Review (4/5): Really like it - no more stubble, razor burn, or nicks
Bottom line: This thing is great. It is a bit uncomfortable to use the first time, but it gets easier. If you can get a tattoo, you can easily use this thing.
What I'm glad it has: The exfoliation brush is really useful. It keeps me from getting ingrown hairs and makes my legs even smoother.
What I wish it had: It would be nice if there was a suction cup holder for the shower. If I use it in the shower, I have to turn off the water in order to put it on the floor outside the shower without flooding my bathroom.
I spent about two weeks researching epilators and reading hundreds of reviews and finally decided on the Braun Silk-epil 9. It has a big head, different attachments that are useful, and can be used wet or dry. I noticed that a lot of reviewers got it free, so I went to the BzzAgent site they reference, took some surveys, and thanks to my good karma, they sent me one to try out! Score! As soon as I got it, I scanned the instructions and held my breath as I held it up to my shin. I was worried it was going to be really painful, but it was just like a rubber band snap. It was a little uncomfortable, but not bad. As I got closer to my ankles, it hurt a little bit, but nothing too bad.
So, after successful use on my legs, I got cocky and decided to do my upper lip. I put on the other cap and brought it up to my upper lip. Oh mother of pearl! I couldn't do it. I've never waxed my lip and wasn't prepared for it. Not sure if you remember the first time you plucked your eyebrows, but it was a similar sensation. My eyes watered and I couldn't go through with it. I went online and did some research and saw that some people used lidocaine cream to numb the area. I tried that on my upper lip and bikini line and didn't feel a thing. I've been using the exfoliating brush and haven't had any ingrown hairs. I've use the epilator a few more times since and it's really not been bad at all.
One word of caution: If you have bug bites on your legs, be careful. I didn't realize that this little hair puller could also cut skin if it's swollen from a bug bite. That's why I gave it four stars instead of five.
Overall, I'm really happy with this epilator. I was completely prepared to buy it and, had I bought it instead of being awarded it, would have kept it. I have no desire to go back to shaving, razor burn, and nicks on my legs!