First off, this seriously does work. I have fair skin with very dark brown/black hair, that’s pretty fine but I have a lot of it. Years ago, I started to get excessive facial hair due to a thyroid and hormone imbalance issue. I would tweeze hundreds of hairs because shaving still showed enough of a dark shadow of the hair follicle which was really hard to cover up on very pale skin, so I tweezed which hurt like crazy. Finally I figured I needed to try something else because it was getting out of hand and I felt so embarrassed about it. I searched YouTube reviews on at home laser hair removal and saw a few people mention this one. I figured I’d try it, and it saved me. It’s very tolerable pain wise, but I make sure to tweeze or shave before so there’s as minimal ... MoreFirst off, this seriously does work. I have fair skin with very dark brown/black hair, that’s pretty fine but I have a lot of it. Years ago, I started to get excessive facial hair due to a thyroid and hormone imbalance issue. I would tweeze hundreds of hairs because shaving still showed enough of a dark shadow of the hair follicle which was really hard to cover up on very pale skin, so I tweezed which hurt like crazy. Finally I figured I needed to try something else because it was getting out of hand and I felt so embarrassed about it. I searched YouTube reviews on at home laser hair removal and saw a few people mention this one. I figured I’d try it, and it saved me. It’s very tolerable pain wise, but I make sure to tweeze or shave before so there’s as minimal amount of hair so it doesn’t hurt as bad. I noticed an immediate difference even after 1 go over. The day after, I had noticeably less hairs to take care of, and many of them instantly came out and I barely had to pull. I’d use it like 3 times a week or almost every night if I could, and it didn’t take long for it to be GONE. my skin is SO smooth I can’t remember when it felt this way. This has changed my confidence and literally made me cry. Even if it’s expensive, it’s so worth it. You won’t regret it.

A high quality, quick working IPL

I have received the product as part of the product-tester programme and have been testing it for 3 weeks. Since the intervals between each of the sessions are 2 weeks – I have used it only 2 times. However, the results were noticeable already after the second use.Manual and the app: First of all, I have to say that the manual is very easily written and very clear. The app is also very helpful – I strongly recommend downloading it and having a look at it before use – it includes many tips (on how to us ethe Lumea, how to plan the treatment, what to do and not to do after it) and has a function of reminding when to use the IPL next time. I like the fact that the producer included a cloth for cleaning of the lamp and the head of the IPL.Size and the package: The ... MoreI have received the product as part of the product-tester programme and have been testing it for 3 weeks. Since the intervals between each of the sessions are 2 weeks – I have used it only 2 times. However, the results were noticeable already after the second use.Manual and the app: First of all, I have to say that the manual is very easily written and very clear. The app is also very helpful – I strongly recommend downloading it and having a look at it before use – it includes many tips (on how to us ethe Lumea, how to plan the treatment, what to do and not to do after it) and has a function of reminding when to use the IPL next time. I like the fact that the producer included a cloth for cleaning of the lamp and the head of the IPL.Size and the package: The size of the Lumea seems a bit extensive at first but it is light (compared with how heavy it might seem – based on the size), very handy and allows for not blocking of the ventilator, which in many other IPLs is placed in a way that it is difficult to hold the device without blocking/covering it. Another thing that I have noticed is the special protective packing of the IPL – inside of the box the device is locked in a protective plastic cover. What is a bit of an issue when it comes to size is the plug – which might be a little problematic when trying to connect the device to a smaller socket.User experience: I appreciate the fact that apart from a function for automatic strength adjustment it is also possible to manually set the strength of the impulses (from 1 to 5). This allows for lowering of the intensity for more sensitive regions (if the device suggests a certain value) or scaling it up in case we are sure that it is safe for us. During the first use I have followed the device’s tip and went for 4, but during the second treatment I have increased the strength to 5 for most of the parts that I have been using it, but lowering it to 3 for the delicate skin. The treatment went quite fast, painless (compared with an epilator, which I have tried in the past but dropped due to the pain) and effective.Results: As mentioned earlier – I could see the results already after the second use. The few hairs on my stomach disappeared after the first use. After the second use, depending on the place, the results were more (or less) visible. This means that the hair grew slower and seemed weaker. After the second use I have noticed that when the hair grew back I did not feel the itching. I have decided to test the IPL on one leg and only shave the other one (see pictures). This allowed me to see the results easier.Summary: I am satisfied with the Lumea Prestige BRI945 and would definitely recommend it. I have had quite fast growing hair and have been usually shaving it, however, it would grow back very fast. It seems that this IPL makes a difference (I have previously tried a different, cheaper IPL which gave not as good/quick results). I have already told some of my friend about its benefits and recommended this method of hair removal.

