Comparison Braun Silk-expert Pro 3 IPL PL3011 vs Philips Lumea Advanced SC 1997

The number of speeds provided in the epilator.

Having two or more speed options in the epilator offers the flexibility to select the most fitting operational mode for specific situations. A lower speed is ideal for minimizing discomfort in sensitive skin regions and effectively removing fine hair without breaking it—ensuring extraction along with the follicles. Conversely, a higher speed aids the epilator in managing coarse and stubborn hair, simultaneously reducing procedure duration.

Note that even in advanced epilators, the number of speeds does not exceed 3 — in fact, this is quite enough.

— For epilation. A tool designed for traditional hair removal by uprooting the hair along with its roots (follicles). The operative section of this attachment contains numerous small tweezers. Classic epilators are inherently furnished with epilation attachments (refer to "Type"), a feature that is notably absent in other devices.

— Nozzle for an epilation with massage. The epilation head with a massage feature serves a dual purpose: it removes hair and massages the skin simultaneously. This type of attachment can alleviate pain during usage by gently stimulating the skin through the textured surface. The working area typically features a ridged edge. Some versions of these attachments include specialized inserts designed to interact with the skin as the attachment is moved.

— Delicate (bikini area). Attachments designed for sensitive areas like the underarms, bikini region, face, etc., are frequently offered. Many of these attachments are caps that fit onto the primary epilation head. These caps often feature a small aperture that restricts the treatment area and minimizes discomfort. It's important to recognize that a "gentle" attachment (of any style) doesn't automatically guarantee discomfort-free usage. Additionally, even with a sensitive skin-oriented device, an adjustment period might be required for those with sensitive skin.

— ...ef="/list/108/pr-1269/">Spot hair removal. A special nozzle for removing hair in a very small area. It can be in the form of a lid with a slot, put on the main nozzle — thus, only a small part of the working surface remains open, convenient for precise work.

— For eyebrows. The eyebrow attachment enhances precision and meticulousness during hair removal. This attachment confines the epilation area, safeguarding desired hairs from being removed. Eyebrow attachments are exclusive to tweezers and disc epilators.

— Foil razor. This attachment essentially transforms the epilator into an electric shaver. Shaving is distinct from epilation as it trims hairs "at the root" while preserving the follicles. Consequently, this procedure induces significantly less discomfort and proves beneficial for sensitive skin areas where plucking would be excessively painful. However, shaved hairs tend to regrow almost instantly, whereas epilation can maintain smooth skin for up to 3 weeks.

— Trimmer nozzle. An attachment resembling a clipper in its action principle. It features two rows of teeth that oscillate left and right during use, trimming hairs caught between them. In terms of hair removal effectiveness, the trimmer falls behind razors and especially epilators. Nevertheless, this attachment can prove valuable for diverse supplementary tasks, like hair length reduction before shaving or epilating, defining hairstyle contours, and eyebrow grooming.

— For exfoliation the face. A variety of exfoliation tips (see the relevant paragraph) intended for use on sensitive areas of the skin, primarily on the face. Provides a soft and delicate effect that maximally prevents the occurrence of irritation.

— To smooth the skin. The skin-smoothing attachment maintains skin tautness. Pulling the skin taut during epilation enhances the speed and effectiveness of hair removal, while also minimizing discomfort. These attachments for skin smoothing are applicable to mechanical epilators, specifically classic tweezers and disc models that extract hairs from the root.

— For rough skin. The coarse skin attachment is primarily intended for the removal of foot calluses and corns. Typically, it consists of an abrasive roller, offering a practical, secure, and efficient approach to addressing troublesome body areas. There are also disc-shaped abrasive models available. Such attachments are commonly found in multifunctional epilators designed not only for hair removal but also for other cosmetic procedures like shaving, exfoliation, and massage.

— Nozzle massager. The massaging attachment facilitates device-assisted massage sessions, typically targeted at the legs and thighs. Utilizing this attachment helps in toning and relaxing muscles, while also enhancing skin stimulation through improved blood circulation.

— Comb. The comb serves the purpose of aligning the hair for more efficient and effortless removal. When hair is properly aligned, the removal process becomes quicker and smoother. In devices that combine both an epilator and a trimmer, the comb frequently acts as a height limiter for the trimming function. The comb, featured in the epilator, can take the form of an attachment on the working head or exist as a separate tool, resembling a regular comb.

— Additional nozzles. Additional nozzles significantly enhance the capabilities of the epilator. Epilators with an extended set of nozzles turn into multifunctional devices for cosmetic procedures. The list of additional attachments may include: for pedicure, microvibration, nose trimmer, etc. The exact list of additional attachments depends on the specific model of the epilator. When choosing an epilator with a set of additional attachments, note that with an increase in the number of attachments, the cost of the set will also increase.

