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If an epilator sounds like life support, you're not entirely wrong—that is, if you're into sleek, hairless skin. An epilator is a hand-held device that removes hair from the roots, keeping your face, arms, and legs hair free for days (that's right, days, even weeks). Although razors are quick and easy, they only reach surface-level hair and leave bumps in their wake, or worse—cuts. "Epilators can be a good option for someone who is not a candidate for laser hair removal or gets irritation with depilatory creams and shaving," explains Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York's MDCS Dermatology.
We won't sugarcoat this; they can sometimes be uncomfortable and slightly painful. You are purposely ripping hair out from the root, damaging the follicles, which in this case is a good thing because the next time hair wants to grow back, it'll come in thinner than before. Garshick suggests prepping the skin with a gentle exfoliation such as Dove's Gentle Exfoliating Liquid Body Wash: "[it] helps the hairs be more easily accessible, which also helps to address ingrown hairs." After epilating, use Vaseline's Intensive Care Sensitive Skin Relief Lotion to soothe the skin.
Pro tip: If your skin is loose, pull it taut so the tweezers don't grab it to avoid pinching. Now, if you just fainted at the very mention of tweezers, try at-home waxing kits, but if you want long-lasting results, consider the epilator. With Garshick's help, we've selected the most effective and comfortable epilators on the market so you can have smooth-to-the-touch skin and weeks of carefree shower time.
1
Best Epilator for Face
Braun FaceSpa Pro 910 Facial Epilator
1
Best Epilator for Face
Braun FaceSpa Pro 910 Facial Epilator
This dermatologist-tested, editor-approved epilator can reach fine hairs that wax cannot and has a dual washing head that Braun claims to be six times more effective than manual washing.
2
Best Epilator for Face and Body
Emjoi AP-17LT Total Concept 2-In-1 Epilator
2
Best Epilator for Face and Body
Emjoi AP-17LT Total Concept 2-In-1 Epilator
Glide Technology rolls the tweezer discs over the skin with less irritation and reaches delicate areas such as your lips, eyebrows, and bikini lines. If you press the skin too hard, a built-in safety touch will pause the tweezers.
3
Best Epilator for Eyebrows
Flawless by Finishing Touch Instant and Painless Facial Hair Remover
3
Best Epilator for Eyebrows
Flawless by Finishing Touch Instant and Painless Facial Hair Remover
Instantly remove hair from your lip, chin, or between the eyebrows with this lipstick-sized epilator, and never worry about nicks, burns, or irritation again.
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4
Best Epilator for Sensitive Skin
Braun Silk-epil 3 3-270 Epilator
4
Best Epilator for Sensitive Skin
Braun Silk-epil 3 3-270 Epilator
Braun created this epilator to remove hair from sensitive, delicate skin by adding a massage roller head to soothe areas needing a lighter touch. You can either go cordless or plug it in, so you don't need to take epilating breaks.
5
Best Epilator Overall
Braun Silk-Épil 9 Flex 9-300 Beauty Epilator Set
5
Best Epilator Overall
Braun Silk-Épil 9 Flex 9-300 Beauty Epilator Set
Whether it be massaging the skin to offering a shaver head in more sensitive areas this epilator comes with nine unique attachments to cover your every requirement. It has a flexible head that swivels and glides effortlessly with your body's natural curves.
6
Best Epilator for Pubic Hair
Phillips Epilator Series 8000
6
Best Epilator for Pubic Hair
Phillips Epilator Series 8000
This is the world's first epilator to use ceramic tweezers—corrosion-resistant (perfect for the shower) and lightweight material. It reaches the shortest of hairs with double-action technology and keeps your skin smooth for weeks.
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9
Best Epilator for Wet and Dry Use
Cshidword 2 in 1 Womens Electric Epilator & Shaver
9
Best Epilator for Wet and Dry Use
Cshidword 2 in 1 Womens Electric Epilator & Shaver
Now 57% Off
If you're on the fence, this product is a safe bet because it provides dual usage: a razor head and an epilator attachment for wet and dry use.
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10
Best Cordless Epilator
Panasonic Premium Cordless Epilator
10
Best Cordless Epilator
Panasonic Premium Cordless Epilator
Excellent for wet or dry skin, this cordless epilator has five easy snap-on attachments to adjust to your needs. Whether it be for sensitive skin or bikini lines, it covers everything at three speeds.
11
Best Epilator for Legs
Remington Smooth & Silky Deluxe Rechargeable Epilator
11
Best Epilator for Legs
Remington Smooth & Silky Deluxe Rechargeable Epilator
This cordless epilator has two settings to help you find a comfortable speed while removing your hair. It has 40 tweezers working simultaneously, and this set includes a massaging cap with aloe vera to help soothe the skin after use.
12
Best Epilator for Underarms
Emjoi eRase 2-in-1 e60 Disc Precision Hair Removal Epilator
12
Best Epilator for Underarms
Emjoi eRase 2-in-1 e60 Disc Precision Hair Removal Epilator
Now 35% Off
This vibrantly patterned epilator has staggered, dual-opposed heads that can remove hair from the roots effortlessly. It works well for both fine and coarse hair. Plus, it's easy on the eyes.
Emma Sutton-Williams
Freelancer
Emma is a New York-based writer focused on beauty, lifestyle, and fashion. When she’s not scribbling novel ideas (pun intended), she’s off performing on Broadway and recording movie scores as a Juilliard-trained violinist. Her bylines have appeared in Rolling Stone, Parents, InStyle, Oprah Daily, and well, you get the idea.