Epilation is a necessary procedure in the life of every girl, sometimes more important than a perfect manicure and pedicure. I am sure that no one will argue with this statement.
I'll tell you about myself. I have tried different types of hair removal. We didn't get along with the laser one at once - it hurt me a lot during the session. And this despite the fact that I did it in a checked place and with a good master who set the optimal intensity of the laser. But it still hurt: I realized that I was hardly able to do one session - not that the necessary 7-8. Shugaring is also not a story about me. It is painful and ineffective: the hairs grow back after one and a half to two weeks.
I do wax epilation once a month - legs, upper lip and deep bikini area. The procedure is not pleasant, but still bearable, especially if I found my own salon and my master (I was lucky). I have dark and rather coarse hairs, but they do not grow so quickly: one waxing procedure is enough for 3-4 weeks. But there is a problem - ingrown hairs, and there is no getting away from it.
Like any person with a low pain threshold, I had a huge dream: I wanted to have a type of epilation that would minimize unpleasant sensations and get rid of ingrown hairs and skin reactions. The dream became a reality when I got a box with a Philips Lumea Prestige BRI956 photoepilator, which I will now tell you about in detail.
In addition to the device itself, I found four convenient attachments for the whole body, including those for the delicate areas of the bikini and armpits, and even the face. Each has a drawing that indicates for which area to use a particular epilation attachment.
I immediately drew attention to the streamlined shape - the attachments seem to repeat the bends of the body in order to work pointwise on a particular area.
Lumea can also be used both wired and wirelessly: convenient! I also really liked the stylish cosmetic case for storing and transporting the machine.
After unpacking, the first thing I did was download the free Lumea app on my iPhone. It will ask you to scan the barcode on the box of the photo epilator to identify the model. And then he will offer you to choose how long in time you will be reminded of the next photoepilation. In the application, you select the zone with which you plan to work. The program gives a palette of skin tones - you need to choose the most similar to yours (mine is Beige). The next item is body hair color (mine is Black). After that, you proceed to photoepilation. At the end, the application issues a questionnaire and asks how the process went and what feelings you experienced. I really love when gadgets are accompanied by convenient applications for the phone: this greatly facilitates the study of the operating instructions.
In the case of Lumea, the app is very easy to use and well thought out: a hi-tech "hello" to our digital world!
How does a photoepilator work? Due to an intense light pulse (IPL - Intense Pulsed Light). During use, a soft pulsating light is directed to the hair root. It acts on the hair follicle and puts it into a resting phase: growth stops. The lighter the skin and the darker the hair, the better the effect (my case!). And one more important point - the device works when the hair is in the growth stage, which is why it is important to remove it with a razor before starting photoepilation.
Before using it, I was puzzled by the effectiveness and safety of the photoepilator and talked with an expert in the field of cosmetology and photoepilation Maria Fokina (detailed answers to questions on photoepilation can be found here).
I was primarily interested in the issue of security. “IPL technology based on an intense light flash has been used in professional salons for more than a decade and has proven its safety and effectiveness,” comments Maria. “Philips Lumea has been designed with professional technology and is tailored for safe and comfortable use at home.
It took 15 years of research and clinical trials in collaboration with leading cosmetologists and dermatologists, after which the Philips Lumea photoepilator was launched on the market. The device is made on the basis of a multilevel security system. The built-in UV filter cuts off all the "extra" parts of the spectrum and allows only those rays to penetrate into the hair follicle that safely work only to prevent hair growth.
We also thought about the protection of delicate skin areas - an additional filter is built into the face attachment. An important element - the skin type sensor - prevents the flash from firing on dark skin tones, and this helps to avoid burns during photo epilation. And, finally, a contact sensor is built into the device - excludes the possibility of accidental flashes. All this makes the photoepilator as safe as possible for home use."
As for safety, I calmed down, and before using it, I carefully studied the instructions in order for the result to be as effective as possible. For your convenience, I will tell you about a number of rules that must be taken into account before starting epilation, during and after.
1) As I said above, before starting work, there should be no hair in the treated area - the device works when they are in the growth stage. It is important to use a razor to maximize the effect. When removing hair with a root (wax or epilator), the effect will be much worse, since the effect of the device is directed to the melanin in the hair root, and if this root is not there, then the flashes simply have nothing to work with.
2) The initial phase of treatment is 4-8 procedures with an interval of two weeks between each one. That is, if you have just started using the device, it is recommended to return to it every 14 days.
3) Smart sensor Smart Skin (button with a magnifying glass) will help you select the right intensity for your skin (5 modes are offered in total). When epilating, the appliance should be at a 90 degree angle to the skin surface. Press it firmly.
I also discussed with Maria the question “expectation is reality”. “The result of the photoepilation method is cumulative and cannot appear instantly after the first procedure,” the expert answers my question. “The reason is that the effect of the flash is effective only on those hairs that are in the stage of active growth (and this is only part of all body hair).
Given the cyclical nature of hair growth, it is recommended to repeat the treatments regularly to prevent the growth of all body hair over time. The first effect can be expected after 2 procedures: the hairs will begin to thin, the rate of their growth will slow down, and the first “bald” islets will appear on the body. With each new procedure, the number of such zones will increase.
After 5-6 sessions, their regularity can be reduced to one in 3-4 weeks, and after a course of 12, the skin remains smooth for several months (up to six months!). It is very important not to break the regime for the first few months - then the result will be of better quality and lasting."
Now let's talk about the price (42,990 rubles). Yes, it is quite high and is due to the fact that this is a high-tech device based on professional salon technology. It prevents hair regrowth for up to six months and is equipped with the most innovative sensors and safety systems for maximum efficiency and reliability in work (I mentioned them above).
Let's calculate how beneficial it is. On average, photoepilation of several zones in the salon will cost you about 15,000 rubles. It turns out that after a couple of procedures it will pay off.
Today I started testing the device in the lower leg area, on the arms and on the upper lip: no pain during the procedure (this is some kind of fantasy - only pleasant warmth from the device!).
It took about nine minutes for each leg, about five minutes for each hand, and about two minutes for the upper lip. No pain relieving gels or dark glasses are needed - the procedure is painless and safe.
The gadget is really smart - I especially appreciated the skin contact sensor. When the nozzle is firmly pressed against it, the photoepilator displays the “ready” status - you can press the button, and the flash appears immediately. And if there is no contact, then the device will not work - this once again indicates that everything is thought out to the smallest detail, and there will be no accidental flashes.
Contraindications are another important aspect when working with any gadget. I highly recommend checking out the full list in the manual and on the website.
Let me remind you that the manufacturer promises the first results in two procedures, and more obvious changes in four. So in two months I'll be back with a new review on Lumea and share my experience.
Text: Karina Andreeva
