cradle and can't plug the AC right into the shaver. On the other hand, the shaver has a lithium ion battery (not familiar with many models with this feature) that seems to last a long time and charge quickly when needed.

Nonetheless, I'll still happily use this shaver. It does its job well, it's just that I'm not the target market for all the fancy wet/lotion features inside. Given that I rarely/never use the old fashioned razor and shaving cream, it's probably not a surprise. I'm guessing I'm not the market Norelco targets this model towards.

My husband has complained about shaving irritating his skin, so when I saw this shaver I ordered one for him. Here is what he had to say after using it:

I've used Norelco shavers for years, but never a "wet" system, so I was quite interested to compare the Cool Skin 8040X to my old shaver. When I first opened the package and set the shaver up, I had to not only charge the batteries but also fill the shaver with Nivea For Men shaving conditioner. This was no problem following the easy to read instruction manual.

To begin shaving, you first press the on/off button on the shaver to turn it on and then press the conditioner release button. This pumps a small amount of conditioner out of holes in the center of two of the three shaver heads. Then you shave as you normally would with an electric shaver. I found that I use three pumps of conditioner while shaving: one for each side of my face and one for my neck.

Although I have a tough beard, I have sensitive skin. Because of this, in recent years I've starting shaving every other day. So when I shave my beard is a little bit longer than most men's would normally be. The shaver has no problem coping with this. It cuts clean with no pulling on the hairs. However, it begins to have problems with three days of growth.

I also have a mustache and goatee, which has always caused me to use a razor to shave along its edge. The same applies when using the Cool Skin, but with less irritation as it is now being done with skin conditioner in place instead of on dry skin.

The shaver also comes with a beard trimming device. Just snap off the triple shave head and replace it with the trimmer. (Conditioner cannot be used when the trimmer is installed.) The only real fault with the Cool Skin is this trimmer which, frankly, is useless. It just doesn't want to cut any hairs. But then, the one on my old Norelco is the same way.

I also find the conditioner application button is in a position that I want to place my fingers when using the shaver, so occasionally I'll get an extra, unneeded dose of conditioner. A pretty minor issue.

The Cool Skin can also be used in the shower, but I have not tried this as I'm blind as a bat without my glasses on.

I find that the results of my shave are the same whether I use my old standard Norelco or this new Norelco Cool Skin 8040X, with one exception: ­ there is much less skin irritation with the Cool Skin. I like my new shaver.

Having used the "old fashioned shaving creme and razor" for years, I thought it would be good to try one of the newer electric shaving systems. And to be honest, I tried this electric shaver for close to a month. And for two weeks while using it I was away at a para-military camp where while we were in uniform during the day we were not allowed "any sight of facial hair" so you needed a close shave or you'd be pushing (push-ups).

Now the last I used an electric shaver was a few years ago, and it left me with my skin a bit red and I had to pull my skin a bit while shaving to get it close. So then I went back to the razor which has been giving me a close shave that lasts the day.

This shaving system did not make my skin red (I do believe the moisturizing system works), and gave a good shave, but by the afternoon (initial shave around 5 AM) I had to use the shaver again. However in a normal working setting this may not be a problem.

It is much more convenient to use this. The battery lasts.

I'm believing more and more that there is no substitute for the good ole faithful water/shaving creme/razor. But if you do not need or want a real close shave or if you're a teenager first shaving, then I do believe the Philips Norelco 8040x is for you.

I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by this electric shave - moisturizer system. The shape of it is pleasing and comfortable in the hand as you shave. The 3 flex-heads give a close, quick shave. The Nivea for Met I was sceptical of, but it provided a fresh clean scent. My fear was that the smell would be overly strong, but this was not the case in my opinion.

What is in the box:

The razor with flex-head
Flex-head protector
1 bottle of Nivea for men shaving conditioner (.95 FL. OZ or 28ML)
Trimmer head
charging stand and cord
brush

I've been using Norelco shavers since I began shaving. I briefly tried both another brand and bladed shaving, and didn't like either. I tried this out as a replacement to my 8140XL.

