Customer reviews from us.braun.com
Braun - Silk-expert Pro5 IPL Removal System (Hair Removal Device, Pouch, Power Cord, Head, Gillette Venus Razor and Cartridge) - White
Average customer rating
4.4
(422 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 422 reviews
5 Stars
245
4 Stars
132
3 Stars
31
2 Stars
6
1 Star
8
92%of customers recommend this product.
(
140 out of
153)
Customer Reviews for Braun - Silk-expert Pro5 IPL Removal System (Hair Removal Device, Pouch, Power Cord, Head, Gillette Venus Razor and Cartridge) - White
Customer Rating
4
A Light as Bright as Indy's Ark of the Covenant!
on August 31, 2016
Posted by: wzanocco
from Rocklin, CA
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Holy Covenant Indy! This thing is BRIGHT! So you know when Indy and Marion are tied to the post and Indy tells her to shut her eyes, don't look at the Ark? It's kinda like that. Get out your sunglasses--seriously, that makes it easier.
So I received this product free to try in exchange for an honest review. I opened the Gillette® Venus® Silk-expert powered by Braun® and my first thought was, "They've been paying attention to Apple's packaging." The packing is quality paper board with glossy print, lots of clean, stark white and black, with precise-fitting packaging and lots of "white space" around the items (this unit came with a bonus facial brush). The IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) unit itself is solidly built, and dense--it feels substantial in your hand. (And after reading the entire user's manual, it also feels just sliiiiiightly threatening too. But you get over that after the first use or two. The siren song of a hairless future is enough to make me brave it!) So reading's done and it's go time. Easy to plug in, fan whirs, button is pressed, and pop! goes the bright light. It's REALLY bright. Follow the directions--look away if you can. Wear sunglasses if you can't. I'd probably don my old tanning bed glasses if I knew where in Hades they were. There's a little snap when the light flashes, but it's nothing--on that pain chart in the delivery room? You know the one--it's the big smiley face, the 1--the baby's coming? What baby? Anyway, I did a test area and had zero reaction the following day. So now I'm working on my underarms--they're a small area (aka easy to cover in a short period of time), are super white (my tanning bed days are long gone), and the hair is really dark there. (The best case for optimal results, the manual tells me? Light skin, dark hair). So it should be easier for me to observe the results there over time. The manual says it takes 4 weeks or more to see results, so it's too soon to tell, but I would love to be rid of my coarse, dark underarm hair--who needs a 5 o' clock pit shadow, really? And if it truly cuts down on that hair growth, I'll be tackling the much larger leg area after that!
HOWEVER, I should say, I hate having to shave my legs, so much so, that I don't do it that often--it has to be miserably hot out and I have to have a clean, cute dress to wear--essentially the cosmos have to align. That means that IF these underarms DO become less Sasquatch-y, and more Princess-y, I will have to resign myself to shaving my legs regularly. AND as Game of Thrones keeps reminding us, WINTER IS COMING. AKA the blessed period of no leg shaving with no judgement. It will be TOUGH to get me to shave in the cooler months just so I can use this IPL unit on smooth skin. (Trust me, you must be smooth-skinned--the smell and spark-like sensation that comes with even a tiny bit of stubble is NO BUENO.) At this stage in the trial use process (early, with few motivating visible results) I can say that I would not buy this unit at retail price--it's too expensive and requires me to shave MORE initially so that I can shave LESS eventually. Any time I spend a lot on something (which is rare) I feel compelled to use it a lot to feel like I'm getting my money's worth. And it's hard to compel me to do something I dislike, or something with such delayed gratification. (This is why I let my gym membership lapse. I'm time-pressed, dislike working out, results take a while, and I just didn't go to the gym enough to justify the expense.) Since I didn't spend a dime on this IPL unit, I think it's pretty dang cool. If I HAD bought it, I would be wondering who possessed me when I bought it--definitely someone with more discretionary income and generally darker body hair than I. So who buys this? The person with fair skin, dark body hair and considerable discretionary income, who doesn't mind shaving regularly, but does mind shaving regularly jussssst enough to want to stop. It's a bit of a niche product in that regard. :)