Best gadget I’ve ever bought

Why have I waited so many years to invest in one of these.I’ve struggled with chin, neck and stomach hair for years. Id tweeze it all out in the morning which would take forever and by the evening, I’d have stubble. I hated it, it affected my self confidence a great deal. I’ve been with my husband for 20 years and I’ve never let him touch my stomach in case it was stubbly from my belly button down..I can’t quite believe how well this little machine has performed. I bought it late December and already, my stomach hair is gone, I only have to shave my underarms once a week and my chin hair is already about 80% better. I can’t see the stubble on my neck anymore and my chin isn’t anywhere near as stubbly as it was. I’ve reclaimed my mornings and no longer feel so ... MoreWhy have I waited so many years to invest in one of these.I’ve struggled with chin, neck and stomach hair for years. Id tweeze it all out in the morning which would take forever and by the evening, I’d have stubble. I hated it, it affected my self confidence a great deal. I’ve been with my husband for 20 years and I’ve never let him touch my stomach in case it was stubbly from my belly button down..I can’t quite believe how well this little machine has performed. I bought it late December and already, my stomach hair is gone, I only have to shave my underarms once a week and my chin hair is already about 80% better. I can’t see the stubble on my neck anymore and my chin isn’t anywhere near as stubbly as it was. I’ve reclaimed my mornings and no longer feel so self conscious that people could see it, and all this in under 2 months. The treatments are really fast too so it’s easy to schedule in a session after my morning shower and before I get ready for work. The app is great for keeping me on track, although I do my neck /chin twice a week which isn’t the recommended dose but I haven’t had any issues doing it this way.I wish I’d bought it years ago, it’s worth every penny!The only negative would be the size of the plug, it’s too big to use in my skirting plugs and so wide that I have to unplug other items to fit it on the extension lead. The bag is a tight fit too but who cares, it works and it’s the best purchase I’ve ever made!

Do not waste your money. Completely not fit for purpose

I researched it extensively being a mixed race person and knowing some of the issues that can come up with these at home machines.General consensus was that the prestige model (the one I purchased) would be fine providing you’re not fully dark or black. That’s incorrect.Read the manual and tried to do the skin tests in all areas and let me tell you this does not work if you’re not Snow White. It won’t even let you try, just flashes orange and refuses to work. Works on one area of my body which is great- however not the main areas I purchased it for. Spoke to Philips who were less than helpful and have still to come back to me with any kind of resolution.Exempt from the home approval for return due to it being a personal care product so now I’ve basically ... MoreI researched it extensively being a mixed race person and knowing some of the issues that can come up with these at home machines.General consensus was that the prestige model (the one I purchased) would be fine providing you’re not fully dark or black. That’s incorrect.Read the manual and tried to do the skin tests in all areas and let me tell you this does not work if you’re not Snow White. It won’t even let you try, just flashes orange and refuses to work. Works on one area of my body which is great- however not the main areas I purchased it for. Spoke to Philips who were less than helpful and have still to come back to me with any kind of resolution.Exempt from the home approval for return due to it being a personal care product so now I’ve basically wasted hundreds of pounds because of Philips and very misselling it.Don’t waste your time or money.

Easy to use IPL9000

So easy to use with the choice of cord or cordless. Cordless it’s great on the under arms and face.I use the power cable on my legs so I can take my time and not miss any areas. I started using it in late December and my legs are now hair free I use setting 5 for legs and only feel a slight tingle on the ankle area, so pleased with the results. My underarms are doing great I just have one or two stubborn hairs left I used setting 4 to start but soon managed 5. I use setting 4 on my upper lip progressing along nicely. I always have a shower before I use so there are no moisturiser on my skin and I moisturise after treatment. ( I have dark brown hair and Beige skin.) I will soon be on the maintenance plan. Phillips have very helpfully videos that I watched with ... MoreSo easy to use with the choice of cord or cordless. Cordless it’s great on the under arms and face.I use the power cable on my legs so I can take my time and not miss any areas. I started using it in late December and my legs are now hair free I use setting 5 for legs and only feel a slight tingle on the ankle area, so pleased with the results. My underarms are doing great I just have one or two stubborn hairs left I used setting 4 to start but soon managed 5. I use setting 4 on my upper lip progressing along nicely. I always have a shower before I use so there are no moisturiser on my skin and I moisturise after treatment. ( I have dark brown hair and Beige skin.) I will soon be on the maintenance plan. Phillips have very helpfully videos that I watched with helpful tips. I set aside time to do my legs, underarms and upper lip the first session took the longest but now am all done in less than an hour. So so much better than waxing. I love the bag that came with the IPL everything fits in nicely just pop the head in first push handle to the bottom put heads in there little pocket and the cable on top perfect.

