Philips Lumea 9000 vs. 8000 vs. 7000 – Which IPL epilator to choose according to your skin tone?

Hair removal devices are essential for many people, especially when the good weather approaches and we feel more in a hurry when it comes to keeping unruly “hairs” at bay. Specifically, one of the ones that has gained the most followers over time are pulsed light epilators, known as IPL for its acronym in English. And, without a doubt, one of the leading brands in the sector is Philips. For this reason, we want to show you this comparison between three of the most complete IPL epilators of the brand: Philips Lumea 9000, Philips Lumea 8000 and Philips Lumea 7000.

As you can imagine, as they are three models from the same range, there are many similarities they share. However, today we are going to focus mainly on their differences, which are the ones that will help us the most to decide which one we prefer. A priori, we already anticipate that the 9000 and 8000 models make a significant leap in quality compared to the 7000. Likewise, their durability is greater, because they have 40% more light pulses than the Philips Lumea 7000. However, their price is also noticeably higher.

In addition, only one of the three epilators can be used without cables, which can help you tip the balance if you travel frequently and want to take a more comfortable device to use at any time. On the other hand, the number of accessories with which they are equipped can also be another element of decision. We are going to talk about all of this below, so if you want to know which of the three IPL epilators is worth the most, keep reading!

Philips Lumea 9000 vs 8000 vs 7000 – Comparison table

Below, you can see what are the different characteristics that define our three protagonists. Later, we will explain the main ones in detail:

(Slide the table to see all the content)

Same aesthetic line

The first impression always gives a lot of information about electronic devices and, in this case, makes it clear that we are dealing with three models from the same range. The three epilators have a very similar aesthetic line, both in shape and in colour. Now, it is important to take into account that, of each model, there are several versions, the difference of which is fundamentally reduced to the number of accessories. Therefore, there may also be some variations in design, although they are minimal.

In the case of the three that we have chosen, they all have the same shape, with a domed head and a thinner handle. In addition, the white color is the predominant one, although in all of them there are touches of pink or copper color. Likewise, all three models have a screen on the front, which is where the light pulses are emitted.

In short, we cannot deny that aesthetically we are talking about the same brand.

IPL technology: what is it?

All the epilators we have chosen have IPL hair removal technology, but do you know what it means? IPL (Intense Pulse Light) hair removal consists of applying pulses or flashes of light gently and directly to the hair root. This, so that we understand each other, keeps the hair follicle “asleep” and removes superficial hair. In this way, no hairs are seen on the surface, but they also do not grow back for a while.

It is a technology that is very easy to apply and painless, which we can carry out at home in just a few minutes. Therefore, it has become one of the essential accessories for many people.

How many pulses does each epilator emit?

As we have explained to you, the useful life of IPL epilators is measured by the maximum number of pulses it can emit. The Philips Lumea 7000 has a maximum of 250,000 pulses, while the 8000 and 9000 models go up to 450,000 pulses. According to the brand itself, this is equivalent to approximately 20 and 39 years of useful life.

Sensors included and intensity levels

Another important element to take into account when choosing an IPL or pulsed light epilator is the set of sensors it includes. In all three cases, the Philips Lumea is equipped with a sensor that identifies your skin tone. This, what is it for? To know the level of intensity that is best for you so as not to damage the skin, since not all people accept this hair removal in the same way.

However, only the Philips Lumea 9000 and 8000 complement this sensor with the SmartSkin sensor, with which the device automatically selects the most appropriate intensity level for your skin. This also applies constantly, since the same person can have several different skin tones on the legs and in the armpits, for example. This SenseIQ technology means that you don’t have to worry about manually adjusting the intensity, as you do in the 7000 version.

Of course, in the three epilators you can choose between 5 levels of intensity, depending not only on the tone of your skin but also on the color of your hair. What’s more, the first thing we recommend you do is check for which tones IPL hair removal is not recommended because it does not have the same effectiveness. Likewise, all three have an integrated ultraviolet filter.

What is the application time in each zone?

Now, we are going to analyze the differences that exist in regards to the time it takes to epilate each of the four areas in which we can use the Philips pulsed light epilators. The 8000 and 9000 models have the same application times: 8.5 minutes for the lower legs, 2.5 minutes for the underarms, 1.5 minutes for the face and 2 minutes on the bikini area.

For its part, the Philips Lumea 7000 varies these times slightly. For example, with less intensity, it takes twice as long for the legs, 4 minutes for the bikini line, and 2 minutes for the face. In the case of the armpits, it is the same time as his two rivals, 2.5 minutes.

How long is IPL hair removal effective for?

Surely, before buying a pulsed light epilator, you will want to know how effective it is to assess to what extent you think it is worth it. In this case, as Philips assures, the three epilators maintain their results for up to 12 months, but in fine print.

At 12 months, the efficacy is reduced to 82% in the case of the Philips Lumea 7000, and to 86% in the Philips Lumea 8000 and 9000. Based on the fact that, after three months of treatment, the effectiveness is of 92%, approximately, as the year progresses it decreases. For this reason, it is best to apply sessions as a reminder every 6 months, for example.

Which is more worth it?

To decide which IPL epilator is more interesting, you have to analyze the value for money of each one. The Philips Lumea 9000 is the most recent and also the one with the highest price. A price that, to be honest, is not far from that of the 8000 model, because as far as benefits are concerned, they are practically tied. On the other hand, the Philips Lumea 7000 is one level below in technology and efficiency, but its price is lower.

On the other hand, you have to take into account what your skin type is, because this factor also has a great weight in the decision. If you have skin that is more prone to pulsed light hair removal, it is likely that the effectiveness of the Philips Lumea 7000 will be sufficient. But, if due to the tone of your skin and your hair it costs more for the pulsed light to have its effect, you will have to resort to the superior models.

That said, in our opinion, the epilator that has the best value for money is the Philips Lumea 8000. It has more pulses than the 7000, and its efficiency is higher, but, on the other hand, it equals the benefits of the 9000 with a somewhat lower price. Therefore, if we had to choose, we would stay with that model.

However, you already know that the decision depends solely on you, and what we can assure you is that, being Philips, the quality is indisputable. In fact, so far we have only found another brand capable of overshadowing it in this regard, Braun. In short, whichever pulsed light epilator you choose among these three, the results will be satisfactory.