What i expected really...

I decided to buy an epilator because shaving left my hairs ingrown and disgusting (!!), waxing is too expensive and timeconsuming, also messy if you do it at home, and creams and stuff are more trouble than they're worth. On all these points, the epilator definitely wins.... but boy does it hurt!! People say if you can handle shaving this is no problem, but in my opinion it does hurt a lot more, because each of the hairs is coming out individually. It was a real challenge to get both my legs done, and they do sting a lot afterwards... i also found that the cooling pad had very little effect. But what can i say, hopefully the pain will get less as time goes on, and apart from being quite timconsuming as well, epilation is the best hair removal method for me.
In terms of how this model rates against others, I don't have any experience of other makes but i'm guessing that this one pretty much ticks all the boxes as far as epilation goes.
Hope this helps - a good buy all in all, i'll just have to get used to it!!

A total revelation!

Having done a lot of research online into epilating
(after discovering that shaving was no longer an option for me - and deciding that waxing was too expensive, messy, and being revolted at the thought of regrowth) i made an investment into the latest braun offering.

After hearing numerous tales of woe - epilators being banished to the backs of cupboards and draws to repress painful memories - and plain disappointment from those who said when they tried it simply didnt work, i was fully prepared for a long painful hair removal session.

Opening the box my initial impression was"ooh it comes with a nice bag", which is convenient since it comes with a plethora of different heads (face/bikini aka precision head, efficiency head, efficiency head plus massagers, beginner head, underarm head, and shaver/trimmer. Not to mention the comb!) and a packet of 'pre-epilation wipes'.

After reading my instruction booklet to be fully informed and working out which head i needed i was ready...

Switching on the Braun Silk Epil Xpressive 7681 epil to Speed 1 i was disconcerted by the noise and the terrifying sight of the blades turning!
However i took a deep breath, and after using one of the wipes, starting at a hairy little ankle i tried...

And it was fine! More than fine!

I could barely feel it - i could feel the hairs being removed but it hurt much less that plucking my eyebrows!

So pleased was i that i bravely went upto the highest speed - still ok!

As pleasant as the massage rollers felt, i decided to brave the efficiency head on speed 2!
And it was fantastic!

Both legs done i was ready for more - i attached the underarm head and did that too! This was a little more sensitive but nothing i couldnt handle.

I even had a go on the bikini line, which also was bearable!

The results are amazing, id recommend epilating to anyone - results are as smooth as a wax, and last as long, plus you can get the little beggars as they crop up rather than waiting for a whole leg to turn into the amazon.
Plus my legs look better - since im dark - as the roots arent visible anymore, same goes for my underarms.

I think the head attachments are necessary - particularly if like me you have bony knees, the precision head is much better at angling!

I cant believe i've shaved all these years and have recommended epilating to everyone since - my mother and sister agree its painless, quick and easy and will also be investing.

This new model is quite pricey compared to the older types, but its rotating head and smartlight are the advances it has over its rivals - its well worth every penny, and compared to a professional wax it really isnt that much.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone (and have done to everyone so far!) the main issue for most seems to be the pain - and its much less than a wax. I do have a high threshold for pain, but since having tried it out on wimpy family members who agree its a odd yet painless sensation i cant understand why anyone would opt to shave given this much more satisfactory alternative.

So i'd say go for it! (after all it comes with a 2 year guarantee, and you can always return it if you have any problems)

A complete waste of time and money!

It is not often that I am so incensed by a product to write a review, but I have to say this laser is completely and utterly useless.

To be brief I purchased the scanning laser and have followed the instructions to the letter - now for more than a month and a half. I have repeatedly targeted the same areas of hair and have what is thought to be the best combination of skin and hair colour, i.e. very pale skin and dark hair. Notwithstanding not one of the hairs I have targeted has fallen out after a month and a half of treatment.

I have repeatedly emailed the company and phoned them to request information on why the laser may not be effective (there is of course no information on the product as to why the hair does not fall out in some cases even if the instructions are followed, possibly the laser is just ineffective on some people although it is not clear why) and also why waxing/plucking is not appropriate during treatments (surely if the hair has been treated effectively then removing the hair is only helping the natural process along?. Of course the laser cannot be used again on these areas until a new hair has grown if indeed it does.

There has been no response from the company, they have not returned calls as requested or responded to emails which I can only assume is because they are fully aware the laser is not effective on some people, but do not wish to place a warning on the product for fear of reducing sales.

