I wanted to review something different for this blog. I’m awash with anti-ageing devices so CurrentBody gave me a choice and I choose the very popular SmoothSkin Bare+ Ultrafast IPL Hair Removal Device.
As usual, I read reviews from various sources first. If there was going to be the slightest chance of discomfort or pain, I wasn’t going to try it.
SMOOTHSKIN BARE+ ULTRAFAST IPL HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE
SmoothSkin Bare+ uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to zap the hair follicle. The heat makes most of the follicles in that area die, stopping the hair from growing. And with 100 flashes per minute, the SmoothSkin Bare+ is the fastest IPL device on the market.
More flashes mean quicker results. You can expect to see less hair growth after 4 weeks of 10-minute treatments. And 10 minutes is enough to treat the whole body on one of the two IPL hair removal settings.
- Less hair in 3 months with weekly 10-minute treatments
- Use on your legs, arms, bikini line, face and more for up to 97% less hair
- Only warmth and flashing lights, no pain
- Skin-safe sensors and two treatment types
- Unlimited flashes. You can also use it almost anywhere: on the bikini line, face, legs, arms, bum, tum and more
- Built-in skin sensors and UV protection to keep you safe. SmoothSkin Bare+ works best on light skin tones with dark hair
- The skin sensor will stop the device if it’s not safe to flash any area because the skin tone is too dark or it’s not laying flat enough
- After the first 12 weeks, just top-up every 2-4 weeks to remain hair-free
HOW TO USE
- Start with dry, freshly-shaved skin.
- Lay the device flat on your skin where you want to remove hair.
- The device will scan your skin and start flashing if your skin tone is suitable. (Very dark skin tones and grey, red or white hair won’t work.)
- Switch to Glide Mode for continuous flashes as you work over large areas or Stamp Mode for small areas like bikini.
- When you’re done, apply a moisturiser.
REVIEW
It took me a couple of weeks to work myself up to use this device. I’ve heard tales of how much it hurts from people who have had this treatment in a professional environment. I don’t do pain, but I wished I hadn’t waited, the reviews are right, SmoothSkin Bare+is utterly painless.
The device itself has a bit of weight to it because of the attached power pack. The cord is very long but because the power pack is close to the plug end, it sits on the floor still allowing the cord to reach all areas easily.
It makes a noise from the second you plug it in. It’s not overly loud though, but a bit like a noisy hairdryer.
The area where you want the hair removed must be shaved before you commence the first treatment.
The device has to lay flat on the skin to make full contact, so rounded contours can be a little tricky to navigate. Gradually though you build up a technique to deal with this. There is also a slight warming sensation, but nothing unpleasant.
The only thing I found unsettling was the flash, it still surprises me even though I’m expecting it. The device won’t flash if the skin is too delicate or it isn’t positioned properly.
I use the Stamp Mode for underarms and the Glide Mode for legs. The device is extremely easy to use, however, there’s a very funny demonstration video on the CurrentBody website featuring some celeb/influencer gliding the device up and down her legs while reading a book! I think the book is upside down as well. Don’t copy that, concentrate on what you’re doing.
Four weeks in and there is a gradual reduction of hairs, the first sign that it’s working. I’ve also noticed that when you use a gentle exfoliating product even more hair disappears. As weeks go by there’s a tangible reduction of hair, not all gone by any means, but skin is smoother to the touch.
OFF ON A BRIEF TANGENT
I finally got around to buying cult favourite Ameliorate Smoothing Body Exfoliant 150ml £18.00 Look Fantastic * It’s a bit spendy – although you don’t need much, and quite heavily fragranced (a bit like a French pharmacy), but it’s excellent for gentle exfoliating in the shower. It’s a thin, fairly runny consistency, apply to dry skin, shower it off (along with most of the fragrance thankfully) and skin is super smooth and moisturised.
I also use it to scrub off the last of Vita Liberata Body Blur (review here) so I have a smooth surface to apply a fresh coat. Talking of Body Blur, shade Latte is perfection!
DELICATE BITS
I confess I haven’t gone there yet. I’m afraid I’m still ‘old school’ and use Shower Off Immac (now called Veet In Shower Hair Removal Cream Body & Legs for Sensitive Skin 150ml £7.45 Boots *) but imagine never having to faff around doing that again? I’ll get there.
CHINNY HAIRS & ‘TACHE
If you’re over 40, you’ll know what I mean. This WILL work on those stubborn hairs (as long as they’re not white) but ooh, shaving first? I can’t do it.
However, it was pointed out to me that I use the JML Finishing Touch Flawless Facial Hair Trimmer £19.99 Boots * which is a bit like facial shaver (review here) though I don’t like to think of it as a shaver – although it is.
The funny thing is how many women own one of these but don’t share that information unless it comes up in conversation. Fortunately, I don’t have a ‘tache but will work my way up to using it on the few unsightly hairs on my chin. I should make it fast though before they turn white!
Of course, you could always take the easy route and go to a reputable clinic instead for Effective Laser Hair Removal. **
SHOPPING INFO
SmoothSkin Bare+ Ultrafast IPL Hair Removal Device is now £160.00 from £199.00. CurrentBody *
This is the cheapest anywhere on the net, even good old Boots is selling the device for the full £199.00. The extra £10 promo might be short-lived, but I think the £160.00 price tag might be around for a while.
Again, read reviews, try to find one from someone with the same skin tone as you.
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