Tag: kink and BDSM

chastity belt review header

[Kink Product Review] Oxy Bellatrix Chastity Belt

Published on by Amy

Readers are always asking me for recommendations for the best chastity belts for people with vulvas (often referred to as female chastity belts.) Something about the chastity belt kink—being locked up, unable to touch yourself, unable to be penetrated—seems to strike a chord with a lot of people. Perhaps it’s because the idea of giving someone else control over your sexual pleasure and release feels like the ultimate act of submission.

I’ve always been a bit stuck for what to recommend. Cheaper belts tend to not have the desired effect of preventing or inhibiting stimulation. More effective ones tend to be eye-wateringly expensive, easily running to hundreds of dollars. Until now, I haven’t been able to find one that sits at the intersection of effective and relatively affordable.

That’s why, when Oxy (an online kink store with an extensive range) got in touch and invited me to review for them, I jumped at the chance to get my hands on this product.

Oxy Kink Store Bellatrix: Best Chastity Belt for People with Vulvas (AKA Female Chastity Belt)

The Bellatrix Chastity Belt from Oxy Kink Store is made of stainless steel with silicone surrounds for comfort. The silicone is available in black, white, pink, or blue. I opted for simple, elegant black for mine. It comes with two mini padlocks, each with spare keys, and some spare screws.

Oxy Bellatrix female chastity belt

My belt arrived promptly, discreetly packaged in a plain brown parcel. Due to the shape, the belt comes packaged in two separate main pieces, with bubble wrap packaging protecting it. This means you need to put it together. This can take a few minutes to figure out, but it’s fairly self-explanatory (I found that looking at the picture of the whole piece on the website helped.) Some of the screws are quite small and fiddly, so set up your belt in a space with good lighting and be patient.

All belts are made to order in your size and choice of colour. The lead time is 10-15 days, so plan ahead for this one. You can also use this belt with fitted vaginal and anal plugs, if you wish (sold separately.)

Chastity Kink Belt: Fit, Comfort and Care

My Bellatrix Chastity Belt runs true to size and they’re also quite adjustable. So don’t worry if you gain or lose some weight. Though they’re made to your sizing specifications, there’s always multiple settings so you can tighten or loosen it if you need to.

Oxy Bellatrix female chastity belt
Oxy Bellatrix female chastity belt
Oxy Bellatrix female chastity belt

This Oxy Kink Store chastity belt is also more comfortable than I really expected it to be. It sits comfortably around the waist, and the silicone stops the stainless steel from digging into your skin while you’re wearing it. You can wear it directly against your body, or over an item of clothing such as underwear or skin-hugging trousers if you prefer. The plate that sits directly over the vulva has lots of small airholes in it, allowing your body to breathe and helping to prevent overheating.

The Bellatrix Chastity Belt is made of body-safe and non-porous materials which are easy to clean. Wash your belt between wears with warm soapy water, dry it off as well as you can, and then leave it to dry completely. You can also give it a quick interim clean with a body-safe sterile wipe.

Does It Work?

I’ve tried cheaper chastity devices and those made of softer materials, such as leather, in the past. Though sexy as part of a fantasy, none of them were really effective insofar as actually preventing the wearer from touching themselves.

In this regard, the Bellatrix Chastity Belt absolutely delivers. Once it’s properly fitted, the wearer has no way to reach their vagina and clitoris. So yes, it works beautifully.

Is the Oxy Kink Store Chastity Belt Suitable for Long-Term Wear?

For many people, the fantasy of a chastity belt is that their partner locks them in and simply leaves them in it for days, weeks… or even months or years. While this is hot in theory, it’s really not practical in reality.

Though it’s theoretically possible for people with penises, it’s possibly risky long term (particularly if you’re regularly wearing the device overnight.) And for people with vulvas, I’m just not at all sure it’s physically possible. Long-term wear of even the most comfortable and well-fitted chastity belt is likely to cause rubbing and chafing after a while. Having stainless steel and silicone around your bits for too long can cause excess sweating and the trapping of bacteria, which could lead to infections such as thrush, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis (BV.) Of course, blocking the vagina also harms its ability to keep itself clean.

Oxy Bellatrix female chastity belt

Full chastity belts can also inhibit your ability to wipe or wash properly after going to the bathroom. So if you’re going to wear it long term, you’ll need to be fastidious about hygiene and probably remove it completely at least once a day to wash yourself and the belt.

Honestly, I think true permanent or very-long-term chastity is in the realm of “doesn’t work in reality.” So no, this belt isn’t truly suitable for long-term continuous wear. But to be honest, I don’t believe there’s a device in existence that is. That’s no shade to the product (which is excellent) at all. That’s just physiology.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a hell of a lot of fun with the fantasy! In my experience, kink is really not about what is literally true or possible. It’s about playing with ideas, with dynamics, with emotions and desires and the hidden parts of ourselves. Toys and accessories are tools we use to help ourselves get into those mindsets and bring those fantasies to life. Our minds and bodies have to do the rest of the work.

A Few Fun Ways to Play with a Chastity Belt

Curious about chastity play but not sure where to start? I thought it would be fun to include a few ideas to get you started. As always, take what works for you, modify as you like, and leave the rest!

Oxy Bellatrix female chastity belt

  • If you go to kink events such as play parties, wearing or having your submissive partner wear a chastity belt at one of these events can add a hot semi-public aspect to your play.
  • Have your partner wear the belt and then tease them by touching every other erogenous part of their body. How long will it be before they beg you to unlock them?
  • If you’re playing solo, wear the belt and then do everything you can to turn yourself on. See how long you can stand it before you just have to take it off and touch yourself.
  • Ahead of a date, have the submissive partner wear the belt. The dominant partner can then text them all kinds of sexy thoughts to turn them on.

A quick note on safety: if you’re going to play with this belt when the wearer and keyholder aren’t physically together, always make sure the wearer has a spare key for emergencies.

