Tag: hand sex

Header image for Vibeology Throb oil based masturbation stroking lube review

[Lube & Massage Product Review] Vibeology Throb Stroking and Massage Cream

Published on by Amy

This one has been in my to-be-reviewed pile for longer than I’d like to admit, and I kept putting it off. Why? Because, if I’m honest, I don’t like using oil-based lubes. However, Vibeology’s Pure organic water-based lube has become one of my trusted favourites, so I felt I should give the Throb Stroking Cream oil-based formula—a combination masturbation lube and massage cream—a fair shot.

Vibeology Throb: Oil-Based Stroking Lube and Massage Cream

Tub of Vibeology Throb stroking lube and massage cream

Vibeology Throb is an oil-based lubricant-slash-massage-cream designed specifically for stroking, i.e. masturbation or hand sex. It’s light yellow in colour and comes in a scoopable formula in screw-top tubs.

Let’s look at what’s in it and how safe the ingredients are.

  • Butyrospermum parkii butter (AKA shea butter): A common natural skincare ingredient that offers excellent benefits for the skin and is considered safe for use in lubricants that come into contact with genitals.
  • Olea Europea (olive) fruit oil: A protective and moisturising oil. Views on its safety in lube are mixed, but it’s likely fine for the external genital area.
  • Cocus Nucifera (coconut) oil: Perhaps the oil most commonly used as a lubricant. Good for the skin and safe for external use as long as you’re not allergic. However, it may disrupt the vaginal pH and increase risk of yeast infections for some users.
  • Prunus Armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil: A light plant oil rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, C and E. The information I could find indicated it’s likely safe for the external genitals.
  • Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) leaf juice: A hydrating and soothing ingredient that’s also in Vibeology’s Pure formula.
  • Stearic acid: A fatty acid that acts as an emollient and stabiliser, safe and widely used in many lubricants.
  • Sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate,
  • Acetic acid: A pH adjuster that is also used in some prescription vaginal products.
  • Ascorbic acid: The chemical name for Vitamin C.
  • Tocopherol: AKA Vitamin E.
  • Sodium Chloride: AKA salt, used here in miniscule quantities.
Ingredients list on Vibeology Throb masturbation oil

Overall, this is a great ingredients list. I wouldn’t use this formula inside my vagina due to the risk of irritation and infection from oils, but as a masturbation oil or massage cream it has an excellent safety profile.

What I Like About Vibeology Throb Masturbation Oil

Aside from the great ingredients list, there are a few things I like a lot about this product:

  • It has a light and unobtrusive earthy scent, and contains no artificial flavours or fragrances.
  • It absorbs into the skin well and does not leave any unpleasant tacky or sticky residue.
  • When I apply it to my skin, it leaves it feeling soft and nourished. This makes it a great choice for massage. It can also double up as a moisturiser for dry or sensitive skin.
  • It offers a lovely slick, slippery sensation which many users will enjoy.

Things To Be Aware Of

Due to the oils’ excellent absorption, you may need to reapply this lube a few times during a sex/masturbation or massage session. You only need a little at a time, so you’ll still get plenty of uses out of a tub, but it’s not as long-lasting as some products I’ve tried.

Open tub of Vibeology Throb masturbation oil stroking lube

As I mentioned above, I wouldn’t consider this a safe product for vaginal use. Therefore, if you’re going to transition from massage, masturbation or hand-sex into penetrative sex or vaginal fingering, it’s best to pause and wash the oil off your hands first. For masturbation or hand sex with a penis, though, it’s a great choice.

Remember that oil-based lubes are not compatible with latex barriers such as condoms or dams. If you’re using barriers, stick to a water-based lube. Oil-based lubes are okay with some non-latex barriers, but always double-check if you’re not sure so you don’t compromise your safety.

On a personal, sensory level, I really struggle with oil-based lubes. I hate the sensation of having slippery stuff all over my hands. I have the same issue when I’m cooking if I get oil on my hands; I just want to wash it off straight away and I’m completely distracted until it’s gone. This doesn’t mean it’s a bad product, it just means it’s a not-for-me product.

