[Lingerie Review] Lovehoney Unwrap Me Bra Gift Set

Giving lingerie as a gift is a divisive one, and can be a minefield. Should you or shouldn’t you? Will it be appreciated or not? And most importantly, how well do you know the recipient?

On this one, I tend to come down on the side of “it depends.” (Anyone surprised?) If you know your partner and their tastes and size very well then sure, go for it. But if you’re not sure, choose something else or stick to a gift card so they can pick something they’ll love. This is all assuming, of course, that they’re a lingerie person at all. Giving lingerie as a gift when your partner has never worn it or expressed any interest in wearing it is unlikely to go down well.

With all that in mind, let’s have a look at something from Lovehoney’s 2023 Christmas range: the Upwrap Me bra gift set, which landed on my review pile this week.

Lovehoney Unwrap Me Bra Gift Set

This four piece set consists of a bra, pants, and two wrist ties. They are made of a satiny polyester/elastane blend in a deep and vibrant shade of red.

Lovehoney Unwrap Me Bra Gift Set in its packaging

The Unwrap Me bra gift set is available in “One Size” (UK 6-16) and “Plus Size” (UK 18-22.) If you’re in the middle, though, I’d suggest sizing up especially if you have larger boobs (more on that in a minute) as they run a little small.

Be aware that they’re hand-wash only and can’t be ironed, tumble dried, or dry cleaned. I tend to wash my lingerie in a protective bag on the cold hand wash cycle of the washing machine, and that has always worked fine.

What I Liked

  • The set comes attractively packaged in a black sleeve, stamped with the Lovehoney insignia and tied with red ribbon that matches the set. Lovely for gifting, or just as a treat to yourself.
  • The satin is lovely and soft.
  • The deep red colour is beautiful and festive.
  • Front-fastening makes the bra super easy to put on and take off.
  • The bra is very adjustable, with sliders on both the back band and the shoulder straps.
  • A wide band makes the bra comfortable to wear.
  • The gusset is made of 100% vulva-friendly cotton.

All that, and I just really love how it looks! I think the tie-up design is really sexy and I love how the straps on the pants frame my butt (in my opinion, one of my best features.) It definitely makes me want my partners to unwrap me for Christmas…

And What I Didn’t Like

Despite my overall positive impressions of this set, there were a few aspects of the Unwrap Me bra gift set that I didn’t like as much.

  • The elastic straps on the pants (the ones that go across the butt cheeks) aren’t adjustable. I can fix this myself with a couple of stitches, but it would have been so easy to include an adjustable slider here.
  • My damn boobs still don’t fit. I requested the plus size version (I’m between sizes and thought it might be a better fit for my chest) but even then, the cups aren’t really big enough. It’s wearable, especially if I shorten the straps for a little more stability and support, but there will definitely be unintentional nipple slippage if I move wrong! Another note on sizing: some wearers in the on-site reviews have noted that it may not work well for shorter people.
  • The satin is so slippery that when it’s on, the ties don’t really stay tied very well. Realistically, you’ll need to double knot everything if you want it to stay on for more than ten minutes.
  • The matching wrist restraints are cute, but they are NOT (as the marketing copy claims) for “fun bondage play.” Please don’t tie people up with silky ties, it’s really not very safe as they can tighten or cut off circulation in unexpected ways. I’ve yelled about this before. Use these for decoration, and buy some cuffs or rope for actual bondage. Please.

Verdict

Overall, I do like this set. It’s beautiful and reasonably comfortable, too. Though I do have some complaints, they’re not significant enough to stop me from wearing it again.

This set retails for £29.99 in both One Size and Plus Size (that’s $36.99 US.)

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this set to review. All views, as always, are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post and shopping with them sends me a small commission.

[Kink Product Review] Liebe Seele Fairy Collection

Something that often bugs me about kink and BDSM is the way that the aesthetic is, broadly speaking, so damn similar everywhere you look. There’s nothing wrong with black leather cuffs or PVC catsuits or red and black suede impact toys, of course, but it does all get a bit samey after a while. That’s why I’m so drawn to kink products that offer something a little bit different, such as the Liebe Seele Fairy collection.

For a femme such as myself, I don’t always want my BDSM vibe to be dark and serious. Sometimes I want it to be pretty, pastel, and fun! That’s what these items represent.

Liebe Seele Fairy Collection

Liebe Seele is a Japanese brand selling quality leather BDSM gear, sex toys, fetishwear, and more. Fun fact: “Liebe Seele” translates to “dear soul.”

Their “Fairy” collection is a range of 5 products: wrist cuffs, ankle cuffs, blindfold, collar and leash, and ball gag. Each item is available in either pink and white or green and white. I received the blindfold and ankle cuffs in green, and the collar/leash and wrist cuffs in pink (no ball gag because I don’t use them.)

All of the products are handcrafted in real leather, and some have gold or bronze-coloured metal accents such as buckles and fastenings

General First Impressions

My Liebe Seele products arrived beautifully packaged. Each item comes in a sturdy box and is sealed with an inner wrap and branded sticker. The presentation gets absolute top marks. I will say there’s quite a lot of unnecessary single-use plastic, though, so I would like to see that go.

Liebe Seele leather handcuffs for BDSM in their box

Liebe Seele bondage gear inner packaging

At first glance, the leather looks and feels of high quality. It’s lovely and soft, and has that beautiful unique leather smell.

Let’s look at each of the items in turn.