Verdict

Sexy and huge fun! I’m really impressed with this belt. It’s well made with body-safe materials, does the job well, and is comfortable to wear. Top marks all around.

The Bellatrix Chastity Belt retails for $130 (that’s just under £110). This is honestly a very competitive price point for a stainless steel belt that is custom made for your measurements.

Thanks to Oxy for sending me their best-rated vulva chastity belt (AKA female chastity belt) to review. All opinions and experiences are, as always, my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Header image for a post on how to vet a Dom

How to Vet a Dom Before You Play

Published on by Amy2 Comments

I meet a lot of new and curious submissives through this blog and events in my local kink community. The question they ask me most often? How to find a Dom. But finding someone is just the first step. It’s also essential to understand how to vet a Dom before you play with them or begin any kind of kinky relationship. Vetting is a process of getting to know someone and establishing that they are who they say they are and that they’re safe to date or do BDSM play with.

How to Vet a Dom: 5 Ways

The kink community is not a utopia. It consists of people. Some of those people will be wonderful, others will be awful, and most will be somewhere between those two extremes. Submitting to someone, sexually or in a kink scene, is vulnerable and requires a lot of trust. That’s why vetting is essential; it allows you to understand who someone really is before you get too invested in a romantic, sexual, or BDSM relationship.

Always Meet in a Public Place First When You’re Vetting a Potential BDSM Partner

If you’re meeting someone in person for the first time (say, if you’ve met them online) then always have your first meeting in a public place like a bar, restaurant, or coffee shop. Even if you’ve met at an event such as a BDSM munch or rope bondage workshop, having a date in a public place the first time you meet one-to-one is a good idea.

This lets you get to know them as a person in a safe and low-pressure environment. It also ensures you can leave relatively easily and have other people around if things go sideways.

If a prospective Dom balks at meeting in public, that’s a glaring red flag in a kinky relationship. It can indicate anything from not wanting to be seen in public because they’re cheating on a spouse to wanting to get you alone so they can cause you harm.

Ask for References to Help You Vet a Dom

If your prospective Dominant has been in the kink community for a while, others will know them and probably have an opinion on them. Try asking some regulars in your local scene to see what they can tell you about this person. If in doubt, the organiser of a munch they attend regularly is a good place to start.

When vetting, it’s best to get a range of opinions if you can. One person’s view can be clouded either positively or negatively, but patterns of data are far more useful. Of course, if you hear anything really damning (such as that the person has a history of behaving abusively), pay very close attention to that.

Kinksters are used to people vetting potential Doms (and submissives) and generally support it. Your local community leaders won’t think it’s weird if you say “hey, I’m thinking of playing with X and I wondered if you have any insight on what they’re like as a person or a player?”

Pay Attention to Small Signs

When you’re trying to vet a Dom, one of the best things you can do is simply pay attention. If you look closely, you can learn a lot about a person from the ways they interact with you, other people, and the world around them. Remember that a BDSM relationship is still a relationship first and foremost.

For example, do they generally speak to others at the munch with respect and courtesy, or do they assume that all submissives are fair game to be degraded and spoken down to? If you go out for coffee or a meal, how do they treat the waitstaff? Do they have hobbies, interests, and friends that they can talk about? Do they seek consent as a matter of course (for example, by asking before touching or hugging you for the first time?)

Here’s a useful BDSM vetting trick a friend taught me: set a small boundary early on. This can be anything from “I’m not comfortable with pet names” to “I have to leave by six to get to work.” Do they respect and honour it? How a Dominant responds to a clearly stated boundary tells you an enormous amount about them and how they’ll treat you if you continue in a relationship.

Introduce a Prospective Dom to Your Friends and Ask Them to Help You Vet Them

Friends can sometimes spot things that we’re oblivious to when we have a crush on someone (or are deep in sub frenzy). If you’re not sure how to vet a Dom or if your perceptions are accurate, introduce them some of your trusted friends when you can. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends for their honest opinions. And then listen to them!

I’ve had friends introduce me to their new partner or prospective partner and immediately had a feeling of “urgh, no, there’s something off about this person”, even if I couldn’t put my finger on exactly what the problem was. I call this sense The Vibes and it’s accurate a shocking percentage of the time. Other times, I’ve thought how happy and relaxed my friend seems around their new sweetie.

Play At An Event First

So you’ve vetted your potential Dom, they seem okay and you’re wanting to get kinky. My recommendation at this stage? Play at an event first. Not everyone likes events or has access to them due to finances or geography. But if this is an option for you, it can be safer to wplay with a new Dom for the first time at a kink party.

Reputable kinky play events usually have staff, such as organisers and Dungeon Monitors (DMs), who will keep an eye on what’s happening and step in if necessary. For example, many events have “house safewords” but in practice, a DM will pay attention to anything that sounds like a withdrawal of consent. Playing at a party means that, even if you’re in a vulnerable position such as being restrained, you’ll have someone looking out for you.

Remember: People Can Still Fool You

Unfortunately, some people are good at seeming affable and safe while being anything but. You might learn how to vet a Dom and do everything you reasonably can, but still end up hurt. Regardless of what vetting precautions you did or didn’t take, if another person chooses to harm you the fault is theirs. You are not to blame.

Vetting is ultimately one tool that helps to keep us safe in BDSM. It’s far from perfect, and it works best alongside other tools such as robust negotiation, mutual community care, and scene safeguarding. Even so, it’s one of the most powerful ways you have at your disposal to reduce your risk.

Header image for a guest post about being a submissive with ADHD by Redridingbrat

[Guest Post] Being a Submissive with ADHD by Redridingbrat

Published on by Amy1 Comment

While I don’t have an actual diagnosis of ADHD, I’ve long know that it’s something I probably have. Whenever I see any ADHD content, from medical information to memes, I find myself going “yep, it me”. It impacts virtually every aspect of my life. So I wasn’t altogether surprised when I also found this piece from my friend Redridingbrat (she/her) about ADHD and its impact on BDSM and kink deeply relatable.

