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Why Is Everyone So Obsessed with Rose Toys?

Published on March 10, 2023March 10, 2023 by AmyLeave a comment

Chances are, if you’re familiar with the sex toy industry or have spent any time in sex positive spaces online in the last couple of years, you’ll have come across rose toys. Perhaps you’ve seen a company advertising them, an influencer gushing about them on social media, or a friend has told you about how much they love theirs.

But what exactly are rose sex toys, where did they come from, and just why are they so popular?

It Began on TikTok

I don’t really use or understand TikTok, mostly because I am over 30 and get overwhelmed easily. Therefore, I only became aware of this particular viral sensation when it spread out onto other platforms such as Twitter. I kept seeing people talking about this “rose toy for women”, so obviously I had to check it out and see what all the fuss was about.

The rose sex toys craze seemingly began sometime in early 2021. In one viral TikTok clip dated 4 May 2021, which has over 631,000 likes at the time of writing, user @_queenk_95 claims to have reached orgasm in 30 seconds with her rose adult toy. Her enthusiastic commenters agree. “WARNING USE AT UR OWN RISK YOULL NEVER BE THE SAME” [sic] one commenter claims. “My legs shot out like one of those little goats that get paralyzed when they’re scared,” says another.

Needless to say, this and similar videos had users rushing to try the toy in their droves. The TikTok rose toy trend is probably one of the biggest pop culture moments in sex toys since an infamous scene from a Sex & the City episode led to many stores selling out of rabbit vibrators in the late 1990s.

“Rose Toys” Aren’t Just One Thing

The original “rose toy” that took TikTok by storm seems to have been a rose-shaped clitoral suction stimulator from Amazon. However, even a quick search for “rose sex toy” brings up over 1000 results on Amazon’s US site alone, so I think it’s safe to assume that not everyone who posted about the “rose” was referring to the exact same model.

I also really don’t recommend buying sex toys from Amazon. In a broadly unregulated industry, the chances of getting a mislabeled knock-off product (which may not even be safe) are too high.

Fortunately, there are now numerous reputable sex toy retailers selling rose sex toys, and they come in many different variations. The majority of rose toys are still based around clitoral suction, but they vary in exact shape and design, size, level of power, settings, controls, and so on. There are also versions with protruding tongues designed to simulate oral sex, versions with G-spot vibrators attached, remote control versions, and more.

In other words, the world of rose sex toys is now a vast one thanks to their explosion in popularity. So if they appeal to you, you’ve got a good chance of finding one you like.

Sex Toys That Don’t Look Like Sex Toys

For as long as there’s been a sex toy industry, there has been a market for toys that do not immediately look like what they are. From the classic lipstick and rubber duck vibrators, through to modern toys that look like little penguins and the glass, ceramic, or steel constructions that look like works of art, there’s a sex toy to meet every preference.

There are probably a few reasons behind this. Many people, unfortunately, still feel embarrassed about using toys (sex toy usage has become far less taboo in recent years but many people still aren’t comfortable with having a toy out in the open). Discreet toys are also easier to pop in your bag—or take through airport security—without worrying about someone seeing them. Then, of course, there’s the sheer aesthetic value of some toys.

The famous rose toys are no different. They don’t immediately scream “VIBRATOR” to the uninitiated, and one of the most endearing things about them is that they’re really, really pretty. As a femme, I really love pretty things and flowers, so an attractive sex toy that looks cute on my nightstand is an instant win. It’s easy to see why their aesthetic alone has helped rose flower toys grow in popularity.

A Cute Gift

Opinions on whether you should give sex toys as gifts differ. There are situations where you definitely shouldn’t (workplace Secret Santa, yes I have seen this happen) and situations where it’s maybe okay (a very close friend with whom you have that kind of open and frank relationship.) In the context of an existing sexual relationship where you know the other person’s body and preferences reasonably well, though, I’m all for it!

A rose toy could be a great gift for the flower-loving femme in your life. It’s an imaginative and sexy twist on a traditional gift, and will bring pleasure that lasts a lot longer.

The Obvious: They Feel Amazing

Having tried a number of rose toys at this point, I’ve had somewhat mixed but overwhelmingly positive to very positive experiences with them. As they’re primarily based on clitoral suction, rose toys deliver focused clitoral stimulation via pulses of air, which offers intense pleasure without any of the numbing effect you can get from poor-quality buzzy vibrators.

Everyone’s experience is different, of course, but many users say that clitoral suction toys such as rose toys help them to orgasm more quickly, more reliably, and more intensely than any other type of stimulation.

Today’s post was sponsored by the good folks at OOTYEMO, an online sex shop offering numerous different iterations of the rose toy as well as many other products. All writing and views are, as always, my own.

