Tag: vegan

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[Better Sex Products Review] Bijoux Indiscrets Aphrodisia Orgasm Enhancer

Published on by Amy

An orgasm enhancer is a balm, cream, or gel that you apply to your genitals to increase sensitivity. At least in theory and for some people, they can improve the likelihood, speed, frequency, and intensity of orgasms. I received Bijoux Indiscrets‘ new Aphrodisia Orgasm Enhancer to test and review.

Aphrodisia Orgasm Enhancer: Details

Bijoux Indiscrets Aphrodisia orgasm enhancer

The Aphrodisia Orgasm Enhancer is a water-based product that contains a long list of primarily plant-based ingredients. I Googled the ones I’m not familiar with, and they are all generally regarded as safe for cosmetic use. (Though I don’t love the use of “parfum”, which is non-specific and can refer to any combination of over 3000 ingredients. This is standard practice for cosmetics and personal care products, unfortunately.) If you have allergies or sensitivities, always check the ingredients list carefully.

In terms of active ingredients, I suspect the menthyl lactate is doing a lot of the work in this product. Derived from menthol, this ingredient is commonly used as a cooling agent in cosmetics and provides a tingly sensation when applied to the skin. This effect is particularly strong on sensitive areas much as the genitals, and the clitoris in particular.

All the products in this range are so beautifully packaged, with a black and gold colour scheme and floral motifs. Aphrodisia Orgasm Enhancer comes in a small tube that resembles a lipgloss or mascara and has a pump top applicator.

Like all of Bijoux Indiscrets’ products, the Aphrodisia Orgasm Enhancer is vegan.

Do Orgasm Enhancers Work?

An orgasm enhancer like Bijoux Indiscrets Aphrodisia is not a magic bullet. The right one can boost sensitivity and responsiveness and can help you to experience more intense sensations. There might even be a little bit of a placebo effect going on: you think the balm is going to help, so you feel more relaxed and receptive, so you experience more pleasure.

However, an orgasm enhancer (no matter how good) cannot overcome many of the issues that can get in the way of pleasure and orgasm – stress, anxiety, depression, body image struggles, physical pain or discomfort, lack of trust or safety in a relationship, poor communication, or sexual acts that simply don’t work for you.

These products also don’t work the same way for everyone, and different bodies respond to different ingredients. If one orgasm enhancer doesn’t work for you, a different one might.

All this to say, go in with realistic expectations. An orgasm enhancer isn’t going to cure all your sexual woes. What it might be able to do is help you to experience more pleasure, transform a good experience into a great one, or give you that little extra push to get over the edge of climax.

How Does This Product Smell, Taste, and Feel?

Bijoux Indiscrets’ Aphrodisia range has a distinctive scent that all the products share. It’s a pleasant, floral-yet-sexy scent made up primarily of rose, ylang ylang, and jasmine.

Bijoux Indiscrets Aphrodisia orgasm enhancer

I have mixed views about using something perfumed on my genitals. I’m generally averse to doing so because a lot of the ingredients that go into scents aren’t necessarily the healthiest for a vulva. You only need a tiny amount of Aphrodisia Orgasm Enhancer to get the effects though, and it’s only used externally, so it’s probably fine unless you have an allergy or sensitivity. I have used it several times now and haven’t experienced any irritation or other issues.

The scent lingers long after application, so you might want to have a bath or a wash afterwards (or, honestly, just go around smelling of flowers all day—the scent is lovely enough that you absolutely can, and no-one who caught a whiff of it would know it was a sex product.)

I will say that you probably don’t want to use this stuff for oral sex. You know when you spritz on perfume, and then you breathe in at the wrong moment or realise your mouth was open a bit and you can sort of taste it? Yeah, it tastes like that.

The Aphrodisia Orgasm Enhancer is white in colour and has a thin texture that reminds me of water-based lube. It’s not oily or sticky, and once it is massaged in it doesn’t leave any unpleasant tacky feeling or residue.

Does Aphrodisia Orgasm Enhancer Work?

I tried the Aphrodisia Orgasm Enhancer at a time when I was desiring pleasure and orgasm in theory, but really struggling to actually access them in practice (trying to have sex or masturbate while getting through the worst heartbreak of your life is a fucking ride, y’all.)

When I applied Aphrodisia Orgasm Enhancer to my clit, I started noticing its effects almost immediately. Within 30 seconds there was a noticeable warming, tingling sensation. The sensation was enjoyable and pulled my attention straight to my clit. It’s not exactly a magical “instant horny” concoction, but it took my arousal level from “I feel like an orgasm might be nice in theory but I’m not sure I can be bothered” to “yes I would like to get off now please.”

The effect lasted well, meaning I did not need to reapply it. If you were having a lengthy sex or masturbation session, you might want to top it up occasionally, but you only need a little bit to get the effect.

In terms of the impact it had on my orgasm, the Aphrodisia Orgasm Enhancer definitely worked! It boosted my sensitivity and made me even more eager to be touched. I also found it helped me to get wet, which has been a challenge recently.

