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Header image for a review of the Lovehoney Excite Pleasure Balls

[Toy Review] Lovehoney Excite Pleasure Balls

Published on by Amy1 Comment

The first time I reviewed a set of pleasure balls (also known as kegel balls, ben-wa balls, or kegel exercisers,) I did a dive into the scientific literature concerning these are-they-a-sex-toy-or-are-they-a-wellness-product? Check that out if you’re interested in learning more. Today we’re looking at the Excite kegel balls from the Lovehoney Excite range.

Excite Pleasure Balls: Details

The Lovehoney Excite Pleasure Balls are two firm, connected balls coated in silicone. They have a long tail for easy removal, and each ball has a free-moving weight inside for added stimulation. The total weight is 73g. (If you’re looking for something a bit heavier, Lovehoney also offer the 90g “Main Squeeze” kegel balls, which I’m also a fan of.)

The purple Lovehoney Excite Pleasure Balls

The total insertable length is around 3 inches, and each ball is 1.4″ in diameter.

Lovehoney Kegel Balls: In Use

I’ve always found Lovehoney to be a good place to buy decent basic products at affordable prices, and these are no exception. The Excite Pleasure Balls are easy to insert and comfortable to wear, thanks to the smooth surface and soft silicone.

The purple Lovehoney Excite Pleasure Balls

The jiggle weights inside allow for subtle but noticeable stimulation, rolling around inside you as you move. Unlike some other kegel balls I’ve tried, these felt snug and secure once inside and I never feared they were going to fall out.

The silicone tail feels flimsy at first glance, but is actually extremely strong. So don’t worry about not being able to get the balls out again!

Pro Tips for Maximum Pleasure and Safety

  • Always use plenty of water-based lube.
  • Try leaving your Excite Pleasure Balls in while you do clitoral or anal play.
  • Wearing them out and about during the day can be super sexy and fun. But don’t try it with no practice! Start out using your kegel balls for no more than 10-15 minutes. You can always build up to longer periods of wear.
  • Sterilise your kegel balls between every use using the boil method.
  • Someone on Lovehoney recommended pulling them out (or having a partner pull them out) at the point of orgasm. I haven’t tried this, but imagine it could be fun!

Excite Pleasure Balls: Verdict

A solid and fun little toy for the price. Get yourself a set for £12.99 ($18.99 US) from Lovehoney.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the Excite Pleasure Balls to review. All views are, as always, my own. Affiliate links appear within this post.

Header image for a review of the Doxy Die Cast

[Toy Review] Doxy Die Cast

Published on by Amy3 Comments

I’ve been a pretty major Doxy fangirl ever since I received my first Doxy wand as a 25th birthday gift. (What can I say? Mr C&K is a keeper!) So naturally I wasn’t going to turn down the opportunity to review the Doxy Die Cast, the metal version of the iconic wand.

And holy fuck, y’all.

Doxy Die Cast Wand Massager: Details

Doxy, a British company based in Cornwall, launched in 2013 to be the UK’s answer to the famed Magic Wand, AKA the Hitachi. It’s safe to say they met and exceeded that goal, as Doxy products are now sold and renowned globally.

Doxy Die Cast wand massagers in a range of colours
Image: Doxy

The Doxy Die Cast is a large, mains-powered wand vibrator. Though similar in design to the Doxy Original, it differs in a few key ways. First, the body is made of metal, and specifically an aluminium/titanium alloy. Second, the head cover is made of a firm silicone. According to the manufacturer, the Doxy Die Cast wand vibrates at speeds of 3000-9000 RPM and offers 56% more intensity than the Doxy Original and 125% more than the Die Cast 3.

Is this the most powerful wand vibrator ever created? It might be.

The Doxy Die Cast measures 37 cm in length. It has a a head diameter of 6 cm, and weighs a hefty 690g. The cable is 3 metres (10 feet) long.

Mine came in a sturdy, zip-up case which is ideal for both transporting it and keeping it safe in storage. However, I believe this was limited edition and they’re now shipped with a storage bag instead. All Doxy products are non-waterproof.

Doxy Die Cast in pink poking out of a black storage bag
Image: Doxy

Doxy Die Cast Review: Why I Love This Wand So Much

The Doxy Die Cast is absurdly beautiful. I can’t stop looking at it. There are multiple colourways available, and occasional limited-edition special drops. You can also request a custom wand, if you like. Mine is purple and it’s the most gorgeously bright, vibrant colour.

The Doxy Die Cast Wand Massager in purple in its case

It has a simple three-button interface, with up/down speed controls. These buttons are easy to press and have LED lights, making them easy to see in low-light environments.

The Doxy Die Cast’s neck is slightly flexible for comfort and easy positioning, but not so flexible it’s impossible to get any decent pressure from it. I can press it firmly into my vulva without it moving annoyingly away.