Expensive, but worth the investment

Had upper lip hair for many, many years which has become more darker with age. Finally made the decision to purchase the Lumea when on a special advantage card offer with Boots and consider it a long term investment.Started off with a low intensity to see how it affected my skin. As you need to shave before using it, was worried about shavers rash. Increased the intensity with use and no side affects. Very pleased with the results on my facial hair. Has virtually disappeared and what remains, is weak and pale. Not easy to do the chin area thoughAlso used this on bikini area which is more sensitive and very thick, dark hair. Again started off with a low intensity as I suffer from shavers rash. However, used a razor and foam rather than a dry, electric shaver ... MoreHad upper lip hair for many, many years which has become more darker with age. Finally made the decision to purchase the Lumea when on a special advantage card offer with Boots and consider it a long term investment.Started off with a low intensity to see how it affected my skin. As you need to shave before using it, was worried about shavers rash. Increased the intensity with use and no side affects. Very pleased with the results on my facial hair. Has virtually disappeared and what remains, is weak and pale. Not easy to do the chin area thoughAlso used this on bikini area which is more sensitive and very thick, dark hair. Again started off with a low intensity as I suffer from shavers rash. However, used a razor and foam rather than a dry, electric shaver which has worked well. The hair is taking longer to disappear but is improving. Hopefully, will not have to try and cover up that area in the future on holiday.I don't find the treatment painful. There is a very slight ping on the skin and heat but not uncomfortable. I do find it a bit cumbersome to do the bikini area easily because of the shape and weight of the Lumea and trying to see what you area doing so it takes a bit more time and effort to get it in the right place. Mine didn't come with the bikini attachment which may easier to use.Have now started to use on some areas of my legs but find it very difficult to cover the back of my leg.

Great Product

After trying a competitor's product, but not getting the results I expected, I decided to give this device a try. And I am so glad I did!The device is very simple to use, it recommends syncing with a app, which sends you reminders when scheduled to complete another IPL course (which is fab for those with busy schedules!). It is painless, and effective. After using my Lumea for approx 2 months, I am seeing a definite reduction in hair growth (I am fair skinned with dark hair). Hair is definitely more sparse and growth rate has slowed quickly in this short space of time.The product is costly, however Philips offer the Try & Buy scheme (I did not use this however appreciate the option), to enable to you decide whether or not the product works for you before you ... MoreAfter trying a competitor's product, but not getting the results I expected, I decided to give this device a try. And I am so glad I did!The device is very simple to use, it recommends syncing with a app, which sends you reminders when scheduled to complete another IPL course (which is fab for those with busy schedules!). It is painless, and effective. After using my Lumea for approx 2 months, I am seeing a definite reduction in hair growth (I am fair skinned with dark hair). Hair is definitely more sparse and growth rate has slowed quickly in this short space of time.The product is costly, however Philips offer the Try & Buy scheme (I did not use this however appreciate the option), to enable to you decide whether or not the product works for you before you splurge on the purchase.The device works faster when plugged in, however is able to be used wirelessly.In summary, I'd recommend this product to anyone interested in trying out the IPL world.

Life changing product for me

I have always had a lot of excess body and facial hair, have spent decades having IPL at the beautician’s with limited success, and have suffered the rashes and ingrown hairs from shaving and waxing since I was a teenager. I have olive skin which tans easily with dark hair. This is the first product which has actually worked. I can go weeks without shaving my underarms and legs, and months between treatments on my face and arms. I no longer have any bikini line hair at all! It has transformed my confidence in my appearance. I used it weekly, then fortnightly, then monthly on each area I treated, and saw great results after a couple of months. I use it monthly- 6 weekly after two years of owning one.Cons? The shape is a bit unwieldy for some areas. It stings tanned ... MoreI have always had a lot of excess body and facial hair, have spent decades having IPL at the beautician’s with limited success, and have suffered the rashes and ingrown hairs from shaving and waxing since I was a teenager. I have olive skin which tans easily with dark hair. This is the first product which has actually worked. I can go weeks without shaving my underarms and legs, and months between treatments on my face and arms. I no longer have any bikini line hair at all! It has transformed my confidence in my appearance. I used it weekly, then fortnightly, then monthly on each area I treated, and saw great results after a couple of months. I use it monthly- 6 weekly after two years of owning one.Cons? The shape is a bit unwieldy for some areas. It stings tanned skin so I can’t use it much in the summer (but don’t really need to!)

