Review on Efficient Hair Removal with Philips Satinelle Essential Epilator, BRE235/04 by Jim Jarvis

I have been using two epilators for a long time: Emjoi AP-18 Emagine epilator with two opposed 72 tweezers heads/ Emjoi AP-18R Emagine epilator with two opposed 72 tweezers heads, purple and Panasonic cordless shaver & epilator for women with 5 Jets, Gentle Removal of Wet/Dry Hair on Legs, Armpits, Bikini Line, Face - ES-EL7A-P. I have used both for many years and love both very much. I have also tried several Philips Satinelle epilators over the years. I'm not a fan of the Satinelle line or this particular epilator. The main reasons are that the head of this Philips Satinelle Essential is not wide enough and the tweezers are not long enough to effectively and efficiently remove hair from the legs. This epilator probably works best on smaller areas (like armpits). Panasonic has 60 tweezers and Emjoi Emagine has 72 tweezers, which is significantly more than Philips Satinelle. Panasonic also offers the option of using a large or small head (which is a bonus). In terms of use/maneuverability the Panasonic moves like a Dyson ball vacuum, unlike the Emjoi Emagine (and this Philips Satinelle) which doesn't move as freely. The Panasonic also has a small backlight, which the Emjoi and this Philips Satinelle don't have. This Philips Satinelle also easily grabs the skin into the device (similar to the Panasonic), much easier than the Emagine (which hurts and damages the skin). You MUST have a firm grip on loose skin (particularly the skin behind the knees and along the underwear line on the legs) or this device will eat them. For those who have never epilated, the first or second time takes a long time. MUCH longer than shaving. You have to go over the same spots multiple times to remove all the hair. And since hair grows at different rates, you will have to epilate more often at first. Here are some additional tips to help you epilate smoothly (no pun intended).1. NEVER use the epilator on wet (or sweaty) skin or in the shower. Easier and faster hair removal from dry skin. (Although one of the features is that it can be used in the shower.) 2. Epilate BEFORE you shower or bathe. Again, it is easier and quicker to remove hair from dry skin than from wet skin.3. For the first time, let your hair grow so far that it would be unacceptable to wear shorts with leg hair that long. At the same time, longer hair removal is a little more painful, easier and faster (especially for the first time).4. Take Advil or Tylenol before waxing if this is your first experience. If it gets too painful, don't do it all at once. Do something in the morning and something in the evening or the next day. If you split it up, I recommend doing the shins (shinbones and/or calves) of both legs first. The thighs (thighs) are slightly more tender/painful when hair is removed.5. After you have finished epilating, take a shower and apply Olay Shower Gel to the scrubbing/exfoliating pad. Apply moisturizer to your skin after you get out of the shower. Don't epilate the night before or the same day you want your legs to look their best. Hair pulling leaves LOTS of red marks on legs (like being attacked with an ice pick). And depending on your skin type, it can look VERY bad. I personally find it best to start epilating in autumn/winter. If you are planning to start in spring/summer then just plan accordingly.7. Use a small flashlight to highlight the hair so you don't miss a patch.8. Hold loose skin to prevent it from getting into the device (particularly the skin under the knees and along the line of the underwear on the legs).9. Do this several times before deciding epilation isn't for you. And yes, the epilator you use makes ALL the difference.