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Epilating might just be the most misunderstood hair-removal method – in fact, many people avoid it because of the myriad horror stories out there. But we think it’s about time you gave these neglected tools a chance because today’s best epilators might just provide the solution to all your shaving woes.
While, yes, it may not be bikini season anymore (mwah) epilating during the chilly months is still a wise idea. Not only will you have super-smooth legs if your autumnal wardrobe includes mini skirts and baggy knits, but if you start your epilating journey now, you'll be totally hair-free by the time spring pops up again.
So before we dive into the shopping, let's address the topic on everyone's mind: money. While buying an epilator may be an initial sting to your bank balance, investing will only cut down the cash you splash in a salon. So, actually, this could be a smart money move.
The best epilators to buy now
Best epilator for your bikini line
Braun Epilator Silk-épil Series 9 Flex
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Best epilator for beginners
Braun Silk-épil 9, Epilator with Pivoting Head
£99.99 at Amazon
£99.99 at Amazon
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The best corded epilator
Braun Silk-épil 5 Power Epilator
£64.99 at Amazon
£64.99 at Amazon
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Best epilator for short hairs
Philips Epilator Series 8000
£99.97 at Amazon
£99.97 at Amazon
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Best epilator for your face
Braun FaceSpa Face Epilator
£69.99 at Amazon
£69.99 at Amazon
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Best compact epilator
Philips Satinelle Essential Corded Epilator
£58.87 at Amazon
£58.87 at Amazon
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Best decked-out epilator
Braun Braun Silk-épil 9 9-985 Beauty Set
£149.99 at Amazon
£149.99 at Amazon
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best epilator for sensitivity
Braun Silk-épil 9, Epilator
£114.78 at Amazon
£114.78 at Amazon
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Best all-round epilator
Braun Silk-épil Series 5 5-230 Epilator
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What is epilating?
There are a multitude of hair-removal options out there; from shaving to creams, waxing to electrolysis. But, we are here to make a case for the epilator. Trust us, once you start, you'll never reach back for that rusty old razor.
Epilation is a method of hair removal that involves removing each hair, right from its root. The process is similar to waxing, only epilation doesn’t pull your skin. What’s more, the best epilators out there can grab even the tiniest of hairs, so you don’t have to endure that awkward growing-out phase in between waxes.
“An epilation device removes body hair directly from the follicle to give you smooth skin for up to four weeks,” explains Dr Anita Sturnham. As the hair is removed from the root, you can get rid of shorter hairs more effectively than other hair-removal methods.
How do we test epilators?
Just like IPL devices, epilators can be a spenny investment. Often reaching triple-figure price tags, it's important to find the best gadgets out there to ensure your money is spent wisely – which is where we come in.
We've tested a bunch of tools on the market, examining everything from ease of use and value for money, to speed and results. Of course, we've also paid attention to additional features, like multiple attachments and travel pouches.
As for the big questions – what exactly is epilation, is it something you want to give a go, are you’re more of an IPL kinda person – fret not! Scroll down as we share the best epilators and break down everything you need to know before making your purchase…
Best epilator for your bikini line
Braun Epilator Silk-épil Series 9 Flex
Now 50% Off
Pros
- The flexible head allows you to reach those tricky areas, like your bikini line and under arms
- It's completely waterproof
- The row of 40 tweezers ensures a thorough shave while helping to reduce pain
Cons
- When not on sale, it's quite expensive
Let's face it, removing hair on the bikini line is fraught with problems. The area is more prone to issues, like shaving rashes and ingrown hairs – thanks to friction from your underwear. In terms of intimate body hair, it can be really tricky to know which hair removal option to go for.
You may think that epilating your bikini line is only for the brave, but this Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex goes a long way to making it as painless as possible. The flexible head really gets into those hard-to-reach spots, and the row of 40 tweezers (yes, really) grabs onto those short hairs that even your wax would let slip.
Still a bit panicky? We’d recommend following Dr. Sturnham’s advice and de-fuzzing your bikini line in warm water to reduce the pain. Luckily, this epilator is completely waterproof, so it can come into the shower with you.
Key Specifications
Able to use both wet and dry? | Yes |
---|---|
Type | Cordless |
Includes | Additional shaver and trimmer head, a massage cap, a deep body exfoliation brush |
Pros
- Effectively removes hair and slows down growth, too
- Can be used in all those hard-to-reach spots, like underarms and bikini line
- Comes with a range of attachments
- SensoSmart technology ensures the optimum level of pressure
Cons
- A little painful to start with, but nothing unbearable
If the clock is your greatest enemy, put down your troublesome razor and pick up this speedy gadget.
Braun's Silk-épil 9-720 Epilator is built with 40 razors and a wide head to ensure that every single hair is plucked in the quickest time possible. Better yet, the head can pivot which helps you epilate every crevice, nook and cranny.
