After years of shaving my legs and underarms, I decided it was about time a 'bit the bullet' and bought an epilator as I have heard so much about them.
The main advantage of an epilator is that it leaves your legs really smooth for up to 3 weeks and avoids the stubble that shaving can leave after a few days.

As I could give anyone a run for their money for hairy legs, I was somewhat dubious as I have heard that epilators can be very painful and they rip the hairs out with sets of tweezers which wizz around at an alarming rate!

Pain is not the word for what I felt when I first started but I was surprised to find that I either got used to the pain after a few minutes and subsequent uses of the epilator have not been so painful, so it is worth sticking with it for a few sessions until you get used to it. I also found that using the epilator after a hot bath when the pores are open, also tends to diminish the pain.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

1 x Braun Silk-épil Xpressive Pro 7681 Rechargeable Wet & Dry Epilator
1 x Efficiency Pro cap
1 x Underarm cap
1 x Shaver head
1 x Trimmer cap
1 x Facial cap
1 x Packet Olay pre-epilation wipes
1 x Bag
1 x Charger

Braun's SmartLight Technology reveals even the finest hairs to confirm the closeness of your epilation.
The result? Smooth, soft and seriously beautiful skin--for up to four weeks--giving you the confidence that you look and feel your best whenever, wherever you want to.

Additionally, the comfort setting switch allows users to control the speed of the epilation to fit to their needs, with both "soft" and "fast" settings.

The new pivoting heads--with a variance of ±15º--adapt to the body's contours, allowing closer contact with the skin and aiding removal of even the shortest hairs.

Independent dermatological research measured the effects among women of wet compared to dry epilation, with findings which showed that the women significantly favoured wet epilation.
Nearly two thirds (63%) also found wet epilation was kinder to the skin, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin or those new to epilating.

The Braun Silk-épil Xpressive Pro Wet & Dry is also rechargeable and cordless, with a one-way charge system to keep it completely safe in water.
Please note that due to safety reasons, the new Xpressive cannot be used with the cord plugged in.
One hour of charging time provides up to 40 minutes use--twice as long as other rechargeable epilators--guaranteeing enough time for users to become fully fuzz-free.
The Xpressive loses very little of its charge over time, and so is ideal for taking on holiday in the supplied storage pouch.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Overall, I was very impressed with the close finish this epilator gave. I have to have several attempts to get the best results and I would say that the best way to use the epilator is with circular movements around the target area for the best results.

The eplilator comes with a wonderful smartlight which shines on the target area to give you a clearer idea of what you are doing.

For the main epilator head, you have several different caps that you can use - bikini and underarm, face (not used as yet as it sounds far too painful), high frequency massage system (ideal for larger areas) and Efficiency Pro cap for faster and maximum epilation (I must tell you that this is also the most painful by far so I have only used it once and have steered clear ever since until I am braver!).

This epilator is fantastic to use in warm water as this opens the pores and makes it far less painful. It is also brilliant in running water and I have found using it in the shower totally ideal.

I know this probably isn't a major point in most people's minds, but this epilator is a lovely shape and it seems to fit into your hand perfectly. It is lovely to look at and very light to hold and does not feel awkward in the least.

There are a few minor problems that I have with the epilator but they wouldn't detract me from buying one. Firstly, you cannot use the epilator whilst it is charging which I find a bit of an annoyance. Secondly, it comes with a two point adaptor, so if you are thinking of buying this epilator then pop out and buy a shaver adaptor (only a few pounds) or you will be annoyed when you receive it and you are not able to use it straight away.

At a cost of around £80.00 this epilator is quite expensive but it does the job very well and I would recommend it.