Smooth skin is a personal choice, and so is the method you use to get there. Shopping online gives you more options than any store aisle, but it also makes it harder to know which product is right for you. Here is how to narrow it down.
Know the main options
- Razors: quick and inexpensive, but results last only a day or two.
- Depilatory creams: painless and fast, best for people without sensitive skin.
- Waxing kits: smoother results for three to six weeks, with some discomfort.
- IPL and laser devices: a higher upfront cost for long-term hair reduction over several sessions.
Match the method to your skin and hair
At-home IPL devices work best on lighter skin tones with darker hair, because the light targets pigment in the follicle. Always check the skin-tone chart that comes with a device. If you have sensitive skin, look for products with soothing ingredients or, for IPL, built-in cooling like an ice-touch window.
Tip: Patch test anything new on a small area and wait 24 hours before treating a larger area.
Read reviews with purpose
Look past star ratings and search reviews for people with a similar skin type and hair color to yours. Comments about comfort, battery life and how long results lasted are far more useful than general praise.
Think about cost over time
A device that costs more today can save money compared with years of razors or salon visits. Factor in replacement cartridges, wax refills and how often you would need to repeat each method.
Browse our Skin & Hair Care collection for at-home hair removal and the skincare that keeps skin calm afterward.