Was it a miracle cure for the intrusive thoughts of the person who recently broke my heart that keep popping into my head when I’m trying to get off? No, of course not. But did it help me to push through and get out of my head and into my body at least a little bit. It also helped me to reach orgasm more quickly than I’ve been able to recently.

Pro tip: I find that Aphrodisia Orgasm Enhancer pairs particularly well with clitoral suction toys!

Verdict

If you don’t mind the noticeable floral scent, this stuff is excellent! Clitoral balms have earned a permanent place in my easy grab-basket of sex supplies that lives by my bed, and this is a worthy addition to the collection.

Aphrodisia Orgasm Enhancer retails for £15/€16/$18. You only get 13ml but since you need such a small amount each time, a tube should last you a while.

Thanks to Bijoux Indiscrets for sending me the Aphrodisia Orgasm Enhancer to try. All views are, as always, my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.

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[Lube, Cosmetics & Massage Products Review] Bijoux Indiscrets Bubblegum Play Kit

Published on by Amy

One of the fun things about being both a femme and a sex blogger at this time of year is seeing all the sweet, cutesy, pink-and-hearts-and-flowers themed products that companies are putting out for Valentine’s Day. Bijoux Indiscrets were kind enough to send me this year’s Valentine’s offering from their range: the Bubblegum Play Kit which includes a lube, a massage oil, and a lipgloss.

Bijoux Indiscrets Bubblegum Play Kit: Lube, Massage Oil and Lipgloss

The Bubblegum Play Kit contains three products: a warming massage oil, a full-body massage gel that doubles as a water-based lube, and a lipgloss. Each one is scented and flavoured like bubblegum. All three products, like everything in Bijoux’s range, are vegan.

Bijoux Indiscrets bubblegum play kit

The kit came packaged in a cute pink box with a heart on the front, much like the packaging you might get on a gift set of cosmetics or bath products. The overall effect, like the products themselves, is sweet to the point of saccharine. But how did the contents stack up? Let’s take a closer look at each item.

Warming Massage Oil

Bijoux Indiscrets bubblegum massage oil

This isn’t really an oil in the true sense of the word. As far as I can tell, it doesn’t actually contain any oil at all. It’s really a water-based gel that warms as you massage it in. Still, we’ll call it “massage oil” to distinguish it from the other massage product in this kit.

For me, it takes about a minute to feel the massage oil warming on my skin. You’ll get a more intense warming sensation if you blow gently on it.

I found that the bubblegum massage oil didn’t really blend or get fully absorbed into the skin the way some oils and lubes do. Instead, it tends to linger on the surface. This can be a good thing, as a little bit goes a long way and there’s no need to keep reapplying it. However, it can also be a problem if you don’t enjoy the feeling of having oil or gel lingering on your skin.

This is by far the nicest tasting of the three products. It’s very, very, very sweet, so you’ll want to know that going on. That sweetness is likely due to its first ingredient: glycerin. Due to the glycerin, I found that my hands and skin felt quite sticky after using it and I wanted to wash it off. Glycerin is okay in a massage product in the way it wouldn’t be in a lube, but from a sensory perspective it is a downside to this bubblegum massage oil.

Stickiness aside, though, this is a fine massage gel and the sweet bubblegum taste and pink aesthetic gives it a fun and playful vibe.

You can buy this oil separately for €22/£20. It’s also available in caramel & sea salt and strawberry & honey flavours.

Full Body Bubblegum Massage Gel/Lube

Bijoux Indiscrets bubblegum massage gel/lube

According to Bijoux Indiscrets, this bubblegum flavoured water-based massage gel can double up as an intimate lube. It has quite a long list of ingredients, so you’ll want to review it carefully to make sure there’s nothing you’re sensitive to.

I can’t see anything alarming in the ingredients, but I’m also not enough of an expert to declare them all definitely fine. At the very least this bubblegum gel/lube contains no glycerin or parabens, though it does contain “Aroma” (artificial fragrance/flavour) which is not very specific and can include any number of things.

I do quite like the feeling of this one. It’s somewhere between a thick liquid and a thin gel, and it spreads across the skin nicely and lasts well. However, unlike the massage oil, this gel tastes really unpleasant to me. Instead of sweetness, it’s got a horrible chemical-y taste. I’m quite sensitive to artificial sweeteners and I can really, really taste them in this.

I probably won’t finish this one, honestly. I’m “meh” on flavoured lubes at best to begin with and this isn’t a nice tasting one.

Oral Pleasure Lip Gloss

Bijoux Indiscrets bubblegum lipgloss

This lip gloss is more subtly flavoured than the lube and massage oil, but still has a distinctive bubblegum flavour.

After you apply it, you start getting a tingling sensation thanks to the peppermint oil it contains. I think, based on the name, the idea is that you put it on and then perform oral sex with it. I haven’t had the opportunity to try that but I did try putting a bit on my vulva, just to see what the effect would be. It gave a kinda pleasurable tingly, warming feeling a bit like a warming lube or menthol pleasure balm. So that effect might translate if you used it during oral?