I have to say I am extremely disappointed with the product and would strongly recommend that you do not buy it.

patience is a virtue

Have been an avid fan of epilating and having been through two braun silk epils I figured I would try another brand, as the braun don't seem to last very long before the motor grinds to a halt and you are unable to thoroughly clean the properly.
Well although the wet approach appeals, it is unbelievably time consuming. It took at least double the normal time to do my legs and I'm not particularly hairy. The second and most important point is that this epilator tends to snap the hair instead of pulling it out from the root, therefore making it pretty pointless as you end up with stubble.
I would not recommend this product and will be inclined to look for another.

my less than good experience of this epilator

i bought one last year.

within a few weeks it stopped working. the local repair centre repaired it.

a few weeks later it went wrong again. the local repair centre replaced it.

a couple of months later the replacement stopped working. eventually, i persuaded philips customer services to send a replacement.

a few weeks after that the second replacement stopped working. i returned it to philips for a refund.

i brought a braun silk epil. it's still working, plus it has a narrower head, so i get much neater results. and it was £5 cheaper.

What a product!

I tried this as it was cheap and the only person I knew that had tried epilation had told me how painful it was. Not true!! It isn't pain-free, but if you can handle waxing, you can handle this. I actually find it less painful without the attachment that is meant to make it easier (the massaging rollers clip) - go straight in with the Effieciency-Pro clip on top speed.

The worst discomfort for me is afterwards, my skin does itch and burn for a while, but I think if I can find a decent cooling moisturiser this won't be a problem.

I am so pleased to have found an alternative to the short-lasting results and bad skin you get with shaving, the mess you get with cream and home waxing, and the time consuming cost of having a professional wax. If you are in doubt, I would say go for it!

Excellent Machine...

I've been shopping for a while now looking to replace my shaver...and I'm glad I settled on this one... It's small and easy to manipulate to get the perfect shave/trim... in addition it has all these extra gadgets that allow you to first trim the longer hairs, then shave close to the skin, then epilate for a good bikini finish...

I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an all in one shaving/trimming solution...

THE HARVEST...

I bought this item on the strength of the reviews already posted, being at my wits' end with shaving constantly and my protesting boyfriend who definitely prefers me smooth!

Overall very pleased with the gadget so far, it's simple to use and effectively rid me of my fetching yeti look. Painful - yes, but I hardly expected otherwise, and I know from previous waxing experience that the first time is as bad as it gets.

The only reason I didn't give this the full 5 stars was the length of time it took to get me completely smooth. I epilated both full legs and my bikini line over the course of 3 days - I gave myself a couple of overnight breaks, as otherwise I would have been at it for hours - and being a bit of a wuss, I can't really face a full on 3.5 hours of tooth-gritting pain...

Definitely worth the price, given what you'll pay for a wax at a salon. Set aside plenty of time (and maybe an aspirin half an hour beforehand) for your first epilation. Future use is easier, less painful and much quicker. Highly recommended.

Oh - lastly, don't bother with the starter head - you'll be there for ever!!

Close shave!

It has been a while since I have purchised a shaver of this kind, but I am glad to say that I was not disappointed with this one. On the plus side, it is light weight and easy to use. Its a shame it is not water proof other wise you could have used it in the shower too. I think the settings are good, though to be honest I think having 5 is too many, would rather have a close trim than just shaving.

Hairy days!

I recently purchased this ladyshave, and I can honestly say, it is really good! The trimmer can be used when you have a couple of days hair growth to remove, or left down if you use it daily. I do tend to use it more for my underarms than legs, and it doesn't leave my skin itchy as other ladyshaves have in the past. The charger is stable and compact. The shaver seems to hold its charge ok, but I like to keep it topped up every 2-3 days. Hope this review helps with your ladyshave purchase!

Great for those not too hairy among us :)

1. Who is this product for:
***If you are thinking about this product for legs:***
This epilator is great for people who do not have that much hair. If you realistically can rid of your hair with normal twizers but perfer a mechanical device - this is the product for you. If, however, you regularly shave and/or have a an average/above average amount of hair (i.e. twizing is not an option :) ), then look elsewhere, even if just for travelling.
***If you are thinking about underarms or"touch ups" ***
Good for everyone. It will work on pretty much all types of hairness :)
2. Product quality/feel:
Very nice, excellent hard smooth plastic; great shape, slim size; much ligher than the average epilator I had before.

Well worth it

I've just purchased the Ladyshave and I'm very pleased with it. It's very reasonably priced (especially when you consider all the disposable razors you won't have to buy!), it has an attractive design and would go with any bathroom and is simple and easy to use. The fact that it's rechargable is essential for any electric shaver, too: you don't want to have the hassle of refilling gas canisters/batteries all the time.

But, the most important thing: does it give an effective shave? After using it twice (and my boyfriend borrowing it once) I would have to say it does - and I can tell that the more I use it, the better I'll get at angling those awkward places. For me, it worked as effectively as a Venus razor, particularly effective on my legs. The best part about the Ladyshave was how much kinder it was to my skin: no rash (including my bikini line!) even without moisturising.