Finally, the taste isn’t super pleasant so you probably won’t want to use this one for oral sex.

Vibeology Throb Masturbation and Massage Oil: Verdict

Small amount of Vibeology stroking lube on the back of a woman's hand

If you’re seeking a body-safe oil-based lube for masturbation, penis stroking or massage, you can’t go far wrong with this one.

Vibeology Throbe Stroking and Massage Cream is available from Shevibe for $19 for 120ml or $29 for 236.5ml.

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

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex review header image

[Lube & Better Sex Products Review] Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Part 1

Published on by Amy

“No fiction, no acting, no judgements, no comparisons, no fear, no guilt nor shame” – so begins the Bijoux Indiscrets “Slow Sex” manifesto, which adorns the packaging of each product in the Slow Sex range of better sex products. And it’s a message I can get behind.

Of course, sex is complicated. Fear, judgement and shame are very real for too many of us. I experience them all the time, even (especially?) as someone who makes a living talking openly about sex on the internet. And it’s going to take far more than a fun hashtag or a range of products to fully tackle the deep, systemic issues that allow sexual shame to run rampant.

Even so, in a world where so many companies (even purportedly sex-positive companies) profit from shame and stigma, I’m glad to see an adult retailer encouraging people to move away from these destructive ideas and towards more authentic pleasure.

I received a selection of items from the Slow Sex range to try out. So I can give each product the focus it deserves, I’m going to tackle these mini reviews in two posts.

Slow Sex Range: General Impressions

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex banner

I received 5 full-size Slow Sex products, plus a couple of sample sizes. Each full-size item comes nicely presented in cardboard packaging (points for minimising single-use plastic!) The packaging is beautifully designed, featuring artistic close-ups of body parts (mouths, fingers, nipples) and sometimes floral motifs.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex boxes

The Slow Sex range also doesn’t use any gendered marketing! Each product is described by referencing body parts and sex acts, without ascribing gender to them. It sounds like a small thing, but simply writing “the clitoris” instead of “her clitoris”, or “use it on your partner” rather than “use it on your man”, makes sexuality product marketing so much more inclusive. Other retailers, take note!

With the exception of the oral sex strips, all the Slow Sex products I tried have a strong and distinctive coconut aroma. I enjoy the smell and taste of coconut, so this was fine. But if you don’t, it’s something to be aware of as the scent is pretty noticeable and does tend to hang around after you’ve finished playing!

Slow Sex Clitoral Balm

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex clit balm

The Slow Sex product I was most excited to try was the clitoral balm, so naturally that’s where I went first.

The Slow Sex Clitoral Balm comes in a little 10ml tube. Since you really only need a little bit to get the effect, a small tube will last you a while.

Slow Sex Clitoral Balm contains a pretty long list of ingredients, so check it carefully if you’re allergic or sensitive to anything. There’s nothing in the ingredients that immediately strikes me as problematic (e.g. parabens). I did some Googling of the ingredients I wasn’t familiar with, and found nothing concerning. It does contain glycerin, but for an external-only product that you use in tiny amounts, that won’t be a problem for most people.

Honestly, I was underwhelmed by the clitoral balm. I really wanted to love it, especially as I’ve tried and loved various similar products in the past, but it just didn’t do much for me. I got a slight warming sensation, which was pleasant enough, but it didn’t really enhance sensitivity or give me any noticeable increase in pleasure. If you enjoy warming lubes, this is a slight step up from that, and you might enjoy it.

I’ll probably finish this tube, but I’m unlikely to buy it again.

Slow Sex Clitoral Balm retails for £15. According to Bijoux, it’s compatible with all toy types and with latex barriers.

Slow Sex Finger Play Gel

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex finger play gel

The Slow Sex Finger Play Gel is basically a water-based lube designed for external use, particularly for fingering or hand-jobs. It contains just a few ingredients, of which the main ones are glycerin, water, and aloe vera leaf juice. Given the high glycerin concentration, don’t use this one inside your vagina, as this can cause yeast infections.

