Braun Silk-Epil Xpressive Pro Body Epilator

Disclaimer - these are not my pins and I can't guarantee yours will look like this either if you decide to use the Silk Epil Xpressive Pro. Sorry!

It's that time of year again when we all start peeling off layers of Ugg boots, leggings, and wooly tights to gaze down at the furry, pale pins which masquerade as our legs. For me, this year requires double efforts as not only will I suffer the normal amount of skin exposure this summer, I am also getting married and going on honeymoon. So I need some seriously good looking legs!

Determined to be prepared, rather than wating to the last minute to bare all to my 'wax lady', I decided to invest in an epilator, so by the time the summer actually comes I will be all soft, silky and hair-free. My mum's face was one of sheer horror when I confessed my decision in Boots last week; she shrieked "have you no idea how much it hurts??" I replied, through gritted teeth, that yes I was aware that it would be sore, but I had no choice. My palms grew sweaty each time I picked up the box to take it to the checkout, I imagined what kind of state I would be in by the time I got home!

Knowing that the heat of a bath would help both open up the hair folicles making it less painful and the hot water would be soothing to dip a leg in when it all got too much, I decided to go for a wet/dry epilator, the Braun Silk Epil Xpressive Pro Body Epilator.

The guide suggests doing it in the evening, so any redness has died down by the morning, so that night I turned on the tap. My fellow Twitterers suggested a large vodka or a glass of wine before letting it loose on my legs, but thinking that alcohol and a hot bath would only lead to one thing... (a snooze!) I decided to go it alone. After soaking for about 20 mins, I gingerly applied it to my leg and grimaced, bracing myself for the wave of intense agony, but it never happened. Nada. The odd nippy pluck, but generally it felt like I was shaving my legs, not plucking out every little hair. I'm stunned! I also have not had any redness or rashes.

As it didn't get every hair out the first time - remember hairs grow at different rates - I have since epilated twice more and it gets easier and easier each time. The only weird thing is if you are holding your skin taut with your free hand, you might feel the 'pluck' of each hair, which might be a bit squeamish for some, but generally pain free.

So after a week, I have legs which are smooth and free from dry skin for the first time since I took up shaving them at the tender age of 12 and no nicks or cuts from a razor that's done. I honestly can't imagine going back to shaving! I paid £73 for mine at Boots, which seems a lot at first, but I figure I spend at least £10 a month on razor blades and would have at least 2 full leg waxes, at approximately £30 each, so over a year that could be £180. So in reality, I've saved £103!

Will you be giving epilating a go?