Epilady Esthetic Facial Epilator Review
Product Name | |
Reviewed by | Sue McCarthy |
Review date | |
Summary | The Epilady Esthetic Epilator is specifically designed to remove fine facial hair. It uses the traditional Epilady spring coil to remove the hair from the root, rather than the disc tweezers that are more common nowadays in comparable electric devices. Complete with cleaning brush and carrying case, it is light and compact, ideal for travelling. But how does this coil epilator stack up against the competition and is it good value for money at around $32? We have taken a closer look. |
Rating | 3.0 out of 5 Stars |
Product Overview
The Epilady Esthetic facial epilator is operated by 2 alkaline AA batteries, which are included with the purchase.
It is designed for dry use only and is not suitable for use in the bath or shower or anywhere where it will come into contact with water.
It is specifically designed to gently remove fine facial hair and is therefore not suitable for use anywhere else on the body.
It is light and slim which makes it ideal for when you are travelling and it is convenient to use anywhere.
It comes complete with a zipped carrying pouch and cleaning brush, and is covered by a one year manufacturer's warranty.
What's Included?
The contents of the box are as follows:
- Epilady Esthetic Epilator
- Zipped Storage/Carrying Pouch
- Cleaning Brush
- Two AA Batteries
- Instruction Leaflet
- Warranty Details
Product Features
Battery Operation
The device is operated by two alkaline AA batteries, which are included with the purchase - a little plus there!
The obvious advantage of this is that it is convenient and easy to use anywhere, particularly when travelling abroad - no need to worry about taking adaptors.
This sort of battery can be easily replaced and are available just about anywhere.
The battery cover is located on the back of the device and is easy to remove.
As a general piece of advice it is always best to use new batteries of the same type when replacing, and not use a mix of either different typesof battery or old and new.
If you do not expect to use the device again for a month or more, it is advisable to remove the batteries to avoid the risk of damage from leakage.
Spring Coil Epilator Head
The epilator head consists of a spring coil which is continuously rotated by the battery operated motor.
As you can see from the close-up, the spring is bent so that at the top of the head the the coils are opened up and at the bottom, they are closed together.
The hair is caught between the open coils of the spring and trapped as the coils close together again.
As the coil continues to rotate the hair is pulled out at the root.
Portable Design
The Epilady Esthetic is slim and easily portable so perfect for travel and using away from home.
It measures 169mm from top to bottom, is 40mm wide and 25mm deep.
It weighs in at 117g with the batteries installed, and is quick and easy to use, with minimal maintenance, wherever you are.
It comes with a handy, zipped carrying pouch to keep it safely stored for travel, together with the cleaning brush.
How to Use
We have outlined a summary of how the Epilady is used, but it is important to read all the instructions provided thoroughly before use.
Preparation
The best results are achieved if your skin is completely clean, dry and free from all make-up, creams or chemicals of any kind.
Therefore, always clean and wash your face and dry thoroughly prior to epilating.
Make sure that the coil is completely clean using the brush provided.
It is a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area before using for the first time, and then wait for about half an hour to see what, if any, reaction you have.
Epilating
Turn on the appliance by sliding the switch up towards the head and stretch your skin as taut as possible with your spare hand.
Place the device gently against the skin and glide slowly over the area in small circular movements, against the direction of the hair's natural growth.
Do not apply pressure, as this is unnecessary and may cause pinching and irritation.
It is important to make sure that you are holding the Epilady so the the whole of the head is against the skin - as shown in the photograph.
This is because the bottom of the spring is where the coils are closed, and if you do not get that part of the head against your skin, the device will not be effective.
After Use
Clean your face and dry gently. It is a good idea to wait for half and hour or so before applying a light, non-alcohol based moisturizer.
Always clean the coil after each use using the brush provided to remove any remaining trapped hairs.
The coil lid can be removed so that you can reach the coil to do this by pressing the small circular indentation gently and then pulling it off.
It is easily returned by just clicking back firmly into place.
Never wash or immerse the device in water.
Precautions
Seek medical advice prior to use if:
- You have acne, eczema, psoriasis, raised moles, rosacea, diabetes, hemophilia or immune deficiency
- If you are pregnant
- You have wounds or broken skin, or are undergoing any dermatological treatment
This device is only for use on facial hair and should not be used on any other part of the body.
It is recommended only for use on fine facial hair and "peach fuzz" - chin, upper lip and cheeks.
It should be kept well away from eyebrows, eyelashes and nose hair.