I feel very strongly that kink is for all consenting adults who want to engage in it. Many of the images we see online and in the media are reductive, exclusionary, and harmful. That’s why it’s so important to me to represent a diversity of experiences on this blog. To that end, I’m thrilled to host RRB’s thoughts on ADHD in a BDSM relationship.

As always, you can help me to pay more lovely guest writers by chipping in via the tip jar.

Amy x

ADHD and Kink: Being a Submissive with ADHD by Redridingbrat

What comes to mind when you think of the perfect submissive?

Perhaps it is someone who is entirely focused on their Dominant? Someone who finds it easy to follow the rules and pre-emptively do whatever their Dominant might desire?

How does this approach to kink change when you have ADHD?

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a medical condition that affects the way a person thinks and acts. This often presents as someone being inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive—three things that can often clash with the pop culture view of submission. As a submissive with ADHD, I have had to work with my Dominant to make sure that my submission and BDSM relationship isn’t adversely affected by my ADHD.

ADHD, Kink and Forgetfulness

One of the ways inattention in ADHD can affect a D/s or kink dynamic is forgetfulness. Forgetting rules, forgetting tasks, forgetting where things have been placed… not something that is in the picture-perfect view of a sub! Thankfully, this is something this can be easily accommodated. Having the rules written up and displayed somewhere is a straightforward alternative to relying on the memory. Having things placed in see-through or open containers lets you quickly see where they are. A long-term solution is to have your Dominant help you create habits, so you do not need to remember a thing.

Another annoying symptom of ADHD is being prone to distraction. Sitting in a corner with no stimulation is my personal idea of hell. It isn’t just me who can suffer as a result of this, though; losing interest in an activity halfway through a scene can very quickly make a Dominant feel like they failed at a scene, and make the submissive then feel guilty for not being able to concentrate. This does not have an easy fix but there are things that help.

Doing shorter activities can do wonders, as this gives less chances for the brain to wander off. Sensory deprivation can also help as it can force the submissive to focus on their other senses. The biggest things that can help are open communication and being self-aware. By letting your Dominant know when you are having a bad day focusing, you can reassure each other that neither is at fault when focus issues arise.

Hyperfocus, Kink and ADHD

On the opposite end of the spectrum, another symptom of ADHD is hyperfocus; getting so consumed by a task that everything else is ignored. When a task is interrupted by something else, it can be extremely hard to bring yourself out of the task and into the new thing, regardless of how urgent it may be. In extreme cases, this can lead to ignoring the need to drink or use the toilet for hours on end.

One thing my Dominant has found to help with managing this aspect of my ADHD in our kink relationship is simply asking “when will this be done?”. This helps me to verbalise what “done” looks like as well as giving me a cue to start bringing myself out of the task. Having a set routine and structure also helps with this as it ensures that my body becomes accustomed to performing certain activities at certain time, with an external check (my Dominant) making sure it is adhered to.

Managing Motivation as a Submissive with ADHD

Another symptom of ADHD that is often overlooked is internal motivation. I can often sit in “standby mode”, endlessly scrolling social media whilst given tasks go unfulfilled. Part of this is that a larger task can be overwhelming if not broken down into smaller steps. This overwhelm can make it physically uncomfortable to get started. Something that can really help prevent situations like this is breaking a large task down into multiple smaller parts, while also being clear about what signifies completion of each part.

One example of this ADHD hack in a kink context: “make yourself presentable for me” can be broken down into “take a shower, style your hair into a high ponytail, put on a full face of makeup with red lipstick, and wear the red underwear. I want these tasks to be complete by 5pm.” Rewards-based dynamics are also excellent for those who require the internal motivation to be turned external. Extra orgasms for doing a large task? Yes please!

ADHD and BDSM: The Positives

I have spoken at length about the challenges of having ADHD in a BDSM relationship. But it does come with a number of positives too. Those of us with ADHD often excel when in “crisis mode”, meaning we can be very good if something goes wrong in a kink scene. ADHD folks are also creative in our problem solving, making us the perfect people to do puzzle-based tasks or mend broken toys. And ADHD people can also be more adventurous, making us the ideal partner for trying new activities in the bedroom.

ADHD can make submission hard. It breaks many of the pre-conceived notions of what a “good submissive” looks like. Someone who is forgetful, distractable, and hard to self-motivate is not the “ideal” that is written about in popular BDSM literature. However, there are things that can help overcome the barriers that ADHD puts up in a kink dynamic.

The main thing to remember is that D/s is not one size fits all. You can customise and change how your relationship looks. You are not a failure if it does not look like the glamorised novels. Anyone can be a submissive. All you need to do is identify as one and find someone who adores you and your style.

Redridingbrat is a switchy brat who loves nothing more than to engage her submissive side. Her main experiences involve rope, D/s and discussions surrounding disability within the kink community.

A woman with long red hair facing away. She is wearing a skin-tight wet look mini dress and holding a riding crop. Text reads: Lovehoney Fierce review.

[Fetishwear Review] Lovehoney Fierce Range: Catsuit, Lace-Up Bra Set, and Wet Look Cut-Out Mini Dress

Published on by Amy1 Comment

Halloween is coming, which can mean only one thing: scary, kinky parties! So naturally, I’m already planning my outfits for some adventures at the end of the month. In honour of spooky season, Lovehoney kindly sent me a few pieces from their Fierce collection to try and review: the Fierce Catsuit, Wet Look Cut-Out Mini Dress, and Lace-Up Bra St.

Update: A Note on Materials

These pieces from the Lovehoney Fierce range are all made of a black faux-leather, wet-look fabric, which is a polyester/elastane mix. Though they are not animal-derived and are therefore technically vegan, I don’t love that Lovehoney is using synthetic (read: plastic-derived) materials. These fabrics are awful for the environment, both in production and after you discard them.