Most importantly of all, of course, is the power. I could feel every one of those incredible 9000 RPM through the Doxy’s firm silicone head (and surprisingly few of them through the handle, which was a pleasant surprise!) It’s not only strong, but so deeply rumbly that the Doxy Die Cast can get me off through my clothing in a matter of minutes.

Not Just for Clits (And Other Pro Tips)

The Doxy Die Cast was designed with clitoral stimulation in mind, and it does a damn fine job of it. But why stop there? If you have a penis, vibrations can also be intensely pleasurable. Try holding the wand against the underside of your cock, or running it over your whole genital area.

You might also try…

  • …pairing it with a wand attachment, such as a penis stroker or a G-spot attachment
  • …pressing it against the base of a dildo or butt plug for intense internal stimulation
  • …using a wand mount to hold it in place. This can be particularly helpful if the Doxy Die Cast is too heavy for you to hold for long periods of time. For a makeshift version, stack a couple of pillows, put the wand on them, and straddle or lie on top of it. The pillows and your body weight will anchor it in place.

Get creative! There are always numerous ways to use a sex toy.

Doxy Die Cast: Verdict

I knew I was going to love this product, and I love it even more than I expected to. Ten thousand out of ten, Doxy. No notes.

The Doxy Die Cast is available from retailers such as Shevibe, Good Vibes, Babeland, Lovehoney US, Sex Toys UK, and The Pleasure Garden.

Affiliate links appear in this post. All views are mine.

Header image for a review of the Dame Arc vibrator

[Toy Review] Dame Arc Silicone G-Spot Vibrator

Published on by Amy

Sometimes, I unbox a toy and within two minutes I know exactly what my review is likely to say. I’ll sometimes be proven wrong in the course of the testing process but, well, I’ve been at this job a while now. More often than not, my first impressions are bang on. I opened up the Dame Arc Silicone G-Spot Vibrator and very quickly ascertained that my review was most likely going to say, “great shape, shit vibrations.”

Reader, I was not wrong.

Dame Arc: Details

The Dame Arc is a curved silicone vibrator with a ridged bulb tip, designed for G-spot stimulation. It is 7.5″ in total length and 4.5″ insertable. It’s waterproof, USB rechargeable via the included cable, and has a travel lock function.

The Dame Arc silicone G-spot vibrator

I hate this toy’s outer packaging! It comes in a white, pink and blue box with a line illustration of the toy, and frankly the aesthetic makes me think of a medical device. Not sexy. Unless that’s your kink, I guess.

The Dame Arc vibrator's external packaging. Picture by Lovehoney.

When you remove the outer sleeve, you find a plain pink box the same colour as the vibrator.

The Dame Arc comes in several colours including pink, purple, and ice blue. It comes with a drawstring storage pouch featuring the Dame Products logo. It is made of body-safe silicone, which is super soft and nice to handle. The toy’s body is rigid and it has very little “squish.”

Dame Arc Review: Great Shape

The shape of this toy is fantastic! It curves in exactly the right way to get that delicious come-hither motion against my G-spot, and the bulbed head is firm but not too hard.

The Dame Arc silicone G-spot vibrator

It’s comfortable to hold and easy to manipulate, with an ergonomic handle shape. The buttons are also sensibly placed on the underside of the curve (so they point upwards when the toy is inserted) and the controls are intuitive. There’s one on/off button that is also used to cycle between the 5 patterns, and up/down controls to control the 5 levels of intensity.

Dame Arc Review: Shit Vibrations

The Dame Arc’s vibrations are pretty pathetic.

Since I’m much more of a clitoral than a G-spot gal when it comes to vibrations, I decided to test this toy on my clit as well as internally. My clit was halfway to numb before I got anything approaching an orgasm out of it.

Obviously not everyone is into the kind of high-powered vibrations that I’m into, but in my anecdotal experience the overwhelming majority of people with vulvas would take stronger and rumblier vibrations over this weak, buzzy offering.

What I’m saying is: if you like gentle vibrations, sure, get this toy. (Except don’t because it’s a hundred fucking quid and a $25 equivalent will do the same thing.)

Verdict

Meh.

I’ll definitely be using this toy again, but I’ll leave it switched off and use it as a G-spot dildo. I highly doubt I’ll ever reach for it again for the vibrations.

The Dame Arc is also too expensive for what it is. You can get an excellent curved G-spot dildo for less than half the price, and the Queen of G-spot toys for only £30 more. There are both better and cheaper vibrators out there.

So yeah. I called it. Great shape, shit vibrations.

You can buy the Arc from retailers such as Good Vibes and Babeland, where it retails for $99.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the Dame Arc to review. All views, as always, my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.

