Side by side
How much each treatment hurts
Here are six treatments side by side, each with a short answer on what most people feel and the Senseless format and strength we'd reach for.
Before the list
How much it hurts is personal
The answers below are kept short so you can compare them. What you feel depends on the treatment, the area, the technique and your own sensitivity. Most practitioners apply their own numbing as standard, so ask yours before you buy anything. For the fuller guides to microneedling and laser hair removal, start from Does it hurt? If you're preparing for injections, see numbing cream for injections.
The essentials
- The discomfort
- Most aesthetic treatments cause brief, manageable discomfort rather than real pain.
- What changes it
- How much you feel depends on the treatment, the area and your own sensitivity.
- Preparation
- Most practitioners apply their own numbing.
- The range
- Senseless is a UK range of cosmetic numbing cream, gel and spray in three strengths, made for use before tattoos, piercings and aesthetic treatments. It is a brand of Matrix Health Group Ltd.
Injectables
Does lip filler hurt?
Most people feel a sharp scratch and some pressure as the injections are placed. Most practitioners apply their own numbing beforehand, and a numbing agent is often mixed into the filler itself. The lip is sensitive, but the discomfort is brief.
We'd reach for: Cream, Clinical (sensitive lips → Advanced).
Injectables
Does Botox hurt?
Botox uses very fine needles, so most people describe a quick pinch or sting rather than real pain. Many manage without any numbing at all.
We'd reach for: Cream, Clinical — optional, not required.
Semi-permanent makeup
Does microblading hurt?
Most people feel light scratching and some pressure as the blade works through the brow. Longer sittings feel more noticeable.
We'd reach for: Gel, Advanced (long sittings → Professional).
Semi-permanent makeup
Does lip blush hurt?
Lip blush is usually described as uncomfortable rather than painful — a scratching, tickling sensation as pigment is worked into the lip, with numbing applied throughout. The lip is sensitive, so it can feel sharper than brow work.
We'd reach for: Gel, Advanced.
Hair removal
Does waxing hurt?
Waxing causes a brief, sharp sting as the strip is removed, strongest on sensitive areas and during the first few sessions. It fades quickly and many find it eases over time.
We'd reach for: Spray for the body, Cream for small areas — Clinical to Advanced.
Hair removal
Does electrolysis hurt?
Electrolysis is often described as a brief heat or stinging sensation at each hair, more noticeable on sensitive areas. As it works on one follicle at a time, sessions can feel repetitive rather than intense.
We'd reach for: Cream, Advanced for sensitive areas.
The Senseless Selector
Not sure which to choose?
Answer three quick questions — treatment, skin and session length — and we'll point you to the format and strength we'd reach for.
Common questions
Does lip filler hurt?
Most people feel a sharp scratch and some pressure as the injections are placed. Most practitioners apply their own numbing beforehand, and a numbing agent is often mixed into the filler itself. The lip is sensitive, but the discomfort is brief.
Does Botox hurt?
Botox uses very fine needles, so most people describe a quick pinch or sting rather than real pain. Many manage without any numbing at all.
Does microblading hurt?
Most people feel light scratching and some pressure as the blade works through the brow.
Does lip blush hurt?
Lip blush is usually described as uncomfortable rather than painful — a scratching, tickling sensation as pigment is worked into the lip, with numbing applied throughout.
Does waxing hurt?
Waxing causes a brief, sharp sting as the strip is removed, strongest on sensitive areas and during the first few sessions. It fades quickly and many find it eases over time.
Does electrolysis hurt?
Electrolysis is often described as a brief heat or stinging sensation at each hair, more noticeable on sensitive areas. As it works on one follicle at a time, sessions can feel repetitive rather than intense.