Since I first wrote these reviews a few years ago, I’ve learned a lot more about fabrics, their eco implications, and the impact of textile waste. Personally, with what I know now, I would not buy these pieces new today. However, since I already own and like them, I’ll be wearing and caring for them for as long as I can to extend their lifespan.

I’m not going to tell you to avoid polyester entirely, as unfortunately it’s ubiquitous. However, I will offer the following tips to help you minimize your impact if you do choose to buy and wear synthetic fabrics,

  1. Buy second hand wherever you can
  2. If you must buy new, only choose pieces you really love
  3. Wear and care for your items for as long as you can
  4. Mend, upcycle/repurpose, resell, donate, or recycle at the end of the item’s life

All Lovehoney Fierce items are hand-wash only. Use cold water and a little gentle detergent, then dry them on the washing line. Studies have shown that handwashing results in far fewer microplastics being shed from polyester clothes, so following these instructions also reduces the environmental impact of your polyester garments.

With that said, let’s dive into the reviews.

Lovehoney Fierce Wet Look Cut-Out Mini Dress

Lovehoney wet look minidress product photo
Image: Lovehoney

The Fierce Wet Look Cut-Out Mini Dress is a luscious deep, shiny black that catches the light when you move.

I debated whether to categorise this piece as clothing or as lingerie. It’s definitely a dress, but it’s also extremely short. Unless you’re maybe 5’2″ or under, this is not going to be something you can wear to an ordinary club or bar. It fastens up the front with a zipper, and the collar closes with bra style clasps with three tightness settings to choose from. Once you fasten the collar, you get a cut-out peephole neckline which is super sexy and shows off your cleavage or upper chest. The Fierce Wet Look Cut-Out Mini Dress is a rare gem for me: a garment that works with my G-cup chest, rather than fighting against it.

The Fierce Wet Look Cut-Out Mini Dress is designed to fit snugly. These pieces run pretty true to size, in my experience, but I’d recommend sizing down rather than up if you’re between sizes. Thanks to the lack of wires, this dress is pretty comfortable. However, the synthetic fabric doesn’t really breathe so it gets extremely hot after a while especially if you’re in a warm environment.

I feel sexy in a vampy sort of way in this dress. I love the way it enhances the curve of my waist and hips and shows off my shape at its best. I’ll likely pair it with some killer heels, sexy stockings, and kitty ears for a full Halloween look. This range is well-named—it really does make me feel fiercely fabulous!

Buy the Lovehoney Fierce Wet Look Cut-Out Mini Dress for £34.99 from Lovehoney UK or $47.99 from Lovehoney North America.

Feline Fierce: Lovehoney Wet Look Catsuit

Lovehoney model in black PVC wet look catsuit
Image: Lovehoney

The Lovehoney Fierce Wet Look Catsuit, like the Cut-Out Minidress, is shiny and catches the light beautifully. It features a collar neckline which fastens with bra-style clasps, and a cleavage-displaying cut out section at the front. Mesh panels at the hips show a glimpse of skin.

The Lovehoney Fierce Wet Look Catsuit fastens with a single, long zip that runs from the centre of the chest all the way to the top of the butt. With a zip pull at each end, you can choose how open or closed you want the front. You can also unzip the back for easy access for sex without needing to take the whole thing off.

This one also runs fairly true to size but, again, I suggest sizing down rather than up if you’re between sizes. It’s supposed to be skin-tight. The legs were a little long for me, though, and I’m a fairly average 5’5″. Something to be aware of if you’re on the shorter side.

The material is soft and comfortable to wear, The overheating issue is a major consideration, though, since it’s non-breathable and covers most of your body.

Skin-tight black clothing is typically associated with a dominatrix look. However, I’m much more inclined towards the subby end of the spectrum. Fortunately, clothing can be whatever you make it. I feel like I can definitely use this piece to tap into aspects of my submissive self. It’s also perfect for pet-play enthusiasts, those looking to add a sex kitten twist to their bedroom or club look, or anyone who loves skintight shiny things but can’t be bothered with the faff of wearing latex.

The Lovehoney Fierce Wet Look Catsuit retails for £44.99 from Lovehoney UK or $59.99 from Lovehoney North America.

Lovehoney Fierce Lace-Up Bra Set

The Lovehoney Fierce Lace-Up Bra Set on the model
Image: Lovehoney

The Lovehoney Fierce Lace-Up Bra Set is a two-piece set consisting of a non-wired, halter-neck bra and a pair of high-waisted knickers. Both have cut-out sections with lace-up detailing. The knicker waist and the bra band are made of stretchy elastic.

As the elastic is stretchy and the bra has 3 clasp options and a tie-up halterneck, the sizing is somewhat adjustable. I usually wear a UK size 14/16 and the large fits me comfortably. Some reviewers noted that the knickers were on the small side so, unlike the catsuit and minidress, I suggest going up a size if you’re between sizes.

The fabric feels nice against my skin, and the stretchy elastic waist and underbust bands mean nothing is digging in or pinching. Overall, surprisingly comfortable! So the moment of truth: did it contain my chest?The answer to that is… kind of.

My boobs mostly fit into the cups and stay put when I wear this set, particularly when I tie the halterneck quite tight to give them a little extra lift. However, there’s usually a bit of nipple slippage when I’ve been wearing it for a while.

The Lovehoney Fierce wet look lace-up bra set set is very much my style. The feminine silhouette with a kinky edge just speaks very much to my personal aesthetic goals. Lovehoney describe it as a “Dominatrix-inspired look,” but that’s just one possible interpretation. The open panels, easy access through the lacing, and crotchless knickers all speak to vulnerability to me, which helps me tap into my submissive headspace when I’m wearing it.

The laced up detailing really makes this set for me. It’s just the right level of showing off my body while leaving enough to the imagination.

