Epilator Recommendations

May 24, 2011 1:18 PM

Can you recommend a rechargeable epilator? Also, any tips, warnings. etc. would be great

I've read a few questions on here about epilators, but the most recent question asking for recommendations was 1997. Perhaps there are some new and awesome ones since then?

I recently bought a cheap epilator online, the Emjoi Epi Slim. (I didn't buy from that actual seller.) I wanted to get a cheap one to see if I could handle the pain before I spent a bunch of money on one. Well, it doesn't hurt too much at all and I love it. But I hate that it's so tiny and I have to go over each area a bunch of times to get all the hair. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good rechargeable one? Between $50 and $100 would be best, but if the most spectacular one is over $100, I'll consider it! Thanks!

Please don't recommend waxing or laser hair removal. I failed miserably at home waxing and really really can't afford professional waxing or laser.

posted by artychoke to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (8 answers total)

I use the relatively cheapo Panasonic ES2045P, but it gets the job done without having to spend too much time going over the same areas. Like most epilators, it isn't fantastic at picking up thin, light hairs, but it will with a little coaxing.
posted by byanyothername at 1:28 PM on May 24, 2011

Any particular reason it can't be one you just plug in? My Philips epilator is a plug-in, can take batteries if needed. The cord is nice and long, doesn't get in the way or hamper things. Got it for about 40 dollars thirteen years ago(!) and it's still running strong after weekly use since buying it. I've heard good things about Braun epilators as well.
posted by fraula at 1:34 PM on May 24, 2011

Response by poster: I didn't want one with a cord because I want to use the thing in the (empty) tub to make it easier to clean up the little hairs. The bathroom outlet is far away from the tub and I have a black bathroom floor. If the best ones have cords, I'll make it work!
posted by artychoke at 1:40 PM on May 24, 2011

I have an Emjoi Prestige, with the same hair removal problem. Consumer reports has the highest rating for the Philips Norelco Satinelle Ice (72 rating), but they only rate four epilators.
posted by annsunny at 1:50 PM on May 24, 2011

Best answer: I have a Braun that I quite like, but it's corded. I usually use it over the bathmat or a towel and then shake that out in the tub. A little inconvenient, but I'd still recommend it: Amazon link
posted by little cow make small moo at 3:51 PM on May 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

I've had the exact same Braun as little cow make small moo for about seven years now (I believe all the women in my family have it), and I don't plan to ever switch to another hair removal method. A $2 extension cord would take care of the outlet issue.
posted by halogen at 4:07 PM on May 24, 2011

Ms Forktine uses a Panasonic rechargable wet/dry epilator, and likes that it can be used in the bath or shower -- she finds the heat and wetness makes the process hurt much less. It's a couple of years old now, so there are probably newer and better models, but she definitely suggests getting a wet/dry model so that you can see what works best for you.
posted by Forktine at 5:38 PM on May 24, 2011

Thirding little cow make small moo. I've got the same Braun unit, and I also use the clipper and shaver attachments. I spend 30 minutes taming hair and I'm done for the week.
posted by workerant at 6:31 PM on May 24, 2011