Liebe Seele Blindfold

A blindfold is one of the first basic BDSM items I recommend people get when they’re building a toybag. These versatile toys can be great for sensory deprivation, for getting into a headspace and switching your mind off, or for playing out all kinds of fantasies.

Liebe Seele green leather blindfold for BDSM

The Liebe Seele fairy blindfold has 9 holes, making it highly adjustable and wearable by just about anyone. It’s comfortable to wear, particularly after a couple of uses once the leather is starting to wear in. I particularly love getting a nose full of leather smell – a highly erotic scent to me, because I might be a vegetarian but I am also a giant hypocrite – when I’m wearing it.

It comes with a branded drawstring storage bag.

If I have a criticism of this blindfold, it’s that the actual mask part is slightly too small. When it’s on, it still lets a good amount of light in. Making it just half an inch wider over each eye would likely solve this problem.

The Liebe Seele Fairy Blindfold retails for $28.75.

Liebe Seele Wrist Cuffs

The Liebe Seele wrist cuffs have five holes to fit different wrist sizes. I have fairly small wrists and I find them most comfortable on the fourth setting (i.e. the second tightest.)

Liebe Seele leather handcuffs for BDSM

These cuffs are so, so comfy to wear! The leather is soft and supple immediately, and only gets more so as you wear it in. They feel sturdy and secure, but also sensual and sexy. Each cuff has a small D-ring and they come with a separate double-ended clip chain, allowing you to fasten the wearer’s hands together if you want to.

No notes. A near perfect set of handcuffs for BDSM.

The Liebe Seele Fairy Wrist Cuffs retail for $57.70.

Liebe Seele Ankle Cuffs

Like the wrist cuffs, the Liebe Seele ankle cuffs come with a D-ring on each cuff and a detachable double-ended clip chain. You can clip the ankles together… or combine them with the wrist cuffs for a basic hogtie position. (Read up on how to do this safely before you start!)

Liebe Seele green leather ankle cuffs for BDSM

Again, the cuffs are ultra soft and beautifully made. They feel sturdy enough for harder play, in that I can pull against them without worrying that they’re going to break!

They have 7 hole settings for different sizing, and I personally find the middle one the most comfortable.

The Liebe Seele Fairy Ankle Cuffs retail for $59.80.

Liebe Seele Collar and Leash

Collars are hugely personal and can mean many different things. Whether you’re choosing one that you’ll just wear in a scene for fun, or one that you’ll wear as a symbol of a committed D/s relationship, it’s important to choose one[*] that feels like “you.” While I’m not sure the Liebe Seele Collar is really me, it is objectively an absolutely gorgeous piece even so.

Liebe Seele pink leather collar for BDSM, BDSM collar and leash

This collar has 9 different sizing settings. Collars shouldn’t be fastened too tight – as a rule of thumb, you should be able to slide two fingers between the collar and the neck with minimal difficulty. Its 3 D-rings offer a variety of play and restraint options (as with anything involving the neck, do your research and be VERY careful. Never do anything that may restrict the wearer’s breathing.) The accompanying leash is completely detachable, so you can use them either separately or together.

It’s comfortable to wear and soft enough that I could happily wear it all evening for a party or scene.

The Liebe Seele Collar and Leash Set retails for $55.20.

[*] Or several. I think I own about 10 collars at this point that I wear in various contexts and with varying degrees of regularity.

Verdict

Gorgeous! I’m obsessed. The Liebe Seele Fairy collection pieces are such fantastic quality and, if properly cared for, will last for many years. They’re functional as well as aesthetically beautiful.

These pieces are also super affordable for the quality. You can get the full set (everything I’ve reviewed here plus the gag) for under $250/£200, or you can mix and match to get the pieces you want in your choice of colour.

Thanks to Liebe Seele for sending me these items to review. Affiliate links appear in this post. All views are, as always, mine.

Lovehoney Sex Toy Advent Calendar Day #15: Ankle Cuffs

If you’ve just arrived, I am opening up Lovehoney and Womanizer’s 2022 Sex Toy Advent Calendar and bringing you a mini review of each item. You can read all the reviews here. If you decide to buy one (or anything else from Lovehoney) I’d really appreciate it if you would consider using my affiliate links. It sends a small commission my way at no additional cost to you.

Sex Toy Advent Calendar 2022 Day 15: Ankle Cuffs

Lovehoney ankle cuffs

Product Info

  • Material: Polypropylene with plastic hardwear
  • Colour: Black with gold clips
  • Body safe? Yes
  • Waterproof: No
  • Size: Each cuff is 14″ in total length
  • Cleaning: Wipe clean if necessary

Pros

  • Go with the wrist restraints from Day 3 to make a full 4-way restraint set
  • Highly adjustable to fit the vast majority of people
  • Velcro fastenings are quick to undo, making them safe and beginner-friendly
  • Can be clipped together using the attached gold clips

Cons

  • The wrist and ankle restraints should really have been ONE day in the calendar, not 2 separate ones
  • Material isn’t particularly soft so not very comfortable for long-term wear
  • Not very strong so only suitable for light bondage activities

Verdict

Like the matching wrist restraints, these are a very basic set of ankle cuffs. They’re a fine introduction to bondage for complete beginners and will work fine if light restraint is all you want to do. If you’re interested in exploring restraint in a more intense way, though, consider upgrading to a set of proper bondage cuffs if you can.

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.

