I got the MisMon one from Amazon for $190. I was between that and the Braun as that is an actual name brand but as that one is $320 eventually my cheapness won out. It also helped that the negative reviews of the MisMon were mostly people either not using it correctly or with unreal expectations (why am I not hair free in 3 uses!!!).
As for safety, I started on my legs as that seemed like my hardiest skin. So far I’ve had some residue burning feeing under my arms but only because I did it sooner that you were supposed to. It felt like when you fist get a sun burn and was gone in a few hours.
The MisMon has 5 levels and I can’t even few the first 3 and the last 2 are more annoying than painful on my legs, underarm and under chin. On my bikini line, I have only used the 3rd level. This is for pain and safety (I can handle a burn on my arm pit, I cannot on my crotch, lol). So far I’ve only done my thighs and my mons at that is were I have the issue with ingrowns. I don’t think I would use it on my labia because of how sensitive the area is and the awkward angle. I would feel safe doing between my butt cheeks if I had someone to help but that isn’t an angle I can do on my own!
If you currently suffer for irritation after shaving, I would shave a day before you do it (rather than right before). This way the skin can heal and you can put after shave stuff on it (the skin has to be clean with nothing on for the IPL).
I just learned that most people use after sun or numbing gel after they use it. I have not done that yet so I don’t know how much it helps but if you’re worried about the pain, it’s like $4
I do have light skin and dark hair. My legs used to be as hairy as a man's and now the hair is extremely patchy. At this point I will dry shave the area of hair and immediately use the machine on it. (instead of just shaving the whole leg) This way the remaining bits of hair are addressed!
I have this machine -- highly recommend.
Here is my before picture and where I'm at in the process now.
I bought these. It might not be super highly rated or anything but it is cheap and gets the work done.