Header image for review of the CurrentBody French Lover tongue vibrator

[Toy Review] CurrentBody Smile Makers French Lover

Published on March 3, 2023March 3, 2023 by AmyLeave a comment

As you’ll know if you’ve been reading this site for a while, I’ve tried a number of “tongue vibrators” over the years, and I’ve had mixed experienced with them. Though they (along with clitoral suction toys) are generally billed as “oral sex simulators”, I have never yet found one that actually felt like receiving cunnilingus from a partner and I am fast coming to the conclusion that that particular sensation is impossible to replicate with a toy. But that’s not to say they don’t have their merits even so! This week, I received the French Lover tongue vibrator from the CurrentBody “Smile Makers” line.

CurrentBody French Lover

The CurrentBody Smile Makers French Lover measures 6″ in total length, of which the last 2″ consists of a thin, flat, and flexible “tongue.” This tongue flutters rapidly when the toy is switched on.

The French Lover came attractively packaged in a blue and white box (with a picture of the Eiffel Tower on it, naturally). It’s battery-operated, which is not typically my preference, but only requires one AA battery which gives you around 4 hours of runtime, so I can’t complain.

The French Lover is fully waterproof, and made of body-safe and non-porous silicone in a pretty sky blue colour.

Controls & Settings

The CurrentBody French Lover operates on a simple single-button interface. The large button, located on the base of the toy, is easy to press and satisfyingly clicky.

This toy offers four steady vibration speeds and two pulse modes, and you can scroll though all of them just by pushing the button. I’m glad the toy’s designers haven’t overloaded it with patterns, as these tend to be pretty lacklustre and I hardly know anyone who actually uses them.

In Use

“Almost like the real thing… mimics the feeling of oral sex,” the product copy claims. No it doesn’t, on either count, and I really wish toy manufacturers would stop claiming this about their products. It feels good, though, and falsely claiming it is in any way comparable to a specific sex act with a human partner is just utterly unnecessary. Toys provide different sensations than partners, and that’s one of the main reasons most of us use them.

That industry marketing annoyance aside, though, I actually think the CurrentBody French Lover is an excellent toy. The thin and flexy “tongue” is a unique touch (most of the tongue vibrators I’ve tried have been much firmer) and the vibrations are strong enough to be satisfying.

The flickering sensation reminds me of the Fun Factory Volta and the Satisfyer Power Flower, except – because of the wide and flat design of the French Lover’s tongue – spread out over a wider area. Of course, if you prefer more pinpoint stimulation, you can turn it on its side and use one edge of the tongue only.

Though it’s designed for clits, the French Lover can be used on almost any external erogenous zones. It works particularly well on nipples, and on the head of a penis!

Unusually, I actually prefer this toy on the first couple of settings. At these lower levels of power, you can feel more of the fluttering sensation that is (in my opinion) this toy’s best feature. On the higher settings, it felt much more like a standard buzzy vibrator, which doesn’t usually do it for me. Even more unusually, I actually quite like the two pulsing settings!

This is the perfect toy for a gentle teasing start that leads to a slow-build climax.

The French Lover is not “silent” (there’s no such thing as a truly silent vibrator) but it is unobtrusively quiet, which is nice.

Verdict

As soon as I saw the CurrentBody French Lover, I had a feeling I was going to enjoy it. That hunch proved correct; this is a fantastic product that offers a very different experience to many of my “get off and get on with my day” go-tos. I suspect this one is going to become a part of my regular rotation of toys.

The CurrentBody French Lover retails for $52 on the US site, and £50 on the UK site.

Thanks to CurrentBody for sending me this product to review. Affiliate links appear within this post and all views are, as always, entirely my own.

Header image for Veronica Play Date post about sex toys I want to try in 2023

Five Types of Sex Toy I Really Want to Try in 2023

Published on December 21, 2022December 21, 2022 by AmyLeave a comment

When I tell people that I review sex toys for a living, they tend to assume that I’ve tried every type of toy known to humanity. And it’s true that I have tried a lot of different toys, from vibrators and clitoral suction toys to strokers, butt plugs, and all manner of kink paraphernalia. But even now, there’s also a lot of things I haven’t tried, either because I haven’t had the opportunity or because I just wasn’t aware until recently that they existed.

Inspired by my new friends at Veronica Play Date, here are five types of sex toys I’m hoping to try in 2023!

Waterslyde Aquatic Stimulator

I first became intrigued by this one when I read a review of it by the incomparable Kate Sloan. Essentially, you attach it to the taps on your bathtub and it directs the water towards your clit or any other body part you care to position under it.

I’m not sure entirely how practical this one will be for me, for two reasons: first, my bathtub has its taps in the middle rather than at the end, which seems like it could be logistically challenging. Second, my bath has two separate taps for hot and cold, and I feel like that might make it hard to get a consistent pleasant temperature from the water.

But practical issues aside, God I want to try this! Maybe I’ll get one next time I’m staying in a hotel with a tub or something.