Lovehoney Sex Toy Advent Calendar Day #3: Wrist Restraints

If you’ve missed the last couple of posts, I am unboxing Lovehoney and Womanizer’s 2022 Sex Toy Advent Calendar and writing a short review of each day’s surprise. Today it’s Door #3. You can check out the full series here and, if you decide to buy one, I’d really appreciate it if you would consider using my affiliate links.

Sex Toy Advent Calendar 2022 Day 3: Wrist Restraints

Wrist restraints from Lovehoney sex toy advent calendar

Product Info

  • Material: Polypropylene with plastic hardwear
  • Colour: Black with gold clips
  • Body safe? Yes
  • Waterproof: No
  • Size: Each cuff is 14″ in total length
  • Cleaning: Wipe clean if necessary

Pros

  • Highly adjustable to fit the vast majority of people
  • Velcro fastenings are quick to undo, making them safe and beginner-friendly
  • Can be clipped together using the attached gold clips

Cons

  • Material isn’t particularly soft so not very comfortable for long-term wear
  • Not very strong so only suitable for light bondage activities

Verdict

These are a very basic set of cuffs. They’re serviceable for complete beginners and very light bondage, and may help you to discover whether being restrained or restraining your partner is something you enjoy. If you do, though, consider upgrading to a set of proper bondage cuffs if you can.

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.

[Kink Product Review] Roomfun Silicone Bondage Restraints Set

[Update 31/10/23: this product has been discontinued. I have removed dead links accordingly.]

When you think of BDSM restraints, what material do you think of? Probably rope, leather, or possibly faux leathers, right? Though I’ve used countless silicone sex toys and even a (very ouchy) silicone paddle, I’d never really considered silicone as a material for restraints before. But why not? It’s a strong, versatile, and body-friendly material – in other words, many of the properties that are ideal for kink gear.

The good folks at Tracy’s Dog (remember their OG Pro2 I reviewed last year?) just sent me this Roomfun Silicone Bondage Restraints set to try out.

Roomfun Silicone Bondage Restraints

The Roomfun Silicone Bondage Restraints set arrived packaged in a simple cardboard box with the company name and logo on it, and with a decorative outer cardboard sleeve with information about the product.

Tracy's Dog silicone bondage restraints set

This is admittedly a bit nitpicky, but the copy on the box desperately needed proofreading. There are three glaring typos and the overall syntax is really off – it looks like someone ran it through Google Translate and then didn’t bother to get it checked. While this doesn’t impact the actual quality, for a product that costs $129.99 I don’t think “readable product copy” is too much to ask.

Roomfun silicone bondage restraints set

Inside the box, a plastic divider tray holds the items. The set consists of:

  • Collar
  • 2 x wrist cuffs
  • 2 x ankle cuffs
  • Leash
  • O-ring
  • 4 double-ended connector clips

All the pieces are made of black silicone with gold-coloured metal accents. It’s unclear what the metal is but I’d be willing to bet it contains nickel, so be very cautious if you have an allergy.

I immediately thought this set was really pretty. The gold-on-black is striking, but understated enough to go with almost any outfit. Aesthetically, it doesn’t really lean strongly towards either a masculine or femme look.

Fit and Comfort

I wasn’t at all sure how I’d find silicone restraints, comfort-wise. As someone who has a few sensory struggles, comfort is a very high priority for me when it comes to anything that’s going to go on my body. Silicone varies wildly in terms of how soft it is as well as how “grabby” it is against skin.

The Roomfun Silicone Bondage Restraints set, fortunately, is made of lovely soft matte silicone. It’s smooth enough to glide along my skin without any uncomfortable grab, and it feels beautifully smooth to the touch. Mr CK did note that the silicone can be a bit grabby if you use it on areas with a lot of body hair.

The only real downside I noticed was that when I wear the collar for a lengthy period of time, my neck underneath it gets really hot and sweaty. This is because silicone really isn’t breathable at all. If you’re wearing it for long periods, consider taking it off occasionally to let your skin breathe. This means that I wouldn’t recommend this set if you’re looking for a “wear 24/7” type collar.

Silicone collar and leash for BDSM for Tracy's Dog review

In terms of sizing, this set is highly adjustable. With 7 holes on each wrist cuff, 5 on each ankle cuff, and 8 on the collar, it’s likely to fit the vast majority of wearers comfortably.

Construction and Useability

The pieces feel well-built and sturdy. Wearing and using them, I feel confident that I can pull and struggle if I want to (because that can be hot!) and they won’t break. The metal pieces are also sturdy. I’ve tried some restraint sets where I feel like they’d fall apart with one good tug. That’s not the case here.

Interestingly, the clip on the leash is smaller than the other clips, leading me to believe it might be less strong. Obviously you shouldn’t be tugging hard on something around someone’s neck, so it’s probably not a big deal with regards to functionality, but it’s something to be aware of.

You can use the different pieces in a variety of ways thanks to the clips. Attach your partner’s hands behind their back, clip them to restraints attached to your bed or a St Andrew’s Cross, or use the clips and ring to form a hogtie shape. Mix and match, try things out, and see what’s the most fun for you and your partner(s).

Silicone BDSM hogtie

Since silicone is non-porous and easy to clean, this set is also ideal if you like to get messy during play… or if you have multiple partners and want to use the same restraints with different people safely. I wouldn’t get it soaking wet as the metal might tarnish, but you can wipe it down with a warm damp cloth and some gentle soap or use antibacterial wipes to keep the silicone clean.

Since this set consists of quite a few separate pieces, I recommend keeping the box and divider and using them to store it all between play sessions. There’s nothing more annoying when you’re trying to set up a scene than having to rummage through your kit bag for that one cuff you can’t find!