The Finger Play Gel is a lovely, thick lubricant. It lasts well, and a little goes a long way. Its thick texture and slipperiness make it perfect for hand sex. Due to the glycerin, it does feel a bit sticky after a while, but it’s easy to clean up with warm water and soap. After use, my skin felt soft and moisturised, probably thanks to the aloe. It has a pleasant, subtly sweet taste.

Slow Sex Finger Play Gel retails for £15. With just 30ml in a tube, it’s pretty pricey, but it should last you a while. Slow Sex Finger Play Gel is condom-compatible and suitable to use with all toy materials.

Slow Sex Nipple Play Gel

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex nipple play gel

The Slow Sex Nipple Play Gel comes in a little 10ml glass tube with a roller ball applicator. Simply apply a little to your nipples, and then play as you normally would. The gel gives a subtle cooling, tingling sensation.

I found that the Nipple Play Gel slightly heightened sensitivity. When I applied it then went about my day, it made me more aware of my nipples – and particularly the feel of them against my clothing – than I’d normally be. Potentially fun if you want to heighten your arousal throughout the day. I found that one application lasted about an hour.

It also increases sensitivity if you’re doing nipple play with hands, toys, or clamps. But this stuff really comes into its own when combined with oral nipple stimulation. The cool gel combined with a warm mouth makes everything feel much more intense. And since the gel has a sweet taste, it’s not unpleasant for the giver, either! (Assuming they like coconut.)

The Slow Sex Nipple Play Gel is water-based and does not contain any ingredients that are toxic or problematic for topical use. It’s easy to wash off when you’re done and leaves a gentle coconutty smell on the skin.

Slow Sex Nipple Play Gel retails for £15.

Some interesting and fun products so far! Stay tuned for part 2 coming next week.

Header image for Godemiche Grind Rings review

[Toy Review] Godemiche Grind Ring “Bubbles” and “Spikes”

Published on by Amy

This is the first post in a serious about Godemiche’s new pussy grinder toys. It was initially a two-partner, but now it’s more of an ongoing series since variations of the new Grind Rings, Grind Pads and related products are still coming out.

Back in the day, Godemiche’s Twitter bio said that their goal was “not to break the mold, but recolour it.” Their Ambit is a simple yet near-perfect dildo, and their array of body-safe dildos, plugs, strokers, and gags are available in a dizzying array of colours and combinations. But despite this stated aim, their latest product, the Grind Ring, really does break a few molds.

In a world of endless knock-offs and derivatives, it is so refreshing when I see sex toy designers doing something genuinely new and innovative. And I have never come across anything quite like the Grind Ring before.

But what is a Grind Ring? How does it work, and – most importantly – is it good?

What is the Godemiche Grind Ring?

The Grind Ring is a toy (or actually a series of toys) designed for folks who enjoy clitoral stimulation during penetrative sex.

Godemiche describe it thus: 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.

And yeah, that’s a pretty perfect description. Here’s what they look like:

Two Godemiche Grind Ring silicone sex toys

Since I typically default to getting everything in purple when I’m choosing sex toys, I decided to go for something a bit different this time. Pictured above are the Bubbles ring in Reefs Water, and the Spikes ring in Dragon’s Breath. The colours are as gorgeously vibrant as ever, and the silicone has this lovely marbled swirly effect that’s just so, so pretty:

Back of Godemiche Grind Ring clitoral stimulators showing pretty marbled silicone pattern

So How Does it Work?

Like the dutiful sex toy testers we are, my partner Mr C&K and I initially tested the Grind Ring in the way it was intended to be used: during penetrative sex. After trying a few different positions, we concluded that by far the most effective way to use this toy was the me-on-top position. This meant I could effectively grind my vulva against the textured surface while he was inside me.