The warming and tingling is really noticeable on my lips, to the point that it becomes uncomfortable if I use too much. You really only need a little bit of this one.

This lipgloss lasts well and gives a nice glossy shine. It’s a little sticky, which wasn’t a problem once it was on but made applying it with my fingers annoying. A brush or wand would be better than the pump top bottle. Neither the lube nor the lipgloss are ass aggressively sweet as the massage oil in the Bubblegum Play Kit.

Verdict

I generally liked two out of the three products in this kit and will definitely finish them, though the bubblegum lube was a miss for me. However, at €60/£54 it’s pretty pricey for what it is. For that reason I don’t think I’d buy it again.

If you have a femme in your life who really likes pink things and bubblegum, though, it could be a cute and sensual Valentine’s Day gift.

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

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[Lube Review] Morgasm CBD Lube

Published on by Amy

Two things you’ll know about me if you have been reading my work for some time: I am both highly curious and highly cynical. This means that, when I hear about a cool new sex thing, my train of thought is roughly “well, it’s probably not all it’s cracked up to be… but damn I want to try it and find out!” Enter CBD lubricant, which (along with CBD products in general) has been having a major moment over the last couple years. Specifically, today I’m testing and reviewing Morgasm’s CBD lube.

You might remember this guest post by Hattie Gladwell from back in 2021 in which she shared how CBD lubricant helped her to overcome orgasm difficulties. After that, how could I not be excited to try it myself?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main components of cannabis and comes from hemp (a cousin of the marijuana plant.) CBD is available in various forms: oils, extracts, capsules, and so on. It’s been infused into numerous products, from foods and drinks to health and beauty products and more. Including, yes – lube. Morgasm is just one of the numerous companies now making CBD products.

CBD does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that causes a “high.” This means that it is legal in many places even where cannabis is not, including here in the UK (within certain parameters.)

According to Harvard Health, CBD is generally safe for adults. However, it can produce adverse interactions with some medications (check with your doctor). CBD may also cause side effects in a small number of people, and is not advised for use by anyone under 21.

(How) Does CBD Lube Work?

The answer to “does CBD lube work?” is “maybe.” The answer to “how does CBD lube work?” is “we’re not sure.”

CBD has been cited as a miracle remedy for countless problems from chronic pain to low mood and insomnia. But does it do much or is it all an expensive placebo? In some specific areas, the positive data points in CBD’s favour are beginning to stack up. In others, however, the evidence just isn’t there yet. The science of CBD and its effectiveness is still in its infancy. This means there’s a lot about it we don’t know, and that includes about its impact (if any) on arousal, pleasure, and sex.

Much of the evidence I could find for the effectiveness of CBD lube was anecdotal. Obviously, this anecdotal evidence is far from conclusive (the plural of “anecdote” is not “data.”) However, there’s enough of it out there that it’s at least worth more than a passing glance.

Morgasm claims that its CBD lube can increase sensitivity, increase feelings of relaxation, heighten sensation during orgasm, and decrease pain during penetrative sex.

Some believe CBD may increase blood flow to the body’s tissues, including in the genital area. This may help to increase natural lubrication for people with vulvas and assist with erectile issues for people with penises. Others believe CBD aids in relaxation, which leads to better sex, or that its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce pain.

The extent to which any of this is a placebo and the extent to which the CBD is actually having a direct effect, though? Debatable. Significantly more research is needed to fill the enormous gaps in CBD’s evidence base.

Morgasm CBD Lube: What’s In It?

Morgasm’s CBD lube is a water-based product infused with 250mg of full-spectrum CBD per 60ml. Full spectrum CBD “contains multiple cannabis plant extracts, including essential oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, such as cannabinol,” according to Medical News Today. It may also contain trace amounts of THC, though in quantities too small to have any psychoactive effects. Be aware that there are different legal limits for THC content in different jurisdictions. In the US, it’s 0.3% under federal law, while in the UK it’s 0.2%.

Morgasm CBD lube also contains an array of plant-based and hypoallergenic ingredients including mentha piperita (peppermint leaf extract), the amino acid L-Arginine, aloe vera, and vanilla extract. Check out the ingredients breakdown for a full list of what’s in Morgasm lube and what each ingredient does.

Morgasm CBD lube ingredients

Morgasm CBD lube is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and organic. It is safe for use with both latex and non-latex barriers as well as all body-safe toy materials.

I don’t love that Morgasm’s lube contains glycerin, even organic vegetable glycerin. Many experts, including those at institutions such as Stanford OB/GYN and the Cleveland Clinic, state that glycerin can contribute to yeast infections. I’m not particularly prone to them but I have a personal rule against using glycerin-containing products internally for the sake of my vaginal health. You’ll need to make your own risk assessment based on your body and preferences. For that reason, I proceeded with testing Morgasm CBD lube only on the outside of my vulva.