As with most electric shavers on the market, you get convenience, simple charging, savings on consumable blades and cream, and a nice little gadget for your bathroom with this shaver. A blade always wins on optimum closeness, but takes longer and is more "dangerous" to those of us with a not so fine touch. Those aside, there were a few things that I liked, and a few things that bugged me about this specific shaver.

Pros:

-Lightweight
Wow, this shaver is really light and easy to handle when shaving, especially tougher areas that require holding the shaver upright at times.

-Waterproof
The fact that you couldn't get in contact with water or even in a shower used to be a huge disadvantage to electric razors. This unit is fully waterproof, which also makes it easier to clean.

-Uses Li-ion batteries instead of NiCad
One of the things that irked me about the last razor I bought was that it still contained a ridiculously obsolete NiCad battery. NiCad cells suffer from the "memory effect", which means they can hold a smaller and smaller amount of charge over time. This shaver has Li-Ion, the best kind of battery available, with no memory effect. This means it will continue to hold the same charge for years to come.

-Cool Charger base
This is a lot cooler looking, and takes up less space on the countertop than just plugging into the wall and laying the shaver sideways to charge. It also keeps track of the cord.

-Flex Tracker System
The head conforms to whatever surface I'm shaving pretty well, and just looks cool.

Cons: (these won't apply to everyone, and are my opinion only)

-Built in lotion dispenser
I've never wanted this feature. It's simply another way for them to continue to charge for refills of the product, when part of the reason for having an electric razor is so you don't have to keep paying for blades! I also have extremely sensitive skin that doesn't enjoy contact with any kind of chemical, especial alcohol. The stuff doesn't smell too great either. You don't need this goop to use the shaver, so I would skip it.

-Not as speedy as older models
This is something I also noticed with my past model, but it seems like Norelco shavers have for whatever reason gotten *less* effective and take longer to shave. It's not a huge issue for me because I have a light beard, but I thought these things were supposed to get faster with time, not slower.

-40 minutes of charge time
This is not amazing compared to other models, I wish they had skipped the lotion chamber and put three times as many batteries inside instead.

Overall I'd recommend this shaver, it has some great features you'll probably enjoy. You might want to be aware of the cons I've noted, and keep in mind you can follow up on Norelco's guarantee if you're not happy with your individual shave.

I first used an electric razor in my late teens. It wasn't a very high quality one, but it did the trick and seemed less hassled than a blade. Over time, about a year, it dulled out to being less and less effective and I switched back to a blade. Over the years I thought of switching back but honestly my Mach 3 has been good to me, so I never thought it worth the money.

So, it was more of a whim that I picked up the 8040x, to see the difference and see if maybe the ease of the electric would finally get me away from a standard razor for a while.

At first I was quite disappointed. It was a longer process and resulted in a splotchy shave. I used it in the shower, which was nice, but the time it took made me begin to worry about all that water wastage. I kept at it for a few days then sat down to read the manual to see if I was missing something. Interestingly, it noted there was a transition time. They suggest trying it for 3 weeks to let the skin adjust. I was encouraged to keep at it. And so they were right. After a couple of weeks the shaves were noticeably better and quicker. Though, I'm not sure they are much quicker still than a blade nor certainly closer.

The charge holds quite nice, and longer than I expected, even right out of the box. The moisturizing system is quite easy and flexible, able to use as much or as little as you need with just an easy push of the handy button.

So, I'm quite pleased now. If I wasn't they have a return policy after the 21 day intro period that makes this fairly risk free.

For the price this seems a very high quality electric razor. It does seem to work best as a daily shaver, rather than one to use with a couple day or more stubble on the face. It also isn't quite as fast as I might like.

But it works great and I'm happy. Definitely great for regular use.

As a note, the difference between this, the 8040x, and the 8020x and the 8060x are charging times. This takes 4 hours to charge fully, the 8020x takes 8 hours, and the 8060x takes 1.5 hours. The 4 hour charge time is just fine for me and I wouldn't want to spend the extra for the fast charge I can't imagine ever needing.

Philips Norelco - Cool Skin 8040X Moisturing Shaving System

Sleek design, a very "Modern" way to shave! Comes with convenient, plug-in-to-the-wall-outlet(no cords to clutter up valuable bathroom space) charger.

