Foils are good, but the rotary style electric shavers create the least irritation. I use one, and would recommend it. It also comes with a little cleaner base that keeps the heads disinfected and clean of hair particles.
A Phillips One-Blade will give you a decently close shave, but not razor close, but it also doesn't cause nearly the irritation and doesn't cut hairs below the skin.
One trick is to prep your skin with cold water, not hot or warm, which will cause the hairs to stand up, making the shave easier.
Fair enough. I had the opposite, where foils caused irritation (even my Braun Series 7), but my Philips Norelco 9500 has been the superior shaver, all around.
I still use the One-Blade to pre-trim though, especially if the whiskers are longer.