The Braun Gillette Venus Silk-Expert IPL 5001 (also available here and here) provides permanent hair reduction from the comfort of your own home. It features three modes: normal, gentle, and extra gentle. This allows you to choose a mode depending on how sensitive your skin is.
The Silk-Expert IPL 5001 is a time-saving, cost-effective choice because it prevents you from having to shave every couple of days.
What is the Braun Gillette Venus Silk-Expert IPL 5001?
The Silk-Expert is a device that produces permanent hair reduction using intense pulsed light (IPL) technology.
The SensoAdapt skin tone sensor uses the appropriate light based on your skin complexion since some complexions may require a stronger light than others.
The key to removing hair through the Silk-Expert is that it targets hair from underneath the hair follicle.
PROS
- Noticeable hair reduction within 4 weeks
- Clinically tested
- Prevents unwanted hair from reaching the skin’s surface
- Fast and convenient
CONS
- May be painful for some people
- Not for use on face
- Hair grows back over time without continued use
- Effective only on some hair colors and skin tones
What Are the Key Features?
Whether shaving, waxing or using laser, it’s always possible to miss a spot that you thought you had gone over. The Silk-Expert IPL 5001 has a “gliding mode” to prevent you from missing anything.
Large areas such as legs or arms can be treated in 8 minutes due to the IPL technology.
The Silk-Expert analyzes your skin tone in order to provide the best light for hair removal. Since everyone has different complexions, the amount of light required will vary per person. The pulsed light then targets the melanin in the hair follicle in order to break the cycle of hair regrowth.
Our Detailed Review
Design & Build Quality
5/5
The Silk-Expert has a sleek, professional appearance. The product can easily be held in order to reach delicate areas. The IPL area is very small but performs well enough to work on your entire leg in just under 8 minutes. The product is built with three modes: normal, gentle, and extra gentle. Since IPL devices can be painful for many people, this is a useful feature for those who are sensitive to pain or have skin conditions.
The SensoAdapt skin tone sensor is built in and prevents the hassle of having to determine if your skin tone will work with the laser. The device is also safe and clinically tested for use without safety glasses, although you can use them if you prefer.
There are 300,000 flashes in the Silk-Expert, which means that the device can last up to 15 years on large treatment areas and up to 35 years in small areas.
Results
4/5
You may see results after 12 weeks, but a majority of people see results in as little as 3 weeks. The only downside is that if you stop using it, after some time the hair can slowly start to reappear. Depending on your rate of hair growth, you may have to go over the areas again after a few weeks.
Power & Noise
5/5
The Gillette Venus Silk-Expert does not produce any noticeable noise. That means you are free to use it whenever it’s most convenient to you, without worrying about disturbing anyone.
Ease of Use
4/5
Using the Silk-Expert is more time-consuming than shaving (on average, about 8 minutes per leg), but the advantage is that you won’t have to use it nearly as often since it slows the growth of new hairs.
Some people find it a bit painful, but it’s much less painful than waxing. It will produce a stinging sensation, similar to snapping your skin with a rubber band.
Cleaning
5/5
Cleaning it is fairly easy. You’ll first need to unplug it and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, look at the cartridge to make sure there is no damage.
Using a dry, lint-free cloth, wipe down the whole device. You can also remove the “reflector” at the front of the device and clean it with a damp cloth – just make sure to let it dry completely before reassembling.
What’s The Best Price And Where can I Buy It?
The Silk-Expert is a bit on the expensive side, but for some people it may be worth it since it reduces the rate of hair growth. Prices on Amazon change regularly, but that is probably the best place you can find it.
How does it compare?
Let’s take a look at some of the competition:
Silk-Expert 5008
The Silk-Expert 5008 is sort of the sister to the 5001. It uses the same technology, but it’s designed specifically for use on the face (whereas the 5001 shouldn’t be used on the face). It also comes with a facial exfoliator.
Like the 5001, the 5008 uses the SensoAdapt feature to detect your skin tone automatically.
Silk-Expert 5009
Similar to the Silk-Expert 5008, the Silk-Expert 5009 is also for use on the face and body. The Silk-Expert 5009 comes packaged with a sonic body exfoliator to refresh and smooth out your skin after your treatment.
Although the Silk-Expert 5009 can be used on the face and body, it’s probably best suited for the face.
Philips Lumea Comfort IPL
The Philips Lumea Comfort takes 11 minutes to treat the lower leg, while the Gillette Venus Silk-Expert IPL 5001 takes only 8 minutes for the entire leg.
This device also provides 6 years of body treatments, while the Gillette Venus Silk-Expert IPL 5001 promises 15 years. The Philips Lumea states that the pulses are “cool to the touch” which may reduce pain for those with sensitive skin.
Remington iLIGHT Pro
Results from the Remington iLIGHT Pro last 6 months, which is impressive. Areas such as your bikini zone or underarms can be treated in about a minute. This product cannot be used on the face, but it’s a still a very good option. It’s also more expensive than the Silk-Expert.
Should I buy the Silk-Expert 5001?
Our vote is YES for the Silk-Expert IPL 5001. For many people, shaving is a hassle, and spending money at a waxing salon isn’t the best solution for those on a budget.
The downside is that this product only performs well on certain hair colors and complexions – but that’s the case with all IPL devices that we’ve found (except the Me Smooth).
Yes, it’s on the pricey side. However, the device will last for at least 15 years, which means that there’s no need to worry about body hair for that period of time.
Click Here to Buy the Braun Gillette Venus Silk-Expert On Amazon.com
(also available here and here)