Dad: "This product is a rechargeable cordless razor with Nivea conditioner dispensing system. I needed a box-knife to open the sturdy packaging. The instruction manual is well-laid out and easy to follow, after getting familiar with the Philips Norelco - Cool Skin 8040X Moisturing Shaving System. Use the razor wet, like a blade. It shaves well with the enclosed conditioner. The 3-floating heads/cutters followed my face contours and the handle is comfortable for easy control. Clean-up is very quick and easy. Just rinse the razor with water and let dry. This razor is well-made, easy to use, and produces a close shave with the dispensed conditioner. It also comes with a trimmer attachment for those stray hairs."

A fantastic Gift for that Special Male on your shopping list. --Katharena Eiermann, 2008

One truly outstanding feature of this shaver is an inbuilt moisturizer dispenser, which you can control while you shave.

While an electric shaver is much safer than a traditional razor, even an electric shaver can leave some burns on your skin and make it rough if you do not apply enough moisturizer. This razor makes it so much more convinient to make this happen.

Electric shavers are a bit hard to like them if you are migrating from a traditional razor - usually because your skin will need some time to get used to it. Give it some time - typically about 3-4 weeks for your skin to get used to it and then you will like it.

If you are buying this to replace another electric shaver - this is a very good choice for the price. While one of the other Norelco models - Norelco 1090 costs upwards of $200, I can say that this model 8040x is a steal of the money - the moisturizer feature makes every penny worth.

+ ves:
+ I have to say inbuilt moisturizer dispenser is the best feature
+ Well designed, light weight and easy to use
+ Good battery life
+ Very little noise

- ves:
- The moisturizer dispenser should have been made automatic, instead of manual control
- I do not think the cost of moisturizer refills should be that high, but it would be better if Philips Norelco suggests additional moisturizer that can be used in place of the Nivea. (nothing against Nivea, but trying to look for cheapter alternatives)

This is another excellent shaving product from Philips -- it cuts like an ordinary shaver, but with the added benefit of lubrication that helps it to shave smoothly. My skin doesn't get irritated or dry, and the lubrication seems to help the shave to go more quickly. I've tried other brands of shavers and this one seems to work the best.

This package comes with a squeeze bottle full of a very pleasant smelling lotion, that you inject into the back of the shaver. Then, when you are shaving, you just press a button and it releases enough lotion to lubricate about one third of the face. When it starts to feel like a dry shave, you press the button again and finish up.

I have found that the amount of lotion you can inject into the shaver is enough for about 5 to 6 shaves. The shaver comes with a small sample bottle of the lotion -- and I guess one drawback is that you have to keep buying the lotion, unless you want to use this like an ordinary dry shaver. I've tried that too and it seems to work as well as any other shaver I've tried. I prefer, though, to use the lotion. It feels good and has a nice aftershave smell that my wife also likes -- that's good enough for me.

Because the system is water resistant, you can shave in the shower, and you can wash it off in water when you are finished. The extendable trimmer isn't very useful, but I've never seen a shaver where they are. It comes fully recharged and after about two weeks of using it about every other day it is still working well -- I haven't charged it yet. I do wish there was some kind of indicator on the unit that would let me know how much charge remains, but all in all I am quite happy with this.

I have been a Norelco shaver user for about 15 years. In that time, I've had ups and downs with their products, but I've been mostly satisfied and keep purchasing new models every few years.

Pros:

The shaver has unique "floating" shaver heads. When you shave, it's much easier to get to hard-to-reach areas of the face, since the body of the shaver creates no restrictions.

The shaving gel makes for a more pleasant shaving experience. It allows for a closer shave with less irritation.

This shaver is FAST! I'm able to shave in about half the time as with my old Norelco.

I like the charging station which cradles the shaver (as opposed to just plugging in the razor and setting it on the counter to charge).

Cons:

The trimmer for sideburns and beards is separate and needs to be installed and removed for each use. Those familiar with the pop-up trimmer on other Norelco models may be disappointed. (I'm just going to use a personal trimmer and not bother with this.)

The manual states that you should use a new canister of shaving gel each time you refill. It feels like you're using only half of the gel in the canister when you refill, so a lot is going to waste. Refills of the shaving gel are currently $9.30.

While the shaver is faster, there's a moderately complicated cleaning process recommended after each use and this eats up time.