Morgasm CBD Lube Review: First Impressions:

I had two initial reactions to Morgasm’s CBD lube when I first opened my sample:

  1. It smells gorgeous! It has a distinctive but not overpowering tangy, subtly minty scent. That’s probably the peppermint leaf at work. Taste-wise, that tang and slight sweetness comes through, too.
  2. It’s a really, really weird colour! It comes out of the tube in a sort of beige-brown. I initially wondered if my sample was off but no, that’s just the colour it is. It’s not noticeable once it’s applied to the body, but it was jarring at first. I’m used to lube being clear, or white at a push.
Woman's hand with a smear of Morgasm CBD lube

So How Did It Feel?

I cannot overstate the cynicism with which I approached this product. I set out to write this Morgasm CBD lube review fully assuming that my reaction was going to be an underwhelmed “well, it’s lube, so… that’s good I guess?”

So imagine my shock and delight when it actually did something for me.

I applied the lube a few minutes before I was planning to masturbate, as the information I’d read indicated that topically-applied CBD can take a while to kick in. I was slightly aroused when I started, but I could feel my vulva and clitoris getting really sensitive really quickly once I applied the lube.

When I started touching myself, I couldn’t believe how sensitive I was. The best way I can describe it is that it felt like I’d shortcutted the build-up, essentially arriving at the “every nerve ending quivering” state that normally comes from protracted arousal building, anticipation, or edging.

The bottom line is that I came really hard and really fast.

Again, I have no way to conclusively prove or disprove that this effect was caused by the CBD. It could have been a direct effect, or it could have been any of the other ingredients. Mint, for example, is commonly used in arousal-enhancing products for the cooling and tingling sensation it provides. It could have been the combination, or it could have been a placebo effect despite my cynicism. There’s no way to know for sure.

But I’m left asking myself: if something works, does the “why” actually matter all that much? Whatever the cause, the orgasm I had was real. And when something helps me to come that hard and that quickly, I’m going to take the win.

Morgasm CBD Lube isn’t too sticky and doesn’t leave a horrible tacky residue on my hands.

Morgasm CBD Lube Review: Verdict

Official product image of a green tube of lubricant for Morgasm CBD lube review
Image: Morgasm

I don’t really understand how it worked, I only know that it did. This stuff helped me to reach one of the strongest (not to mention fastest) orgasms I’ve had in quite some time.

The one downside? Like most CBD products, it’s seriously pricey. Morgasm CBD lube retails for a slightly eyewatering $54 for a single 60ml tube. You can save by buying in bulk packs of 2, 3, 4, or 10 tubes, but it’s still an expensive product.

It should tell you how much I liked this product that I am seriously considering splashing out on a full-size bottle or two once my little sample tube runs out.

Thanks to Morgasm for sending me this CBD lube to test and review. All opinions and experiences are, as always, mine. Affiliate links appear in this post.

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[Lube & Massage Products Review] Bloomi Massage Oil & Water-Based Lubricant

Published on by Amy

I’ve decided to couple these two mini reviews of Bloomi’s lube and massage oil into one post. Sexologist-led, all Bloomi products all meet something called the Clean Standard:

Based on academic research and input from top sexual wellness experts, we created the only industry standard to ensure toxic ingredients don’t touch your intimate areas.

– Bloomi Clean Standard

This means that you can feel assured that Bloomi’s products do not contain any of the nasty ingredients that are far too common in sexual wellness products: glycerin, parabens, artificial fragrances, phthalates, sulfates, and so on. And, since everything is plant-based, they’re also vegan and cruelty-free! Even the packaging is made from recycled, recyclable, and sustainable materials.

Bloomi Reviews: Lube and Massage Oil

I received the Relax Body & Massage Oil and the Smooth Water-Based Lubricant to try out.

Bloomi Relax Body & Massage Oil

Bloomi massage oil

I’ve recently rediscovered the joy of giving (and receiving) massages. Massage is such a wonderful, intimate way to touch a partner and you can use it in so many different ways. It can sooth a headache or a bad back, act as a kind of foreplay or precursor to sex, serve as aftercare, be an act of service from a submissive to a Dominant, or just be a way to connect physically without necessarily getting your genitals involved. And that’s just for starters. Like any kind of touch and intimacy, massage is what you make of it.

I tested the Bloomi Relax Body & Massage Oil with my partner for this review. We both loved the gorgeous lavender scent. It’s distinctive without being overpowering and lavendar can invoke feelings of calm, relaxation, and overall wellbeing.

The Relax Body & Massage Oil blends smoothly into the skin and does not leave any unpleasant residue. It leaves the skin feeling soft, moisturised, and healthy. So much so that you can use it as an everyday body oil/skin moisturiser as well as a massage oil, if you like.

Bloomi’s Relax Body & Massage Oil retails for $24 for a 3oz/90ml bottle. And since a little goes a long way (you only need a few pumps to get really good coverage), it should last you a while.

Please be aware that, like most oils, this product is not compatible with latex. Don’t use it (or be sure to wash it off first) if you are planning to use latex safer sex barriers such as condoms and dams, as it can degrade them and make them more prone to breakage.

Bloomi Smooth Water-Based Lube Review

Bloomi water-based lube

Those of you who have been reading my work for a while will know that I am extremely choosy about the lubricants that I will use and recommend. Too many lubes are filled with ingredients such as parabens (which have been shown to be endocrine disrupters) and glycerin (a type of sugar which can cause issues such as yeast infections and Bacterial Vaginosis.)