So I received this product free to try in exchange for an honest review. I opened the Gillette® Venus® Silk-expert powered by Braun® and my first thought was, "They've been paying attention to Apple's packaging." The packing is quality paper board with glossy print, lots of clean, stark white and black, with precise-fitting packaging and lots of "white space" around the items (this unit came with a bonus facial brush). The IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) unit itself is solidly built, and dense--it feels substantial in your hand. (And after reading the entire user's manual, it also feels just sliiiiiightly threatening too. But you get over that after the first use or two. The siren song of a hairless future is enough to make me brave it!) So reading's done and it's go time. Easy to plug in, fan whirs, button is pressed, and pop! goes the bright light. It's REALLY bright. Follow the directions--look away if you can. Wear sunglasses if you can't. I'd probably don my old tanning bed glasses if I knew where in Hades they were. There's a little snap when the light flashes, but it's nothing--on that pain chart in the delivery room? You know the one--it's the big smiley face, the 1--the baby's coming? What baby? Anyway, I did a test area and had zero reaction the following day. So now I'm working on my underarms--they're a small area (aka easy to cover in a short period of time), are super white (my tanning bed days are long gone), and the hair is really dark there. (The best case for optimal results, the manual tells me? Light skin, dark hair). So it should be easier for me to observe the results there over time. The manual says it takes 4 weeks or more to see results, so it's too soon to tell, but I would love to be rid of my coarse, dark underarm hair--who needs a 5 o' clock pit shadow, really? And if it truly cuts down on that hair growth, I'll be tackling the much larger leg area after that!
HOWEVER, I should say, I hate having to shave my legs, so much so, that I don't do it that often--it has to be miserably hot out and I have to have a clean, cute dress to wear--essentially the cosmos have to align. That means that IF these underarms DO become less Sasquatch-y, and more Princess-y, I will have to resign myself to shaving my legs regularly. AND as Game of Thrones keeps reminding us, WINTER IS COMING. AKA the blessed period of no leg shaving with no judgement. It will be TOUGH to get me to shave in the cooler months just so I can use this IPL unit on smooth skin. (Trust me, you must be smooth-skinned--the smell and spark-like sensation that comes with even a tiny bit of stubble is NO BUENO.) At this stage in the trial use process (early, with few motivating visible results) I can say that I would not buy this unit at retail price--it's too expensive and requires me to shave MORE initially so that I can shave LESS eventually. Any time I spend a lot on something (which is rare) I feel compelled to use it a lot to feel like I'm getting my money's worth. And it's hard to compel me to do something I dislike, or something with such delayed gratification. (This is why I let my gym membership lapse. I'm time-pressed, dislike working out, results take a while, and I just didn't go to the gym enough to justify the expense.) Since I didn't spend a dime on this IPL unit, I think it's pretty dang cool. If I HAD bought it, I would be wondering who possessed me when I bought it--definitely someone with more discretionary income and generally darker body hair than I. So who buys this? The person with fair skin, dark body hair and considerable discretionary income, who doesn't mind shaving regularly, but does mind shaving regularly jussssst enough to want to stop. It's a bit of a niche product in that regard. :)
Written by a customer while visiting us.braun.com
Customer Rating
5
Venus Silk Expert
on April 29, 2016
Posted by: Melaniemcfarland
from Campbellsville, KY
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] It has been exactly one week since my first treatment with the Venus Silk Expert that I obtained for free from Braun for my honest review. The product claims that it takes several weeks to get rid of all the unwanted hair due to the hair growth cycle. I really wanted to see if it really worked and if I would have less hair so I did not shave for an entire week. After just one treatment I had noticeably less hair. I would say at least 1/3 to 1/2 less hair. (I have very thick, dark hair on my legs). My hair did not grow near as long as it typically would in a full week's time. I think that is due to the hair growth cycle and the hair follicles that did not produce hair this cycle. I am very pleased with the results so far. I did not have any irritation with either treatment. Zero redness and zero pain. During the treatment I see a bright light, hear a zapping sound and occasionally feel a tiny sting that does not hurt at all. I am excited about this pain free product and can't wait to see the results in 7 more weeks. I will update my review then!!
