Five Epilators to De-Fuzz With

I'm an epilator evangelist, but even I admit to falling off the epilating- wagon in summer when shaving is a quicker fix. Start in winter, when it's ok to have hairy legs for a few days, and by summer your hairs will be finer, less noticeable, and epilating will be a whole lot less painful.

1. Braun X'elle EasiStart Body & Face 5580 Epilator £54.99

My epilator is Braun, and this model has more features than any other. From a spotlight to reveal sneaky hairs, to a massaging head to dull pain. There's also a starter head with fewer tweezers and a cooling glove to freeze the sting. Finally the new SoftLips tips technology lifts flat hairs to ensure more are tweezed at once.

2. Philips Satinelle Ice HP6491 Epilator £29.99

A great bargain option, the Phillips Satinelle Ice is ceramic and hypoallergenic, and has a pivoting ice cooler and a massage system in place to help with the pain. The slim design means it's easy to hold and reach difficult areas and the automatic worldwide voltage means it's easy to use anywhere in the world.

3. Remington Confidence Bodycurve Epilator £29.99

This epilator has a curved barrel to follow the contours of the body more easily for better access to those pesky hairs, and there's two speeds with a slower 'wimp' option for first-timers and sensitive areas. Another bargain option with its own bag and a two year guarantee.

4. Philips Satinelle Massage Epilator £54.99

Out of all the epilators available, this one would certainly win the sexiness award, it's got a funky pink and silver casing and can be charged up for portable use. If there's a day when you can't take the pain, it also converts into a lady shave for ouch-free hair removal wherever you are.

5.  Carmen Beauty 5 in 1 Epi-Glide 5-in-1 System £39.99

This one not only has five interchangeble heads, including a lady shave head, massager and sensitive area add on, but it's also super silent. Which anyone who's every heard the low vibrating din of an epilator will be pleased to hear about. There's also an olive wood exfoliating attachment and gold plated anti allergy discs on the epilator head.

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Comments

When talking about the perils of hair removal with friends and colleagues I am always in the minority as I am an epilator fan too. "Epilate!" they yell, their faces twisted with shock and loathing, "are you mad woman?"

Well, yes and no. Yes because it does hurt like billyo the first couple of times, but after a few mins you get used to it. It's the bonier areas like shins and knees that are the worst. Start with those and the rest is downhill. And no because if you can keep at it and be thorough, your hairs will appear finer and eventually you won't need to use it as much. The results last a lot longer too as the hair has to start growing again from the root and not the surface of the skin, as what happens when you shave.

There are some drawbacks; increased risk of ingrowing hairs, the "freshly plucked chicken look" and occasionally a rash, but all these can be fixed quickly and with no extra effort. Using a puff, sponge or similar on the legs while in the bath or shower will scuff any little hairs upwards instead of back into the skin. Moisturise thoroughly afterwards and don't take hot baths of showers within an hour or two of epilating and all will be well!

Now you many be wondering if I am brave enough to epilate my underarms. Are you mad woman!?!

Posted by: Louise | November 14, 2006 6:14 PM

I do my underarms! It kills the first time but then it gets much easier, and you never get awful underarm stubble. I've even been the subject of underarm envy would you believe!

Posted by: Charlotte | November 14, 2006 6:43 PM

I have always plucked my under arm hair since the day they started growing out. With tweezers no less. Epilators are a godsend. LoVE it!
I got the first epilator mentioned about a month ago and its fab!

Posted by: rachel | November 14, 2006 7:27 PM

Charlotte: I really don't think I have the guts (or 4 muscle bound males to stop me going through the ceiling) to epilate my underarms. (quivvers at thought). you go girl!

Louise

Posted by: Louise | November 14, 2006 8:12 PM

I was given an epilator for my birthday and I love it! Although the "just-shaved numb" feeling is nice, shaving always wrecked my skin. Epilating is much gentler and great for doing in front of the tv, as theres no mess!
I have done my underarms, altho I must admit I forced myself into it after shaving for the 3rd time in one week during the summer! I wish Id had a strong drink before I started tho :D
Caz xX

Posted by: Caroline | November 14, 2006 9:20 PM

I have the braun x'elle up the top there, and it is brilliant once you get over the pain. It comes with an ice pack which helps, and I do it while watching a film or something to take my mind off it. I did my legs before a holiday and still had no regrowth on return (nor did I have any ingrown hairs).

Now HERE is the question - anyone done their bikini line?

Posted by: Gemma | November 15, 2006 12:37 PM

The thought of it makes me squirm =[

I can only manage my calves =P Even my thighs make me want to throw myself out of the window.

Posted by: Julia | November 15, 2006 5:10 PM

Gemma, I managed to do the bikini line. I tried to brave "the rest" but one would need a really strong drink.
I couldn't go beyond.
I'd like to get a brazillian just to see how bad it really is. :-P

Posted by: Rachel | November 15, 2006 11:39 PM

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