I definitely recommend this product. I found it to be the best form of hair removal I've tested, beating: creams, disposable razors, DIY wax strips and my boyfriend's Mach 3!

My only advice: be gentle!

Happy customer

Completely new to epilating. I opted for this product as it was reasonably priced and the same product but cordless Phillips had great reviews. I knew that with epilation, purchasing a cordless gadget was a bit pointless as I expected the process to be quite lengthy, cordless may be great for convenience and quick clean ups of hair but I couldn't be bothered with the charging and this was significantly cheaper.

Epilating was half and half on the pain factor, I have a fairly high pain threshold so the only areas that were ouchy were my shins, knees and the flesh behind my ankles. The general bikini line was relatively pain-free, but I've waxed and tweezed these areas before to the same affect, the more inner reigions was awkward. If you want to go `Hollywood' a smaller epilator would be the best bet, I may purchase another one for this reason. Wouldn't recommend epilating for women who have dense hair and are very sensitive as this could be unbearable, I was very happy and am now converted.

Great product, does what its meant to do. Works efficiently, easy to clean, has ceramic tweezers and comes with a storage bag & wash pouf. The numbing ice pack, may be useful for other people but after cracking in and adjusting to the sensation, I gave up with it. It was hardly `numbing'.

i am happy i bought it

I bought this product and i am very pleased that it is actually working. i didn;t believe first to the reviews that i found in the Internet. But no i tried and yes after 30-40 sec the hair comes out very easily. I couldn't do it before. My skin is very sensitive, and i can not use aby sort of creams or depilators, thi product works well because i do not touch my skin, only the hair. The only discomfort is that some hairs take longer to be deleted and i have to work with 1 hair in time. herefore, 4 stars.

Good results, and only a little ouchyness!"

I had been mulling over wether to buy an epilator or not for a while, and after reading the glowing reviews for the Phillips strawberry, I thought why not! and I certainly haven't been dissapointed.
I managed to get it when it was on offer, for £15, which was a bargain indeed! But even at it's normal price of around £25 it's still much better value than most other epilators.
If like me you get fed-up with the tedious constant shaving routine, or having to use messy delipilatory creams and wax treatments, then I definately reccomend that you get this epilator!
It is really simple and easy to use, and best of all it really doesn't hurt that much at all! I found that it only hurts when you attempt to use the epilator on particularly long, or very very short, thick hairs, and even then the pain isn't unbearable.
I use mine on my legs and arms currently, and soon my underarms too. I did try to use it on my bikini line, but that DID hurt! I think I will wait until the hairs grow a bit longer before trying that again.

The only downside with this product is that it doesn't always remove the finer hairs, and so you may have the odd few left that you can't get off.

Apart from this, I thoroughly reccomend the product!

Rio Total Body Wax System - A must for the ladies

A definate MUST HAVE, for the ladies. Works brilliantly over the body and leaves skin feeling great. No more last minute rush to the beauty salons.

Wow, can't recommend this more highly...

Well, first I have to come clean. I'm not a woman and therefore can not comment on this products bikini trimming ability...however I am (read as was) a very hairy male model!

I had been frustrated by the lack of electronic hair removal products on the market for men, which for some unkown reason seems largly limited to ear and nose hair trimmers. These plastic mutations of the now largley forgotten"Remmington Fuzzaway" are extreamly useful at removing unwanted hair in some very hard to reach areas, but fall way short when one has a need for total hair removal. As a part-time male model I have to maintain fashion trends, which at the moment means being smooth skinned and tanned and lets face it, all the"Remington Fuzzaways" of this world are just not going to cut it (pun intended).

I tried a few alternatives initially, but I quickly learnt that I was allergic to hair removal creams (I ended up bedbound for a fortnight with a swollen head, which put an end to my hat model contract with the freemans catalogue) and electrolis was damaging to my bank balance. Wet shaving was out the window too (it gave me a rash which meant I missed out on the Primark swimwear shoot and there are only so many knicks one person can put up with on their abs!) so I thought I was stuck...until I cam across"Hot Wet And Dry Rechargeable Bikini Trimmer".

Admittedly I didn't buy this marvelous product, but lets say borrowed from my then partner, she swore by the product and its novelty bikini line hair masks...we even experimented with our own designs for a while, my personal favourite being a rather fetching porpoise design that she cut from one of my National Georgraphic back issues. Unfortunatley she cut it from the David Attenborough 70th Birthday special, which once I discovered this did bring our relationship to a close, but at least I got the bikini trimmers out of it.

Having been using them for almost 3 months now I can say that they make my life so much easier and would recommedn them heartily to any ladies or aspiring male models out there!