Verdict

This set is genuinely high quality and well-made! I’m really impressed with its look, feel, comfort, and useability, and I feel confident that it’ll get plenty of use. A really solid buy if you’re new to restraints and looking for a safe, effective set, or if you’re an experienced player and looking for a change from rope or leather.

The Roomfun Silicone Bondage Restraints kit retails for $129.99 from Tracy’s Dog.

Thank you to Tracy’s Dog for sponsoring this post, which means they paid me to write an honest and unbiased review. All opinions and experiences are my own.

[Kink Product Review] Lovehoney Tiger Lily Lace Cuffs and Eye Mask Set

For today’s mini review, we’re looking at another product from Lovehoney’s 2022 Valentine’s Day lingerie. The Tiger Lily range consists of six designs. I’ll also be reviewing the bodysuit next week, so keep an eye out for that! Today, though, we’re looking at the Tiger Lily Lace Cuffs and Eye Mask Set.

The Lace Cuffs and Mask Set consists of two wrist cuffs and one eye mask, all made of the same bright red floral lace and mesh and fastening with tie-up red ribbons. The colour is gorgeous and the lace is super pretty. I particularly like that there’s tiny flecks of silvery thread in the lace so it catches the light and shimmers when you move.

Lovehoney Tiger Lily red lace cuffs set

Each cuff is elasticated around one opening, and the eye mask is elasticated along the top, meaning they’ll stretch to fit many wearers. The fit is comfortable, though I’ve found that the cuffs do tend to ride up after a while, meaning I need to readjust them periodically. If you’re in a bigger body, I’d hesitate to recommend these cuffs. I’m a size 12 and the elastic digs into my forearm just enough to be… not exactly uncomfortable, but definitely noticeable. The fabric is soft and doesn’t scratch or irritate my skin.

Tiger Lily red lace eye mask bondage blindfold

The Tiger Lily Lace Cuffs and Eye Mask Set is really more about aesthetics than function. The eye mask really doesn’t block the light or obstruct vision very much at all. It’s more “masquerade ball” than “sensory deprivation”. I’d recommend a padded blindfold if you’re after the latter.

And while the cuffs’ ribbons make them ideal for tying together (say to restrain your lover’s hands behind their back, for example), I wouldn’t use them for tying someone to the bed or any other kind of more intense bondage activity. They’re just too delicate and I’d be worried about ripping them. If you want to actually tie someone up or get tied up, consider a set of safe bondage cuffs instead.

The Tiger Lily Lace Cuffs and Eye Mask Set is beautiful, but I’m hesitant to call it functional. And that’s not really a criticism – as a femme, I’m very in favour of beauty for the sake of beauty. So if you want to engage in actual sensory deprivation or bondage play? I’d look elsewhere. They really are very pretty, though…

The set retails for £9.99. It makes a lovely stand-alone Valentine’s gift, and also pairs beautifully with any of the other pieces in the Tiger Lily range. Another option? Wear it with a set of black lingerie to add a touch of fun and colour to your ensemble.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the Tiger Lily Lace Cuffs and Eye Mask Set to review! All views, as always, are mine.

Lovehoney Sex Toy Advent Calendar Door #13: Wrist Restraints

Update 04/03/22: this product is seasonal only and has been discontinued. Individual components may still be available.

We’re over half way now! It’s Day 13 of the Lovehoney “Best Sex of Your Life” sex toy advent calendar, which I’m unboxing and reviewing day by day.

Door #13: Wrist Restraints

Lovehoney wrist restraints for bondage

Behind Door #13, we have a set of black ribbon wrist restraints. They seem to be a slight variation on the Lovehoney Oh! Silky Bondage Restraints (RRP £8.99).

They’re… glorified ribbons, honestly. Each one has a little loop at each end to make restraint easier and is decorated with a red and gold Lovehoney heart, but other than that they’re just black ribbons of the sort you’d find in any craft store.

Lovehoney bondage restraints

Tying people up with silky items like ribbons, ties, and scarves is a divisive subject amongst kinksters. Some say it’s fine, but many educators believe it’s dangerous. This is because these materials can easily tighten when pressure is applied, making them harder to untie if you’re using knots or even cutting off circulation if they’re left on for long enough.

If you want to use these restraints for a light BDSM or roleplay activity like tying your partner to the bed, that’s probably fine if you follow some basic safety protocols:

  • Tie them loosely. You should always be able to get at least two fingers between the ribbon and the skin.
  • Don’t use them for any kind of weight-bearing activity (the bound person shouldn’t pull hard against them, either).
  • Keep a pair of safety shears to hand in case you need to cut them off.
  • Never, ever leave a bound person alone. No, not even for a minute.
Lovehoney bondage restraints for kink and BDSM

Honestly, though, if restraint is your thing just get some proper cuffs or some bondage rope and learn how to use it safely (via online tutorials, books, peer rope sessions, or classes with reputable teachers).

This one’s a miss for me. Packaging up lightly branded basic ribbons as “bondage restraints” (and dubiously safe ones at that) just doesn’t sit right with me.

The Best Sex of Your Life advent calendar retails for £120 but contains around £370+ worth of products (most of them better than these!) You can also get 10% off your entire order of anything at Lovehoney by using my code “coffkink10” at checkout.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending us the Best Sex of Your Life couples’ sex toy advent calendar to review. All views are our own. Affiliate links appear in this post and shopping through them helps to keep the site going!