That’s why I was happy to review Bloomi’s gentle, body-friendly, and planet-friendly products. Smooth by Bloomi contains only gentle plant ingredients, including hydrating green tea extract and Sodium Hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), which may help to relieve vaginal dryness.

Bloomi’s Smooth Water-Based Lubricant has quite a thin consistency compared to some of the more gel-like lubes I’ve reviewed, and is satisfyingly smooth and slippery. I find it lasts quite well, so you don’t have to reapply it as often as with some water-based products. I particularly like it for high-friction activities such as using my Godemiche Grind Rings or silicone dildos with more “grabby” textures.

Smooth Water-Based Lubricant’s formulation has a pH of 4.0-4.5. The normal pH of the vagina can range from 3.8-5.0, so this lube shouldn’t cause any issues there. It isn’t sticky, and doesn’t leave any residue behind on either my skin or my sheets. It also has only the mildest scent and virtually no discernible taste.

Apparently Smooth isn’t suitable for use with polyurethane condoms, so bear that in mind if you’re using non-latex barriers. It’s fine for use with latex or polyisoprene barriers, though.

Smooth Water-Based Lubricant retails for $13 for 3oz/88ml. Again, a little goes a long way here.

Thank you to Bloomi for sending me these products to review. All views are, as always, my own. This post contains affiliate links and purchasing through them sends me a small commission at no extra cost to you!

A woman's mouth seductively licking a heart-shaped lollipop. Text reads: Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Review

[Massage & Better Sex Products Review] Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex

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 intimacy and better sex products, which I recently received to review. Definitely a message I can get behind!

Of course, sex is complicated. Fear, judgement and shame are very real for too many of us. I still experience them even as someone who makes a living by talking and writing openly about sex. It’s going to take far more than 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 ones) 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 Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex range to try out.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Range: General Impressions

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex banner

Each full size Slow Sex product comes beautifully presented. It comes in eco-friendly cardboard packaging featuring artistic close-ups of body parts and sometimes floral motifs.

Collection of Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex products

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.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex boxes

With the exception of the oral sex strips, all the Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex products I tried for this review 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. The scent is pretty noticeable and does tend to hang around after you’ve finished playing!

Everything in the Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex range is cruelty-free and vegan.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Clitoral Balm Review

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.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Clitoral Balm comes in a little 10ml tube. This doesn’t seem like much, but you only need a tiny amount so this tube will last you a while.

Slow Sex Clitoral Balm contains a pretty long list of ingredients. Check it carefully before use if you’re allergic or sensitive to anything. There’s nothing in the ingredients that immediately strikes me as problematic. It does contain glycerin, but for an external-only product that you use in tiny amounts, I don’t really mind.

Honestly, I was underwhelmed by this product. I really wanted to love Bijoux Indiscrets’ clitoral balm, especially as I’ve reviewed and loved various similar products in the past, but it 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, but it’s not much more. I’ll probably finish this tube, but I’m unlikely to buy it again.

Slow Sex Clitoral Balm retails for £15/$17. According to Bijoux, it’s compatible with all toy types and with latex barriers.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Finger Play Gel Review

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 hand sex (i.e. 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, I won’t be using this one internally and I’d advise that you don’t either.

The Finger Play Gel is a gorgeously thick lubricant. It lasts well, and a little goes a long way. Its thick texture and slipperiness make it perfect for hand sex. It’s easy to clean up with warm water and soap, though it does get sticky after a while. 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/$17. 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.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Nipple Play Gel

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex nipple play gel

Bijoux Indiscrets 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 stimulate them 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 before the effect wore off.

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 coconut scent on the skin.

Slow Sex Nipple Play Gel retails for £15/$17.

Slow Sex Oral Sex Balm

Slow Sex Oral Sex Balm

I was highly sceptical about the Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Oral Sex Balm, as was Mr C&K, but we kept an open mind and decided to give it a fair chance for this review. It comes in a 10ml tube and I was expecting a liquid or thin gel, but it’s really more of a thick paste. I had to massage it between my fingers to get it to melt enough to use.

The packaging suggests applying Slow Sex Oral Sex Balm to your lips right before giving a blow job, or applying it directly to the penis. To get the full effect, we did both. I’m not sure most people would feel much if you only did the former.

First, the good: it definitely had an effect! My partner described it as a cooling sensation, which is likely caused by the menthol it contains. When you’re doing oral sex, the contrast between this cooling and the warmth of a mouth can be very interesting. He also reported that it did increase sensitivity slightly, and that it felt like sensation continued after the point of orgasm.

Then the less-good: Since Slow Sex Oral Sex Balm is an oil-based product, it’s not suitable for use with any latex barriers. And given that I wouldn’t want several of the ingredients in my vagina, it also means it’s not really possible to go from oral to vaginal sex without cleaning up in between. I really dislike the sensation of anything oily or sticky on my hands, so I had to wipe this off with a tissue immediately after applying it.