— Floating head. Epilators equipped with this feature possess a head attached to a nozzle that can flex in multiple directions from its initial position. This design enables the device to precisely track the body's contours during movement, thereby enhancing processing efficiency and diminishing discomfort.

— Wet epilation. Capability to perform epilation on damp skin is a feature found in certain devices. These models are often designed to be waterproof, allowing them to be used during baths or showers, and they can also be rinsed under water. This practice is grounded in the idea that moistened skin is less sensitive and hairs are more pliable. Consequently, wet hair removal tends to be more comfortable and gentle compared to dry hair removal—even without specialized tools. The inclusion of foams, gels, and other specialized cosmetics can further alleviate discomfort during the procedure. However, it's important to note that incorporating support for wet hair removal significantly impacts the device's price.

— Massage system. Device for skin massage. In some epilators, the massager is built-in and works right during epilation. In other models, it looks like a nozzle worn on the epilator. Anyway, massage is not just pleasant — it improves blood circulation and the general condition of the skin, promotes relaxation and so...othing, and during epilation it also reduces discomfort, while simultaneously contributing to high-quality hair removal.

— Possibility of washing with water. Capability for water-based cleaning of the shaving head. This approach is frequently more practical and efficient compared to dry cleaning methods like using a brush. It's important to distinguish that being washable with water doesn't necessarily imply suitability for wet epilation (as mentioned earlier).

— Backlight. Incorporated illumination directed towards the skin beneath the head cover. It's worth noting that this feature remains beneficial even in decent external lighting conditions. The overhead lighting might not suffice for clear visibility of hairs, particularly those that are light and fine. Illumination proves advantageous during the entire procedure, but it becomes exceptionally convenient when verifying results and addressing any shortcomings.

— Synchronization with a smartphone.The capability to synchronize the epilator with a smartphone or similar device, which hosts a dedicated application, constitutes a primary convenience of such models. The application offers various supplementary functions. Among the most popular features is an epilation calendar that allows users to track performed procedures and plan for the future. This calendar can consider factors like hair growth rate, skin recovery time, and more. Other possibilities encompass selecting the optimal mode based on skin type and epilation area, calculating procedure duration, displaying battery status, and more. Specific details for each scenario should be addressed individually. Typically, communication with a smartphone occurs through Bluetooth.

– Display. The display in the design of epilators is used to display the settings and selected operating modes (power level, nozzle destination area, remaining battery charge, etc.). In photoepilators, it also shows the number of flashes in stock, which allows you to keep the lamp life under control.

The number of attachments supplied with the epilator in standard configuration. A wide variety of attachments allows you to save on the purchase of other body care products (for example, a trimmer or a razor).

— For the body. An attachment featuring an enlarged light window, designed for treating larger body areas like the upper and lower limbs, abdomen, and more. This attachment is often curved to ensure optimal skin contact.

— For the face. The facial attachment typically incorporates a compact flat light window, often accompanied by a red protective filter. Its purpose is to perform hair removal on delicate skin areas like above the upper lip, the chin, and cheekbones.

— For armpits. With the removal of hard-to-reach hair in the armpit area, a special nozzle for the armpits does a good job. It provides a medium-sized light window, and thanks to the curved shape, the attachment perfectly follows the contours of the body.

— Bikini area. An attachment equipped with a transparent filter in the light window serves as an efficient solution for treating the bikini area. This filter enhances the treatment's effectiveness on coarse hairs while ensuring dependable protection for sensitive skin.

The number of power settings provided by the laser epilator or photoepilator (see "Type").

The emitted light flashes from the epilator need to strike a balance between intensity and skin safety. Different situations necessitate varying levels of light intensity. For instance, addressing dark hair on light skin requires relatively lower power, while lighter hair demands a more intense approach. Sensitive or problematic skin might call for reduced intensity. The greater the power options in the device, the finer the adjustments possible for specific scenarios. Advanced models can offer as many as 5 to 6 options.

Possibility of operation of a photoepilator or a laser epilator (see "Type") in the reusable flash mode.

In this mode, each time the lamp is turned on, it does not emit a continuous pulse, but a series of short flashes. This way of working is considered relatively gentle and at the same time quite effective, especially when processing large areas.

The photoepilator lamp has a guaranteed lifespan in terms of the number of flashes it can emit before it becomes depleted and ceases to function. Ideally, this number should be a minimum of 750 flashes (0.75K). In certain models, the lamp's longevity can extend to tens of thousands of flashes.

The presence of a case or cover in the epilator package. A case is usually called a solid container, but cases are made of soft materials. Anyway, such devices make it easier to store and transport the device: they protect it from unwanted contact with surrounding objects, and you can usually store various accessories inside. Models in this configuration will be useful primarily to those who have to travel a lot.