A pink abstract flame icon on a pink background. Text reads: Lovehoney Ignite Bullet & Finger Vibrators

[Toy Review] Lovehoney Ignite Bullet Vibrator & Finger Vibrator

Published on by Amy1 Comment

One of the most common questions readers ask me is where they can get affordable, quality, body-safe sex toys. Many of the most well-known and respected brands are pretty pricey, and if you’re on a budget or new to toys, choosing products can be a minefield. That’s why Lovehoney created Ignite, a range of sex toys aimed at beginners and those on a budget. I received the Lovehoney Ignite Bullet Vibrator and Finger Vibrator to test and review.

Lovehoney Ignite Bullet: Details

The Lovehoney Ignite Bullet Vibrator in my hand

The Lovehoney Ignite Bullet is a classic mini bullet vibrator measuring 3.5″ in length and made of bright pink body-safe silicone. It is USB rechargeable, with two hours of charge giving you around 100 minutes of runtime, and waterproof. Extras include a travel-lock feature and a drawstring storage bag. Not bad for a £30 toy!

Lovehoney Ignite Bullet Review: In Use

The Lovehoney Ignite Bullet Vibrator offers a massive 20 different settings. This includes three constant speeds and 17 patterns. I found this more than a bit overkill because, let’s be real, people who like patterns are in the minority. However, this is a toy primarily for the entry-level market. If you’re new to toys, the Lovehoney Ignite Bullet’s sheer number of settings is a good way to experiment and learn what kind of vibrations you enjoy.

The single button interface is simple to use and the button itself is large, intuitively located on the base of the toy, and easy to press. For a toy with this many settings, though, it really needed dual directional controls.

The Lovehoney Ignite Desire Bullet

The Lovehoney Ignite Bullet Vibrator has some of the best vibrations I’ve found in toys I’ve reviewed at this price point. It packs far more intensity than I expected and the vibrations aren’t horribly buzzy, either.

You can use the vibrator side-on for broader vibrations, or use the tapered tip for more pinpoint stimulation. The small size and lightweight design also make it ideal for fitting between bodies to provide clitoral stimulation during penetrative sex, if that’s your thing.

It’s a little loud at the higher settings, but not egregiously so.

Ignite Bullet: Verdict

The Lovehoney Ignite Bullet Vibrator is a serviceable basic toy with a decent motor at an entry-level, budget-friendly price point.

Get it for £34.99 from Lovehoney UK or $36.99 from Lovehoney US.

Lovehoney Ignite Finger Vibrator: Details

The second Lovehoney Ignite toy I received to review was the Ignite Finger Vibrator.

This tiny toy measures barely 3″ in total length and design to be worn on your finger like a ring. The main body is shaped like a teardrop and tapers to a soft point.

The Lovehoney Ignite Finger Vibrator on my hand

Like the Ignite Bullet, the Lovehoney Ignite Finger Vibrator is waterproof, USB rechargeable, and has a travel lock. It also comes with a storage bag. It’s also made of the same body-safe silicone as everything in the range.

Lovehoney Ignite Finger Vibrator Review: In Use

Because the Lovehoney Ignite Finger Vibrator is so tiny and light, it could work well for people who find it difficult to use large or heavy toys. The small size makes it easy to fit between bodies for clitoral stimulation during penetrative sex. It’s also a travel-friendly option!

The Lovehoney Ignite Finger Vibe is definitely made for people with small hands. I have smaller than average hands, and it’s very snug on my index, middle, and ring fingers. People with larger hands or thicker fingers will find this toy either uncomfortable or impossible to wear.

The Lovehoney Ignite Finger Vibrator

The button placement is also weird. It’s a single-button interface, and the button is on the base of the toy. This means that whichever finger you wear it on, you have to curl your thumb under at an awkward angle to change the setting. It would have made much more sense to place the button on the front of the toy, where the charging port and Lovehoney insignia are.

The Ignite Finger Vibrator features the same 20 settings (three constant speeds and 17 patterns) as the Ignite Bullet.

While I was pleasantly surprised by the Ignite Bullet’s motor, the Ignite Finger Vibrator was disappointing. I’m not sure if the problem is the motor itself or its placement. Possibly a bit of both! Either way, the Lovehoney Ignite Finger Vibrators’s weak, buzzy, numbing motor make this one a miss.

Ignite Finger Vibrator: Verdict

After writing such a positive review of the Lovehoney Ignite Bullet, I expected to have more positive things to say about the Ignite Finger Vibrator. Unfortunately, its poor motor, bad button location, and tiny finger loop mean this one is a nope from me.

The Ignite Finger Vibe retails for £32.99 from Lovehoney UK and $44.99 from Lovehoney US.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the Ignite Finger Vibrator and Bullet Vibrator to review. All views, as always, are my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Header image for a review of the Womanizer Starlet

[Toy Review] Womanizer Starlet

Published on by Amy

People often ask me which clitoral suction toy they should start with if they’ve never tried one before and aren’t sure if they will like it. The Womanizer Starlet is one of the more affordable products in the Womanizer range, so I thought I’d test and review it for you all.