Ride-On Sex Machine

The answer to why I’ve never tried one of these is simple: they’re expensive as hell. For most of us, spending $2000-$4000 on a sex toy isn’t even remotely accessible, let alone one that we may or may not like. So I live in hope that I’ll get invited to a play party where there’s one of these so that I have the opportunity to try one at least once.

B-Vibe’s Cowgirl is perhaps the most famous example currently on the market, and I’m absolutely obsessed with this unicorn variation!

Combined Suction and Tongue Toy

Fantasy For Her Ultimate Pleasure Pro from Pipedream

I’ve been curious about these ever since I wrote marketing copy about one of them for a client. The Fantasy For Her Ultimate Pleasure Pro (I hate the name, but you can’t have everything) is the version I see the most often, though there are other iterations on a similar theme.

Essentially, these toys combine suction of the kind you’d get from a pussy pump with a flicking tongue action designed to mimic cunnilingus. I’m endlessly curious about toys that claim to feel like receiving oral sex, because thus far not a single one that claims this has managed it, but I live in hope! This version also includes an insertable arm for G-spot stimulation.

Tapping Vibrator

There’s only so many variations on “it vibrates and that feels good” in the world. Vibrators are wonderful inventions, but they’re not always the type of stimulation you’re in the mood for. That’s why, when I find toys that stimulate in different ways (such as thrusting, oscillating, or spinning) I get very very excited about them.

The Swap Love to Love includes three separate motors and offers two different sensations: vibrating and tapping. Let’s just say I am VERY curious about the latter and how it might feel.

Triple Stimulation Toy

Satisfyer Top Secret Plus triple stimulation vibrator

I’ve tried a lot of dual stimulation toys (those that stimulate both the clit and G-spot at the same time) at this stage. Some of them have been excellent, and many of them have been disappointing. But I’ve never yet tried a triple stim – clitoral, vaginal, and anal – toy.

The Satisfyer Top Secret Plus is one such example. This wearable toy includes two insertable arms and an external clitoral stimulator.

So there you have it, five types of sex toys I’d like to try in 2023. What’s on your masturbatory wishlist for next year?

This post was brought to you by Veronica Play Date, my newest affiliate partner. Shopping their extensive online store through my links sends me a small commission at no additional cost to you. All views are, as always, my own.

Lovegasm Seductive Rose Vibrator review header

[Toy Review] Lovegasm Seductive Rose Vibrator

Published on December 18, 2022December 18, 2022 by AmyLeave a comment

Rose sex toys seem to be all the rage at the moment, possibly largely thanks to one such product going viral on TikTok in early 2021. Since then, many different variations on the theme have come out from various companies, some of which I’ve tested in the past. This week, I received another of these toys to try out: the Seductive Rose Vibrator from Lovegasm.

Lovegasm Seductive Rose Vibrator: Details

The Lovegasm Seductive Rose Vibrator is a clitoral “suction” toy, meaning that it has an open nozzle and delivers stimuation to the clitoris via pulses of air. This petite toy measures just 2.6″ from base to top, and 2.3″ in diameter at the widest point. The nozzle is 0.5″ in diameter. It’s light and easy to hold, coming in at a petite 124g.

The charging time is around 75 minutes, and you’ll get 75-90 minutes use out of a full charge. The Seductive Rose Vibrator has a waterproof rating of IPX4, meaning it is splashproof but you should not submerge it in water.

In the box you’ll also find a magnetic USB charging stand, an instruction leaflet, and a drawstring storage bag,

The Seductive Rose Vibrator is coated in 100% soft and body-safe silicone. Confusingly, the box it came in claims the material is “silica gel”, which is a different thing entirely. I flame-tested the toy and the results indicate real silicone, which is what I already suspected from the look and feel of the material, so you can use it with confidence.

If you like pretty toys, you’ll love this one. The toy is a lovely deep red and the silicone is fashioned into delicate rose petals at the top.

Settings and Controls

The Seductive Rose offers 3 constant speeds and 7 patterns. You control these through a single button interface located just below the centre of the toy’s main body. The button is easy to press and responsive. It also lights up, making it easy to see if you’re playing in low light.

I would have preferred both-ways controls to switch between settings. However, I can forgive that oversight in a toy at this price-point.

Does it Feel Like Cunnilingus?

These types of suction-based sex toys are often marketed as oral sex simulators. While I sort of understand where the thinking behind this is coming from, it’s just not really accurate. Cunnilingus is a very, very difficult think to effectively mimic with a sex toy. Despite valiant efforts, I’m not sure any toy manufacturer has succeeded yet.

So does the Seductive Rose Vibrator feel like receiving cunnilingus? No. That doesn’t mean it’s not a good toy, but it means I cannot get behind the claim that the Seductive Rose Vibrator will “satisfy your craving for oral action.” I’ve used enough pressure wave toys at this point that I don’t go in expecting them to feel like cunnilingus. A beginner to this type of toy might not know that, though, and I don’t think this kind of marketing is helpful.

