Which Philips Lumea is the best? What's the difference?

Are you looking for a trustworthy brand for IPL devices ? But so many brands, so many models and so many types of IPL devices leave you confused? No need to worry. Here you will find all the information you need about the IPL device company you may have heard of and need to know about its better alternative.

Philips is a well-known and trusted company for its high-quality products that contribute to beauty, health and well-being. You probably thought of Philips when considering an IPL device. This innovative company has launched a range of IPL devices that will give you silky smooth and hairless skin.

Philips has launched a number of IPL devices over the years, with each new device being better than the last. However, needs vary from person to person, so we have compiled comprehensive information on the most impressive Philips IPL device ranges.

What is Philips Lumea?

Philips Lumea is the brand of the Philips company that manufactures IPL devices. The first Philips Lumea was manufactured in 2010, followed by a series of amazing devices over the years. Most of these IPL devices are shaped like a gun to make them easy to hold during a treatment.

Philips Lumea uses gentle waves of polychromatic light to put hair follicles into the resting phase. There are many series of Philips Lumea, with Lumea 9000, Lumea Prestige, Lumea Advanced and Lumea Essential being the most effective.

Find out more about these series and their models to choose the most suitable device.

1. Philips Lumea 9000 Series

Main features:

• The latest model from Philips Lumea
• With 450,000 flashes, it has a lifespan of more than 20 years
• Comes with a long cable but can also be used without it
• Multiple attachments for face, body, bikini area and armpits
• Clinically tested and CE certified
• Inhibition of hair growth by up to 92%
• hairless skin for 6 months
• SenselQ technology

Philips Lumea 9000 is the most advanced model of Philips IPL devices. It was launched in 2020 and is characterized by a longer lifespan than all other Lumea devices. The ergonomically designed device with 5 intensity levels is well suited for ivory to dark brown skin tones and black to brown hair colors. There are 3 models of Philips Lumea 9000: BRI957, BRI958 and BRI955.

Philips Lumea BRI957 and BRI958 are the first two versions of the Lumea 9000 series. The BRI957 has a feminine pink color, while the BRI958 is in luxurious gold. Both devices are the newest, fastest and most practical models, achieving up to 92% hair reduction within 8 weeks. These gun-shaped devices come with 4 smart attachments for the face, body, bikini line and underarms.

BRI955 is the third model in the Philips Lumea 9000 series. It has the same efficiency, speed and lifespan as the other two models. However, it has 3 smart attachments for face, body and precision.

Philips Lumea 9000 models:

• BRI957
• BRI958
• BRI955 

2. Philips Lumea Prestige

Main features:

• 3 attachments for face, body and precision
• skin tone sensor technology
• Wireless and wired use
• 250,000 flashes for a service life of more than 10 years
• Fast full-body treatment
• 92% hair reduction
• 6 months of hairless skin
• Safe and effective CE-certified device

Philips Lumea Prestige was launched in 2018. It was the best-selling and award-winning device of its time with its 5 energy levels, beautiful design, multiple attachments and fast and efficient results. It remains popular due to its affordable price compared to the Lumea 9000. It offers 250,000 flashes with a lifespan of about 15 years, 92% hair reduction and SenseIQ technology for safety.

Philips Lumea Prestige has 5 models. Lumea BRI950 is pink and comes with 2 attachments for the face and body. BRI954 is purple and BRI953 is silver. Both have 3 attachments for face, body and precision. Lumea BRI949 and Lumea BRI956 both have 4 attachments for face, body, bikini line and underarms. BRI949 can only be used with a cord. BRI956, on the other hand, can be used with or without a cord.

All Philips Lumea Prestige models have a similar design and offer similar results and efficiency. However, there is a slight difference in the colors, attachments and corded/cordless use. So the Lumea Prestige is for you if you are looking for an effective and easily portable Philips IPL device.

Philips Lumea Prestige models:

• BRI956
• BRI954
• BRI953
• BRI950
• BRI949

3. Philips Lumea Advanced

Main features:

• Practical
• Suitable for face, armpits and bikini area
• 3 attachments for different body areas
• UV filter and CU-tested
• 5 manual intensity settings
• For use with cable only
• 250,000 flashes for a service life of more than 10 years
• 3 months of hairless skin and 85% hair reduction

The Philips Lumea Advanced was launched in 2017. It can be operated with only a cord, has 5 intensity levels, 3 attachments and a lifespan of 15-20 years. The device is suitable for dark blonde, brown and black hair and light to brown skin tones. However, it does not work well on light hair and very dark skin.

Philips Lumea Advanced has 6 models. They come with 2-3 attachments for the face, body and bikini line and are all suitable for upper lip, sideburns, chin, arms, underarms, legs and stomach. The models have the same design, application and results. The only difference is the accessories.