Overall:

This is a good shaver for the price. I think the pros outweigh the cons.

Decent electric though I still prefer a manual razor or even my older, similar Norelco which is basically the same but without the shaving conditioner. Shaves better when wet or in shower but still not as good as a razor. What I dont like is having the extra step of using the conditioner but still not getting a close shave, not to mention having to buy refills.

I bought a Norelco 550 TL about 17 years ago and I still have it. I like the way the Floating Heads give a close shave, and the way the pop-up sideburn trimmer works crisply and efficiently. It cleans easily and is compact. I think I spent a $25 on my 550 TL brand new.

When I had the chance to try the Norelco Cool Skin 8040X, I looked forward to putting this Norelco newbie through its paces.

But I was very disappointed.

THe VERY first thing I DID NOT like (ZERO stars for this!!) was the plastic "Clamshell Packaging" -- which is a waste of plastic and time. IF Norelco had decided to incorporate a Travel Case into this Clamshell packaging with re-usable features, then I would have been content. But as it was, this was just a waste of plastic. Clamshell packages have sent numerous folks to the hospital with some nasty cuts inflicted while trying to open this sealed, thick plastic, stubborn packaging. Then again, it is a waste of plastics made even more wasteful when you consider the price of petroleum nowadays, and the inability to recycle this type of plastic. I suppose someone who wants to, can, with a little ingenuity and transparent mailing tape, take this Clamshell Package and create a travel container for their 8040x-- which might be a good idea, because the fabric travel pouch that Norelco supplies with this shaver only holds the shaver, and not the accessories -- unless you want to cram everything into the travel case and NOT close it.

Well.... now -- about the shaver itself. The instruction book is very thorough -- but the warnings interspersed throughout are in grey print -- how about bold black?

The shaver itself is nothing I would want to use all the time -- in fact, after trying it, I still prefer my 550 TL. The heads on the 8040X DO flex, but the moisturizing cream/gel only comes through two of them when all three heads with moisturizer would work much better -- the heads also drag across my skin -- and in some instances gave me a bit of razor burn -- especially on my neck. This shaver was used in the shower, so there was plenty of (acqua) moisture, in addition to gel moisturizer, available for a close shave, but the shave was not as good as it should have been.

Putting the moisturizer into the shaver is a feat that involves pumping the cartridge manually and then cleaning up the excess moisturizer that suddenly splats out of the shaver when it is full. Um.........

This Norelco 8040X is a nice idea, but it's gimmicky and labor intensive, when all I want is a quick shave and then a quick rinse of the heads and the knowledge that my shaver will be ready and willing the next morning. The Norelco 8040X IMHO probably work just as well on dry skin as on wet -- but it's nothing I would want to use on a regular basis.

I gave this to my husband, hoping he would get hooked by even the novelty of it and use it everyday, I like a freshly clean shaven look on him and he had been slacking lately using his fusion disposables.

He's tried a few electric razors in the past but was never happy with them so has stuck to using the upper end disposables.

His take: very comfortable to hold, the heads conform to his face well and it's a comfortable shave... as long as it's very lubricated. He found he got the best feeling and closest share only when he used a lot of shaving creme/gel & had his face very well, making for quite a mess on the sink top. He liked the idea of the dispensing lotion but found he preferred his normal shaving gel and also didn't think the dispenser held enough or that it was cost effective. On the upside this is water proof so I'll get him to try it in the shower next. He also agrees with the other reviewers who said it's just not a close enough shave, and that it takes far to long. The whole idea of a electric is to speed up the process but between loading it with the conditioner, using it, adding more water, cleaning up the mess etc it was taking him 2x as long to shave at least, and with less steller results.

My take: I think his face looks better, the shave may not be as close however there are no knicks or aggrivation and his skin looks better all around. Of course I see his point on the time consuming aspect.

The booklet recommends giving it 3 weeks, I'm not sure I'll be able to talk him into that... wonder how this thing would work on my legs? ;)

My husband has been using Norelco dry electric shavers for years and has really loved them. As he really likes Philips products he was looking forward to trying the Moisturizing Shaving system.

