Epilation might sound old-school, but it’s actually one of the most reliable, time-tested ways to remove hair. The best facial epilators are easy to use, come with multiple attachments, and let you remove hair safely at home—no fastidious plucking, painful threading, or expensive clinic visits required. Similar to waxing, epilation pulls hair from the root, but instead of sticky hot wax, it uses electricity. The bonus is that if you stick to a regular routine, you can save time and money on in-person treatments and put it toward, say, your favorite K-beauty skin-care products instead.
Before trying an epilator on your face or upper lip, it helps to know what features to look for, how to use it correctly, and, most importantly, what to expect when it comes to pain. As with most hair removal methods (including laser hair removal), epilation does involve some discomfort. Below, we talked to a few leading experts to break down whether it’s safe for facial use, how epilators work, and which top picks are worth investing in.
Vogue’s Favorite Facial Epilators
In This Story:
Best Overall: Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-020
- Why we like it: Think of this battery-operated epilator as an investment for both body and face. Known for its flexible, wide head and ease of use, it covers more skin with each pass, making hair removal faster. The kit includes seven attachments, such as a body massage pad, a skin vitalizing pad, and various tools for the face and sensitive areas. It also features multiple speed settings and can be used wet or dry. According to Dr. Song, the larger head attachments allow for greater coverage and faster hair removal. However, she notes that it’s bulkier compared to epilators with smaller heads, though pain levels are similar across devices. The kit also comes with a shaver as an added bonus.
- Number of Tweezers: 40
- Target Area: Full body
- Type: Cordless, rechargeable
- Speed Settings: 2
Best for Larger Areas: Philips Beauty Epilator
- Why we like it: As the Philips name promises, you can trust the brand—a reassuring factor when using a 15-volt hair removal tool. It’s relatively intuitive to use, though it depends on which head you attach, as the kit contains nine accessories, including a trimmer, pedicure tool, and body exfoliator. According to Dr. Song, what sets it apart are the wider head attachments, which cover larger surface areas for more efficient and longer-lasting treatment. It also features a light guide for better visibility, so you don’t have to go in blind. “Some have described the machine as noisy, but overall it’s a good value,” she says. It’s great for travel, too, since it offers up to 40 minutes of cordless use with quick charge. Plus, it can be used wet or dryf depending on your preference.
- Number of Tweezers:
- Target Area: Full body
- Type: Battery powered
- Love It: Exfoliating head for pedicure, works wet or dry, built-in light
- Leave It: Not as effective for facial hair
- Speed Settings: N/A