And, for the sensitive spots, like your bikini line and underarms, the kit comes with a trimmer attachment to shave your hairs rather than unroot them.
Key Specifications
Able to use both wet and dry? | Yes |
---|---|
Type | Cordless |
Includes | Shaver, four trimmer caps, skin contact cap and pouch |
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Best epilator for beginners
Braun Silk-épil 9, Epilator with Pivoting Head
Now 57% Off
£99.99 at Amazon
Pros
- Pivoting head allows for easy and precise hair removal
- It comes with a handy travel pouch
- It comes with a gentle mode designed for sensitive areas
- It's cordless
Cons
- It's a pricier pick without the Prime Day sale
The Braun Silk-épil 9 is a brilliant option for beginners. The pivoting head means you can get into those hard-to-reach areas, while the row of 40 tweezers ensures a precise shave.
And, if you're a sensitive soul, the device comes with a gentle mode to look after that delicate skin of yours.
Key Specifications
Able to use both wet and dry? | Yes |
---|---|
Type | Yes |
Includes | Shaver head, Trimmer comb, Skin contact cap, Cleaning brush |
The best corded epilator
Braun Silk-épil 5 Power Epilator
Pros
- It comes with a handy facial trimmer and a range of attachments
- It's affordable compared to other epilators around
Cons
- As it's corded it's not ideal for travel
This epilator proves that silky-smooth skin needn’t cost half your monthly salary.
Equipped with two different attachments, this budget pocket rocket can be used to de-fuzz your underarms and legs – plus there's a diddy detail head so no rogue hair survives. Better yet, there are two speed settings – including one for your, ahem, intimate area – which ensures a result that’ll give your go-to salon a run for its money.
There is one thing to note: unlike many on this edit, this is a corded gadget which does come with pros and cons. Yay, it means non-stop hair removal while you catch up on Monsters. But, it may not be the best tool to invest in if you're a hard-core jet setter.
Key Specifiications
Able to use both wet and dry? | Only dry |
---|---|
Type | Corded |
Includes | Epilator, shaver head, trimmer cap, bikini styler, cleaning brush, power supply, 1 X AAA battery, skin contact cap braun |
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Best epilator for short hairs
Philips Epilator Series 8000
Now 47% Off
£99.97 at Amazon
Pros
- Comes with many attachments to epilate all areas of the body
- The range of attachments allows you to get those hard-to-reach areas
- Doesn't leave a thin or rogue hair untouched
Cons
- It's a little noisy
A very advanced option indeed, the Philips 8000 wet and dry epilator uses unique rounded tweezer heads to grab even the smallest of hairs, meaning you get the smoothest results possible.
There's an in-built light and it's cordless, so it's a cinch to use. It also comes with everything from a trimming head to a bikini trimmer, and a special attachment for sensitive areas, so you can ensure that no hair goes untouched.
Key Specifications
Able to use both wet and dry? | Yes |
---|---|
Type | Cordless |
Includes | Epilator, shaving head, bikini trimmer head, pedicure foot file, body exfoliation brush |
Best epilator for your face
Braun FaceSpa Face Epilator
Now 46% Off
£69.99 at Amazon
Pros
- It's compact and easy to use
- It only nips slightly, so it's pretty pain free
- It comes with a facial cleansing brush, tested by dermatologists
Cons
- It can leave the occasional rogue hair or bit of fluff
This is the most impressive face epilator on the market right now. The slender handle allows for precision tweezing, while the additional attachments mean you can perform an entire salon-standard facial at home.
Use the deep-cleansing brush head to sweep away dead skin cells and oil, before massaging in your favourite serum using the toning vibrational wand.
Key Specifications
Able to use both wet and dry? | Yes |
---|---|
Type | Cordless |
Includes | FaceSpa Pro facial hair removal epilator, Sensitive cleansing brush, toning head, stand, pouch, charger |
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Best compact epilator
Philips Satinelle Essential Corded Epilator
£58.87 at Amazon
Pros
- It's small and easy to use
- It comes with a light so you can ensure a smooth result
- The small head allows you to get into the hard-to-reach places
Cons
- It's not cordless, and the cord can feel quite limiting
- Can only be used in dry conditions
Philips' hand-held gizmo is not just a cute face. The Corded Compact epilator is a powerful and speedy device that removes hair in no time.
It's designed with two speed settings which will grab onto even the most stubborn hairs, leaving skin smooth and stubble-free for weeks.
The slender head is equipped with a built-in light which means no rouge hair will be left un-tweezed. Better yet, you can work your way into all the nooks and crannies that are usually hard to epilate (think: ankles and bikini line).
Small and compact, you can comfortably hold it in the palm of your hand, giving you full control over your shaving experience.