Written by a customer while visiting us.braun.com
Customer Rating
5
Great Product and will continue to use!
on June 29, 2016
Posted by: lawmaria
from Reading, PA
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I will definitely continue to use this product after having such great results. I did receive the Venus Silk-expert for free from Braun for my opinion. I have used this product for more than 8 weeks and I love it. It is easy to use and I use it once a week and it helps me not have to shave every day like I have had to previously before using the Venus Silk-expert. The results are great and last for days without having to shave my legs. The experience was great because it is easy to use and no issues of any kind. The product is a little big, but it fits in my hand and I did not have any issues using it. It is easy to clean. I would recommend this product to everyone if they would like to have less time in the bathroom shaving their legs.
Written by a customer while visiting us.braun.com
Customer Rating
4
Little skeptical...
on August 16, 2016
Posted by: sweetlillac
from Newport News, VA
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I received a FREE Gillette® Venus® Silk-expert from Braun®, along with a facial brush. I used the product several times. I have yet to see satisfying results, hence I am a little skeptical, but I will continue using the product for the recommended amount of time and see what happens... to be continued. :)
Written by a customer while visiting us.braun.com
Customer Rating
5
Visible results!
on May 25, 2016
Posted by: ammurray02
from Lombard, IL
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I wasn't sure what to expect with the Gillette Venus Silk-expert. I've had laser hair removal in small areas before and while I was pleased with the results, it wasn't a fun experience. You have to be gooped up with gel to act as a medium and it's not a small amount! And the pain! The areas that the laser can't be in constant motion, were very susceptible to pain. I could feel the heat radiate through my skin and seriously questioned if it was the smartest thing to do.
Enter the Gillette Venus Silk-expert. I was a little hesitant after my previous experience. I was excited for a more permanent hair removal, but not looking forward to the pain. With the Gillette you don't use a gel either, so I was sure that without any buffer it would be more intense.
I'm pleased to say that I was completely wrong! The laser is gentler than those in a med spa. It also comes with a button you press where you can dial back the laser intensity in case you're particularly sensitive or just curious how the sensation will feel at first. I've been using the Gillette Venus Silk-expert for four straight weeks on my underarms and I'm very pleased. I have fair skin and dark hair, so it was apparent that I needed to shave usually the evening of the day that I did actually shave. My underarm skin appeared darker as well; I'm not sure if it was from the irritation of shaving, the darkness of my hair or a combination of the two. After one week, underarm hair became much less dense. After two weeks, hair growth slowed noticeably. After three and four weeks, it's been a continuation of the initial results. I'm very excited to see where I am after the full eight.
While there is a bit of pain, it is much less painful than nicking yourself with a razor. It's doesnt burn, linger or sting. Smaller areas such as underarms take less than five minutes. Larger areas, such as legs, take quite a bit longer, depending on how quickly you move the unit. I'm very happy with the Gillette Venus Silk-expert. It's so convenient and user-friendly.
Enter the Gillette Venus Silk-expert. I was a little hesitant after my previous experience. I was excited for a more permanent hair removal, but not looking forward to the pain. With the Gillette you don't use a gel either, so I was sure that without any buffer it would be more intense.
I'm pleased to say that I was completely wrong! The laser is gentler than those in a med spa. It also comes with a button you press where you can dial back the laser intensity in case you're particularly sensitive or just curious how the sensation will feel at first. I've been using the Gillette Venus Silk-expert for four straight weeks on my underarms and I'm very pleased. I have fair skin and dark hair, so it was apparent that I needed to shave usually the evening of the day that I did actually shave. My underarm skin appeared darker as well; I'm not sure if it was from the irritation of shaving, the darkness of my hair or a combination of the two. After one week, underarm hair became much less dense. After two weeks, hair growth slowed noticeably. After three and four weeks, it's been a continuation of the initial results. I'm very excited to see where I am after the full eight.