In Use

With the above said, I actually think the Seductive Rose Vibrator is a great toy! The motor is strong enough to get the job done, and the range of settings allows you to explore with different sensations. I also like that the smaller nozzle allows for intensely focused and targeted clitoral stimulation. This is such an easy toy to use – I pretty much just switch it to my favourite setting, put it in place, and hold it there until I come. Bliss!

Here’s a little pro tip for you: if a toy like this one is too intense when you place it directly over your clit, try positioning it over the hood instead. You’ll still get all that focused sensation, but with a little less intensity.

The Seductive Rose Vibrator isn’t too loud, coming in at around 60 dB at its loudest. If it’s switched on and the door is closed, it cannot be heard in the next room.

Thanks to its light weight, the Seductive Rose is easy to angle and position. It is comfortable to hold in place even for an extended session. It’s worth bearing in mind that the nozzle is on the smaller side. Genitals, like all body parts, come in different shapes and sizes and this toy might not be a good fit if you have a larger glans clitoris (that’s the external bit.)

Verdict

The Seductive Rose retails for just £34, making it an excellent budget-friendly sex toy. With body-safe materials, a decent motor, multiple settings to choose from, and an attractive design, it’s got everything you need in a basic clitoral toy at an affordable price-point.

This review was sponsored by Lovegasm.co, meaning I was paid to test the toy and give my honest opinion. All views are, as always, my own. Don’t forget to check out Lovegasm’s full catalogue of products!

[Toy Review] PinkPunch Sunset Mushroom Vibrator

Published on December 9, 2022December 9, 2022 by AmyLeave a comment

I’ve reviewed many different styles of sex toys at this stage. There’s the classic vibrators and dildos, of course. But I’ve also tested toys shaped like penguins, whales, emojis, birds, roses, and more. Until this week, though, I have never tested a vibrator shaped like a mushroom!

PinkPunch Sunset Mushroom Vibrator: Details

PinkPunch got in touch and asked me to test their brand new Sunset Mushroom vibrator, which is the result of multiple years of development and a significant financial investment. I was only too happy to agree!

The Sunset Mushroom is a miniature app-controlled vibrator made of silky smooth and body-safe matte silicone. It measures just under 4″ in total length and looks like a little pink mushroom with cream and orange detailing. The design is really cute and eyecatching. I particularly like the detailing on the mushroom head and the translucent top layer of silicone gives it a softened, otherworldly aesthetic.

The Sunset Mushroom Vibrator comes with its own wireless charging case (think the sort of thing that you charge Airpods in!) This means you don’t need to plug the toy into the wall to charge it. As long as the case is charged, the toy will charge up automatically when you pop it into the case. The little heart light will flash to indicate that the toy is charging. This design makes the toy ideal for travel. A full charge takes 30 minutes and you’ll get an hour of runtime (charging the case takes around 2 hours.) The Sunset Mushroom is also fully waterproof, though its charging case is not.

My Sunset Mushroom Vibrator arrived in discreet, nondescript packaging. Inside, the toy is attractively boxed in cute branded packaging and fastened with a PinkPunch branded ribbon. Inside the box you’ll find the toy, its charging capsule, a micro USB cable to plug it in, a detachable pull loop with you can optionally clip onto the toy, and a little PinkPunch pin badge. You’ll also find an envelope containing an instruction leaflet and some PinkPunch stickers. It’s clear that real thought has gone into the presentation here, making this toy lovely for gifting or just as a treat for yourself.

PinkPunch sunset mushroom vibrator in its case

The Sunset Mushroom Vibrator retails for $99 (just over £80), which is at the lower end of the price range for an app-controlled toy. But how did it fare in use?

Sunset Mushroom Vibrator In Use: Manual

Despite its small size, the PinkPunch Sunset Mushroom Vibrator packs, well, a punch when it comes to features and functionality.

The motor is sensibly located in the head of the mushroom for best vibration transferrence. This isn’t quite as powerful as I would ideally like and it’s a little buzzy. The handle also vibrates a little during use, so be aware of this if that’s likely to be a problem for you.

The single-button interface is sensibly located on the base of the toy and is easy to press to cycle through the inbuilt three constant vibration speeds and four patterns.

Here’s a really cool thing about this toy: at first glance it looks like it’s primarily a clitoral vibrator (essentially it’s a mini wand!) but, thanks to the included detachable pull-loop to aid with easy removal, you can also use it as an internal vibrator. It’s small enough that it can even function as a leave-in if you like, stimulating you as you go about your day.

One of my favourite aspects of the Sunset Mushroom Vibrator’s design is the rigid neck. This means that you can get a good amount of pressure without it flexing away from your body. The curved shape and large, rigid head is amazing for targeted G-spot stimulation. I also really love the texturing on the tip of the head for clitoral play which, when coupled with a little water-based lube, adds a lovely additional sensation.

