Home IPL machines - I'm interested, and hairy, talk to me

[Moogdroog]

Think the time has come to seek a better solution before I turn into a yeti before Christmas. I have PCOS and my plucking/bendy stick/waxing routine isn't quite cutting the mustard any more. Dark hair and medium skin, so think I'm a candidate.

There seems to be a fair few machines about - was looking at the Lumea (£££) but noticed a cheaper Veet one and Boots do one too.

Anyone got one that they'd recommend (or not) - looking like I'll have to pool all my Christmas money and then some, but don't want to buy a wrong 'un.

I've been looking into these for ages this year. I finally decided on the Smoothskin, ordered it and then found I'd missed the Amazon deal of the day with 20% off by an hour or so . Amazon wouldn't price match so I cancelled it in a fit of pique

I found a Lumea compact on a deal in Boots for £100. Has been OK but not as good results as I'd hoped so I've just opted for the £200 Lumea on Amazon reasoning being it's corded so slightly less convenient to use but several reviews of the cordless models say if they're not charged regularly the battery and hence the whole unit dies

Other than that the reviews are good so I'm hoping less gorilla more goddess

My resolve crumbled about 20 mins before the Amazon deal ran out. I've bought the Lumea. Yet to tell DH that I've spent 200 quid though . Will update to let you know if it works. Very much looking forward to not being a gorilla I must say!

Still seeing some good reductions on Amazon. Can anyone describe the differences between models? Looking at the £200 (SC1997/00) and £250 (SC2005/00) ones.

Also, presume DH could use it on his back and chest where he has a few wispy hairs that he runs a razor over occasionally. Might help me sell the cost. We are both fair skinned with medium to dark hair.

I don't think DD can use it - how sad

Katy Mac, there is quite a lot of stuff online about which skintones can use IPL. It is to do with contrasts I think.

Oooh, ooh!! This thread has made the Mumsnet Swears By... (recommending the Boots one, which of course I've not bought)

another item ticked off the MN bucket list

ItGoesWithoutSaying

Looks like the 2005 is cordless and they seem to be a bit more £££. It doesn't look like it has a facial attachment though so not so good for the bearded ladies among us. The 1997 which is the one I bought is corded but the cord is a reasonable length and it has a facial attachment. I'm a bit confused about the number of flashes it has. Amazon say 250K and the instruction book says 100K If you want it though, get it . Amazon are saying only one left and there were eleven yesterday although I think Boots are also doing them at the same price. I just had Amazon vouchers to use

Moogdroog Yay for caving. We are all going to be gorgeous

Yes!

I have a Remington I-light pro
I've had it around a year but not been terrifically good at regular use. My underarms are much less hairy. My chin has lost most of the dark hairs. My top lip shows little improvement. The bikini area is patchy- a huge amount has gone (yes, I was that gorilla!) but a stubborn line has stayed and stray dark hairs probably need regular zapping to get rid.
The most obvious thing to emerge from my use of it has been how much grey and white hair is left behind

This works on me. You can use at home and return within 90 days if its not working on you. Makes it a safer investment?

Gosh, I'm so bloody excited. I wish I had Amazon Prime.

I want updates from all new IPL owners on their progress please!

I've got the Veet one. I chose it because you can get buy a replacement head for when the zaps run out rather than having to buy a whole new one. Also because it was on offer, on amazon black friday.

I have dark hair and pale skin so it worked quite well for me, although I would say it's more slowed the growth down rather than stopping it at all. Unfortunately I've had to stop using it, shaving really irritates my skin and I couldn't deal with the infernal itching for a week+ after anymore

I have a Lumea. I have used it 3 time now, next week will be the 4th time. I am a hairy Mary and used to shave every day. My underarms have lost that shadow look I had even after shaving and it's been 3 days since I shaved anything and only very light patchy stubble and mostly bald places.
Can't wait for the 12th treatment!

I remember reading a long thread on another forum (it was about 30 pages) of people raving about the Boots system. Saying how well it worked....it turned out 80% of them worked for Boots and were paid to rave about this machine. The other posters had bought it and had very mixed results. One of the posters who was a plant cocked up about some Facebook group and everyone was outed. It wasn't pretty.

is there any pain involved?

I am definitely not a Boots plant. Just to clarify. MNHQ can confirm that I am a long time poster with no secret agenda if you like. I'm not saying you are accusing me. I know it is difficult when there are people paid for viral marketing.

It is not painful. I'm pretty sure that applies to any IPL model. There is the occasional warm zapyy feeling. And very rarely it hurts a bit. But it is all less painful than tweezing my own eyebrows and nothing like waxing.

I think the Smoothskin will run out of zaps in maybe 5 years, according to the estimates. Which was fine by me partly because the technology will probably have improved by then. But yes, I can see why you would want to be able to replace.

Also, I wasn't sure about shaving my bikini line. Urgh, rashes. For me, because the roots are being killed there is less chance of ingrown hairs so I haven't had too much of a problem. Plus I stick coconut oil on the area every couple of days and it seems to help.

I have the lumea. I'm really impressed and have seen a quick result. You have to keep it up though

Smooth skin gold has been life changing ....I did the 12 weeks may June July and have been zapping aprox once a month since then...I can get away with shaving my legs etc every 2 weeks (I used to have to epilate weekly)... It was a bit time consuming, but so worth it

I have found it painful in varying degrees according to where I'm using it. The bikini area is definitely ouchy as are my armpits. Other areas are ok, nippy but ok.

Oh I meant to say, the Smoothskin has an automatic sensor to lower the zappiness according to your skin tone, but also has an featherlight setting (?) if you are finding it painful.

It's a lot less painful if you use a flexible cool pack (I use the type for lunch boxes) wrapped in some kitchen roll. Hold it on the area for a minute or so before zapping to chill the skin.

It's here!!

I actually kissed the box when it arrived

So, I'm meant to be working, but have quickly tried it out on my chin yes, I have a beard and my armpits. Didn't hurt a bit and is very quick, just a slight warm sensation. Can't wait to vanquish the hair on the rest of me.

My only concern is that I'm beginning to join up the dots with my migraines and what might be triggering them... think it might be bright lights. We shall see. Maybe I can do it with sunglasses on, or a blindfold

Oooh, enjoy! The lights is VERY bright and I did think of migraine triggers when I first used it. Hope sunglasses work... I think you can also get special goggles for it.

I have the lumea for 4 years now. I think it took 6-9 months for me to become mostly hairless. I'm zapping now maybe every 2-3 months. And no shaving in between.

Anyway for the bright light. Position the machine, close your eyes, and then press the button. That helps cut down the brightness a lot I find. You can try turning your head away too. I'm sure sunglasses help too.

And I used to shave every day. I'm really hairy. The lumea is the best beauty buy ever.

Goggles! Yes! Goggles! Think I might get myself some. Thanks for the tips. I'm surprised by how crazily bright it is.

Great to hear some positive stories further down the line, HeadDreamer. To be honest, any improvement would be great - this has been such a drain on my self confidence for the last 20 years. Lumea, I love you already!