This set retails £34.99 from Lovehoney UK or $47.99 from Lovehoney North America.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the Fierce Lace-Up Bra Set, Catsuit, and Wet-Look Cut-Out Mini Dress to review. All views are, as always, my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Header for a post on how to find a Dom or sub

How to Find a Dom or Sub: Five Places to Meet People

Published on by Amy1 Comment

Spend five minutes on Fetlife or r/BDSM or any other online kink space, and this question will inevitably crop up. “How do I find a Dom?” “How do I find a sub?” “Where do kinky people meet each other, anyway!?” So I thought it was past time for me to share a few ideas on how to find a Dom or sub to share kinky adventures with.

Looking for your kinky soulmate or just someone to have some fun times with? Perhaps you’ve tried all those “FIND KINKY GIRLS TONIGHT!” sites advertised at the top of Google and had no luck. Fortunately, we’re long past the days of posting a coded ad in the back of a newspaper.

Wherever you are on your journey, here are five great ways to meet kinky people that you may not have thought of.

How to Find a Dom or Sub: Five Places to Meet People

1. How to Find a Dom or Sub on Fetlife

Fetlife, known affectionately as the Facebook of kink, is not exclusively a dating site. It’s a social networking site for kinky people. But I know many people who have met partners on there, and it is a fantastic hub of online kinky socialising.

Don’t just spam your personal ad or start cold messaging people, though. Take the time to create an engaging profile, participate in some group discussions, and contribute constructively to the platform.

Before you message someone, read their profile carefully. Do they clearly state they’re not looking? Move on. Remember that kinky people are people first, so approach them respectfully. Do not assume a dynamic where none exists, and do not get sexually explicit until consent has been established. Mentioning a shared interest is good. Immediately asking someone to spank you or be your Mistress is… not.

2. Meeting Potential Partners at Munches

A munch is a social event for kinky people, usually held in a vanilla location such as a bar, pub, restaurant, coffee shop, or park. There are munches in most major cities and many smaller towns, too.

In the Covid times, many munch organisers took their events online, and some online munches are still running. These can be great if you live in a rural area or don’t have access to transport. But I really recommend getting out there in the real world if you can. Munches can be a great way to make friends and maybe eventually find a Dom or sub.

Don’t go to a munch with the intention of picking someone up on your first visit. Instead, chat to everyone and aim to built social connections. If you hit it off with someone you fancy, great! If not, you’ll have started developing a network of kinky contacts and getting your face known in the community. You never know who could introduce you to the Dominant or submissive of your dreams (or at least the next person you’ll have fun tying up).

3. Can You Find a Dom or Sub on Mainstream Dating Sites?

Yes, kinky people use Tinder and OKCupid, too!

If you’re using regular dating sites, consider putting something about your kink proclivities in your profile. (But don’t be gross about it. Even something as simple as “Dominant looking to connect with subs or switches” or “I’m looking for the D to my s” is good!)

Again, always read someone’s profile in full before messaging, and always be polite and respectful. As you browse, you might be surprised how many kinksters are on these sites for precisely the same reasons you are.

4. Underrated Place for Kinky Connections: r/BDSMpersonals

Reddit can be so many things, from a toxic cesspit to an absolute goldmine of useful information and interesting people. I’ve heard mixed things about the r/BDSMpersonals subreddit, but people do claim to have met both short-term and long-term partners on there. If you’re looking to find a Dom or sub, it’s worth a try.

You can create a post sharing your location, gender, age, kink role, and a bit about what you’re looking for. A recent glance indicates that posts by women tend to get far more engagement than posts by men, but it’s worth a shot whatever your gender.

Remember that, as with any online meeting, be cautious and exercise good judgement. Never give out personally identifiable information until you’ve met in person and got to know each other, and always meet in a well-lit public place at least the first couple of times.

If you want to find a Dom or sub, you don’t need to limit yourself to platforms and locations that are built around dating. You know those stereotypes about kinksters and geeks, or kinksters and LARPers, or kinksters and Renaissance Faire enthusiasts? They’re all kinda true. (See also goths, polyamorous people, and so on.)

Obviously not everyone you meet in these spaces will be kinky, and you should never assume. But the crossover is large.

While I do not advocate for getting into a hobby or subculture just to meet a potential partner, if any of them appeal to you for their own sake, they might have the pleasant side-effect of allowing you to meet fellow kinky people in a vanilla or vanilla-ish space.

How to Find a Sub or Dom: A Word of Caution

Naturally, these are only suggestions and I can’t guarantee any of them will work for you. Sometimes, meeting people can be a strange mix of circumstances and right place/right time happenstance, so keep your eyes open and treat everyone you meet in the community as a potential friend.

Finally, please be aware of the dreaded frenzy. If you’re starting to feel like you just need to play with someone – anyone – then you might be in sub-frenzy or Dom-frenzy. If so, then this is a good time to pause and reevaluate before diving into anything.

Happy kinky dating!

This post uses affiliate links.

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A Dom Ignored My Safeword. Now What?

Published on by Amy3 Comments

Please don’t be alarmed by the title of this post: having my safeword ignored isn’t something that has happened to be in many years. However, it is something I hear about from other kinksters with alarming frequency. I hate how common this scenario is, and I wanted to address it.

For anyone who doesn’t know, a safeword is an agreed-upon word that clearly and unambiguously means “stop immediately.” Safewords are employed in kink and BDSM situations, particularly those where words like “no” and “stop” not being taken at face value is part of the game or fantasy. They’re a way to withdraw consent with no risk of being misunderstood.

“Red” is a common safeword (with the accompanying “orange”/”amber” meaning pause and check in.) But your safeword can be whatever you want it to be. Fun fact: my first one was “canary.”

A safeword is an absolute. You should never play without one, no matter how long you’ve been together, and you should never, ever ignore one. Oh, and if you haven’t explicitly agreed otherwise, “no” and “stop” are the ultimate safewords in every context.

First: No, You’re Not Overreacting About Having Your Safeword Ignored

If a Dom has ignored your safeword, you might feel a range of different emotions. You might feel angry, sad, betrayed, frightened, numb, or something else entirely. When a Dom ignored my safeword in a scene years ago, I felt scared first, sad second, and angry much later. Your experience might look very different.