[Kink Product Review] Tyes By Tara Vixen Tyecuffs

[Update 01/11/23: the Tyes By Tara affiliate programme has closed, meaning I no longer make a commission if you purchase through my links. However, I still love the products so I have left these reviews live.]

Tyes By Tara is a small, woman-founded and award-winning brand based in the US, and their entire collection is a dream for a kinky femme like myself. Elegant and eyecatching pieces that are by turns playful and sensual? Hell yes!

A Touch of Luxury

Vixen Tyecuffs soft bondage handcuffs

My Tyes By Tara items came discreetly packaged in a plain box. Inside, they were beautifully wrapped in tissue paper and tied with ribbon. The parcel included not just my cuffs, but also a card with care instructions, a kind note from my contact at the company, and even a bonus free tyelet!

The customer care and attention to detail is excellent and much appreciated. The luxurious packaging and presentation got me even more excited to try out the products.

Vixen Tyecuffs: Bondage with a Femme Focus

I was spoiled for choice when it came to what to try. But, being the #Sparklefemme that I am, I had to settle on the sparkly Vixen Tyecuffs. These wide cuffs are made from sparkly rhinestone mesh and finished with satin ribbon ties.

Rhinestone handcuffs for BDSM

The Vixen Tyecuffs are available in both black and white.

I can’t tell you how much I love these cuffs! They’re just absolutely gorgeous, even prettier than they look on the website. I love the way the rhinestones catch the light when I move.

Woman with hands tied up in bondage cuffs

There are some items that make me feel happy and confident just by wearing them, and these cuffs fall into that category. They speak to two aspects of my identity that are hugely important to me: my femme-ness and my submissiveness.

The Vixen Tyecuffs are comfortable, too. They’re light enough that I can put them on and then wear them for hours. They don’t irritate my skin or make my wrists sweaty. When we can finally go to sex clubs again (fuck you Covid) they’ll make a sleek and sexy addition to my outfits.

Fit and Functionality

My Vixen Tyecuffs came with very very long ribbons. Even with the cuffs tied, they still dragged on the floor when I was standing! Fortunately, the very long ribbons mean the cuffs will fit literally anyone, no matter your wrist size (they also work just as well on ankles!)

Vixen Tyecuffs rhinestone BDSM handcuffs

Just pop the cuffs on, work out how long you need the ribbons and how long you want the tails to be, then trim them to size. Don’t forget to allow extra length if you’re going to tie them to anything!

The Vixen Tyecuffs are strong and sturdily made. Despite their delicate appearance, they don’t feel as though they are flimsy or liable to break in the course of normal use.

Ribbon handcuffs for kink and BDSM

With that said, these are definitely cuffs that are for decoration and light bondage. You could certainly get tied to the bed or get your hands tied behind your back with the Vixen Tyecuffs. But they’re not designed to bear a lot of weight, so don’t use them for kinky activities where you’re putting weight on your wrists. And maybe switch out for more traditional cuffs if you’re doing a harder struggling-against-your-bonds scene!

Bonus Tyelet

I also received a bonus Tye-of-the-Month in the form of the Trainwreck Tyelet (since discontinued.) This is a lovely little bracelet that is made of soft, stretchy elastic and features a cute black satin bow. It’s like wearing a little bow tie on my wrist!

Tyelet bow tie bracelet

The aesthetic is subtle enough to wear in public without raising eyebrows, but kinky enough to make me smile mischievously every time I look at it.

It’s actually very slightly too big for me, as I have teeny-tiny wrists, but it doesn’t need to fit snugly and still looks super cute.

Verdict & Discount Code

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. Absolutely love them!

The Vixen Tyecuffs retail for a great value $25 (that’s around £21.)

If you’re looking for a sweet and sexy treat for yourself or the femme in your life, take a look at the collection. I’m sure you’ll find something you love.

Thanks to Tyes By Tara for sending me the Vixen Tyecuffs and the Trainwreck Tyelet to try. All views are mine.

[Kink Product Review] Three Mini Reviews: Cuffs, Rope, Paddle

It’s no secret to my readers that I love small, independent, women-owned-and-run businesses, especially when they sell exclusively body-safe adult products. That’s why I am proud to be an affiliate of The Pleasure Garden Shop, a homegrown (pun intended) online feminist sex shop right here in the UK.

I must first apologise for the delay in getting these reviews out – my health (physical and mental) have taken a nosedive since the beginning of the year and Mr CK has been unwell too. As such I am woefully behind on testing and writing about everything! But no matter – we’re here now.

I was really excited when Francesca, owner of The Pleasure Garden reached out and suggested a series of mini-reviews of kinky products that might appeal to people looking to explore BDSM for the first time, along with some handy tricks and tips on using them safely. This is the first of such a series – let’s take a look at what was in my very exciting parcel when it arrived…

Bound Noir Slim Wrist Cuffs

People who have seen me getting my sexy on will know that I kink super hard for leather. (Yes, I know, as a vegetarian this makes me a horrible hypocrite – don’t @ me!) Good quality leather also tends to be expensive, which is probably why I don’t own that much of it.

Bound Noir black leather cuffs

The Bound Noir Slim Wrist Cuffs had me squeeing for joy! Not only are they super stylish, made of soft black leather with gold coloured metal accents, they’re also an absolute steal at £32.99. I’ve seen leather cuff sets go for £100+, but there’s no need to spend that much when these are so good! They come with a removable connecting chain with clips at either end, and each cuff has two D-rings – so lots of ways to fasten your sub to something (or to themselves) should you desire.

