5 ways the Philips Lumea IPL can save you hours of beauty admin

Hair today, gone tomorrow

When it comes to body hair (or lack, thereof), there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Some people favour a strict total-removal regime, while others fluctuate between smooth and spiky, and then there are those who are happy to let nature do its thing.

If you fall into the first camp, regular shaving or waxing can rack up some serious hours, with research showing that the average woman spends eight weeks of her life managing unwanted hair. But IPL (that's intense pulsed light for the uninitiated) can help you to claw back your time and retain that silky feeling – which is why the Philips Lumea is firmly at the top of our list of the most useful beauty gadgets to invest in this summer. Here are five key things to know before you get started.

Forget schlepping to the salon – or even contorting yourself into awkward angles in the shower or bathtub – because the Lumea is a majorly low-maintenance device. Some models, such as the Lumea IPL 9900 Series, are cordless, which gives them two important advantages: it's easier than ever to reach whichever area you want to target, and you can do each session in front of your latest Netflix binge-watch on the sofa. Ideal midweek multitasking, if you ask us.

You’ll need to start with four fortnightly treatments (still much less frequent than the average shave), and you should see up to 92% hair reduction after the first three*. From there, you’ll just only need a monthly top-up session, and after 12 treatments you’ll stay hair-free for up to 12 months**, making it well worth the time you’ve spent upfront.

Depending on which model you choose, the Lumea comes with different attachments for your body, bikini line and underarms, each one cleverly customised to follow the unique contours of your shape. The Lumea IPL 9900 Series also comes with the new facial hair remover for even more comprehensive coverage – so if you’re used to using multiple hair-removal methods for different spots, this one-stop shop could be a game changer.

Anyone who's ever fallen victim to shaving rash will know how irritating it can be, and that's before you consider the occasional nick or cut you might suffer at the hands of a razor (pesky ankle angles get us all). While you may feel a slight tingle or warmth when using your Lumea, this is not unusual and will quickly pass post-treatment. The inbuilt Smart Skin sensor identifies the right light setting for your skin tone and hair colour to achieve your most optimum results, but if you find the indicated option to be a bit too intense, there's also the option to adjust to one that's more comfortable. Follow up with your favourite moisturiser to keep things nourished after every use.

Download the Lumea IPL app and you’ll gain access to the 9900 Series’ unique SkinAI Technology, which gives you three handy stats to help you personalise your process and get the best possible results. The Skin-Selfie Analyzer measures the condition of your skin and offers advice on how to take care of it, the AudioFlash Counter gives you real-time guidance on the coverage of the area you’re treating, and the Body Hair Analyzer monitors your hair reduction between treatments. Customised service at the touch of a button? Consider us fuzz-free converts.

If feeling free in your own skin means removing body hair, try Philips Lumea IPL. Find out more at philips.co.uk

*When following the treatment schedule

**Median hair reductions after 12 treatments: 86% on lower legs, 70% on bikini, 67% on armpits

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