Personally, and perhaps surprisingly, I like this one best as an internal toy. The vibrations weren’t quite enough for me to orgasm clitorally, which tends to require very high powered and rumbly vibes. But I prefer gentler toys for internal use. The lower level vibrations combined with the fantastic shape and bulbed mushroom head made it the ideal long-term wear G-spot toy for me.

Unlike so many toys that make this claim, the Sunset Mushroom Vibrator actually is impressively quiet. It’s unlikely anyone in the next room will hear it unless you have paper-thin walls. And if you want to surreptitiously play in public, it’s likely to be fine anywhere with a reasonable level of ambient background noise.

Sunset Mushroom Vibrator In Use: App Functionality

The Sunset Mushroom Vibrator functions just fine by itself, but really comes into its own when coupled with the PinkPunch app, which is available for free on both Android and iOS. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll need to set up an account using your email address. It’ll ask you for your date of birth (I’m not really sure why? A licensing requirement for an 18+ product maybe?) and your gender (there are, sadly, only “male” and “female” options.)

Once you’re in, you need to connect your toy by following the instructions on the leaflet. This took less than a minute and connected the first time with no issues. At this point, the app gives you an array of options.

To start controlling your toy from your phone, click “start”. You can then scroll through the four different pattern options and change the speed with a swipe of your finger. The “Lottery” option is fun, cycling through patterns at random in ten-second increments.

You can give control to your partner using the “remote control” option. They will need to have the app downloaded on their phone. Then you simply give them a unique code which will allow them to control your toy until you end the session. This has good potential for people in long-distance relationships, as well as for online sex workers such as cam performers.

The app has a fun and colourful aesthetic that reminds me a little of a retro video game. There’s even a section where you can see your use stats and get reward badges for using different functions. So that’s fun if, like me, you are eternally motivated by little hits of digital dopamine.

Verdict

I really like this one! Even though I wasn’t blown away by the strength of the vibrations and am unlikely to use it again as a clitoral toy, it’s a surprisingly excellent insertable. The design is cute, the shape is excellent, and the app functionalities and portable charging case really elevate it.

You can get 30% off your order at PinkPunch.com with my exclusive discount code, Amy30.

This review was sponsored by the good folks at PinkPunch, meaning I was paid to test the product and write a fair and honest review. All opinions and experiences are, as always, my own.

[Toy Review] Womanizer Marilyn Monroe™ Clitoral Stimulator

Published on December 2, 2022December 2, 2022 by AmyLeave a comment

I’m really not sure how I feel about a sex toy being named after Marilyn Monroe. Some, including Womanizer themselves, believe it’s a fitting tribute and celebration of Monroe as a symbol of empowerment. Others believe it is deeply problematic to use the name of a woman who was sexually abused and continually sexually objectified during her life in this way.

It’s also worth noting that Monroe clearly cannot consent to this use of her name and likeness. Choosing a living celebrity capable of giving consent (such as Womanizer’s previous collaboration with Lily Allen) would have made this whole thing far more comfortable. As it is, I’m left feeling kinda “ick” about it, to be honest.

With that said and all things considered, what’s it like as a toy?

Womanizer Marilyn Monroe™: Details

The Womanizer Marilyn Monroe™ is actually simply a limited edition redesign of the Womanizer Classic 2. The Classic is Womanizer’s mid-range toy. It offers a more luxurious product than the entry-level Starlet and Liberty products at a more affordable price-point (albeit with fewer fancy bonus features) than the Premium. It utilises Womanizer’s signature Pleasure Air technology, surrounding your clitoris with the nozzle and then stimulating it via rapid pulses of air.

The Marilyn Monroe™ edition is available in four new colourways. There’s marbled white (which I received), marbled black, mint green, and bright red. It’s a very pretty toy. The marbling effect is striking and unusual.

The toy arrived beautifully packaged in one of Womanizer’s signature boxes. I always think these look like the packaging for high-end perfume. Along with the toy, in the box you’ll find a spare nozzle, a storage bag, instruction leaflets, and a magnetic charging cable.

The Womanizer Marilyn Monroe™ body is made of soft-touch plastic, and the removeable nozzle is made of body-safe and easy-clean silicone. The toy is fully waterproof. It also comes with a five-year warranty, should anything go wrong.

You get 180 minutes runtime from a single charge, which is pretty impressive. Let’s take a second to talk about THIS bit of marketing copy, though:

180 minutes run time and only a few minutes necessary for you to orgasm? You can calculate for yourself how many orgasms this means.

No. Just no. SOME people will orgasm in minutes with this toy. Others will take much longer, and some won’t get there at all. This is all normal, and I’m absolutely sick of toy marketing that will make people think there’s something wrong with them if the product doesn’t work for them in the prescribed specific way.

In Use

The Womanizer Marilyn Monroe™ has three control buttons: an on/off switch, and +/- speed controls. It offers a total of 10 speeds. You can scroll through the speeds easily using the respective buttons, which are intuitively located on the back of the toy. The buttons are easy to press, though I would have liked them to be a little larger.