Whatever you feel, and whether the harm is physical or psychological or both, your feelings are valid. You are not overreacting.

Seek Support If You Need It

Do you need to talk to a kinky friend or another partner, see a therapist, or yell into the void of an anonymous online forum? You get to seek support, whatever that looks like for you.

If the consent violation occurred in a public or semi-public location such as a dungeon, sex club, munch, or even a private kink party, consider telling an organiser, team member, or dungeon monitor. They should make sure you’re okay and help get you the support you need in the moment. They may also remove the perpetrator from the space and perhaps even issue a (temporary or permanent) ban.

You might also have been physically harmed. If you have been physically injured or been sexually assaulted in a way that leaves you vulnerable to an STI or an unwanted pregnancy, please seek medical attention immediately.

You Don’t Have to Confront the Person Who Ignored Your Safeword, But You Can If You Want To

Your only job is to take care of yourself. You don’t have to confront the person who ignored your safeword and call them out on it or initiate a conversation. But if you want to, you’re also within your rights to do so.

If telling them that what they did was fucked up and not okay, have at it. On the other hand, you might like to open a dialogue about how they can make amends for the harm they caused. If you’d rather stay far away from them, you get to do that, too.

You Don’t Need to Make Any Decisions About the Future of Your Relationship Right Now

Would I ever forgive a Dom who ignored my safeword? No, I don’t think so. But your mileage may vary and there are a lot of factors that go into this decision. You might want to end or change the relationship, or you might want to explore whether repair and reconciliation is possible.

You’re not obligated to give the person a second chance, no matter how apologetic and contrite they seem. Don’t let them guilt you into it if you don’t want to.

If you feel conflicted, you don’t have to decide straight away. You get to take all the time you need.

Speaking Out Is Your Choice

Choosing whether to speak out publicly about your experience is a very personal decision. There are good arguments on both sides and ultimately, the best choice is the one that’s right for you.

Either way, remember that their reputation and standing in the kink community is not your problem. You do not have to keep silent to protect them. You also do not have to make excuses for them or downplay what happened if you do choose to share it with others.

Sadly, when someone speaks up and says “this Dom ignored my safeword”, some people will accuse them of exaggerating or instigating a witch-hunt. You’re not. Keep speaking your truth if you want to.

Having Your Safeword Ignored is Never Your Fault

You might be tempted to blame yourself. You might be wondering if you didn’t say your safeword loudly or forcefully enough[1], if you should have put up more of a physical fight when the Dom continued, or if you used your safeword when it wasn’t “necessary.”

Sometimes, the Dominant in question will seek to blame you, too. One common tactic amongst abusive Doms is to say things like “I knew you could take more”, “I know what you need better than you do”, or “I told you I played hard so you should have known what to expect.”

No. All of this is bullshit. The only person to blame for ignoring your safeword is the person who did it, and there is never any excuse. Kink is about consent and without ongoing, active consent, it is abuse. You get to safeword at any point for any reason and to have it respected.

If you take nothing else away from this piece, please take this: it is not your fault.

[1] I want to acknowledge that there might be rare incidents where a Dom genuinely does not hear a safeword. This might happen in a loud environment like a club. But in those circumstances, they will be mortified and apologetic and go out of their way to take care of you the moment they realise what has happened. It is also the Dom’s responsibility to ensure consent is ongoing in those environments, whether through clear non-verbal safe signals, regular check-ins, or even just choosing to play somewhere a little quieter.

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Praise Kink Phrases: What is a Praise Kink and How Can You Enjoy It?

Published on by Amy20 Comments

Once in a while, I check the search terms people use to find me. For the last few months, the term “praise kink” has popped up again and again. Which is interesting, considering this is something I’ve never actually written about! So I thought it would be fun to talk about it. What is a praise kink, what are some praise kink phrases and ideas you can use, and what do you need to know about this incredibly popular fetish?

What is a Praise Kink?

In short, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Someone with a praise kink gets off on being praised, complimented, or receiving verbal approval. Less commonly, this kink is sometimes called “affirmation play.”

“But doesn’t everyone love praise?” you’re probably asking. And yes, many of us do! But having a praise kink isn’t quite the same thing. For people with a praise kink, certain words or phrases might elicit a sexual response, send them to subspace or Topspace (yes, it’s more common amongst submissives in my experience, but Tops and Dominants can have a praise kink too!) or otherwise have an impact beyond just “warm fuzzies from receiving a compliment”.

I don’t think there’s any actual data on this (can someone finance this study immediately please?) but I suspect there is a lot of crossover between those who enjoy praise in a kink context and those who have words of affirmation as one of their primary love languages.

Praise kink is often seen as being part of the softer, gentler type of BDSM. It can be, but it doesn’t have to be! As with all kinky things, it can be whatever you make of it.

Do You Have This Kink?

You might be reading this article wondering if this description applies to you. Sorry, I can’t answer this for you! The only person who knows for sure if you have a praise kink is you.

But consider these questions:

  • Do you have a sexual, submissive/dominant, or otherwise kink-based response to receiving praise?
  • Do you enjoy sex or a kink scene more when your partner gives you lots of positive verbal feedback?
  • When you think of verbal feedback that turned you on, could any of those phrases or your response to them be defined as praise kink?
  • When you think back on your hottest sex/kink scenes, do the complimentary things your partner said to you stand out as one of your favourite parts?

If any of these sound like you, then you might have a praise kink!

It’s important to note that praise kinks can be very contextual. While some people might find it hot whenever anyone gives them praise or a compliment, others find that this desire is specifically directed towards those with whom they have some kind of attraction, sexual relationship, or kink dynamic.

Praise Kink Ideas: Praise Kink Phrases You Can Use

Ultimately, the best way to learn what praise kink phrases will work for your partner is to ask them. Communication, understanding one another, and listening to feedback will get you further than a list of praise kink ideas ever will.

