Review (5/5): Being able to use it in the shower makes this the best electric razor I've owned.
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 [[ASIN:B000050FDQ 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.