Bound Noir black wrist cuffs on anonymous hands

These cuffs feel super luxurious to wear. The leather is really soft and supple, and just gets softer with use as you break them in. I’ve worn them for well over an hour before, including in a session where my wrists were above my head. They remained comfortable the whole time. The gold accents give an elegant feel. The perfect accessory for any sexy outfit!

Bound Noir black wrist cuffs on anonymous female hands

They’re super adjustable. They have 5 notches, and there’s no reason you couldn’t get an extra one put in if you wanted to. (Take them to a professional leather worker, you could ruin them if you try it yourself!) The adjustability means they’ll work on most bodies. I have tiny wrists so I use them on the tightest setting. But I’ve also used them on people with much bigger hands/wrists than me with no problems at all.

Leather Wrist Cuffs Tips & Tricks…

Bound Noir black leather wrist cuffs on anonymous female hands

  • Experiment with different positions. Not everything will be comfy for everyone. Clip your partner’s hands together behind their back, hook their arms around the bedpost, tie their hands to something above their head.
  • Pair with a set of ankle cuffs and a 4-way hogtie for more complete immobilisation.
  • Cuffs should be loose enough that you can slip 1-2 fingers between the cuff and the skin, but tight enough so your partner cannot wiggle free. Experiment with different settings and check regularly. If there is any numbness, tingling or pins and needles in the hands, take the cuffs off IMMEDIATELY.
  • Never, EVER leave a bound person alone.
  • Store your cuffs flat, not fastened – the leather will degrade quicker if you store them closed.

Bound to Please Hemp Bondage Rope

Ask any rope bondage aficionado about their favourite type of rope, and you’ll get wildly different – but equally passionate – answers. We all have our favourites. I’ve always been a jute fan; I love the smell of it, the feel of it and the way it handles. But hemp is also a really popular choice. So I was delighted to try out this hemp bondage rope from Bound To Please.

Hemp rope coiled

This rope comes in 10 metre lengths and 5mm width. I believe this is the most ideal rope thickness for most bondage – any thicker and it starts looking bulkier and less elegant, any thinner and it starts to make ties more painful due to the way thinner ropes cut against the skin. (Not necessarily a bad thing if you like pain, but I don’t suggest tying with anything below 5mm until you’re experienced!) Each length costs £12.99.

“How much rope should I buy?” is always a question beginners ask me. It depends on a number of things, including types of ties and the size of the bottom. If you eventually want to move on to complex ties and suspensions, you’ll need more. If all you want to do is tie your partner to the bed for sex, you can get away with a couple of lengths. As a rough guide, for a TK (Takate Kote or Box Tie, the first formal harness tie most riggers learn) you’ll need 3 lengths and possibly 4 lengths for larger bodies. (If your partner is very petite, you might get away with 2.)

(I should just write a Big Guide to Choosing Rope, shouldn’t I? Okay, coming up…)

Anonymous leg tied in a futomomo with hemp rope

The thing I really love about natural fibre ropes, and especially hemp, is the smell. Hemp rope has this slightly undefinable sweet/woody smell and it’s gorgeous. I love tying in a room full of rope enthusiasts because the mix of natural fibres, bodies and sex in the air is just so intoxicating. Natural fibre ropes also get softer and smoother with use, as they are handled and absorb the natural oils from your skin.

Yes, I LOVE this rope!

Rope Tips & Tricks…

Close up of part of a futomomo in hemp rope on anonymous leg

  • Firstly and most importantly, always – ALWAYS – keep a cutting tool to hand. The safest and best tool is a pair of EMT shears, like this, which you can by for a few quid on Amazon or from a medical supplies store.
  • Suspension looks cool and is great fun, but it is NOT the be-all, end-all. It is also very dangerous if not done properly. Gain proficiency in floor-work before you even think about suspending, and then do it under the tuition of an experienced rigger. Bottoms, this applies to you too – don’t ask someone to suspend you when you’ve never even worn a basic chest harness before.
  • Rope is for everyone! No matter the size of your body or your ability level, you can do rope if you want to. Listen to your body and be prepared to adjust.
  • Get some lessons! Rope bondage is inherently risky, and can be dangerous if not done properly. If you’re really lucky, there might be a rope studio near you. Otherwise, see if there’s a Peer Rope event in your area (these are usually listed on Fetlife) or find a trusted private tutor.
  • Check out some instructional Youtube videos. Ask in your local community or on Fetlife for recommendations, as not all teachers are created equal.
  • Get a book, such as Shibari You Can Use or Showing You the Ropes.
  • Learn about the safe areas of the body to tie. This is a great and thorough guide to bondage safety.
  • Rope can be a scene in itself. “Tie them up and fuck them” is great if that’s your thing, but don’t discount the possibility of rope for the sake of rope. Some of my most amazing scenes have been rope and nothing else.
  • To keep your rope in the best condition, coil it and put it away as soon as you can after a session.
  • This is worth reiterating: NEVER leave a bound person alone!

Bound to Please Silicone Paddle

I’d never used a silicone paddle before, so the Bound To Please Silicone Paddle was an exciting new addition to my impact play collection. It measures 41cm long by 6cm wide and is nice and light to handle. Silicone is super easy to clean and sterilise (just chuck it in boiling water or use a body-safe medical wipe), and as it contains no animal derived materials is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

BLack silicone paddle

I tested this one out with The Artist. From what I recall, my reaction to it was a string of profanity, followed by tears (because it hurt so fucking much, y’all). Due to the density of the silicone and the slender design, what feels like a relatively light stroke to the Top can deliver a hell of a sting to the bottom.