Lumea 1999 and Lumea 1998 have 3 attachments for the face, body and bikini line. Lumea 1997 has 2 attachments for the face and body. There are no other accessories for either model. BRI924 comes with attachments for the face and body and a mini facial cleanser. The BRI921 model also has 2 attachments and a touch-up facial trimmer as accessories. Finally, the BRI923 model comes with 3 separate attachments and a facial trimmer.

Philips Lumea Advanced models:

• SC1999
• SC1998
• SC1997
• BRI924
• BRI921
• BRI923

4. Philips Lumea Essential

Main features:

• 200,000 lightning strikes with a lifespan of 10 years
• Lightweight handheld design
• CE-certified and safe to use
• Wired use only
• Perfect for face, armpits, underarms and bikini area
• One-hour treatment
• Precise flash window

Philips Lumea Essential is one of the first devices in the Lumea series. It was launched in 2016 with 200,000 flashes, 10 years lifespan and corded operation. It also has 5 intensity levels, skin tone sensors and a user-friendly design. Just like the Lumea Advanced, it is perfect for fair skin and dark hair.

Lumea BRI863/70 is a handheld device instead of the pistol-shaped devices of the Lumea family. This lightweight IPL handheld device allows you to perform a full-body treatment without any fatigue.

So, if you're looking for an affordable and easy-to-use device, the Lumea Essential is a great choice. However, if your skin tone and hair color don't fall into the compatibility category, you might want to consider the newest option.

Philips Lumea Essential model:

• BRI863/70

Comparison of the versions of Philips Lumea

parameters/models	9000 Series	Prestigious	Advanced	Essential
lightning	450,000	250,000	250,000	200,000
hair reduction	92%	92%	85%	85%
life	20 years	+10 years	+10 years	10 years
Wired/Wireless	Both	Both	Wired only	Wired only
body areas	face, body, armpits and bikini	face, body, armpits and bikini	face and small body areas	bikini area, face, forearms and lower legs
duration of the session	40 minutes on average	40 minutes on average	60 minutes on average	60 minutes on average
market launch	2020	2018	2017	2016

Ulike Saphir AIR+ IPL hair removal device

Philips Lumea is one of the leading brands when it comes to IPL devices.

However, it might not be good enough for you in terms of pain, safety, price and design.

Therefore, Ulike Sapphire AIR+ Dark Green IPL hair removal device can serve as a better alternative. Let's find out together why Ulike might be a more suitable device.

1. Salon-quality experience

The Ulike Dark Green handheld device provides fast results. 4 weeks of sessions and bi-weekly touch-ups are all you need to look flawless for a long time. The lightweight handheld device works in stamp and glide mode and burns the hair follicles. The results last for 6 months.

Ulike's handheld hair removal is virtually painless thanks to its dynamic ice cooling technology. It also works amazingly well on thick and stubborn hair. The 1 million flashes mean the device can be used for a lifetime, making this the perfect IPL device that will give you salon-smooth skin for life.

2. FDA-certified and ready to use

If you are safety conscious and only want an FDA-certified device, Philips may not be the right candidate for you. Philips Lumea IPL devices are CE marked and clinically tested, but not yet FDA certified.

However, the Ulike Sapphire Dark Green AIR+ is FDA approved, so you can use the device completely voltage-free. In addition, it is also approved by CE, CFDA EMC and other international safety organizations, making it certified for home use worldwide.

3. Recommended by dermatologists

Ulike Saphir AIR+ Dark Green is recommended by dermatologists and loved by influencers. The reason for this is that it is completely safe, has an elegant and user-friendly design and delivers visible results.

Dr. Hadley King endorses Ulike handheld devices and encourages women to get them, saying, "Ulike gives users the ability to create their own safe and private personal beauty sanctuary to discreetly get rid of unwanted hair." So Ulike IPL can be your private safe space.

4. 90-day money-back guarantee

The Ulike Sapphire device comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee. It claims to noticeably reduce hair growth within 4 weeks. However, if you don't notice any hair reduction or are not satisfied with the density of hair reduction, you can get your money back.

3 months is more than enough to test the device. However, not all Philips Lumea devices offer such a money-back guarantee.

5. 2 years hassle-free warranty

In addition to a money-back guarantee, it offers a 2-year hassle-free warranty. This means you can get your device replaced if it doesn't work properly, displays an error, or there is a problem with use. Plus, you can use the device with your sister or your mother as it will last a lifetime and won't leak as it has 1 million flashes.

Conclusion

We have provided information about all the popular Philips Lumea series. These devices have a standard gun-shaped design, intelligent skin sensors with SenselQ technology, a long lifespan and deliver visible results within 8-12 weeks. In addition, Philips Lumea offers the Lumea IPL app to help you track your treatment.

However, you might find Lumea a bit heavy, not completely pain-free and not FDA certified. The Ulike Sapphire IPL devices are here to save the day for you. It is FDA certified and delivers salon-like results.