Review (4/5): Kindest torture device . . . I mean . . . epilator I've owned
I have owned a few epilators, though not many. I should start out by saying that epilation isn't exactly my favorite hair removal method. It is time-consuming (you have to go over areas several times), uncomfortable (don't let anyone lie to you), and if you neglect to exfoliate, you will end up with ugly, painful, ingrown hairs, which can even scar if you don't take care of them properly. However, there is something very attractive about a hair removal method that you can do at home, won't cost an arm an a leg (have you priced waxing lately?), and you don't have to do it every day. So if you haven't been scared away, this epilator is by far the best I've tried. MICROVIBRATIONS!!! They are awesome!!! They really do cut down on the discomfort. It feels a bit weird at first, but it is a happy distraction from the root-ripping occurring in very sensitive areas! It works well wet or dry, although I find I miss more spots if I use it in the bath/shower. Enter the Smartlight!!! Nothing gets by this thing. Even in a well-lit environment, you can really miss a lot without this nifty light. I also like the two-speed option . . . sometimes faster isn't always better, especially in tender places. Ditto to the exfoliating brush . . . don't neglect to use it or something like it or you will pay with nasty, bumpy ingrown hairs. My only gripe with this device is the battery life. It would be nice to be able to finish the job in one sitting, and this falls short for me. It lasts about 45 minutes on average . . . maybe a little longer on the slower speed. With as many times as I have to go over areas to get everything the Smartlight illuminates and really do a good job, I maybe finish a leg and a half before it dies. A little longer life would be appreciated. Along the lines of battery life . . . it charges fairly quickly, so it's not THAT awful to wait until the battery is charged again. I recall reading reviews about the cord not plugging in securely to the device--on my device, I found you have to push quite firmly until you hear it snap in place . . . then it definitely stays put. All-in-all, this is a pretty solid product.