This thing is fucking vicious.

SIlicone paddle

I absolutely adore this paddle. But I am an experienced bottom and have been doing impact play for well over a decade at this point. Unless you have a high pain tolerance and a very clear idea of your body’s capabilities and limits, I cannot recommend this paddle to a beginner.

A wide leather paddle or a paddle that is padded on one side are great options for a gentler start for complete beginners! If you’re feeling brave enough to try this fucker, it retails for a very affordable £24.99.

Paddle Tips & Tricks…

Black silicone paddle in anoymous hand

  • Start slowly. People can take more impact if you build up gradually rather than just whack them at full force straight away!
  • Remember that the goal isn’t “take as much as you possibly can”. The goal is for both of you to have fun and get something out of the session.
  • Get clear about what kind of scene you want and what impact play means to you. Playing with punishment is hot to some people, and emotionally painful for others. “Teacher spanking a naughty student” roleplay is a VERY different scene to “I’ve had a terrible week and need you to spank me until I cry“, even though both might superficially look similar.
  • Learn the safe areas of the body to hit. Upper back and butt = good. Thighs, chest and genitals = yes if you’re careful. Face, head, joins, spine, lower back and neck = absolutely not.
  • Making your partner count the strokes and/or ask you for them can be super hot. Try phrases like, “Thank you Sir/Miss, may I have another?”

Other recommendations for your beginner kit…

When you’re just starting out in kink, you don’t necessarily want to spend a fortune on kit – especially before you’ve fully worked out what you like! Exactly what you prioritise spending your money on will, of course, depend on your interests. But here’s a few things I think you should consider for your basic all-purpose kink kit…

Thank you to Francesca at The Pleasure Garden for sending me these items to review. Please check out the affiliate links in this post – by buying from The Pleasure Garden, you’ll be supporting a small woman-owned business as well as sending a little commission my way to help me keep doing what I’m doing. All views are, as always, my own.

[Kink Product Review] Lovehoney Take Control Bondage Kit

I often groan at the idea – and the reality – of sex toy kits. Too often, they’re lots of cheap and bad quality things shoved together in a pretty box and sold for a premium. If pressed for an opinion, I’ll nearly always tell my readers to forego a kit and spend a bit more on just one or two quality items. However, I try to keep an open mind, and occasionally something surprises me. The Take Control Bondage Kit from Lovehoney pleasantly surprised me.

The Take Control bondage kit box

Through the eyes of a beginner…

I’m practically a kinky veteran at this point. I’ve been practicing BDSM for about a decade and have accrued a sizeable collection of toys – expensive leather floggers, my fabulous vegan leather collar, the gorgeous hand-made whip I gave Mr CK last Christmas, our electro-play kit, and more. So beginner kits are not something I would ever normally buy for myself. Therefore, I am trying to step back in time ten years or so and view this kit through the eyes of someone who is just starting out in their kinky explorations.

The back of the Take Control Bondage Kit boxInviting and Fun Packaging…

The Take Control Bondage Kit comes in one simple box, with all the products clearly displayed on the front so you know exactly what to expect. The packaging is bright and fun, which I suspect is a deliberate choice to make it non-intimidating to the new and nervous.

There’s a LOT of information on the box, too. I really like the way that there’s a brief description on how to use each item on the back, and also that they pay attention to safety and consent! The box reminds you to use safewords, never leave a bound person alone, and have a non-verbal safe signal if someone is gagged. In this regard, I’m really impressed. It’s pretty 101 stuff, but safety/consent 101 is exactly the information that the target market for this kit needs. A+ for that.

Take Control Kit: the unboxing…Various kink items on a wooden floor. For a post about the Take Control bondage kit.

I wasn’t delighted with the way the box was packed – everything was just sort of piled in, each item wrapped in a cellophane wrapper. It would have been nicer to have an inner tray with slots for everything. Some little storage bags for the items would also be a welcome addition. Assuming you don’t want to throw everything back in the box when you’re done playing, it’s not an ideal storage solution.

With that said, I was immediately pretty impressed with what was inside the Take Control kit. Some (many) beginner BDSM kits are filled with things that are dubiously even safe, let alone of good quality.

Let’s take a look at what’s inside, shall we? Just for fun, I’ve included a fun tip or an idea to try with each item in the Take Control kit.

1: Blindfold

A black blindfold. For a post about the Take Control bondage kit.

This blindfold is super comfy. It’s nice and thick and padded, and I couldn’t see a thing when it was on. The band is stretchy, too, so it should fit most people comfortably.

Pro kink tip: blindfold your partner and stroke different things across their body – a silk scarf, a piece of velvet, the tails of your flogger – and make them guess what each item is.

2. Nipple suckers

A pair of purple nipple suckers. For a post about the Take Control bondage kit.

I really liked these! They’re a great gentle introduction to nipple play, and perfect if you want some sensation but without the pain of clamps or clothes pegs. I have pretty small nipples on fairly large breasts, and I found these stayed in place very nicely once I’d suctioned them onto my chest.

If you flick or hit them too hard, they will fly off, but they can withstand some gentle playing and wiggling.

Pro kink tip: tell your partner to fetch you something from another room with these on. They’ll have to move carefully… they’ll be spanked if one falls off!