Womanizer Starlet Review: Details

The Womanizer Starlet is part of Womanizer’s range of PleasureAir stimulators. These toys stimulate the clitoris via gentle suction and rapid pulses of air through a nozzle. The Starlet (not to be confused with the Starlet 2 or Starlet 3) is by far the smallest.

The Womanizer Starlet Clitoral Stimulator

In fact, the Starlet measures only 3.5″ in total length. Yes, that’s the whole toy!

It is USB rechargeable, but you only get around 30 minutes run time on a full charge. This is a significantly shorter battery life than other toys in the Womanizer range. The Starlet is also splashproof, rather than truly waterproof. It has only 4 speed settings (some Womanizer products have as many as 12, plus separate vibrating functions.)

In other words, the Womanizer Starlet is a pared-down and simplified version of Womanizer’s signature design in more ways than just size.

The Womanizer Starlet, like all products in the Womanizer range, features a silicone nozzle. Its body is made of ABS plastic.

Womanizer Starlet In Use

I was immediately impressed with the Womanizer Starlet when I started the testing and review process. The beauty of this pared-down version is that it does its job, and does it well, without any gimmicks or unnecessary extras.

The Womanizer Starlet Clitoral Stimulator

I found the four power settings more than enough to provide a good range of sensations and intensities. The Starlet’s highest setting felt no less powerful than that of some higher-priced Womanizer toys I’ve reviewed. I actually appreciated only having 4 settings to scroll through to find the one I liked, rather than having to click through 8 or 10 or 12. Toy manufacturers, take note: more isn’t always better!

Other Things I Liked About This Product

The Starlet is, perhaps unsurprisingly, very light. This makes it accessible for those who struggle to hold or manipulate heavier and bulkier toys.

The shape is also well designed. The suction nozzle sticks out far enough from the main body of the toy that it’s easy to angle and hold in place against my body. This is a big deal; too many suction toys are poorly designed in this regard, meaning that you need to hold them really awkwardly to get them to properly make contact with the clit.

The Womanizer Starlet Clitoral Stimulator

The Starlet’s single button interface, located at the base of the body, is easy to press and large enough to locate without looking. For once, I’m not even going to complain about the lack of up and down controls. Honestly, with just four settings they’re not really necessary.

Womanizer Starlet Review: Verdict

Small but mighty! I’m super impressed with the Womanizer Starlet. Retailing for £69.99/$79.99, it’s a great entry-level addition to the Womanizer range. Perfect if you’re on a budget or just want to see if you like the sensation before investing in a pricier toy.

The Starlet is easy, intuitive, and comfortable to use. I found the sensations every bit as satisfying as those provided by much larger and more expensive models. In fact, the only significant complaint I can find is the less than stellar battery life.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the Womanizer Starlet to review. All opinions are, as always, my own. Affiliate links feature in this post.

Header image for a review of the Lovehoney Sensual Beaded Glass Dildo

[Toy Review] Lovehoney Sensual Beaded Glass Dildo

Published on by Amy

It’s time for another glass dildo review! I love glass toys and they’re amongst the most affordable types of body-safe sex toys. Let’s take a look at Lovehoney’s beaded and gently curved glass dildo.

Lovehoney Beaded and Curved Glass Dildo: Details

The Lovehoney Sensual Beaded Glass Dildo

The Lovehoney Beaded Glass Dildo is a gently curved, handblown glass dildo. It’s made up of 6 pronounced bulbs which get progressively larger from top to bottom. It measures 9″ in total length and 7″ in insertable length. The widest point of the insertable shaft is 1.35″.

These dimensions might not sound huge, but remember that glass is completely rigid. Unlike materials such as silicone, it has no give at all. Therefore you’ll want to make sure you’re properly warmed up before using a glass dildo.

Just to clear up something you’re probably wondering if you’re new to my glass dildo reviews: yes, glass toys are body-safe! It is non-toxic and non-porous. Borosilicate glass, the kind most commonly used for glass sex toys, is the same stuff that glass cookware is made of, and it’s pretty tough. Your glass dildo is not going to break inside you. However, if you drop it on a hard floor, you should retire it as there might be hairline cracks you can’t see.

The Lovehoney Sensual Beaded Glass Dildo

Lovehoney Beaded Glass Dildo Review: In Use

I’ve found that I need to work up to this toy, starting out with either fingers or a smaller and softer dildo. I have also learned that, for me at least, glass dildos aren’t ideal for thrusting. Instead, I prefer to use them to create a feeling of pressure against my G-spot, either holding the dildo still or gently wiggling it once it’s inserted.

I love the beaded and curved design of this dildo. The curve is perfect for reaching my G-spot, and the graded bead sizes allow for comfortable insertion and a gradual build-up. The beads also stimulate the sensitive nerves around the vaginal opening.