But if you’re not sure where to start, here are a few praise kink phrase ideas to get you started.

  • “You’re such a good… [girl/boy/slut/pet/their favourite term of endearment]”
  • “You’re doing/you did really well.”
  • “You look so beautiful/handsome/sexy when you… [insert activity here]”
  • “I’m so proud of you.”
  • “I love how well you took that spanking for me.”
  • “That feels amazing, keep doing that.”
  • “I love it when you… [insert action or activity here]”
  • “I can’t stop thinking about when you [insert hot or sexy thing they did here]”
  • “Your ass looks incredible in those panties”
  • “You’re so good at [eating my pussy/sucking my cock/fucking me/insert activity here]”
  • “I can’t wait to show you off to everyone at the club”
  • “You’re strong, I know you can take it for me”
  • “You’re so loved and cherished

These are all just ideas and you will undoubtedly come up with your own praise kink ideas and find your favourite phrases as you explore. Remember: the only right way to do it is the way that works for you and your partner.

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[Kink Product Review] Bondage Boutique Glow-in-the-Dark Collar and Lead

Published on by Amy

Bondage Boutique is Lovehoney’s own brand line of affordable BDSM, kink, and bondage gear, comprising restraints, impact toys, collar and lead/leash sets like this one, and more. While I’ve liked some items from the range more than others over the years, they’re generally pretty solid beginner-friendly pieces.

Bondage Boutique BDSM Collar & Leash Set

The Bondage Boutique Glow-in-the-Dark Collar and Lead Set is made of a vegan-friendly faux leather material. I have mixed and complicated feelings about both real and faux leather. Both come with ethical pros and cons. I tend to prefer the real thing these days unless we’re talking about sustainable faux leather, but people have different views on this so it’s great to see different options being made available.

Whether you choose real leather, faux leather, or different materials entirely, the most important thing is to choose pieces you love and will use for years, then pass them on or recycle them responsibly when you’re finished with them.

The Bondage Boutique BDSM collar and leash set features a black central stripe surrounded by two stripes that are white in daylight, and glow luminous green in the dark.

BDSM collar and leash set

It’s really hard to get a picture of it in the dark with the mediocre camera I have, so here’s one from the official product page:

BDSM collar and leash glowing in the dark

The collar and leash are connected by a 35.5″ chain which can be unclipped from the D-ring at the front. The leash features a looped handle in matching black and white faux leather. Comfortable to hold and convenient for keeping your submissive close to you!

The product page says this collar is “submersible” but honestly I wouldn’t recommend getting it wet. Splashes or sweat won’t do it any harm, but don’t wear it in the shower.

Glow in the Dark BDSM Collar & Leash Set: Appearance

The black-and-white look of this collar is just unusual enough to be eyecatching, but also means it will work with most outfits. The aesthetic is pretty gender-neutral, so it can potentially work for a wide array of different gender expressions.

Kinky collar and lead set BDSM toy in vegan leather

The glow-in-the-dark effect is fun and quirky. You’ll never lose your submissive in a dark dungeon again! Overall, this collar looks stylish and understated in the light, then fun and playful in the dark.

Overall, I have to say I don’t think this is really my aesthetic. It’s objectively nice enough, but I tend to prefer either more colour or a more feminine look. I’ll probably pass this on to someone else now that I’m done testing and reviewing it.

An Affordable Basic

One of the things I appreciate about the Bondage Boutique range is that it offers well-made items for a fraction of the price you’d pay for bespoke or custom kink gear. While I love a high-end piece as much as anyone, it’s vital that beginners and kinksters on a budgets have access to safe, quality toys. If you’re looking for a basic BDSM collar and leash set to get you started, this is a good option.

The Bondage Boutique Glow-in-the-Dark Collar and Lead set appears well made and robust. The stitching is neat and strong, and the hardware pieces are securely fastened to the faux leather.

Fit and Comfort

The Glow-in-the-Dark Collar and Lead set is fully adjustable. The collar features 7 sizing holes and you could probably add another easily enough with the right tool. It measures 20.5″ in total length and will fit the vast majority of neck sizes as it is.

I found this collar comfortable and enjoyable to wear. The material is soft and flexible and doesn’t irritate my skin. The band is narrow enough that I can wear it comfortably for hours without it affecting my posture. (I have intermittent neck and upper back pain, and collars that are too wide can exacerbate it if I wear them for too long.)

From a comfort perspective, the only downside is that the material doesn’t really “breathe,” since faux leather is a synthetic material (i.e. plastic.) This means my neck gets very sweaty after a while. If you’re wearing it in a warm environment, you might want to take it off for a few minutes occasionally to let your skin breathe.

Verdict: Enjoy Your Glow Up

This is a cute, fun, and versatile BDSM collar and leash set. It’s also well made, strong, comfortable, and should last you a good long time. Best of all, it retails for an incredibly affordable £19.99/$24.99.

The Bondage Boutique Glow in the Dark Collar and Lead Set is available from Lovehoney UK and Lovehoney US. Don’t forget that you can get 10% off at Lovehoney with the code “AFF-COFFKINK10” at checkout!

Thank you to Lovehoney for sending me this item to review. All views, as ever, are mine. This post contains affiliate links.

Header image for review of Lovehoney Pussy Pump

[Kink Product Review] Lovehoney Supreme Sensation Pussy Pump

Published on by Amy

Alongside my regular sex toy reviews and lingerie reviews, I thought it would be fun to review a few more niche and unusual kink items. I’ve been wanting to try a pussy pump for ages, and Lovehoney were kind enough to hook me up so I could test and review one for you.

What is a Pussy Pump?

A pussy pump features a cup or “chamber,” usually made of plastic, which sits over the vulva and creates a vacuum. When you use the attached pump, it pulls the air out and the seal gets tighter. The suction pulls blood into your vulva, giving it an engorged appearance and making everything much more sensitive. If you’re familiar with skin cupping, it’s basically the same mechanism.