Perfect product to fit around a busy lifestyle

Over the years I’ve tried everything from shaving and waxing to epilating and no matter have often I scrubbed my skin and exfoliated I’ve always suffered from bad ingrown hairs. So around 5 years ago I went to get laser done to my underarms and bikini area due to a recommendation by my GP to help reduce the ingrown hairs. Although the laser was good I found that I struggled to fit travelling to and from the clinics regularly around my on the go lifestyle, and I would constantly miss or have to rearrange my bookings, this prompted me to start thinking that this is just something I will have to live with forever and I then gave up on the laser.After hearing about this product from a friend I decided I wanted to give it another shot and not give up on the hope that ... MoreOver the years I’ve tried everything from shaving and waxing to epilating and no matter have often I scrubbed my skin and exfoliated I’ve always suffered from bad ingrown hairs. So around 5 years ago I went to get laser done to my underarms and bikini area due to a recommendation by my GP to help reduce the ingrown hairs. Although the laser was good I found that I struggled to fit travelling to and from the clinics regularly around my on the go lifestyle, and I would constantly miss or have to rearrange my bookings, this prompted me to start thinking that this is just something I will have to live with forever and I then gave up on the laser.After hearing about this product from a friend I decided I wanted to give it another shot and not give up on the hope that it could help my skin. I’m delighted to say, it really has helped! Having this product which is easy to travel with and pack in my bags or suitcases means that I don’t have to worry about making appointments and factor in the travel time anymore, I can do it at home or away on my trips; I’ve noticed a considerable loss of hair over my legs, underarms, bikinis and my upper lip but I have also (touch wood) had a huge reduction of ingrown hairs too! By keeping up the regular and consistent use of my laser the hairs are a lot thinner and there’s quite large areas that have almost stopped growing hairs completely. I’m extremely happy and impressed with the product and I’m glad to not be spending £150+ every 4 weeks on appointments that were hard to get to, and I’d never go back!

So far, so good

I bought my Philips Lumea IPL 9000 series in December and started my treatments around 9 January. I do treatments weekly, rather than the recommended fortnightly. I didn’t notice much of a difference for the first 3 or 4 treatments, but now that I’ve been doing it for about 7 weeks it’s made a massive difference. I have had IPL treatments in the salon before and also owned a Tria IPL machine. Salon treatments are stronger, so work faster, but the benefit of having your own at-home device is that you can do IPL in multiple places on your body without it costing more, plus you can do it when it’s convenient for you. I was happy with my Tria, but then it developed a fault after about 18 months (I think) and so I didn’t use it. Then after a while it wouldn’t work at ... MoreI bought my Philips Lumea IPL 9000 series in December and started my treatments around 9 January. I do treatments weekly, rather than the recommended fortnightly. I didn’t notice much of a difference for the first 3 or 4 treatments, but now that I’ve been doing it for about 7 weeks it’s made a massive difference. I have had IPL treatments in the salon before and also owned a Tria IPL machine. Salon treatments are stronger, so work faster, but the benefit of having your own at-home device is that you can do IPL in multiple places on your body without it costing more, plus you can do it when it’s convenient for you. I was happy with my Tria, but then it developed a fault after about 18 months (I think) and so I didn’t use it. Then after a while it wouldn’t work at all. Recently, I tried to get it working again. Tria suggested a couple of things, but it didn’t help. Not impressed with the longevity of the Tria one, I bought this Philips machine - the reviews were good and I liked the idea of having a cordless device. However, the battery doesn’t last that long, so don’t worry too much about getting a cordless one. I mostly use mine plugged in. Also, don’t worry about all the attachments - mine has four, but I mostly use the one biggest one. Just like the Tria, it is very easy to use. I probably prefer the look of the Philips one. The best thing about it is the results - I got it because being a lady of a certain age, I started to get chin and upper lip hairs! And I have really dark hair, so very noticeable. I was shaving and plucking twice a day and it was irritating my skin. Thankfully, this has been a Godsend! I don’t have much hair elsewhere due to previous IPL treatments, but some hairs had started to grow back (around knees, odd ones on the armpits, a few dark hairs on the arms, etc), so this has been great for that too. Based on my experience, I thoroughly recommend it. I just hope it lasts longer than my Tria!