I remember all too well my first experience with epilation. It was the wild and wacky Eighties, we all wanted to look like Joan Collins, with lots of eye liner and huge shoulder pads. It was an self-obsessive and greedy time. Hmmm. Do I miss it or what? And onto the beauty landscape, came this very expensive personal groomer - an epilator - that promised me that I would have to shave but once every two months. I pounced, I jumped, I cried out in pain. I did all of those things and got my very long and thick hair caught in it, while very scantily clad. Could I call for help? No! So I eventually had to cut my hair with manicure scissors to free myself. In a fit of pique I threw I threw that epilator out!

So how have I, decades later, become a fan if epilation? It was actually the cost of my razor blades that made me reconsider using an epilator. When I realized that I was spending over $5 for each razor blade that I used, I decided that I decided to find something else. Cheaper razor blades, waxing and dipilatories just didn't work out. Then I began to hear whispers... at ladies lunches, the beach... And then I went to the Sex and the City movie, where there is a very funny scene about not having the time for a bikini wax. After the movie over drinks I learned several of my friends had rediscovered epilators. They proudly showed off their legs and stated how long it had been since they used their epilator. Very impressive results.

If I could find the right epilator, and deal with the pain, I would break even in about 2 months!

So began my search for the perfect ladies epilator.

First, for safety's sake, I wanted to be able to drop it in the tub and use it. There aren't that many epilators that you can do that with.

Second, I wanted it to be cordless. I guess if I wanted to be able to drop it in the tub, that goes without saying!

Third, I insisted on a rechargeable battery. If I was upset about the price of razor blades, the price of battery refills wouldn't thrill me either!

Fourth, I wanted it to be small and light. My hands are tiny and I have tendonitis in my thumbs and wrists. Also it had to travel easily and fit into a little space somewhere in my suitcase.

Fifth, the price had to be right. I just didn't want to break the bank. For this product, I wasn't willing to buy a used one. Epilators work by pulling the hair out by the root, so there is the possibility of some personal body fluids being picked up by the epilator. Just the same way tweezers do. I know you can clean them carefully, but there are some things I want new and this is one of them!

After some dutiful online research I found my epilator - It was the Panasonic ES2067W EpliglideULTRA Epliator. Yep, that's it right above this paragraph.

Using an epilator wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Maybe I'm more mature?

To prepare your skin for epilation you should exfoliate. This gets rid of dry, old skin and prevents little bumps from happening. Then I just used the epilator like you would an electric shaver. Yes the first time was a bit uncomfortable, around my ankles. But I could deal with it. In fact I was so pleased I moved on to my arms. Got to admit the leg and arms were pretty smooth. It took a little time before I moved on to underarm and bikini areas. But I slowly learned to trust the Panasonic epilator.

My hair grows at different speeds, and I've decided to use my epilator every Sunday. Because of this the pain is much reduced. But I could go several weeks without anyone noticing any hair growth. I do think hair comes back less and less frequently and is less noticeable when it does come back.

This is a vast improvement from last summer when I would sometimes shave my legs twice a day to ensure they were smooth and presentable.

Ebay has some great buys on ladies epilators. Here are some examples of the Braun epilators and Panasonic epilators you'll find there.