As far as orgasm potential goes, the Womanizer Marilyn Monroe™ gets the job done. The shape is excellent, making it easy to get a good seal around your clit, and the tapered handle is comfortable and ergonomic. The air pulses perhaps aren’t as smooth as they could be, creating a “juddering” sensation at the higher speeds.

The biggest downside of the Womanizer Marilyn Monroe™ is that it is LOUD. The first few speeds aren’t too bad. As soon as you turn it up past about level 4, though, it’s loud enough to be both indiscreet and highly distracting. Unlike some air suction toys I’ve tried, this one seems to get even louder rather than quieter when it’s against the body. The best way I can describe the sound is that it’s like a kind of rattling. As someone who is sensitive to noise (and particularly to repetitive, persistent sounds) this is a really significant negative.

Verdict

The Womanizer Marilyn Monroe™ retails for £119 ($129 US, €129 EU.) It’s decent, though not spectacular, as long as you can cope with how noisy it is. It’s pretty, for sure, but I’m not convinced that’s enough to make it worth the hefty price-tag. Coupled with the uncomfortable branding, this one is more miss than hit for me.

If you can afford it, I recommend going for the Premium. If you’re looking for a slightly more budget-friendly option, the Pro40 is excellent.

Thanks to Womanizer for sending me this product to review. All views are my own, as always, and affiliate links appear within this post.

Lovehoney Sex Toy Advent Calendar Day 24 header - Womanizer Liberty

Lovehoney Sex Toy Advent Calendar Day #24: Womanizer Liberty

Published on November 18, 2022November 17, 2022 by AmyLeave a comment

We made it! Yes, we’ve reached the final day of my quest to review every item in Lovehoney and Womanizer’s 2022 Sex Toy Advent Calendar. You can read the full series here. And as ever, please consider using my affiliate links scattered throughout this post if you decide to buy one.

Sex Toy Advent Calendar 2022 Day 24: Womanizer Liberty

Product Info

Material: ABS plastic body with silicone nozzle
Colour: Purple with white nozzle and buttons
Body safe? Yes, ABS plastic and silicone are both body-safe and non-porous
Waterproof: Yes., submersible
Size: 4″ total length
Speeds/patterns: 6 speeds
Lube-compatible: Yes, water-based lube is best with silicone toys
Cleaning: Remove the nozzle and clean with a body-safe sterile wipe, antibacterial soap and water, a 10% bleach solution, by boiling, or in the dishwasher. Wipe the body clean if necessary.

Pros

Comes with a little case, making it discreet and travel-friendly
Suitable for use in the bath or shower
Light and comfortable to hold
Easy to clean due to the removable nozzle
Feels AMAZING

Cons

A little loud at the top speeds

Verdict

I had a feeling the Womanizer Liberty might turn out to be the crowning glory of the set and I was right. Once again, Womanizer – the original purveyors of suction-based clitoral stimulators – have knocked it out of the park. This amazing little stimulator is easy to hold and use, powerful, and feels incredible. On top of all that, it’s travel-friendly and waterproof. Top marks.

See you next year!

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the 2022 Couples’ Sex Toy Advent Calendar, which retails for £130 and contains £374.99 worth of products, to review. All views are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post and shopping through them helps to keep the site going! US readers can buy it here.

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Lovehoney Sex Toy Advent Calendar Day #1: USB Rechargeable Bullet Vibrator

Published on October 26, 2022October 27, 2022 by AmyLeave a comment

I’m baaaaaaaaaack!

Hey there folks. Yes, I’m back. I honestly wasn’t sure if I was going to continue sex blogging for a while. My health has taken a serious battering this year and I’m not fully back to “normal” yet, whatever normal is going to look like from now on. I’m taking it one day at a time.

But I did find that I missed sex blogging and talking to you all. So, after a long hiatus, I’m back. A couple of things are going to be changing around here, most notably that I’m going to be much less rigid with myself about my posting frequency.

I’d love to share content with you reliably on set days throughout the week, every week. I really would. But the reality is that I am neurodivergent, have a busy grad school and vanilla work schedule, and have unreliable physical and mental health. So I’m choosing kindness to myself and I’m going to write when I can, forgive myself when I can’t, and focus on work that pays (without compromising on my values and my ethical obligations to my readers, of course.)

If you’re still here, thank you for bearing with me.

Now let’s get on with the review, shall we?

Once again, my lovely pals at Lovehoney have sent me their sex toy advent calendar, this year created in partnership with Womanizer. And once again, I’m going to be opening a door a day and telling you about the products inside.

This kit is aimed at “couples”, and assumes one penis-owner and one vulva-owner. There are several other adult advent calendars in the range including 12 day toy calendars for different types of bodies and a 7 day lingerie calendar.

I’m going to try a slightly different format this year as I review this kit: giving you some basic product info, some pros and cons, and a quick final verdict on each product.

