Braun SP3470 epilator easystart bodysystem

I'd seen adverts etc for this new hair removal invention by a 'sanding type device' , but after reading various reviews here & elsewhere, I decided I'd give it a very wide berth!

I did attempt to use an epilator soon after they came out, probably about 12-14 years ago. It was a bulky machine, wasn't very effective & it hurt like hell!! So that didn't last too long before it went back in the box.

I started looking at epilators again with the thought that technology MUST have advanced since last time - and, boy, it's come on in leaps & bounds!

The EasyStart BodySystem from Braun is -
2 speed lightweight epilator (easily fits in your hand & is very comfortable to use),
easy-start head (removes less hairs so less painful for first few times),
standard epilator head,
pain-softener clip (4 way small rollers that minimize the pulling sensation),
efficiency clip (more hairs removed),
shaver head,
gel pad & holder (cools skin & lessens pain),
cleaning brush,
mains adapter,
carry pouch.
It can be used on all areas except the face (I'd probably suggest that you practice with it on your legs before you get any more adventureous!).

I started off on speed 1 with the easy-start head & pain-softener clip but without the cooling gel pad (because i was too impatient to wait for the 2 hours freezer time for the pad! If it hurt too much, I'd make sure it was cold & ready for next time!).

I gritted my teeth & went for it...to be seriously surprised that I wasn't screaming in pain!! The hairs were coming out easily and all I could feel was a light pin-pricking sensation.

After 2-3 minutes I got a bit carried away & changed to the standard head with pain-softener clip & started whizzing away on speed 2. I can honestly say it was only slightly more painful, just more of the pin-pricking but very bearable.

It took me about 25-30 mins to do both legs & I'm sure I'll get quicker with practice. As with waxing, you'll need to epilate on a regular basis to start off with as you've always got one cycle of hair that is dormant. When you can feel re-growth, it's not the first plucked hairs coming back but just the next batch of hairs growing again (pesky little blighters!).

After waxing, home & salon, my legs would be quite red & have that lovely plucked chicken appearance for a few hours/overnight. This time, there was slight redness initially but I haven't had any other reaction.

I can safely say that I'm well impressed & my epilator will soon be my new best friend...!!!

12.07.04 - update - i've now used the epilator with the standard head & pain-softener 3-4 times under my arms. excellent hair removal, lovely smooth skin & no irritation whatsoever afterwards. Obviously, DON'T use deodorant for some time afterwards!

You might need a bit of assistance from a partner/friend to make sure you've grabbed all the hairs as they grow in all directions, (unless you can turn your head at a peculiar angle to look under your own armpit - i know i can't!!)

Bikini Area - OOOWWWWWW!!!! NO, NO, NO!!!! seriously, i think unless you've got a very high pain threshold, don't even ATTEMPT this one. even with the starter head and the pain reducing thingy, I quickly gave in because i'm a wimp. I did use the shaver attachment instead & was very pleased with the result. I don't think i'll be having a try with the epilator in this area again - unless i'm very, very drunk or i've been given a general anaesthetic...!!! Just don't go there!

I haven't been stupid even to conider buying one...until now!

I was very weary and read lots of reviews before parting with my hard earned cash, but I can honestly say it is not painful at all!

The first time i used it I used every pain reducing thing that came with it but realised that I didn't even need the ice pack and quickly moved from the starter head, to the more efficient head and now after using it about 5 times it doesn't hurt at all!

I would definately say DO NOT USE ON BIKINI LINE! Seriously it is not worth the eyewatering pain!

I stupidly tried it (ONCE) and apart from the pain and time it took, it left the area painful and red for days and I only did a little bit and hardly any hairs came off anyway!

Would definately recomend for legs and underarms though.