As far as hair removal methods go I have always been a big fan of waxing. I've never really liked shaving as it only ever lasts a day or two before you start to get a bit rough and stubbly and I can't stand the smell of hair removal creams, so waxing seemed like the best option. But with the cost of the treatment coming in at about £30 every 4-6 weeks I decided that maybe it would be more cost effective to try epilating, after all I had been waxing for years so it wouldn't be must different; or so I thought!

This was not a purchase I stumbled into blindly. I did my research, looked at the different models for the various brands and price ranges and finally settled on the Braun Silk-Epil Xelle which was described as being 'designed for efficient and extra gentle hair removal for silky smooth skin for up to four weeks' which seemed to tick all the right boxes so off I went to Argos to pick one up. Originally it was priced at £74.99 but at that time it was on offer for £64.99.
The epilator is packaged in a black box which shows a picture of lovely smooth toned legs on the front and a clear plastic bubble with the item displayed inside. Once opened inside was the epilator, with two different heads (a small one for underarms and a bigger one for legs) a storage pouch, a cooling glove and a cleaning brush. Anxious to try my new gadget I plugged it in to charge and had a look over the instructions.

Fast forward to that evening and I was ready to de-fuzz. Full of the promise of '40 tweezers that grip individual hairs for quick and efficient removal' I expected a quick relatively painless process like I was used to when being waxed...boy was I in for a shock! It was agony, and I consider myself to have a fairly high pain threshold. After only one stroke my leg felt like it was on fire. Not one to give up easily I thought maybe I had done something wrong, so I re-read the instructions and went in for round two, only to be beaten once more. That was me out, and the cooling glove did little to sooth my now very tender legs. The decision was taken then and there that maybe the price of waxing was worth it after all and the epilator ended up in the hands of my obviously more masochistic sister (who now swears by it)

The theory behind this little implement of torture looks good on paper, but when it comes down to it I would rather turn into the bearded lady than subject myself to anything like this again. Would I recommend this to others? Not unless it was as an act of revenge.