The ultimate torture instrument (Braun Silk epil Xelle Solo)

Member Name: pruecheese

Product:	Braun Silk epil Xelle Solo
Date:	16/03/09 (44 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Efficient, easy to use

Disadvantages: Little bit loud

One day, I decided I'd had enough of shaving my legs (shortly after moving into a house with a shower rather than a bath, and being fed up of contorting myself into awkward positions) and that it was time for me to be a Proper Grown Up and invest in an epilator. No pain, no gain and all that, right?
Not knowing where to start, I scoured the highstreet for epilators. I decided I didn't need a flashy one with magical numbing powers - afterall, I'd not long survived an hour and a half of tattooing, it couldn't be worse than that, right?
Well, I picked up the Braun Silk epil on special offer in Superdrug - 1/3rd off the RRP. It had its interchangable heads, the handy light to see what you're doing properly, and looked pretty cute too.
But let me tell you now, between my first tattoo and my first time epilating, I would always favour the tattoo! If you're contemplating braving epilating for the first time, be prepared! Don't believe that "Oh, it only tickles" stuff, it's downright nasty. Half a leg later and I'm wondering why I had such a crazy idea. I then decided to switch to the numbing head - and realised that's what I'd already been using! I switched to the regular head and it was actually better I think - more accurate with its plucking, faster, so the pain was over and done with quicker.
Post-epilating, my legs had a peculiar tingy feeling for the rest of the evening and the next morning, and a lovely blotchy look. This eased off, and then I got to experience the wonderful, unstubbly look - no 'day after shaving' prickly bits, just smooth hairless legs. So I figured I'd give it another chance, and the second time wasn't half as bad. The third time there was hardly any pain at all, and by the fourth, I was converted totally, recommending epilating to anyone!
I then got a little cocky and attempted by underarms. Please note that you probably should consume a large amount of alcohol before attempting this torture on yourself. 10 minutes and half an armpit later, I emerged defeated and bleeding (literally!), and vowed never to attempt it again. I sincerely respect anyone who does epilate their underarms and bikini line!

Overall, I find this epilator pretty good. The light does help spot the finer or shorter hairs, it's pretty accurate with its plucking (less so with the numbing roller head on though), and it comes apart easily to clean it out (cleaning brush is included too). It's quite loud but you get used to it. It's an easy shape to hold and manouvre too.
I've already recommended this epilator to several friends, it's worth the money (especially as it is often on special offer) and you're not paying over the odds for unnecessary additional gadgets. It does what you want it to do and does it pretty well!

Oh, and additional warning - try to keep on top of epilating once you start. You will get used to it and soon it won't even hurt, but if you do take a break for a few weeks, prepare to start over back at 'OW OW OW' on the pain scale!

Summary: Works well, value for money