Other Fun Ways to Use Your Glass Toy

  • If you enjoy internal vibrations, either vaginally or anally, press a powerful vibrator against the base of your glass dildo when it’s inside you. The glass will transmit the vibrations directly to your G-spot or prostate.
  • Glass dildos are made for temperature play! Pop your dildo in the fridge for 20 minutes before play, or run it under warm (not hot!) water for a minute or two.
The Lovehoney Sensual Beaded Glass Dildo

The Lovehoney beaded glass dildo is also suitable for anal use (just leave the last one or two beads outside for easy retrieval.) Remember: lube is even more important than usual with rigid toys, whether you’re using them vaginally or anally.

Beaded Glass Dildo Review: Verdict

I love this dildo. Great design, body-safe, and retailing at a ridiculously affordable £34.99/$39.99, I thoroughly recommend it.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this glass dildo to test and review. All views, as always, are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Header for a review of the Lovehoney Pure Pleasure Sensual Glass Butt Plug

[Toy Review] Lovehoney Pure Pleasure Sensual Glass Butt Plug

Published on by Amy

I love a glass sex toy! Ever since I first held a glass dildo in my hands at a fetish market sometime circa 2010 and knew I just had to buy it, I’ve had a huge thing for them. Glass is brilliant for a number of reasons. It’s body-safe (more on that in a minute). It’s rigid, unyeilding and just insistent. And it’s just so pretty! So it was lovely to find the Pure Pleasure Sensual Glass Butt Plug in my package of Masturbation Month goodies from Lovehoney, and I thought it’d be fun to review it for you all.

The Lovehoney Pure Pleasure Sensual Glass Butt Plug

Lovehoney Pure Pleasure Plug: Details

The Lovehoney Pure Pleasure Plug is a classic glass butt plug. It’s smooth, gently tapered, and has a good sized flared base (which is very important for anything going in your butt!)

The Pure Pleasure Plug is 4.5 inches in length, of which just over 4 inches are insertable. It is made of clear glass and has the Lovehoney heart insignia stamped on the base.

The Lovehoney Pure Pleasure Sensual Glass Butt Plug

It also comes with a little black velvety storage pouch with a pink drawstring. This is both cute and helps to keep your toy safe in storage.

Are Glass Sex Toys Safe?

Yes!

Glass sex toys are made of borosilicate glass, which is annealed to make it very tough and hardwearing. The chances of your glass butt plug breaking in use are near zero.

If you drop it on a hard surface, though, you should retire it – even if it looks fine. This can damage the glass in ways that aren’t immediately visible, compromising its safety.

Clean your Pure Pleasure Plug with warm water and gentle soap, a sterile medical wipe, or a 10% bleach solution. I’m squeamish about sharing anal toys, but it is safe to do so as long as you completely sterilise it between users. The Pure Pleasure Plug is condom-compatible.

Lovehoney Pure Pleasure Glass Butt Plug Review: In Use

I love this plug.

Let me clarify: I need to be warmed up well in order to comfortably use this plug. It works best after I’ve used a smaller plug in a softer material like silicone, been well warmed up with fingers, or had a clitoral orgasm already.

The Lovehoney Pure Pleasure Sensual Glass Butt Plug

Glass toys have no give at all. Some people find them uncomfortable for this reason. Those of us who love them tend to enjoy the challenge of taking a solid, unyeilding toy.

As glass plugs go, the Lovehoney Pure Pleasure butt plug is pretty comfy! The gentle taper makes insertion comfortable and means that nothing digs in anywhere it shouldn’t.

This is definitely a “play plug” for me. It’s too heavy and too solid to be practical for wearing for longer periods of time while I go about my day. A silicone plug works better for that purpose.

Some Fun Things to Try with Your Pure Pleasure Plug

One of the fun things about glass toys like the Lovehoney Pure Pleasure butt plug is that they can be used for temperature play. You can cool your glass butt plug by popping it in the fridge for 20 minutes before play, or warm it by running it under warm (NOT hot) water for a few moments.

I also enjoy the way that glass conducts vibrations. If you enjoy vibrations, try pressing a wand or other powerful vibrator against the base of your plug when it’s inside you. This is particularly pleasurable for many people with prostates, but can be enjoyed by anyone! People with vulvas may find that this indirectly stimulates the G-spot, which can be super hot.

Lovehoney Glass Butt Plug Review: Verdict

This is a great little plug for the price! The Pure Pleasure Sensual Glass Butt Plug retails for just £19.99/$24.99 at Lovehoney. Don’t forget to grab some good quality lube to go with it!

I’m partnering with Lovehoney, who kindly sent me the Pure Pleasure Sensual Glass Butt Plug to review, to bring you #MasturbationMay content all month long! Shopping through the affiliate links in this post supports my work at no extra cost to you. All views, as ever, are my own.