Also worth noting: the coconutty/minty smell and taste is VERY potent. It’s not unpleasant but if, like me, you like to experience the scent and taste of your partner’s body, this is definitely going to mask that.

Overall, a mixed experience but definitely more positive than we were expecting.

Slow Sex Oral Sex Balm retails for £15/$17.

Slow Sex Oil Based Full Body Massage Gel

Slow Sex massage gel

The Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Full Body Massage Gel comes in an attractive glass bottle. With 50ml in the bottle, it definitely feels like one of the more substantial Slow Sex products. Slow Sex Massage Gel is oil-based and designed for all-over massage.

The packaging says you can use it “anywhere and everywhere” and the website describes it as genital-compatible, so if your massage turns erotic you’re good to go. Again, I’d recommend that you keep it external only. This massage gel is also suitable for use in water and is compatible with silicone sex toys and latex barriers.

This is probably my favourite product in the entire Slow Sex range. It is slick without being sticky, and does not leave any nasty residue behind. As a bonus, it leaves my skin feeling lovely and moisturised (and coconut scented!) It also lasts ages, as a little bit goes a long way once it’s on the skin.

I also like that Slow Sex Massage Gel comes in a pump bottle, which is much more user-friendly and less spillage-prone than the bottles massage oils usually come in.

Slow Sex Full Body Massage Gel retails for £18/$23.

Slow Sex Oral Sex Strips

Bijoux Indiscrets oral sex strips

If you’re asking “what on earth is an oral sex strip?”, well, so was I! Turns out they’re little paper-thin minty strips that are designed to go on your tongue and then melt while you’re performing oral sex. Like the Oral Sex Balm, the Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Oral Sex Strips have a strong minty flavour (spearmint oil is one of the main ingredients.) They taste like something you’d use to brush your teeth or freshen your breath.

The sensation is… interesting. Much like the Slow Sex Oral Sex Balm, the main appeal of these strips is that they provide a contrast between the cooling sensation and the warmth of a mouth. However, they melt very quickly so the intense effect only lasts for maybe a minute or so. You do get some of the effect for a while afterwards as the mint lingers on your body, but you only get maybe a maximum of 5 minutes out of each strip.

These were fine, but I wasn’t blown away. They heightened sensitivity somewhat, but not to such an extent that they can make or break the experience. And to be honest, I’m going to repeat something I said above. If I’m going down on a lover, I want to taste them, not a mouthful of mint.

Slow Sex Oral Sex Strips retail for £6/$7 for a pack of 7.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Massage Candle

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex massage candle in box

The Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Massage Candle comes in a little tin. It is made of body-safe, skin-friendly, and plant-based ingredients. The main ingredients include Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis oil, Cocos Nucifera (coconut) oil, and Shea butter.

Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex massage candle in its box

The Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Massage Candle melts quickly once you light it. I had plenty of usable oil within less than a minute after lighting. When I wanted to top up on oil mid-massage, it took no more than 10-15 seconds of the candle being lit to get the amount I needed. The box says to light it for 15 minutes but honestly, unless you want the entire thing melted, that’s not even close to necessary. Any oil you don’t use will just harden again as it cools, ready for next time.

Both my girlfriend and I loved the subtle coconut scent of this candle. It’s distinctive without being obtrusive or overpowering, and helps to create a lovely romantic, relaxed vibe as it permeates your space. Our skin felt wonderfully soft and moisturised after trading massages, and I still kept catching little whiffs of the scent hours later.

I often struggle with oily sensations for sensory reasons, but the Bijoux Indiscrets Massage Candle’s oil doesn’t leave my skin feeling unpleasantly greasy because it soaks in so well. An oil-based product that doesn’t have me running to wash it off my hands? That’s an achievement in itself.

Because there’s no wax in this candle, you can also use it as a moisturiser or as a fragrant addition to a bath if you like.

For the avoidance of doubt, this is not the same as a wax play candle. The melting point of the oils is much lower than that of paraffin or even soy wax, meaning that—even if you drip it from very close to your partner’s skin—you’ll get a pleasant warmth rather than an “ouch.”

The oil will start to harden again as it hits the body, but as soon as you run your hands over it, it’ll melt again and start to be absorbed into the skin as you massage. This means that, unlike with wax play, there’s little to no cleanup afterwards.

Due to the oils it contains, this massage candle is not compatible with latex or polyisoprene (though it’s okay with polyurethane.) This means you’ll need to be careful if you’re using barriers such as condoms or dams.

I also didn’t love the slight black residue you get on the inside of the tin and across the top of the candle when it’s been burning a few minutes. It doesn’t really get on your skin in any noticeable way, but it looks a bit yuck.

Depending on how generous you like to go with your oil, you’ll probably get 4-5 massages out of one candle. You could make it last a little longer by going lighter on your coverage, but more is definitely more here in my experience!

The Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Massage Candle retails for £18/$22.

Thanks to Bijoux Indiscrets for sending me these Slow Sex products to test in exchange for an honest review.

