It would be great if there was an easy solution, but there isn’t. That’s why people pay the money they do for permanent removal. Because you get just that. If we could achieve a reduction that you’re hoping for with an epilator, we’d all be doing it. 
Ripping hair out with the root either doesn’t change anything or can stimulate the blood flow to the follicles and actually make the hair thicker. For you, it will be hard to tell since you are 19 and will be developing a lot more hair for hte next 6-7 years at least. I found that waxing was the best temporary method for me when I used to only have money for that. Shaving is good too, but only on areas that don’t have coarse dense hair for me. Thankfully, I only have to shave my legs now (which I will get laser on at some point too) and am very happy with my permanent results. Good luck.