While there is a bit of pain, it is much less painful than nicking yourself with a razor. It's doesnt burn, linger or sting. Smaller areas such as underarms take less than five minutes. Larger areas, such as legs, take quite a bit longer, depending on how quickly you move the unit. I'm very happy with the Gillette Venus Silk-expert. It's so convenient and user-friendly.
Written by a customer while visiting us.braun.com
Customer Rating
5
A must have!!
on June 4, 2016
Posted by: jbilyou
from Scituate, MA
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I think this product is so easy to use with great results. In about the same amount of time you would shave, the New Gillette Venus Silk-expert is working each time to stop hair regrowth. No stubble, no redness, no embarrassing missed spots, no more waxing. Venus Silk-expert is easy to use with the convenience of my own home whenever I want. Each week less and less hair grows back - just in time for summer fun. Take away the worry of "do I need to shave before I go out?", no more moments of "I would like to wear that sleeveless top but... I have to shave and I don't have time right now".. No more dealing with red bumps, red spots or rash from shaving too close ..which never looks good with a bikini! All I can think of is the time I will get back, the money I will save from not having to buy more razors, and more time spent doing the things I want to do - NOT SHAVING! Cheers Braun! Here's to not having to shave, wax, or any other dreadful thing to remove hair. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to try this amazing product for free and I will continue to recommend to all the other women I know.
Written by a customer while visiting us.braun.com
Customer Rating
5
Hairy Beast is no more
on June 29, 2016
Posted by: ColesMom
from Midlothian, TX
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have been using the Venus Silk Expert I received complimentary from Braun in exchange for an honest review for 8 weeks. It totally works! I tested a specific spot on my left leg once a week. I noticed after a couple of weeks the hair wasn't growing as quickly and the pores looked smaller. Even a family member could tell a difference when I told them about the device I was testing. After 4 weeks I was definitely noticing that the area I was testing was quite a bit smoother and with less hair than the rest of my leg. Then this past week I went about 4 days without shaving and there was NO HAIR in the spot I was testing. This is going to be such a time saver once I have done other parts of my body!
There are a couple of negatives, but they would not prevent me from buying this device.
- First, the part that touches your skiname can heat up very quickly and become uncomfortable to use. It's not horrible, but I let it cool off before I continue to other areas.
- Second, it can sometimes give a bit of what I can only describe as a sting. I have started using this on my underarms. No matter how well I shave or dry the area is, I still feel a sting when I use it. I even have the feather button pushed so it is not as strong of a pulse.
Other than that, I love it!
One I think that would be nice to have is a case to store it in.
There are a couple of negatives, but they would not prevent me from buying this device.
- First, the part that touches your skiname can heat up very quickly and become uncomfortable to use. It's not horrible, but I let it cool off before I continue to other areas.
- Second, it can sometimes give a bit of what I can only describe as a sting. I have started using this on my underarms. No matter how well I shave or dry the area is, I still feel a sting when I use it. I even have the feather button pushed so it is not as strong of a pulse.
Other than that, I love it!
One I think that would be nice to have is a case to store it in.
Written by a customer while visiting us.braun.com
Customer Rating
3
Can't use it with skin cancer and lactation
on August 6, 2016
Posted by: mrsnaglich
from Atlanta, GA
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I had laser hair removal completed about 8 years ago and loved the results. I was super excited to try this product because I had heard great things and wanted to treat more areas since I had experienced so much success previously. Upon receiving the Braun silk expert system, I immediately read the instructions and wanted to try. Among the many user restrictions, you cannot use it if you've ever had precancerous skin cells/skin cancer or if you're a nursing mama. Unfortunately, I'm both. Sadly, I could not use this product. However, I loved the skin exfoliator that came with it. I would recommend reading the user restrictions before purchasing this product.
Written by a customer while visiting us.braun.com