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 glow-in-the-dark collar and lead review

[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 a review of the Saffron Layer Paddle vegan leather from Sportsheets

[Kink Product Review] Sportsheets Vegan Saffron Layer Paddle

Published on by Amy

A paddle is one of the best impact toys to start with if you’re new to kink and BDSM. It’s relatively safe and easy to use one, and they’re cheap and readily accessible. Today I’m reviewing the Sportsheets Vegan Saffron Layer Paddle.

Sportsheets Saffron Layered Kink Paddle

The Saffron Layer Paddle comes from Sportsheets’ Saffron range of vegan faux-leather kink products in black and red. It features three layered straps which are coated in fuzzy suede-like material (also vegan) on one side. The stitching is strong and holds up under use.

I have complicated feelings about “vegan leather,” given that it’s basically plastic. Better for animals, maybe, but arguably not better for the planet. There’s no perfect answer here and you’ll need to decide what your personal stance is. Whatever you decide, choose items you really love and care for them so they’ll last as long as possible.

Vegan paddle from Sportsheets - Saffron Layer Paddle

The paddle is black and red, which are pretty much the quintessential “kink colours”. The outward facing surfaces are red, and the front side of the handle features a polka dot design.

The Saffron kink paddle has a loop handle which you can wrap around your wrist while you’re wielding the paddle, or use to hang it for convenient storage. A small tag bears the Sportsheets insignia.

Saffron Layer Paddle vegan BDSM toy

This paddle is 12.2″ long from tip to tip, and 2″ across. It’s super light, which makes it comfortable to hold and easy to wield. I don’t really top very often but on the rare occasions I do, I like toys that I can use until my bottom has had enough (as opposed to when my weak arms give out!)

Saffron Kink Paddle In Use: Its Bark is Worse than Its Bite

This probably isn’t a paddle for serious pain players, as the impact it delivers is on the gentler side. Pro tip: if you hit with the longest layer impacting the body first, you get a more impressive sting. The impact is pretty surface-level. Since the paddle is so light, you’re unlikely to get any significant thud out of it.

Vegan leather BDSM paddle from Sportsheets Saffron faux leather range

This is one of those paddles that sounds worse than it is. Thanks to the three layers smacking together, it provides a loud and satisfying thwack even without putting much force behind it. If you’re looking for something that sounds impressive without needing to actually hit very hard, layered paddles are the way to go!

Safety Considerations: Minimising Risk During Impact Play

Paddles are amongst the safest impact kink toys you can play with (floggers are slightly more dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, and whips are yikes-just-don’t-go-there-without-expert-tuition!) You’re really unlikely to do any damage with a light paddle like this one, so you can play without worrying – even if you’re a complete beginner.

Just remember the golden rules: never hit the joints, spine, lower back and kidney area, head, or face. Aim for fleshy and padded areas like the butt, thighs, and shoulder blades.

Verdict

This is a well-made and reliable basic piece that will serve you well and last a long time if you take care of it. If you’re new to kink or prefer playing on the lighter side and are looking for a vegan-friendly paddle, this is a solid buy.

The Sportsheets Saffron Layer Paddle retails for $24 from Good Vibes and Babeland.

I received this product from a retailer that is sadly no longer in business. All views, as always, are my own. Affiliate links appear in this post.

Header image for caramel latte lube review

[Lube Review] Lovehoney Caramel Latte Flavoured Lube

Published on by Amy

It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed a lube, and I’ve certainly never tried a caramel and coffee flavored lube until today. But ’tis the season, and I do love coffee, so let’s looking at Lovehoney’s new festive caramel latte lubricant.

Festive Flavors: Coffee & Caramel Flavored Lube

Lovehoney’s caramel latte coffee flavored lube is a water-based formula that comes in a 100ml (3.4 fl oz) pump bottle. It is the latest edition to Lovehoney’s growing flavoured lubes line.

Lovehoney caramel latte flavoured lube

The bottle bears the signature bubbles design that features on various Lovehoney lubes. In this case, the bubbles and product name are… well, caramel coloured.

Caramel Latte Coffee Flavored Lube: Ingredients

This is a water-based lube, and so it is unsurprising that water is the first ingredient on the list. Let’s take a quick look at the other main ingredients:

  • Sorbitol. This is a sugar alcohol which is generally recognised as safe (including for consumption) in small quantities. However, it’s worth being aware that sugar can increase the risk of yeast infections for some users, so exercise caution and maybe avoid this lube if you’re prone to them.
  • Potassium sorbate. This is a preservative that is generally considered safe and is a much better alternative to parabens.
  • Polysorbate 20. This is a non-toxic emulsifier that is added to many water-based cosmetics and skincare products.
  • Diazolidinyl urea. This is an antimicrobial preservative used in many cosmetics. It is considered safe in concentrations up to 0.5%, but can release small amounts of formaldehyde which can occasionally cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
  • Citric acid. This natural preservative is extremely common and is safe, especially in the minuscule quantities it’s used here.
  • Sucralose. This common artificial sweetener is essentially a form of sugar, helping to give this coffee caramel flavored lube its taste. It could be another potential risk for yeast infections if you’re prone to them. However, it’s also used in tiny quantities here.