Lovehoney Pussy Pump

The Lovehoney Supreme Sensation Pussy Pump, which I received to review, is one iteration of this concept. The clear plastic chamber is 4″ in length, which is sufficient to encase the clitoris, vaginal opening, and much of the vulva on most bodies. The hose is 19″ long and the finishes with the hand-held purple pumping bulb.

Supreme Sensation Pussy Pump from Lovehoney

This pussy pump features two release valves. The first is at the base of the bulb, and the second is on top of the chamber. This means that if you want to remove the hose when the chamber is in place, you can release the suction without having to reattach everything. I actually don’t recommend removing the hose, for reasons we’ll get into in a minute.

Lovehoney Pussy Pump Review

Pussy pumping takes a bit of practice, but it’s pretty easy once you’ve found the best way to use it for your body. We’re all slightly different shapes and sizes, so experiment to find the positioning that works best for you.

You’ll also likely need to use some lube to create a good seal. I found that lining the rim of the chamber with water-based lube worked well.

Pussy pump chamber

A note if you have pubic hair: you absolutely can use a pussy pump without removing your hair! It might be a little more challenging to get a seal and you might need to use more lube than someone with a shaven vulva, but it can be done relatively easily!

This might be a simple positioning issue, but I did find that the Lovehoney Supreme Sensation Pussy Pump needed re-pumping regularly during use as the suction gradually loosened. I suspect this was due to not having a perfect seal – more experimentation needed. For this reason, we kept the hose attached and re-pumped a bit every couple of minutes.

Lovehoney Pussy Pump Review: How Does It Feel?

I was a little nervous to test and review a pussy pump because I’ve tried suction type sensations on other parts of my body and not particularly liked it. I wasn’t sure if it would be painful, pleasurable, or somewhere in between.

Pussy pumping kit from Lovehoney

The sensation is probably best described as “interesting.” It certainly doesn’t hurt unless you pump it to its absolute max. Even then the sensation is a kind of tugging, throbbing intensity rather than a sharp pain.

Is it pleasurable? Well… sort of. Some people say that the sensation of pumping is hugely pleasurable by itself, and some can even orgasm from it. That wasn’t my experience. It felt sort of nice, but not something that’s going to get me off any time soon.

The aftermath, though? That’s where the really good stuff is! Because pumping draws blood into the area, it left my vulva engorged and super sensitive. The orgasm I had shortly after testing the pussy pump for this review snuck up on me with a speed and intensity that was pretty out of the ordinary!

Verdict

If you’re curious about pussy pumping and want to give it a go, then sure! Pumping can increase sensitivity and can be a fun and intimate thing to play with either on its own or in a kink context.

The Supreme Sensation Pussy Pump retails for £26.99 from Lovehoney UK or $29.99 from Lovehoney US (and you can get 10% off this and anything else at Lovehoney using my code AFF-COFFKINK10 at checkout.) An interesting and different addition to our kit bag, which we’ll definitely use again.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the Supreme Sensation Pussy Pump to review. All opinions mine, as ever. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Review of Cat Claws Skin Scratcher sensation play toy by Lovehoney Dominix

[Kink Product Review] Dominix Deluxe Cat Claw Skin Scratcher

Published on by Amy

Lovehoney were kind enough to recently send me a few niche kink items so I could create some mini reviews. Today we’re looking at this set of sensation play claws from the Lovehoney Dominix range.

Lovehoney Dominix Cat Claw Skin Scratcher

The Cat Claw Skin Scratcher is a sensation play toy from the Lovehoney Dominix range inspired by cat claws. It is wearable on any finger and held in place by two ring loops. It features two sharp scratchy “claws.”

The Cat Claw Skin Scratcher is made of metal and covered in a matte black, tarnish-free powder coating. The look is simple yet sexy, and the Scratcher will fit most fingers. (It’s actually a bit big for me, but my hands are tiny!)

What is Sensation Play?

Sensation play is exactly what it sounds like: playing with sensations in a kinky or sexual context. Sensation play can involve playing with pain, but it absolutely doesn’t have to. It can be erotic, soothing, intense, gentle… almost anything you want it to be! Sensation play can include tickling, stroking, scratching with fingernails or claws toys like this one, or any other interesting or intense sensation.

I love sensation play both for its own sake, and as a precursor or add-on to other kinky activities. Sensation play pairs well with bondage and restraint, can add a kinky twist to massage, and can warm up the body ready for impact play.

Remember that sensation play can be surprisingly intense, even if you’re not playing with pain. It’s important to negotiate throughly, check in regularly with your partner, and ensure ongoing and enthusiastic consent.

So How Does This Sensation Play Claws Scratcher Feel?

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Dominix Deluxe scratcher when I requested it for review. It is surprisingly sharp! Just like an actual kitty’s claws, it could absolutely draw blood if you’re not careful.

(I don’t recommend drawing blood deliberately. If you absolutely must, at least practice good hygiene and ensure your Scratcher is sterile.)

I’m very into the feeling of being scratched. Whether it’s a lover’s fingernails or a Wartenberg wheel, something about it is very erotic to me. So I love the feeling of the Cat Claw Skin Scratcher. It’s less stingy-intense than a pinwheel, but a step up from scratching with just nails.

Non-kinky bonus: if I get an itch on my back, this sensation play claws scratcher is also useful for scratching those hard-to-reach spots! And aesthetically, it’s fun to wear with my catsuit and ears.

Where is it Safe to Scratch?

Most places, if you’re careful! Upper backs, butts, thighs, and other muscular or fleshy areas are always good. Breasts and genitals are probably okay if you’re careful. Don’t scratch on or near the face, and be very cautious around joints and bony areas.

Sensation Play Claws: Verdict

A fun and sexy addition to your sensation play kit!

This sensation play claws scratcher retails for £19.99 from Lovehoney UK or $29.99 from Lovehoney US.

Purrrrrrrr-fect!

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