Header image for a review of Bliss Orgasm Balm

[Better Sex Products Review] Lovehoney Bliss Orgasm Balm

Published on by Amy4 Comments

Pleasure can be far from simple. Some people find it difficult to orgasm, experience pain or discomfort during sex, or struggle to get aroused. There can be all kinds of reasons behind these challenges, from physical or mental health problems to relationship issues to sexual shame, and more. Sometimes there’s no discernible reason behind it. Some people experience difficulties sometimes but not all the time. And some find sex easy and enjoyable, but still want to experience even more pleasure. Whatever your story, there are lots of reasons you might want to try a pleasure enhancer like Lovehoney’s Bliss Balm, which I just received to test and review.

Lovehoney Bliss Orgasm Balm

Products like this are not a substitute for professional advice or support if you’re having sexual difficulties. However, they can be one tool in your toolbox for enhancing arousal, experiencing more pleasure, and enjoying your body more completely.

What is Lovehoney Bliss Balm?

Bliss by Lovehoney is a topical pleasure balm designed to increase sensitivity when applied to the clitoris and vulva. Bliss is infused with peppermint, menthol, and essential oils. As natural vasodilators, menthol and mint encourage blood flow to the area, heightening sensitivity. They also produce a cooling, tingling sensation which some people find enjoyable.

It comes in a small, heart-shaped tin. The balm itself is white in colour and has a creamy consistency that melts with the warmth of your fingers.

Lovehoney Bliss Orgasm Balm

Is Bliss Balm Body-Safe?

To answer this question, I took a closer look at the ingredients of Lovehoney Bliss Balm.

  • Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil: A natural oil commonly used in cosmetics, make-up and skincare products. It has been shown to have beneficial properties for the skin and is considered safe.
  • Hydrogenated Olive Oil (and) Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil: We all know olive oil has health benefits when used in food, but it is also a common ingredient in skincare and cosmetics. SpecialChem reports that it is safe for topical use in concentrations up to 5%.
  • Hydrogenated Jojoba was: Jojoba oil and jojoba wax were investigated by the International Journal of Toxicology and proven safe for cosmetic use. (Warning: link contains mentions of animal testing.)
  • Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter): A common natural ingredient in skincare and cosmetic products. The Cosmetic Ingredients Review investigated shea butter and found it to be safe.
  • Menthol: Menthol is prized for its distinctive minty fragrance and the cooling sensation it creates on the skin. The FDA has found it to be safe for these purposes and also in food.
  • Tocopherol: Tocopherol is a form of Vitamin E, typically derived from vegetable oils. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review and International Journal of Toxicology concluded that it is safe for topical use.
  • Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil: An essential oil derived from the peppermint plant, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review determined that peppermint oil is safe as long as the concentration of the compound pulegone does not exceed 1%.

Unless you’re allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients, Lovehoney Bliss Balm is perfectly safe to use. Since Bliss is an oil-based product, don’t use it with condoms or other barriers—oils can degrade the materials, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the risk of a breakage.

Lovehoney Bliss is only suitable for external use. Getting a little bit in your vagina or butt probably won’t do you any harm, but don’t put it up there deliberately. Wash it off your hands before doing any penetrative play.

Lovehoney Bliss Review: In Use

You may look at this tiny tin of Bliss clitoral balm and think it seems like a tiny amount for the money. But you only need a little bit to enjoy the effects. One tin of this stuff actually lasts me several months.

To start using Bliss pleasure balm, simply dab a small amount onto your fingers and massage into your vulva clitoral area. You can do this when you’re already aroused and looking to intensify pleasure or orgasm, or you can do it in advance to get blood flowing and nerves tingling as a precursor to sex or masturbation. If you like, you can also use Bliss Balm alongside your usual water-based lube.

If you’ve ever used “cooling” or “tingling” lube (or put toothpaste on your genital area, which is something I don’t recommend but that a lot of people do), you’ll recognise this as a similar sensation. I find that Lovehoney Bliss Balm starts out feeling cool and tingly, and then the initial intensity fades into a higher than usual level of clitoral sensitivity.

I find that Bliss Balm helps to make clitoral touch more enjoyable and make my orgasms stronger. It can also sometimes make it easier to get there on days when I’m less sensitive.

The sensation this balm provides can be pretty intense, so start off with less than you think you’ll need. If you want a more intense sensation or aren’t getting the desired effect, you can always add more. I find it lasts well, but if you’re playing for a while then you may need to top it up.

A bonus pro tip: if your partner is okay with the taste of mint, apply a little Bliss balm to your vulva before they go down on you.

Does Clitoral Pleasure Balm Like Lovehoney Bliss Work?

This is a difficult question to answer, because the true but possibly unhelpful answers are “it depends on your body” and “it depends on what we mean by ‘work'”.

Is it a miracle cure? No.