What are the Side Effects?
Side effects should be minimal, but it is quite usual to experience some irritation and/or reddening of the skin following use.
It is always a good idea to carry out your epilating at night before bed, to give any side effects time to disappear before you need to go out in public.
This also has the advantage of keeping your skin from being exposed to sunlight for some hours after hair removal, which is also recommended.
Is it Painful?
I have to say that I did not find this epilator to be particularly painful in comparison to some other epilators I have tried.
However, this may well be down to the fact that it is only for use on fine facial hairs, and not for the thicker, coarser hair that is more difficult to tweeze.
The sensation that I got from it was a prickly feel, with a tingly after sensation that passed relatively quickly.
I did find though, that the coil became quite warm against the skin as I was using it.
It is a good idea to shower or use a warm towel or flannel against the skin prior to epilating to open the pores and soften the skin, making it easier for the hair to glide out from the follicle.
Regular epilation to remove all dead cells and bacteria is a good idea and also helps to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.
Why Choose an Epilator
There are a few advantages that epilators have over other methods of hair removal for the female face.
Shaving
I don't think many of us would relish the idea of shaving our faces, especially the peach fuzz found on the cheeks, jawbone, upper lip etc.
For one thing, the results are very short-lived, as it merely cuts the hair off at the skin's surface.
For another, it can produce an ugly stubble effect.
The results of epilating can last anything from 2 weeks up to 6 weeks, and regrowth generally comes back finer and sparser, especially over time.
Depilatory Creams
There are a number of facial depilatory creams on the market, but all use harsh chemicals to which it is possible to become allergic, even after many years of use.
Additionally, they can be an expensive ongoing repeat purchase and tend to be more messy and inconvenient that your Epilady.
The results last slightly longer than shaving, but not as long as epilating.
Waxing
Waxing can be very painful, and will remove the top layer of skin along with the hairs when pulled away.
The results will last about the same as epilating, but it is so much more involved and messy.
How Does it Compare?
I recently reviewed the Emjoi Epi Slim battery operated epilator, which retails at a similar price of around $30, and have compared the two here:
Similarities
The products are the same in the following areas:
- Battery operated (both utilise two AA batteries)
- Dry use only - neither can be used in bath or shower
- Slim and easily portable - both are good for travelling
- One year warranty
Differences
The major difference between the two products is the type of epilator head.
The Emjoi has a series of discs on a rotating wheel, which effectively form 9 tweezers. This means that it can be a bit more versatile than the Epilady, which is only designed for very fine facial hair or "peach fuzz".
The Emjoi can be used for facial hair, but is also effective for other sensitive areas such as bikini-line and underarms and is a handy little device for touch-ups on legs if required.
Conversely, for its intended use, the Epilady can clear areas of fine facial hair and peach fuzz more quickly and efficiently.
There are a few other, more minor differences:
- The Emjoi has a safety switch lock to prevent it being turned on accidentally
- The Epilady comes with a zipped travelling pouch
- The Emjoi is smaller and more compact than the Epilady
- The Epilady is slightly quieter in operation than the Emjoi
I have published a full review of the Emjoi Epi Slim separately.
Questions & Answers
Can the Epilady Esthetic be used for bikini line?
No - it is for facial use only
Can I use it to remove hair from my facial mole?
No - epilators are not recommended for use on moles
Is it OK for dark skin?
Yes, it is fine to use for all skin tones and hair colours
Does this work for eyebrows?
No - you should not use epilators anywhere near the eye area - avoid brows and lashes
Can it be used abroad?
Yes, it is powered by two AA alkaline batteries so as long as you can buy the batteries it can be used anywhere
Will it work for coarse hair on upper lip?
This device is only for use on very fine facial hair or peach fuzz
Conclusion
I think that whether this is a good purchase for you will depend very much on what you want your epilator to do.
If you are in the market for a facial epilator to quickly remove fine facial hair and peach fuzz and you do not require it to be used for anything else, it is a good, efficient little epilator.
Easy to use, with no frills and spills and from probably the most well-known and respected epilator Brand, the current $32 price tag, in my opinion, represents pretty good value.
Things we Liked
- Convenient - Quick and easy to use anywhere, battery operation
- Portable - easily portable, compact and lightweight
- Pouch - zipped carrying pouch included - ideal for travel
- Effective - for its intended use
- One year warranty
Things we didn't Like
- Limited Use - The device is effective, but limited in its use as it only removes fine facial hair and peach fuzz, not as versatile as some other models