One of my most looked at posts of all time is about hair removal. I’ve seen many, many hair removal gadgets now – some nonsense and others, not bad at all. However, there’s been a lull in the hair removal gadget market for some time in terms of innovation, and at the back of my mind I have felt we can’t have long to wait for the next generation. At last, it’s here.
IluminageTOUCH makes others look clumsy in comparison, but before I dive into the specifics, what makes it different to any other hair removal gadget that I know of is that it can be used on hair and skin of any colour. This is huge. And, a massive relief for those with very fair hair or darker skin tones that have previously been unable to use hair removal gadgets. IPL and laser treatments aren’t okay for dark skin because the pigments absorb too much energy which could damage the skin. For lighter hair (fair, white, or some red) there isn’t enough pigment for them to target.
Iluminage TOUCH uses Elōs technology; a combination of IPL and Radio Frequency energies that are able to penetrate more deeply into the skin and put your active hair follicles to sleep so they stop growing hairs (waxing, by the way, pulls out the hairs, not the follicles – another hair will grow in its place unless the follicle is deactived). To be specific, here’s the low down:
- A pulse of elōs is emitted. Together the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and gentle Radio Frequency (RF) penetrates deep into the skin.
- The light energy from the IPL is converted into thermal energy, heating up the hair shaft and the hair follicle.
- The radio frequency is attracted to the pre-heated follicle, heating it further and putting it to sleep, permanently inhibiting hair re-growth.
The Iluminage TOUCH machine also has an epilating device which means you can epilate first. It’s a long while since I used an epilator but it seems they’ve come on in leaps and bounds because this one was extremely efficient and quick.
So, my Iluminage TOUCH test was a revelation in home hair removal – the window is big enough that you get a good area covered each time and it auto-flashes on the skin, all the while a fan within the machine blowing across your skin to take the heat out. I took one for the team and turned up to the highest level; it was not at all uncomfortable but my skin did feel slightly warm after using which disappeared completely after about ten minutes. I would highly recommend that you use the goggles that are included – the flashes are very bright.
It’s a doddle to use – I’ve done the miniscule-window-takes-all-evening machines and by comparison this is certainly next generation in terms of ease of use. You could whip over your legs in ten minutes or so – it certainly took me no longer than that.
Iluminage TOUCH claims a 94% reduction in hair after 7 treatments (over roughly six weeks) – that’s exceptionally quick. You will probably need to do periodic (but very few) treatments after that, to keep on top of any new hair growth that lay dormant while you were treating initially.
I’m going to keep up the treatment programme – specifically under my arms; my legs have already had at home hair removal treatments so the hairs are quite sparse. Armpits, not so (or is that TMI?). Incidentally, you can use it on the face, but nowhere near the eyes.
From my initial test on both legs and underarms, I’m genuinely amazed at how easily Iluminage TOUCH is to use – and quick! You do need to experiment with the settings; once you’ve got an understanding of the variations, you can literally glide it up and down your legs (think lawnmower style) while it flashes so you don’t need to worry that you’re going over the same bits twice. There’s no reason for this not live up to expectations (as you can imagine it’s been trialled thoroughly) but I’ll report back when I’ve completed the 7 treatments. If you’re tempted on what I’ve told you so far QVC has it on a TSV today for £299.97 (with shaver attachment as well) HERE instead of the full retail price of £375. Even at £375, I think you’d quickly make up the money saved on waxing or salon treatments.
This post is S ponsored.
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All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
22 comments
I like the look of that but it’s quite an investment isn’t it? Especially when the last hair removing gadget I bought was a 99p Epistick epilator.
Yes it is an investment – but I’m going to stick with the program and if it works as I’m expecting it to, it would be worth it (for me at least) to never have to deal with hairy pits again!
In theory this interests me but I notice it’s a sponsored post. I really need to find some reviews from people with blonde hair first – there are reviews on Boots.com but they all seem to be from people with dark hair who can use regular lasers.
It’s sponsored but you’ve been reading me long enough to know that in terms of review, that’s not relevant. So that you know, I was asked to give the specifics of the mechanics of the machine and that it was on QVC as a TSV. That was the remit of the sponsorship. Testing it to the depth that I have and committing to continue to the end result is something that I’m doing because I think it’s reader relevant. And also, I have some grey body hair so you’ll know at the end whether it worked on light pigmented hair or not.
Yes. I like armpit details. My armpits are taken well care of until the baby comes so I would like something in time for it. Thanks for sharing and do update?!
Jane I just took the plunge there and bought it…eeek! It is an investment but I’m hopeful it will do something to improve my confidence as dark body/facial hair is something I really struggle with. I’ve previously purchased a no!no!no! from QVC but only had 30 day money back guarantee. Stupidly I kept it beyond the 30 days but I see with the Illuminage they have a 90 day money back guarantee which is a great amount of time to try the product out. I always value you opinion…so much so I’m looking forward to hearing an update on your armpits!
I’ve honestly got high hopes of this.. I found it very easy to use indeed and it’s the ease of use (after you’ve worked out which buttons to press!!) that’s made it a winner for me.. so simple and far quicker that past products I’ve tried because of the larger window. Please let me know how you get on – I’d be really interested to know. It shouldn’t really make any difference how much body hair anyone has, but in reality, it can really affect confidence so I hope this helps with that. xx
Thanks Jane! x
As a pale skinned blonde I am excited to try, especially given the 90 day money back. Have just hit confirm on my order
Hello! I am fair-skinned and have light hair as well. Did this work for you? Please let me know as I cannot find reviews from people with light hair anywhere.
I don’t have light hair but do have a few greys so I’m still testing it out. I am dying to be able to give a proper update but it’s taking much longer (partially due to my error) than I thought to get a full result. x
Hi Jane, I’d definitely be interested to hear yours (& other BBB readers) results of a full trial in a further post.
I keep mulling over the purchase of one of these machines but I’m a rubbish decision maker. I’d trust your no BS opinion!
Okay, well that’s what you’ll get!
Does it work on fair or blonde hair?
yes it does x
Can we have an update? Are you happy with it still?
I’m pale skinned and fair haired so this could finally be the product for me.
Okay so I’ve used it three times now so I still have another four or so goes over the next few weeks to do.. there’s no update as yet other than I’m getting quicker at it and still finding it really easy to use.
Any further updates? I’m waiting to hear how it does on greys before I purchase. Thanks.
Actually yes there will be.. so far though, have had amazing results on legs but not quite complete results underarms. I need to give it another couple of weeks at least, I think x
I’ve been wanting to try this for some time now as the results seem truly impressive, almost too good to be true. But i’m a big fan of science and technology and it’s only natural that our hair removal habits will change over time. With something like this it seems so simple to use and without all the mess that is usually involved with shaving ones legs etc., seems like a win win to me. Perhaps if i’m good Santa will bring me one for xmas haha xx
Hello Jane
Please can you provide an update on how this did in grey hairs please?
I’m fair with fair hair and I can’t see that there’s anything else out there that says it will work for me.
I know I can trust your review best ❤️ Thank you
Thanks Leanne – this kind of system works best when it can detect pigment and blonde/grey doesn’t, obviously, have nearly the same amount as brown hair. However, although it takes longer, blonde hair does have some pigment and I think the brand has had some success with that. Have a look at the comment section at Current Body https://www.currentbody.com/products/iluminage-precise-touch-permanent-hair-remover which deals with this really well and offers advice. xx