Do you need to renew your epilator and are thinking of buying a high efficiency pulsed light epilator? If so, we recommend you read our article! In it we analyse two Philips models that, if you don’t know them, will be of interest to you. We are talking about Philips Lumea Prestige Vs Lumea Advanced, two epilators that share some similarities but have quite a few differences. Are you ready to find out what they are? Let’s get to it!
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Philips Lumea Prestige Vs Lumea Advanced: features of each model
Let’s kick off our review by pointing out the most relevant qualities of each pulsed light epilator:
1) Philips Lumea Prestige: more expensive, but more complete
Let’s start with the main course. Philips Lumea Prestige is a model of which there are several versions, some of which are cordless and some of which are not. First of all, we would like to highlight the excellence of this epilator in the number of strokes it achieves, 450,000, which guarantees long durability.
It is also worth noting its good performance in terms of light frequency. The range in which it operates is between 2.5 and 6.5 j/cm2, outperforming many of its competitors.
As for its more advanced features, we highlight the SmartSkin sensor, as part of the SenseIQ technology. This sensor recognises your skin tone and automatically adapts the intensity to one of the 5 available levels.
In addition, in three sessions it removes up to 92% of hair, a really high percentage compared to other competing models. Finally, it has several curved attachments to remove hair on the body, face, underarms and bikini line.
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2) Philips Lumea Advanced: cheaper, but less advanced
The second protagonist of our review is Philips Lumea Advanced, an epilator that is less innovative and less automated, but offers outstanding value for money.
In this case, the epilator delivers 250,000 shots of pulsed light, which translates into an 85% reduction in three sessions. The maximum light frequency has also been reduced from 6.5 j/cm2, which we found in the previous model, to 5 j/cm2. As for the minimum, it remains the same.
Another of the most notable shortcomings is the absence of the SmartSkin sensor, although the Philips Lumea Advanced is not lame in this respect. In fact, it has a sensor that stops the epilator if it detects that the skin tone is too dark.
Additionally to the main body, there are two interchangeable heads depending on whether you want to epilate your face or body. In this case, there is no cordless alternative, but it is an epilator that is easier to handle and less heavy.
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Most popular Philips epilators
Here is the ranking of the best-selling Philips epilators on Amazon, the largest marketplace platform. This way you can see what experiences other users have shared, which can help you decide which one to choose.
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Philips Lumea Prestige Vs Lumea Advanced: main differences
Now it’s time to focus on the elements that most distinguish the two protagonists of our review:
SmartSkin Sensor
The degree of personalisation and automation of each is different. Partly thanks to Philips Lumea Prestige’s SenseIQ technology. Only this epilator has the SmartSkin sensor, a sensor that can identify your skin tone and then, based on this information, choose the most appropriate intensity. As you can imagine, this is a key feature to provide extra protection for your skin, especially in sensitive areas.
The Philips Lumea Advanced, however, does not have this sensor. Although, to be fair, it does have a skin tone sensor that stops the light pulses if it identifies that the skin is too dark. However, it does not have the ability to analyse the tone and regulate the intensity accordingly.
Total pulses
We come to another of the most important aspects when evaluating any pulsed light epilator. In case you didn’t know, the number of strokes determines the operating time of this device.
To be fair, both models perform well, but the Prestige performs better. The Philips Lumea Prestige reaches up to 450,000 pulses, while the Advanced stays at 250,000.
Light frequency
We have already mentioned that the Philips Lumea Prestige achieves more pulses than the Advanced, and in this line, we also have to talk about the light regulation. In both cases, the minimum value is 2.5 j/cm2. However, the Prestige can reach a maximum of 6.5 j/cm2, compared to the 5 j/cm2 maximum of the Advanced.
Number of accessories
As you probably already know, as well as being used on the body, pulsed light epilators can be used on other more sensitive parts of the body as long as the necessary attachments are included.
In this case, the Prestige has underarm, bikini and facial hair attachments, while the Advanced lacks the underarm attachment.
Corded or cordless?