It also worked pretty well in the him-on-top position. Basically, any position that involves a lot of close, face-to-face bodily contact is probably going to work well. Positions with more space between bodies didn’t work so well for us. Your mileage may vary, of course. All bodies are different so experiment to see what works for you.

Since most people with vulvas need sustained clitoral stimulation to orgasm, pussy grinder toys like Grind Rings are a great way to achieve that during penetrative sex (if you want to) and to experiment with different textures. While using a Grind Ring did not get me to orgasm during penetrative sex (the stimulation was a little too inconsistent for that), it did up the intensity and bring a whole bunch of additional hotness and pleasure to the experience.

Other Ways to Use a Grind Ring

The fun thing about sex toys is that you don’t have to just use them in the way they were originally designed to be used. Wand vibrators on penises or clitoral suckers on nipples, anyone?

The Grind Ring (or any pussy grinder, for that matter) is no different. Girl on the Net posted a brilliant piece about using it “wrong” (there’s obviously no such thing!) and I was inspired to try her “textured Doxy wank” idea[1]. And oof, yes, this is highly, highly recommended. I’ve also found that using the Grind Rings as an addition to hand sex, either solo or partnered, is fucking excellent. One of these and plenty of lube between my/my partner’s hand and my vulva is currently one of my favourite ways to get off.

[1] Since I initially wrote this review, Godemiche have added wand toppers to their line-up!

Doxy Die Cast with Godemiche Bubbles Grind Ring
Feat. Doxy Die Cast

Another option is to place a pussy grinder over a suitable firm surface, such as a couch arm, sex position wedge, or particularly firm pillow, and grind on it that way.

And don’t forget, of course, that if you or your partner don’t have a penis you can also use the Grind Ring with any dildo or strap-on.

Godemiche Ambit with Spikes Grind Ring
Feat. the Godemiche Bi Pride Ambit

Texture 1: Bubbles

The Bubbles Grind Ring looks like this:

Godemiche Grind Ring silicone clitoral stimulator in Bubbles

This was actually the first one we tried as an addition to penetrative sex. I wasn’t sure the texture would be noticeable enough to do anything but it really, really is.

Out of all the Grind Ring textures, Bubbles is by far my favourite as an addition to hand sex. It’s textured enough to offer something distinctive and different, but not so intense as to be too much. The smoothness, when coupled with plenty of lube, is divine when I or my partner rub it across my clitoral hood.

Texture 2: Spikes

The Spikes Grind Ring looks like this:

Godemiche Grind Ring clitoral stimulator in Spikes

My first thought when I saw this texture was “eek”. I know silicone is pretty soft, but even so, this looked like it might be too intense for my sensitive clit.

And it is… sometimes.

I have to be in a specific mood for the Spikes Grind Ring. And that mood is “extremely horny” and “in the mood for something so intense it’s almost too much”. It’s not painful, as the silicone is indeed very soft and squishy. It’s just… a lot. Of course, if you do find it painful, you could use it to indulge in a little consensual clitoral pain play if you like that sort of thing.

I did discover one absolutely amazing way to use this ring. If I lay it across my vulva and use a powerful vibrator over the top of it, the tips of the spikes transmit the vibrations in VERY interesting ways. You’re welcome!

Grind Ring Pussy Grinder: Verdict

These things are a revelation in sensation, particularly the Bubbles ring. They’re effective for their intended purpose but also super versatile if you get a little creative.

Godemiche Grind Rings start from £34.99 each and are hand-made to order in whatever combination of colour and texture you choose. Part 2, covering the “Waves” and “Bumps” textures, coming very soon!

Thanks to Godemiche for sending me these products in exchange for an honest review. Affiliate links appear in this post. If you use them to make a purchase, I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. All commissions help fund C&K’s continued existence!

Header image for Godemiche Offbeat review featuring abstract gold burst

[Toy Review] Godemiche Offbeat

Published on by Amy

I’ve been sitting on this one for a long damn time, in part because it took us so long to get to actually testing this toy. But after giving it a second trial run, I am ready to tell you all about the Offbeat silicone masturbator (stroker) from Godemiche.

