My Honest Comparison of Philips Lumea vs Ulike IPL Hair Removal Devices
On the quest for hair-free, silky-smooth skin, I decided to put two leading IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal devices to the test: the Philips Lumea and the Ulike Air 3. Both claim to bring salon-level results to your bathroom, but do they actually deliver?
In this review, I’ll walk you through everything — from the unboxing experience to long-term results. Whether you’re completely new to IPL or a seasoned pro, stick around as I unpack the real differences and reveal which one earned a permanent spot in my beauty routine.
Philips Lumea vs Ulike: At-Home IPL Titans Compared
At-home IPL hair removal has seen a surge in popularity, with brands like Philips and Ulike dominating the conversation. While both promise lasting hair reduction, the devices differ significantly in features, design, performance, and pricing.
Let’s explore how they stack up so you can make a well-informed choice.
First Impressions and Unboxing
Philips Lumea
Unboxing the Philips Lumea feels like opening something genuinely premium. The packaging is sleek and sturdy, with a strong sense of detail. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The Lumea device
- Multiple attachments for the face, underarms, and bikini area
- A power cable
- A luxurious storage pouch
The manual is impressively thorough, easing any first-time jitters with crystal-clear guidance on how to get started.
Ulike Air 3
Ulike opts for a clean, modern aesthetic. In the box, you’ll find:
- The compact IPL device
- A power adapter
- A simple user manual
- Protective goggles
Its minimal design makes it clear: this device is built for ease of use and mobility. Getting started is intuitive and fast — ideal if you don’t want to spend ages setting things up.
Design and Ease of Use
Philips Lumea
The Philips Lumea is designed to feel ergonomic in hand, and it glides smoothly across various parts of the body. What sets it apart is the SmartSkin sensor, which automatically adjusts the light intensity based on your skin tone — an excellent feature for added safety and simplicity.
Each area of the body has a dedicated attachment, which means more precision and less guesswork.
Ulike Air 3
The Ulike is noticeably more compact, which makes it especially appealing if you’re short on storage or like to take your beauty devices when travelling. Its controls are intuitive, and the Sapphire Ice Cooling technology keeps skin feeling cool and calm during sessions.
This feature is a huge win for anyone with sensitive skin or low pain tolerance.
Performance and Results
Philips Lumea
I tested the Philips Lumea across different areas — legs, underarms, bikini line and face. After just a few sessions, I noticed significantly less hair regrowth. While the treatment time varied depending on the area, the results were impressive and long-lasting.
The attachments really do make a difference, helping target each area with precision and comfort.
Ulike Air 3
The Ulike also performed admirably. Its cooling system made each session feel comfortable, even on sensitive spots. It doesn’t come with dedicated attachments, but its universal head handled all areas fairly well.
With a faster flash rate, sessions took less time than with the Lumea, but the hair reduction was just as noticeable.
Safety and Skin Compatibility
Philips Lumea
Philips prioritises safety with its SmartSkin sensor, ensuring that the IPL intensity is safe and effective for your skin tone. This adaptive technology is ideal for reducing the risk of burns or discomfort.
Ulike Air 3
The Sapphire Ice Cooling system on the Ulike gives it a different kind of edge — it keeps your skin cool during the flash, significantly reducing the chance of irritation.
Both devices provide clear instructions on skin types and safe usage, so you know exactly what you’re doing no matter your experience level.
Cost and Value for Money
Philips Lumea
Philips Lumea sits on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, considering its build quality, range of attachments, and lasting results, I’d say it justifies the investment. When you compare it to the ongoing cost of salon treatments, the Lumea pays for itself over time.
Ulike Air 3
Ulike is more budget-friendly without skimping on performance. It delivers excellent results and holds up well after repeated use. Replacement cartridges are also readily available and affordable, making it a practical choice for long-term use.
My Personal Experience: Which One Came Out on Top?
Philips Lumea: A Comfort-First Approach
Using the Lumea was a smooth and reliable experience. I loved how the attachments were tailored for different parts of the body, and the SmartSkin sensor gave me confidence I was using it safely.
Sessions felt comfortable, and the results were visible after just a few treatments. It’s perfect if you want a salon-grade tool at home and don’t mind spending a bit more for added features and security.
Ulike Air 3: Fast, Effective, and Cool to the Touch
The Ulike impressed me with its speed and cooling system. Treatments were quicker, and the ice-cool effect made sessions painless — even in sensitive areas. While it lacks the specific attachments of the Lumea, it more than made up for it with performance and simplicity.
I also appreciated the affordability of spare cartridges — a bonus for multi-user households.
Final Thoughts: Which IPL Device Is Right for You?
After trying both the Philips Lumea and the Ulike Air 3, I can confidently say they’re both brilliant devices — but cater to slightly different needs.
If you value high-end design, multiple attachments, and adaptive technology, the Philips Lumea is a worthwhile investment. But if you’re looking for something sleek, fast, and budget-friendly — and especially if comfort is your top priority — the Ulike Air 3 won’t disappoint.
Both deliver salon-quality results at home, so the final choice really comes down to your preferences. Ready to take the leap into IPL? Explore the Philips Lumea and Ulike Air 3 today — smoother skin awaits.
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