Epilator queries

[ThankYouVeryMuchGerry]

I'm making economies due to the current financial situation and I've decided the leg waxing has to go. I've been shaving but I thought an epilator might mean I have to do my legs less often.

Just wondering how painful epilating is? I've been having my legs waxed for years and I don't find it that painful, but I'm unsure whether to epilate in case it hurts too much.

I've also got a lumea and was wondering if I can still use that if I epilate?

Finally - any recommendations for a good epilator? I'm looking at a Panasonic one on the Boots website, its on special and I've got enough points to buy it, or there are some cheaper Phillips ones I could get.

TIA

Epilators are the worse things ever. They break, they pull, they are old news and then can leave red marks

Shave sponge? Just make circular movements. But the machine that is essentially a shave sponge but it's electric. Both pain free or of course the obvious nair or veet

Also you can get home wax stripes with gel on them or wax strips and real wax

I have a Braun silk-epil one. Had it about a decade and still going strong. The one I have can be used wet which helps with discomfort and hair breakages I think. I find it comparable to waxing in terms of regrowth and far better than shaving in that regard.

When I first used an epilator I struggled with the pain and had to stop after one lower leg and do the next one the following night.

However now I honestly don't bat an eyelid when using it (although admittedly I only use it on my legs, I can't imagine doing armpits for example!!).

I barely have any hair growth on my lower legs these days

I love my epilator! Yes it was painful at first, but after 3 or 4 years of use, I barely have any hair on my legs at all and when it grows back you can hardly see it. I think it's a Phillips but not sure which model.

I’ve been using them for over 20 years. I use it after a shower when my skin is still warm. It takes a few goes to get used to but It’s well worth the effort and saves a fair bit of money. Mine’s a Braun silk epil.

I find epilating really painful - it’s a horribly stingy pain. But if you’re used waxing maybe it will be bearable for you.

I used to have a Braun but it died after eight years and was replaced by an Amazon cheapie under 20 quid which I’ve had for 3 years. I think epilators are much the same regardless of brand. I do legs and underarms also the few random hairs on my big toes. Underarms definitely sting but only need doing monthly. I’d do the legs fortnightly in summer. Not sure about using it with the lumea I’ve never had one.

I tried epilating a few years ago. Never again, it was unbearable. I was coming on to recommend a Lumea, they are fabulous. You just need to persevere for a few months before you notice a real difference. Epilators pull the hair out by the root and the Lumea works on the hair root, so although the Philips FAQs say you can epilate before treatment, I'd stick to shaving.

@JemimaTiggywinkle

I find epilating really painful - it’s a horribly stingy pain. But if you’re used waxing maybe it will be bearable for you.

I used to epilate with a big glass of wine when I started, best not to go to quick at the start begin at ankle do an inch then back down slowly working your way further up. Once you’ve got a bare strip just move along a little so you’re only epilating a cm strip at a time.

Same with underarm start at edge hold skin taught and just take off a little at a time.

Barely feel it on my legs now.

I always felt epilating was akin to running a piece of glass along sunburn. Not enough to cut the skin, enough for it to sting like fuuuuuuck. Get a phillips lumea. Yes, it's a more expensive outlay but considering you can do so many areas with it, it will soon pay for itself. When I think about how much I have spent on razer blades, waxing professional and at home, etc etc, I kick myself.
Also, if you're hairy, it will take forever to epilate your legs. It used to take me over an hour and a half to do one leg (being thorough) and then I would have to wait for the motor to cool down before I could do the next one. Bikini line wasn't too bad, but not fun either. Underarms were quicker, upper lip I'd rather have given birth.
The lumea was honestly one of the most expensive things I've ever bought myself and it is worth every bloody penny!

Ah ignore me, just read your op and not skimmed (apologies) and saw you already have one. The app I use for my lumea says you can use it after waxing and epilating although I'm not sure how as as another poster says, it targets the root system.

I'm a big fan of epilators. I have a Braun Silk-Epil. It hurts on the first few goes as you have a lot of hair to tweaze, but then you get into maintenance mode and use it once a week, and I find I actually quite enjoy it... Less messy than waxing and no shaving rash. Though, you do get redness for 24 hours following. I use a lavender skin balm to sooth my skin after epilating.

I have a Braun silk epil. I can only manage my armpits as I find doing my legs or bikini line too painful! I barely notice it in my armpits, it’s like a popping sensation as the hairs come out. They are so fine now so regrowth is barely noticeable.
I bought it in 2004 with my Boots points and it’s still going strong!

It only hurts for a few seconds then it's a sensation but not unpleasant. Get a good one - Silk-epil one maybe? Like a wax. First strip hurts then the second is OK.

No idea about the Lumea bit!

I have one but probably won’t replace when it dies. Some hairs are always missed so you never get that completely silky smooth feel like with shaving.