3. Ball gag

A black ball gag. For a post about the Take Control bondage kit.

Full disclosure: I hate ball gags. I fucking hate them. They make my jaw hurt, they make my face contort into an expression that no-one could possibly find attractive, they make me drool, and I can’t kiss my partner when I’m wearing one. I. Hate. Them.

With that said, this is a good one if you like that sort of thing. The holes make it breathable, and being silicone it’s non-porous which makes it hygienic. The holes do make it somewhat of a pain to clean, so take extra care when you’re cleaning it. Warm water and gentle soap is the best way to go here.

I also like how adjustable this gag is. With 9 buckle holes, it will fit most people comfortably.

Pro kink tip: make your submissive try to repeat words back to you (try phrases like “I’m a dirty little slut”) while gagged.

A black flogger. For a post about the Take Control bondage kit.4. Flogger

This is a stingy little bastard! Don’t let the small size fool you, it can pack a wallop. The falls are made of thin rubber, which delivers a vicious sting when you put some force behind it. If pain isn’t your thing, you can drag it sensually across the skin for a gentle tickle. I would have liked the handle to have a bit more width and weight to it.

Pro kink tip: Try – gently – flogging the vulva or penis if your partner is up for it. Remember to clean your flogger thoroughly afterwards.

5. Wrist and ankle cuffs

A woman's hand in a black velcro cuff. For a post about the Take Control bondage kit.

These were the weakest part of the kit by far, for me. They’re quite thin and made of nylon, with no padding, which means they chafe if you put any pressure on them at all. They’re fine for exploring the feeling of being restrained, but if you’re into rough play and would be wanting to pull against them, they’re not a good option for that.

Try restraint with these, by all means, to see if you like it. But then ditch them and get some proper cuffs. And I hope it goes without saying that you should never, EVER suspend from wrist or ankle cuffs. These are not designed to take any real weight.

Pro kink tip: Restrain your partner then make them watch you masturbate in front of them.

6. Under-bed restraints

These are great, except for the tiny detail that they don’t fit on our bed! We have a Super King bed (which is the best thing ever, seriously. I always tell Mr CK that my relationship with him and the bed is polyamorous in itself.) Turns out these restraints fit up to King Size. So they’ll be fine for the vast majority of people, but if you have a ridiculous bed like us, they may not fit.

That said, they’re still a great addition to the kit. They’re strong, durable, and easy to set up… and tuck out of sight when you’re done, if you want to. The little clips mean you can easily add different cuffs to them, so when you ditch the rubbish cuffs in this set and get some better ones, you can still use them with this restraint system.

Pro kink tip: when your partner is restrained, run a cube of ice along their body… or drip candle wax onto their skin (read up on how to do wax play safely first, of course!)

7. Silicone suction-cup dildo

Do my eyes deceive me, or… no, it’s actually a body-safe dildo in a BDSM kit! With an insertable length of 6 inches and a diameter of 1.5″, this toy is perfect for vaginal play. It’s possibly a bit ambitious for first-time anal sex or pegging, but most people could easily work up to it with a bit of time and warm-up.

The slight curve makes this dildo feel delicious for G-spot or prostate stimulation, and the silicone is super soft and silky. The suction cup is also a nice addition and makes this toy more versatile.

It’s even got a convenient hollow in the base where you can slip the bullet vibe that comes with this kit to turn your dildo into a G-spot vibrator!

Remember to use water-based lube with your silicone dildo for the best experience.

Pro kink tip: tease your lover’s entrance with just the tip of the dildo. If they want it inside, they have to thrust on to it!

8. Strap-on harness

This is actually the same harness that I bought as part of a pegging kit a few years ago. I’ve used it many, many times to top for both vaginal and anal penetration, and it’s still my favourite harness. It’s comfortable, the dildo stays in place well during thrusting, and the rings are interchangeable so you can use it with any dildo with a flared base.

Pro kink tip: If you have a vulva, put on a wearable vibrator before you put on your harness, so that you get some clitoral pleasure while you fuck your partner.

9. Wired bullet vibrator

This was the biggest surprise in the Take Control kit for me. I was fully expecting it to be awful. While it’s not the strongest vibrator in the world, it’s not a bad little bullet for the size. I was able to orgasm with it quickly and easily. It has a number of patterns as well as steady vibration speeds.

I didn’t love the wire element, but you cannot expect to get a wireless bullet for this price-point. It’s long enough for one partner to comfortably have control of the remote while the other holds the vibrator against their genitals.

Pro kink tip: switch it off just when your lover is on the edge of orgasm. Make them beg for release.

Other things to note if you’re thinking of getting the Take Control kit:

  • The bullet takes 2x AAA batteries, not included.
  • There is no real leather in the Take Control kit, making it entirely vegan-friendly.

Overall Verdict: do I recommend it?

On the whole, a very solid kit for the price. I wouldn’t recommend it to folks more experienced in kink and BDSM, but for those of you who are new and looking to explore different sensations and types of power-play, this kit is a great starting point.

The Take Control kit retails for £79.99 ($99.99 US) which is a reasonable price for the quality and variety. As you get more into your kink and discover what you like, I’d encourage you to drop more money on single items if you can – a quality, handcrafted whip or flogger will last you a lifetime, perhaps, or some really high quality natural fibre rope? But to get you started? Look no further.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me this kit in exchange for an honest review. If you choose to purchase this or anything else from Lovehoney, please buy through my affiliate links – it supports the blog at no extra cost to you!