Godemiche, a UK-based retailer run by husband-and-wife duo Adam and Monika, has been making gorgeous, hand-poured silicone dildos for a number of years now. They’ve now branched out into penis toys as well. (And yes, their marketing copy refers to the Offbeat as a toy for the penis, not the less inclusive but more common “toy for men.”)

What is the Offbeat Silicone Masturbator?

Outside of Godemiche silicone masturbator

The OffBeat is a tube-shaped penis masturbator made of silicone. It is available in five different internal textures. We received “Bumps”, which Godemiche describes as “a balanced texture that’s not too intense, not too light – perfect for first-timers.” The outside has a gentle ripple texture, and the company name is stamped along the rim at the bottom.

Each OffBeat comes in its own little storage tub which looks like a miniature poster tube. This useful addition makes for easy and hygienic storage and travel.

Godemiche Offbeat storage tube

Unfortunately, most of the penis strokers and masturbators on the market are still made of porous and sometimes toxic materials such as jelly, rubber, PVC, TPE/TPR, and the notoriously vague “Realistic Feel.” So I can’t say enough how good it is to see a body-safe silicone stroker at an affordable price (especially when you consider how long it should last!)

Sizes and Colours and Customisation Galore

The OffBeat silicone masturbator: “Grande” (short) is 2″ in length, and “Venti” (full-length) is 4″. Both sizes are 1.1″ in diameter and stretchy. The Grande is ideal for those who prefer concentrated stimulation around the head of the penis, while the Venti is best for whose who enjoy having their entire shaft stimulated. The Grande is also a great companion to oral sex! If you’re looking for something that feels more akin to penetrative sex, choose the Venti.

We received the longer Grande version to try out.

The Godemiche Offbeat silicone masturbator on the side of a bath, around a purple dildo
The Godemiche Offbeat silicone masturbator on a purple dildo sticking to some black bathroom wall tiles

The OffBeat, like Godemiche’s dildos, is available in numerous colours. Ours is pearlescent gold and it’s absolutely beautiful. You can choose Godemiche Purple or a surprise colourway at no extra cost, or pay £10 more to select your own colour from the 32 (at time of writing) on offer.

Offbeat Silicone Stroker: In Use

I obviously don’t have a penis, so I turned to my trusty stunt-cock Mr C&K to help me out with this one and asked him to report back.

Apparently, the bobbles on the inside of the toy provided a good amount of friction and sensation without needing to grip very hard at all. This may make it a good choice for people who suffer from hand or wrist pain when masturbating or giving hand sex to a partner. The gentle ripple shape of the outside of the sleeve also means it sits comfortably in the hand, a finger in each dip.

Inside of Godemiche silicone masturbator

Mr C&K also said that one of the things he likes about this toy is that it is so simple, but really makes masturbation feel substantially different from usual. He likened it to the difference between masturbating with your dominant vs non-dominant hand, or the difference between touching yourself and someone else stroking you. Basically, if you’re looking to change up your usual masturbation routine for any reason, grab yourself one of these!

The Offbeat silicone masturbator is stretchy, allowing for most users to enjoy it regardless of penis size and then “hugging” the cock once it’s inserted. For maximum comfort and pleasure, I recommend adding water-based lube to both your penis and the inside of the toy.

The Offbeat can be a little bit of a faff to clean due to all the little ridges and bobbles. I suggest turning it inside out before boil-sterilising it every few uses or before sharing it with a partner. In between uses, a good wash with some hot water and gentle antibacterial soap should do the trick.

Offbeat Silicone Masturbator: Verdict

Mr C&K and I both really like this toy! It’s simple, effective, body-safe, affordable, and should suit a wide range of bodies. We might just go and get all five textures, honestly!

The OffBeat retails for prices starting from £29.99 (Grande) and £35.99 (Venti) from Godemiche.

Thanks to Godemiche for sending us the OffBeat silicone stroker in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.