Key Specifications
Able to use both wet and dry? | Only dry |
---|---|
Type | Corded |
Includes | Corded epilator, shaving head, shaving head comb, trimming head, bikini trimmer comb, massage cap, exfoliation glove, basic pouch, cleaning brush, user manual. |
Best decked-out epilator
Braun Braun Silk-épil 9 9-985 Beauty Set
Now 50% Off
£149.99 at Amazon
Pros
- It comes with soo many attachments, including one to give you a massage (what!!??)
- It has a wide head to ensure a smooth result
- The wide head also means speedy treatment time
Cons
- When not on sale, it's one of the more expensive players
The Braun Beauty Set contains a high-spec epilator alongside every single add-on you could possibly need, including a facial cleansing brush and massage attachments.
Braun's most advanced Silk-épil device is impressive in so many ways. Firstly, there's the wider-than-usual head and in-built light that ensure you can grab and remove every hair (even the ones you can't see in natural light).
The pivoting head makes awkward areas easier to reach, while the gentle vibrating setting reduces any pain. This one can be used on both wet and dry skin, and there's even an attachment to transform it into an electric shaver.
Key Specifications
Able to use both wet and dry? | Yes |
---|---|
Type | Cordless |
Includes | Braun Silk-epil 9 9-985, skin contact cap, massage cap, shaver & trimmer, gentle exfoliation brush, exfoliation brush, massage pad |
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best epilator for sensitivity
Braun Silk-épil 9, Epilator
£114.78 at Amazon
Pros
- It comes with a cooling pad, ideal for those with sensitive skin
- The light helps to catch rogue hairs for a smooth finish
- The head is 40% wider compared to other models so it will provide speedy results
- It comes with multiple attachments
Cons
- It may take a few goes to catch the shortest, finest hairs
If you want to dip your toe into the world of epilating but your threshold is a little sensitive, we'd say this is a great option to choose. At first, epilating can cause a little discomfort; however, the more you do it, the less painful it becomes.
Compared to the fellow Braun epilators, the Silk-épil 9 comes with a handy cooling glove which will soothe any stinging sensations after epilating. It's also 100% waterproof so you can use it in the shower or bath to minimise potential irritation.
Key Specifications
Able to use both wet and dry? | Yes |
---|---|
Type | Cordless |
Includes | Epilator, shaver head, trimmer head, skin contact cap, cooling glove, cleaning brush, charger braun epilators |
Pros
- Catches even the smallest hair to ensure a clean shave
- Comes with a massage head for an enjoyable experience
- Can be used for epilating, shaving or trimming
Cons
- Can be sensitive for first-time users
With an epilator attachment, electric shaver head and cleansing facial brush attachment, Braun's Silk-épil 5 is a great all-rounder for that Sunday-night self-care session.
The epilator has 'micro-grip tweezer technology' that allows for easy removal of hairs as short as a grain of sand (cool, huh?) Oh, and the kit comes with a treatment massage head and bikini trimmer, guaranteeing serious precision when it comes to preening your bikini line.
Key specifications
Able to use both wet and dry? | Yes |
---|---|
Type | Cordless |
Includes | Epilator, shaver head, trimmer head, skin contact cap, bikini styler, pouch, cleaning brush, charger |
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Does epilating hurt?
The number-one question: is epilating painful? When you think about it, you’re essentially pulling multiple hairs out simultaneously, right from the root. So depending on your pain threshold, there may be some discomfort. (Don’t panic though – you’re unlikely to be screaming into a pillow.)
What’s more, the pain tends to decrease each time you epilate. “It’s best advised to epilate in warm water to make it a more comfortable experience. The warmth of the water releases endorphins which helps to reduce any discomfort or irritation. If you’ve tweezed or waxed, it’s a similar feeling,” says Dr. Sturnham.
How long does epilating last?
“Epilation offers a long-term hair removal solution that, if used both regularly and correctly, can last up to four weeks," says Dr. Sturnham. So, that’s a good deal longer than the rusty razor that’s lingering at the back of your shower, and around the same time as a good wax.
As a general rule, depilatory creams and razors will keep your legs stubble-free for the shortest amount of time, as they only remove the hair from above the skin. An epilator removes each hair right from the root, meaning you’ll have a couple more weeks before your legs begin to bristle.
After something even more long-lasting? You need to consider IPL hair removal. Sensitive soul? Maybe it's the electric shaver for you.
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What are the benefits of epilating?
Ok, apart from the obvious – super-smooth legs for weeks – there are so many benefits to epilating. Firstly, if you’re prone to shaving rashes, nicks and cuts, the epilator is your friend. You can kiss goodbye to those tiny paper-cut shaving wounds that never seem to stop bleeding.
Secondly, epilating is so much more cost-effective than a regular wax appointment. Sure, many of the best epilators sit in the triple-figure arena, but once you’ve cancelled a couple of intimate hours with your therapist, your new device will have paid for itself. So please, go forth and shop.