Here it is worth noting that Philips Lumea Prestige has several models where the difference is key.
The BRI948/00 model is also a corded only epilator. However, the BRI957/00 version features a small rechargeable battery, allowing you to use it cordless or standard.
The Philips Lumea Advanced, on the other hand, is not cordless, but requires to be plugged in to operate.
Hair reduction capabilities
The Philips Lumea Prestige can reduce hair by up to 92% in three sessions, while the Philips Lumea Advanced reduces hair by 85%. In this respect, we found the intensity of the Prestige model to be slightly higher than its rival.
Philips Lumea Prestige Vs Lumea Advanced: striking similarities
It is not strange to think that there are similarities between the two epilators, as they belong to the same brand and the same series. Here are the most important ones:
Tracking via app
It’s true that connecting an electric epilator to a mobile app is not the first thing that would come to mind, but Philips has found a good connection.
We’re talking about the Lumea app, through which you can create personalised treatment programmes for each area of the body, as well as see usage tips and recommendations during treatment.
Adjustable intensity
The two protagonists of our review have 5 levels of pulsed light intensity to choose from, although it’s worth noting that the power seems to be slightly higher in the Prestige model.
Design and aesthetics
In this first section, we have to say that there are nuances to take into account. If we were to be completely literal, we would have to say that the design of both epilators is not exactly the same, but the differences are hardly imperceptible.
In fact, it’s easy to tell that both epilators belong to Philips, as they are relatively similar in shape and made of the same material.
The Lumea Advanced is smaller and lighter, which can be explained by the fact that it lacks the removable battery that some versions of the Prestige have. Also, the head of the Prestige is slightly larger than that of its rival.
On the other hand, the push button is very similar and is located on the handle, which in both cases is easy to grip. It is worth noting that the Advanced’s handle is slightly shorter.
Which is the best Philips pulsed light epilator?
Let’s not beat around the bush: the Philips Lumea Prestige is more worthwhile. It’s more expensive, but if you’ve decided to invest in a pulsed light epilator, this one is much more comprehensive and sophisticated.
It is also designed to last longer than the Advanced, although this will depend on additional issues. But, let’s look at why we’re clearly going for it.
Firstly, not only does it achieve more heart rate than its rival, but it also has more accessories, has more accurate sensors and requires less action time in the main areas. And if you opt for the wireless model, you’ll gain in convenience.
The main drawback is the price, which is higher than the Advanced for obvious reasons. However, if you take it as an investment, it is certainly more cost-effective, as the Lumea Advanced lasts less time and does not reach as much power.
All in all, our advice is that if you can afford to spend more, go for the Philips Lumea Prestige.
Considerations before buying a pulsed light epilator
Choosing an electric pulsed light epilator can be a daunting task if you are not clear on the important concepts in which to verify which of all the options is most relevant. To help you, we explain some of the main ones:
- Pulsed light technology: If you see an epilator with the acronym IPL, it stands for Intense Pulse Light. This is a concept that defines the epilator’s mode of action, which in this case, consists of applying pulses of light directly to the root of the hair to reduce hair growth. To give you an idea, there are different types of epilators, such as pulsed light or laser epilators.
- Pulsations: this corresponds to the operating time of the epilator. To give you an idea, 100,000 strokes is equivalent to 3-5 years, although the lifespan will also depend on other factors.
- Skin tone: although it may not seem important, our skin tone is essential to know whether or not we can apply the action of this type of epilator. In the case of skin that is too light or too dark, it is not advisable to use this type of epilator, due to the contrast that is needed between the pigmentation of the hair colour and the pigment of the skin tone.
- Area of application: If you are buying an electric epilator and want to use it on different parts of the body, make sure you buy the necessary attachments. There is usually a different head for body, underarms, facial area and bikini line.
- Application time: Not all parts of your body need to be epilated in the same way, which also varies depending on the model. For example, the Lumea Prestige requires a half-leg application time of 8.5 minutes, while the Advanced takes 15 minutes. This is because the Lumea Prestige has more power and intensity, so it takes less time and therefore saves you a lot of time