After charging the shaver for the recommended four hours (reading the instructions is also a good idea) using the cartridge of Nivea to fill the razor's cartridge was surprisingly neat and easy to do. The shaver went into the shower for its first test run. It takes some experimenting to know how much moisturizer to use at first, but this was also very easy (see comment on reading instructions). There is a separate button for dispensing the moisturizer, and the process seemed similar to putting on a little shaving cream, shaving a small area and then applying more when the razor started to drag. The results were the best, smoothest and most comfortable shave I've ever seen from an electric razor - definitely comparable to using a razor blade without the nicks and cuts!

If you are considering changing to an electric razor, or have one but sometimes miss getting a really close shave, this system is highly recommended! Also great for dry or sensitive skin!

I got this razor for my son, who has been using an electric razor on his face without any shaving cream. He reports that he appreciates the convenience of being able to put the shaving cream directly into the shaver and of being able to use it in the shower. What he doesn't like is that if his beard gets a little too long, he feels that the hair is being pulled from his face rather than being shaved off.

I've used electric razors off and on (mostly OFF!) for many years.
This one shaves closer, without burning, than any I've used.
By now you probably know that it dispenses a special shaving lubricant to the blades as you shave. IT REALLY WORKS!!

One of my only concerns is the possibly relatively high cost of replacement Nivea face conditioner, but if you want a fantastic shave with an electric, the cost will be worth it.

My other concern was the trouble of attaching the trimmer to the razor. OK--it's not an earth-shattering problem. I solve it by keeping a disposable razor handy to trim my sideburns even. It takes less than 5 seconds, and is just easier than attaching the trimmer head.

Follow-up: This system gives such a close, smooth, cut-free and burn-free shave, that I started pricing the Nivea shaving cream. Today I saw it for about $7 on Amazon. Some will say that's expensive, but when you want a decent shave without burn or blood, it's darn well worth it.

Nothing beats hot lathered shaving cream from the Body Shop and a Gillette Sensor Excel, but that was time consuming so I moved on to canned shaving cream--which sucks regardless of the brand but it's a nice convenience; and then I was introduced to this electric shaver.

At the very least, the fact that this shaver allows you to use some kind of conditioner/cream instead of just water or the old dry electric shaver torture I had put myself through with prior models is a great difference in comfort--which is pretty damn near like taking sand paper to your face. The shaver also doesn't get burning hot like others I've tried, and you can rinse it--so even if it does get a bit too warm you can cool it off in an instant.

It genuinely shaves better than any other electric I've tried, but it's not as good as the Sensor Excel which gets me baby-butt smooth. Even though it's not a better shave, it's certainly more convenient, so I can shave every morning in a lot less time--rather than shaving every couple of days as I had been.

In terms of cost of razor blades versus refills for the conditioner this system uses, I don't know yet but imagine this is a lot cheaper. Most men cringe a bit whenever they have to buy more disposable razor blades because they're fairly expensive, and yet a necessity.

CON (not really): My neck did get a bit irritated the first few times I used this razor, but then the Sensor Excel would give me a bit of razor burn or a couple of bloody spots unless I used a new blade and a light touch, and in the same spots. The irritation went away after a few days of use.

As for the conditioner, I hope they come out with other scents. I think the musky, sharp smell--though watered down in this version--went out with the 60's but somehow survived until today. Personally, I rather smell like soap--not lilacs, not baby powder, but soap--not like my father. If I want to add a strong scent to myself, I'll buy cologne. I just want to smell clean.

BOTTOM LINE: It's a trade off, and therefore a tie, between my Gillette Sensor Excel with a high end shaving cream and this system in terms of quality and convenience, but I have to put my vote shockingly in favor of this electric despite having been anti-electric up until now. I've tried many electrics, most were gifts, and never used one of them more than a couple of weeks, but the ability to rinse the shaver and use the moisturizer which is right there in the handle is the real difference here.

It doesn't give me nearly as close a shave as a regular razor, but it's certainly a lot less hazardous in terms of not getting blood on my shirt collars as I rush off to work in the morning with a tiny little nick on my neck (or more often going unshaven for that reason), and I can shave more often with this due to the speed and convenience of the system.

I think we have a winner--I'll be using this from now on, and maybe occassionally treating myself to the good old razor shave with hot lather once in a while when I want to be a real dandy.