My husband and I use the Mach 3 ones and they are expensive too! I've often wondered if the cheapie disposal ones would do just as well. I just haven't used one of those in years. My daughters (ages 12 & 14) both use Veet and seem to be happy with it. As clumsy as my oldest is, I'm afraid to put a razor in her hand! LOL I remember all too well those behind the ankle nicks I used to get in the shower that would bleed forever!
My best friend had laser hair removal on her legs, bikini and underarm areas. I am SO jealous! But since it doesn't work well on blonde hair, that option is not so good for me anyway. On the upside though, I've noticed that as I get older, the hair doesn't grow as fast or thick. Hmmmm.... one of the "good" things about aging???
And yes, I remember the Epilady very well!! I was a teenager and just had to save up and buy one. It was torture..... as was the wax mess I tried a few years ago. Luckily my hubby doesn't mind so much when I get stubbly!
Oh, and just a tip...... I have found that if I use Paul Mitchell conditioner on my bikini area (with a razor), I don't have those horrible ingrown hairs like just shaving with shaving cream in the shower. I wait until I'm ready to put my bikini on and do it then. It works really great!