Hi, i hope nobody minds me posting here but i know a little bit about hair removal.

Splitimage, have you investigated the cost of doing a small area of your face at a time? This is what i have done, as i've got no money. Also laser/IPL only works on dark hair and will take between 6 to 12 sessions to clear the hair.
Another way you could go is electrolysis, this is the only proven permanent hair removal method. Laser/IPL just hasn't been around long enough to be called permanent.
There is one more method you could try and that is Vaniqa cream. It not a hair removal cream, it suppresses hair growth by blocking an enzyme in the root. It's a bit hit and miss to whether it works or not and has to be continuously applied for hair reduction.
Good luck, i know how much of a pain hair removal is.
rainbow74