If you struggle to orgasm, don’t expect a pleasure balm to be a cure-all. Orgasm is, unfortunately, much more complicated than that and many sexual challenges are far more complex than a single product can solve. There are many things you can try and interventions that might be able to help you. Depending on your particular issue and context, you may need to work on overcoming shame, strengthening communication with your partner(s), or learning more about your sexual desires. In some situations, medical attention or psychosexual therapy may be appropriate.

However, for many people, the ingredients in pleasure enhancers like Lovehoney Bliss work by heightening sensitivity, adding a new sensation, and boosting arousal both prior to and during sex. I also suspect there may be a placebo affect at play for some people. If you expect the balm to help, you might feel more relaxed and less stressed, which ultimately makes it easier to enjoy sex or reach orgasm.

It’s not a magic bullet for pleasure or orgasm challenges, but one potential supportive add-on. And, of course, it’s damn good fun to use even if you don’t have any difficulties you’re trying to overcome.

Verdict

I’m a convert. I love using Lovehoney Bliss Balm for the enhanced sensitivity it offers, the fun tingly sensations it provides, and the extra helping hand it gives me in enjoying sex on low-sensitivity days.

At just £9.99 from Lovehoney UK or $12.99 from Lovehoney US for a 20g tin (which will last you ages) it’s a steal. Throw some in your next Lovehoney order!

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me a sample of Bliss Balm to review. All views are, as always, mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Suggestive image of a woman's fingers caressing an orange. Text reads: is masturbation cheating? No, and here's why not.

Is Masturbation Cheating? No, And Here’s Why Not

Published on by Amy3 Comments

“Is masturbation cheating?” is a question that comes up surprisingly frequently. A lot of people carry tremendous guilt about masturbating, especially if they are in a relationship, while others feel betrayed by their partner’s solo sex habits and view masturbating as a form of cheating.

What is Cheating, Anyway?

Before we can dismantle the idea that masturbation is cheating, we first need to understand what “cheating” or infidelity actually is.

In most monogamous relationships, cheating is defined along the lines of “doing sexual or romantic things with someone who isn’t your partner.” Of course, this doesn’t hold up for those of us who are polyamorous or in open relationships. In those relationships, doing sexual or romantic things with multiple people is the entire point. However, it’s still possible to commit infidelity, betray a partner, or cheat in polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships.

Broadly speaking, my working definition of cheating is knowingly and willfully breaking the agreements of your relationship in order to engage sexually or romantically with another person without your partner’s knowledge and/or consent.

Masturbating Cannot Be Cheating Because You Can’t Cheat On Your Partner With Yourself

Masturbation is solo sex, or something that you do alone and with your own body. By definition, therefore, masturbation cannot be cheating because it does not involve a third party. You cannot cheat on your partner with yourself.

If touching your own body is cheating, then is taking yourself on a dinner date to a restaurant cheating? After all, you presumably go on dates with your partner. If this argument sounds ludicrous, it’s because the idea that masturbation is cheating is equally nonsensical.

Again: you cannot cheat on someone with yourself.

Is Masturbation Cheating if My Partner is Masturbating All the Time Instead of Having Sex With Me?

It’s true that, in occasional outlying circumstances, a person’s masturbation habits can become compulsive to the point that they interfere with partnered sex. However, this isn’t super common and regular masturbation doesn’t normally have a negative impact on sexual desire for a partner. But even if this is what’s happening, the answer to the question of whether masturbating instead of having sex with a partner is cheating is still no.

Sexual incompatibilities in a relationship can be hard, but they’re a thousand times harder when you don’t talk about them. If you’re dissatisfied with the sexual relationship you have with your partner, you need to have a conversation. You might need to work on increasing intimacy in your relationship, get outside support such as therapy, renegotiate the terms of your relationship, or end it. But it’s still not cheating.

Your partner doesn’t owe you sex, and their right to a solo sex life is not contingent on their providing you with sexual access to them. Forbidding your partner to masturbate might seem like an easy answer if you’re not getting your sexual needs met, but it’s never okay to infringe on your partner’s bodily autonomy in this way. It also won’t actually solve the problem because, in all but the most extreme cases, the chances are that your partner’s lack of interest in sex has little or nothing to do with their masturbation habits.

Is Masturbation Cheating If I Hide It?

No.

Your partner doesn’t need to know about everything you do that doesn’t impact them directly. This includes solo sex. Masturbating privately is not cheating.

Of course, I believe that partners should be able to talk openly about sex, including masturbation. But this doesn’t mean that you need to tell your partner every time you do it, or even specifically notify them that you masturbate at all. The overwhelming majority of people masturbate. We should all probably just assume that our partners are getting themselves off sometimes and that it’s not a big deal.

People in relationships are still allowed privacy, and that privacy extends to masturbation.

Is Masturbation Cheating if I Watch Porn or Fantasise?

