IPL Reviews Surge Ahead of Peak Summer as Epilator Testing Returns

Analysis

At-home light-based hair removal dominated UK beauty coverage in the last fortnight, with four major titles publishing tested IPL and laser roundups within days of each other. Good Housekeeping ran the largest exercise, naming 15 best IPL and laser hair removal devices assessed by 300 women ^[1], while Cosmopolitan said it had tested every popular laser hair removal device and singled out 10 as worth trying ^[2]. Women's Health framed its selection around measurable outcomes, reporting that the IPL devices it tried seriously reduced hair regrowth ^[3], and Woman & Home pitched its five picks as devices to start using now so readers are silky-smooth for the rest of summer ^[4] — a clear signal that publishers are treating early July as the last viable window for course-based devices this season.

Epilators are holding their ground as the value alternative. The Guardian tested epilators in the UK and positioned them as fuss-free at-home hair removal ^[5], while The Telegraph approached the category from a low pain threshold perspective, recommending epilators for long-lasting results ^[6]. Both angles suggest reviewers are now competing on comfort and convenience rather than device novelty.

Elsewhere, manual and chemical methods retain editorial support: The Independent rounded up six dermaplaning tools for super-smooth skin ^[7], and Glamour recommended hair-removal creams for the smoothest finish ^[8]. US coverage is worth watching for pricing pressure — Business Insider flagged Prime Day laser hair removal deals including $100 off a Braun IPL tool ^[9], and TODAY.com published a months-long Ulike versus Nood comparison ^[10].