Comparison Philips Lumea 9900 BRI 977 vs Braun Silk-expert Pro 3 IPL PL3233

— 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 time between two separate lamp flashes. The shorter the interval between pulses, the faster you can move the device and the less time the procedure will take.

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.

Power supply for the epilator.

— Mains power. Operates through a regular household outlet, offering nearly limitless usage as long as there's a power supply. The downside is mobility constraints due to cord length and dependence on available sockets.

— Battery. Uses its internal, often non-removable, battery. While this affects weight and cost, it grants the advantage of being usable even without nearby outlets, which proves beneficial during travel and at home. Compared to another autonomous power source—batteries—these batteries are more efficient, suitable for robust and long-lasting devices. Charging is necessary, unlike quick battery replacement, though this isn't a critical concern considering the specific use of epilators.

— Network/battery. Essentially battery models with the added capability to function using a power outlet. This way, the device can operate autonomously, and when the battery depletes, it can be connected to the mains and resume operations (typically while recharging the battery). Such combined power supply models are less common due to their infrequent necessity.

— Batteries. Reliant on standard replaceable batteries, often AA-sized. A perk of this type is that a drained battery can be swiftly swapped for a fresh one. However, battery performance is relatively limited, influencing the efficiency and lifesp...an of epilators. This approach can lead to ongoing expenses for fresh batteries, unless rechargeable batteries are used (along with a charger, which might be costly). Consequently, this option is less common, primarily seen in inexpensive models.