Still no.

I understand that people can have strong opinions about porn and other erotic media. And I can understand wanting to be with someone whose views on the subject align with yours. However, I still firmly believe that, as long as you’re using it mindfully, consuming porn or erotica can be a part of a healthy solo sex life that has no negative impact on your relationship whatsoever.

And by the way: porn is not an addiction. Neither is using a sex toy. Neither is masturbation.

Similarly, fantasising is not a problem and having fantasies while masturbating does not constitute cheating. Most of us find people other than our partners attractive or have sexual fantasies that don’t involve our current partners at least occasionally. Fantasy is fantasy, and does not equate to action. Simply put: masturbation to sexual fantasies is still not cheating.

Your Body Belongs To You

You have an absolute, inalienable right to bodily autonomy. Your body belongs to you and nobody else. Always.

And yes, this applies even in a 24/7 Dominant/submissive relationship. You might consensually agree to play with things like chastity or orgasm control because they’re fun, but even a submissive partner can always take back control, renegotiate, or withdraw consent at any time. If you can’t do this then you don’t have a relationship, you have a hostage situation.

You have the right to do what you like with and to your own body. And that includes the right to engage in a sexual relationship with yourself. Even if you’ve agreed to be monogamous, your partner does not own your sexuality. Masturbation is not cheating and you have a right to do it if you want to. Trying to control you to that extent, or limit the ways you can engage privately with your own body, is a major red flag or abuse or coercive control.

Lovehoney Glass Heart Dildo Review header featuring cupped hands holding a red heart

[Toy Review] Lovehoney Beaded Heart Glass Dildo

Published on by Amy

The Lovehoney team recently sent out very sweet lockdown care packages to their affiliates filled with toys and self-care treats to pass the time during this incredibly challenging and stressful period. One of the included items was the super-cute Lovehoney Beaded Heart Glass Dildo. Since I can’t leave my house and have nothing else to do, I thought I’d tell you all about it.

The Lovehoney Beaded Glass Heart Dildo

Lovehoney Beaded Glass Heart Dildo

The Lovehoney Beaded Glass Heart Dildo

The Lovehoney Beaded Glass Heart Dildo measures 8″ in total length and 6″ in insertable length. At its widest point the diameter is 1.4″. Glass toys tend to be heavy, and this one weighs in at a fairly hefty 310g.

This toy is super pretty. I love the aesthetic of glass toys, and the pink heart handle with the Lovehoney heart insignia stamped on it adds a cute femme touch to this one. I’m sure they’d sell even more if it came in different colour options! It also comes with a drawstring storage bag, which is useful for preventing glass toys from getting dinged in storage.

Are Glass Dildos Body-Safe?

Yep!

Properly made glass sex toys are made from annealed borosilicate glass. This type of glass is non-toxic and non-porous. It’s the same stuff glass cookware is made from! This type of glass is hard-wearing and sturdy, and there’s virtually no risk of it breaking inside your body. Promise!

The Lovehoney Beaded Glass Heart Dildo

A couple of caveats to be aware of:

Be careful how you store your Lovehoney Beaded Glass Heart Dildo, because it could break if you drop it or put something heavy on top of it. If you accidentally drop a glass toy on a hard surface, I advise retiring it even if it looks fine. There could be fractures in the glass which you can’t see but which compromise its integrity. And please, please do not use any glass items as sex toys that were not designed for that purpose.

You can use any type of body-safe lube with a glass toy, and clean it with soap and warm water or a body-safe sterile wipe.

Lovehoney Beaded Glass Heart Dildo: In Use

The heart at the top of the Beaded Glass Heart Dildo doesn’t just look pretty. It also makes a convenient handle for ease of use.

The Lovehoney Beaded Glass Heart Dildo

If you struggle with heavy toys, it’s worth bearing the weight of this one in mind. It was fine for me, but some people might find the heft of a large glass toy difficult.

I love the unyielding rigidity of glass, and the ridges along the Beaded Glass Heart Dildo’s shaft feel amazing. The bulbous head at the end is great for pressure against the G-spot, though I would have preferred it to have a little more of a curve for easier G-spot targeting.

This isn’t a dildo I can thrust with. Between the intensity of glass and the beads, it becomes uncomfortable very quickly. Instead, I like to get it into the right position and then just gently wiggle it or apply pressure.

Glass dildos are also ideal for temperature-based play! Pop your Glass Heart Dildo in the fridge for 20 minutes before using it, or run it under some warm (not hot!) water. The change in temperature wakes your nerves up and makes the sensations extra intense.

Verdict

I love the Lovehoney Beaded Glass Heart Dildo! Glass toys are consistently popular for a reason, and the Beaded Glass Heart Dildo delivers in both design and usability.

This toy retails for £32.99 from Lovehoney UK and $42.99 from Lovehoney US.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this product. All views and writing are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.