Update May 2011 : The epilator market moves fast apparently because I could no longer find this model around when I was reviewing the latest models. If you are looking for a great little machine choose one of the epilators from Braun or Emjoi which you can find here. All of these hair removal machines work on basically the same principle and some seem to have a faster operation than the Santinelle due to a much large number of tweezer heads. Meanwhile my Satinelle is still going strong so I will wait until it gives up the ghost before I indulge in a new model

Philips Satinelle epilator

Original Post from January 2008 : I have a secret confession to make – I have been an epilator fan for years.

While my friends gripe about their waxing appointments and regrowth I simply don’t have any appointments to attend to keep my legs smooth. Regrowth can be taken care of in 5 minutes after my shower whenever I like.

Plus, an epilator must be the most economical way of keeping legs smooth. After the initial modest outlay for the machine, you keep smooth and hair free without any additional cost (unless you count a little recharge from the electricity supply now and again). I probably save the price of a foreign vacation every year because of this wonderful little hair plucker machine.

I started with the original Epilady which used rotating spirals to trap the hair and I can honestly say that after I got used to the sensation I had no problems with it at all. But after years and years of faithful service it finally gave up the ghost a couple of years ago and I had to choose a new epilator.

I would have bought the same Epilady model if I could but it was no longer to be found. After reviewing all the available models, I chose the Philips Satinelle epilator with massaging device which is designed to reduce pain.

I didn’t really think that the massaging device would do very much but I was interested enough to try it out and I trusted the Philips brand enough to know I’d be buying a good product. But the massaging attachment had to be a gimmick to make more sales I thought and as I was used to the sensation of the Epilady (which didn’t have any pain reduction mechanism at all) I wasn’t really that worried.

But I was very pleasantly surprised – even amazed by – the difference it made. In fact the massaging device is easily removable so you can instantly see the difference – there is simply less of an “ouch!” factor with it than without it!

The Philips Satinelle model works with a kind of multiple tweezing motion which I was worried would be less effective than the rotating spirals of my trusted Epilady but I find it is every bit as effective (if not more so) at trapping even very short hairs. So with a quick 5 minutes once a week I am back to having completely smooth legs all year round.

If you are thinking of getting an epilator then give the Philips Satinelle epilator a try.