Sex Toy Advent Calendar 2022 Day 1: Bullet Vibrator

Gold bullet vibrator from Lovehoney Sex Toy Advent Calendar 2022

Product Info

Material: ABS plastic
Colour: Shiny gold with a black Lovehoney heart insignia.
Body safe? Yes – ABS is non-porous and non-toxic.
Power: Rechargeable, cable included.
Speeds/patterns: 3 constant speeds, 7 patterns
Waterproof: Yes, submersible.
Size: 3″ in length, 0.8″ in diameter.
Lube compatible: Yes, all kinds.
Cleaning: Gentle soap and warm water or a 10% bleach solution.

Pros

Surprisingly powerful for its small size
Small enough to slide between bodies during penetrative sex other activities
Versatile and suitable for a wide range of body parts

Cons

A little more buzzy than I would like
Only one button, making it a little annoying to select the pattern you want

Verdict

A decent, basic bullet vibrator. Unlikely to satisfy serious power fans or those who really need rumbles, but otherwise perfectly serviceable and does what it says on the tin.

Header image for review of the Womanizer Starlet 3

[Toy Review] Womanizer Starlet 3

Published on March 18, 2022March 17, 2022 by AmyLeave a comment

If you’ve been around for a while, you might remember my reviews of the Womanizer Starlet and Womanizer Starlet 2. I was impressed with the original Starlet, a teeny-tiny, no-frills version of Womanizer’s classic clitoral suction stimulators, and significantly less enamoured with the Starlet 2.

The latest iteration in this range, the Womanizer Starlet 3, has just hit the market. Read on to find out how I got on when Lovehoney sent me one to try.

Womanizer Starlet 3: Details

Womanizer Starlet 3 clitoral suction stimulator

The Womanizer Starlet 3 is very similar in design to the Starlet 2. I can’t take a picture of them side by side because I passed on my Starlet 2 to a friend, but as far as I can tell they’re the same size (5″ total length) and the same shape. The Starlet 3 has the same ABS plastic body and removeable silicone nozzle, and is similarly lightweight and compact.

So what’s the difference?

As far as I can tell, the biggest difference is that the Womanizer Starlet 3 has 6 speed settings. The Starlet Original and Starlet 2 each have only 4.

The Starlet 3 comes in a couple of new colourways, including the beautiful teal green I received. I specifically requested this because I love green and it’s an unusual shade for sex toys, so I jump on it when I see it. You can also get the Starlet 3 in blue, grey, or pink.

The Starlet 3 also arrived in revamped, sustainable cardboard packaging. Manufacturers who are still using tonnes of single-use plastic, take note.

Womanizer Starlet 3 recyclable sustainable packaging

The Womanizer Starlet 3 is waterproof and USB rechargeable via the included cable. You can clean the body of the toy with a sterile wipe or warm soapy water, and remove the nozzle to sterilise it in boiling water (or the dishwasher).

Starlet 3 in Use

Since it’s the same basic shape as the Starlet 2, many of the issues I had with that product carry over to this one. Specifically, the handle is short and the nozzle only sticks out from the toy’s body about half an inch. I find this makes it incredibly difficult to get and maintain a good angle for both maximum stimulation and comfort. This is probably an issue of personal preference rather than a fundamental flaw with the product, but if it’s a problem for me it’s sure to be a problem for at least some other users. Some of Lovehoney’s on-site reviewers have noted this issue, too.

The nozzle opening is also very small, only about half an inch across at the widest point. That means it’s probably only going to work for someone with a fairly small clit. (Yes, like all other body parts, they vary in shape and size).

The Starlet 3’s controls are fine, wth +/- buttons (which are also the on/off buttons) situated on the back of the main body of the toy. The buttons are a little stiff and require quite a firm press.

My biggest issue with the Starlet 3 is its battery life. The advertised runtime of 30 minutes on a full charge is already pretty poor. It takes many people longer than that to reach orgasm! But I found that the Starlet 3’s motor became juddery and unreliable after only about 20 minutes. If I pressed it too firmly against my body, or moved too suddenly, it would suddenly reduce in intensity or cut out completely.

Utimately, the Womanizer Starlet 3 fails the “does it get me off?” test. It didn’t on any of the three occasions I tried it. The level of power isn’t bad, especially on the higher settings. I also have no complaints about the suction sensation itself. It probably could have brought me to orgasm using the top couple of speeds, if only the shape weren’t so annoying and it hadn’t died mid-session!

Interestingly, the product copy specifically states that this toy can be used for edging (getting close to orgasm then backing off), something I and many other people enjoy. And while that’s true, it’s… also sort of true for any sex toy that is capable of bringing the user to orgasm? I’m not really sure why it’s specified for this one in particular. Plus, getting edged non-consensually because the damn battery ran out isn’t my idea of a good time.

Verdict

I really wanted to like this one. I appreciate that Womanizer have tried to offer a more budget-friendly option in their range of notoriously high-priced toys. Not to mention it’s just so pretty!

