Philips Lumea IPL 7000 Series Hair Removal Device with SenseIQ

IPL needs contrast between hair and skin. Philips says Lumea works on naturally dark blonde, brown, dark brown and black hair, on skin tones from fair to medium brown. It is not effective on light blonde, gray, red or white hair, and it must not be used on dark brown or darker skin, which absorbs light more easily and could lead to pain, redness or burns.

The included body attachment is made for areas below the neckline, such as the legs. Philips says not to use it on the face; that needs a separate face attachment, which this set doesn't include. Never use it on the lips, nostrils, ears, scalp, nipples, genitals or around the anus, and never on a man's face or neck.

Four treatments, one every 2 weeks, then a touch-up once every 4 weeks to maintain results. Philips says not to treat more often than once every 2 weeks, and flashing the same spot twice in one session doesn't improve results.

Remove the hair first by shaving, waxing or epilating; if you wax, wait 24 hours. Skin must be clean and dry, with no lotion, oil or cream. Before the first session on each area, test your skin and wait 24 hours for any reaction.

No. Philips says the skin contact sensor lets it flash only with full skin contact, which avoids flashing in the eyes. Use it in a well-lit room, and never close to the eyes, eyelids or eyebrows.

Philips says not to use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18 or over 65, have had chemotherapy or radiation in the last 3 months, or have skin that is extra sensitive to light. Skip tattoos, moles, birthmarks and dark spots, and wait 4 weeks after unprotected sun exposure.

No. It runs plugged in through the included 19.5 V adapter, rated 100 to 240 V, with a 2 m (6.6 ft) cord. A lower leg takes about 11 minutes, according to Philips.

The Lumea IPL 7000 device (BRI931), the body attachment, a beauty bag for storage, the power adapter with its cord and the user manual.