But… ugh.

For a toy that retails for £69.99 ($79.99 US), the Womanizer Starlet 3 was highly disappointing and I cannot recommend it. While the issues I had with the shape are arguably a matter of preference, there’s no excuse for the terrible battery life and unreliable motor. If you’re on a budget, the Romp Switch is a better (and cheaper!) alternative. If you can afford to spend a bit more, you can’t go wrong with the Womanizer/Lovehoney Pro40.

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

Header image for Godemiche Greind Rings review

[Toy Review] Godemiche Grind Rings “Pyramids” and “Tall Pyramids”

Published on March 10, 2022March 28, 2023 by AmyLeave a comment

If you’re anything like me, “spikes” probably isn’t a word you associate with something you want near your genitals. Well, the newest Grind Ring designs from Godemiche, known as “Pyramids” or “Pyramid Spikes” and “Tall Pyramids”, a variation on the popular “Spike” texture, are a happy exception to that generally-sensible rule.

That’s right, I’m back again with another Godemiche Grind Rings review!

In Case You’re New Here…

If you’re new, you may have missed my previous posts, in which I outline what a Grind Ring is and some of the many ways you can use it. Check them out here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. If you’re considering getting one, these reviews will also help you decide which texture is likely to work best for you.

In brief, here’s a description of what they are and how they work:

The Grind Ring is a soft textured piece of body safe silicone that’s shaped like a pizza slice with a bulge for grinding, dare we say it, it’s also more enjoyable then a pizza slice too and way fucking dirtier.

Each Grind Ring measures 6 inches in length and 4.3 inches across at the widest point. They feature a stretchy hole for a penis or dildo to fit through at the base. They’re designed to be used during penetrative sex for additional clitoral stimulation, but they’re actually really versatile and can be used in all sorts of ways, from getting you off while you’re sitting at your desk writing erotica, to changing up hand sex with different textures.

The Two New Textures

I received the new “Pyramid Spikes” and “Tall Pyramid Spikes” textures, which are exactly what they sound like. Here’s what they look like:

Pyramid Spikes and Tall Pyramids Grind Rings from Godemiche

As with all Godemiche products, you can choose from an array of gorgeous colours for your Grind Ring. I asked for purples and greens, and I received the Tall Pyramid Spikes in Winter Berry and the Pyramid Spikes in a mix of Ruby Rose and Garden Party. (As a general rule, Grind Rings are only available in single colours, so I feel very privileged to have received a limited edition one in my two favourite colours!)

The colours have a subtle shimmer and a really lovely swirling effect that you can see on the back:

Most importantly, though, how did they feel?

Pyramids

Adam from Godemiche says that the Pyramids Grind Ring texture was “inspired by a belt I happened to see someone wearing while out grocery shopping. It reminded me of my own ‘skater boy’ days when none of my trousers fit and I often opted for a studded belt to keep them around my thighs.” If you can’t picture what he means, think something like this.

I expected the Pyramids to feel a lot like the Spikes, but they really don’t. They’re less flexible, and still soft but with an overall firmer texture. I found the sensation from the Pyramids to be quite subtle compared to other designs in the range. I can best describe the feeling as a kind of pressure with some gentle texturing. For a point of comparison, the Pyramids is about on a par with the Bubbles for me, intensity-wise.

I’m unlikely to each orgasm with this one, but it’s a good warm-up texture before moving onto something more intense.

Tall Pyramids

I think the Tall Pyramids might have overtaken the Waves as my favourite Grind Ring texture of all!

The square spikes are noticeably smaller than those on the Spikes ring (see the below picture for comparison). So though that’s probably the closet comparison, they’re really quite different in use.

Godemiche Spikes and Tall Pyramids Grind Rings

The Tall Pyramids are very soft and very flexible. Since they’re so soft, they really don’t feel “pointy” at all.

You can get a range of sensations from the Tall Pyramids Grind Ring. In my experience, if I grind down hard against it, I get an all-over rubbing sensation, whereas if I support some of my weight and just glide my vulva along it, it’s more of a gentle tickle.

I think I like this texture best because you get constant stimulation as the spikes slide along your vulva. The little pyramids feel like dozens of little silicone tongues lapping at and around my clit. As you grind, they flick back and forth, offering both direct clitoral stimulation and all-over vulva pleasure.

Verdict

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: these toys are so genuinely innovative and just so damn good! They’re all very different and, interestingly, I think overall the Pyramids is my least favourite of the six and the Tall Pyramids is my favourite. But all the designs are good, it’s just a matter of individual preferences as to which one will work best for you.

Such a simple idea, so brilliantly executed.

Grind Rings retail for £34.99. You can get one hand-made to order in your choice of colour and texture, or grab one off-the-shelf for faster delivery.

Thanks to Godemiche for sending me these Grind Rings in exchange for an honest review. Affiliate links appear in this post and using them sends me a small commission at no additional cost to you.