So what’s the verdict? There’s nothing in this coffee caramel flavored lube that makes me go “oh hell no!” off the bat, but I’d recommend exercising caution if you have allergies, sensitivities, or are prone to infections.

To be fair, the bottle does specify that the lube is for external use only. For that reason, I recommend keeping it for oral sex or external hand sex only, and keeping it away from any internal areas. Switch to a gentle water-based lube for anything involving penetration.

Lovehoney Caramel Latte lube

By the way: this lube is also vegan, containing no animal-derived or animal-tested ingredients.

How Does It Taste?

Honestly? Not as bad as I expected.

I wasn’t at all convinced I’d like caramel and coffee flavored lube, and I confess I rolled my eyes at the concept. Admittedly, I’m kinda against flavoured lube on principle. I don’t generally get on well with anything with artificial flavourings and I find a lot of fruity flavored lubes are either too sickly sweet or just taste like chemicals.

But this one was a not-unpleasant surprise, considering my low expectations. It’s sweet but not overly sickly, and you only need a little bit to get the flavour. It also actually tastes like caramel and coffee. Kind of.

Ultimately, though, I don’t think I’ll have much use for this. Call me old-fashioned but I want my coffee to taste like coffee and my genitals to taste like, well, genitals.

Feel and Clean-Up

The Lovehoney coffee caramel flavored lube can get a little sticky if you leave it for too long. I guess that’s due to the sugar-based ingredients. However, it lasts fairly well and I didn’t need to keep re-applying it, which I appreciated.

Hand with caramel latte lube on fingers

As it’s water-based, the caramel latte lube is a breeze to clean up. Just rinse off with some warm water. It also won’t stain your sheets. Water-based lube is compatible with all body-safe sex toy materials including silicone, glass, ABS plastic, stainless steel, and wood.

So Do I Recommend Trying Coffee Flavored Lube?

I wouldn’t suggest caramel latte lube as a bedside staple. For the reasons I’ve mentioned, it’s really only suitable for external use (though oral sex is kind of the entire point of flavoured lubes anyway.) But if you’re not sensitive to any of the ingredients and enjoy a sweet, slightly coffee-ish flavour, it can be a playful stocking stuffer or a fun way to change up your oral sex routine once in a while.

For general use, a gentle unflavoured water-based or silicone-based lube is a better choice.

The Lovehoney caramel latte coffee flavored lube retails for £8.99 from Lovehoney UK.

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

leg in futomomo shibari tie. Header image for 3 mini reviews of kink products

[Kink Product Review] Beginner BDSM Toys: Leather Cuffs, Hemp Rope, and Silicone Paddle

Published on by Amy

If you’re looking to explore BDSM for the first time, the sheer volume of toys and gear on the market can be overwhelming. From BDSM starter kits to custom, artisan-made toys, shopping for beginner BDSM toys can be a minefield and an expensive one at that. That’s why I’m working with The Pleasure Garden, a women-owned and 100% body-safe online sex shop, to bring you this round-up of three potential options for newcomers to kink: a set of leather cuffs, some hemp rope, and a silicone paddle. You’ll also find some quick tips on how to use them safely.

Let’s delve into the parcel, shall we?

Beginner BDSM Toys #1: Bound Noir Slim Wrist Cuffs

If you’re interested in playing with bondage and restraint, a set of good quality wrist cuffs is a great place to start. This set, made of soft and supple real leather with gold-coloured metal hardware, retail for the bargain price of £34.99.

Bound Noir black leather cuffs from a beginner BDSM toys kit

The Bound Noir Slim Wrist Cuffs come with a removable connecting chain with clips at either end, and each cuff has two D-rings. This offers plenty of opportunities for play, from securing the wearer’s hands behind their back to fastening them to a bondage bed, St. Andrew’s Cross, or other surface. They have 5 notches for an adjustable fit.

These cuffs are soft and comfortable, and the leather gets softer with use as you break them in. I’ve worn them in scene them for well over an hour, and they remained comfortable the whole time. The gold accents give an elegant feel.

Bound Noir black wrist cuffs on anonymous female hands

If you’re vegan or would prefer not to use products made from animal leather, there are many faux leather alternatives available.

Leather Wrist Cuffs Tips & Tricks

When you start playing with restraint, 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, or tie their hands to something above their head. If you like attending kink parties or other play spaces, there will be all kinds of furniture to experiment with. Pair with a set of ankle cuffs for more complete restraint or a “spread-eagle” position.

Safety-wise, cuffs should be loose enough that you can slip 1-2 fingers between the cuff and the skin. Experiment with different settings and check in regularly. If the wearer experiences any numbness, tingling, or pins and needles in the hands, take the cuffs off or loosen them. Never leave a bound person alone.

Store your cuffs flat, not fastened, to keep them looking good for longer.

Beginner BDSM Toys #2: Bound to Please Hemp Bondage Rope

Ask any rope bondage practitioner about their favourite type of rope, and you’ll get wildly different but equally passionate answers. We all have our favourites. I’ve always favoured jute for its look, its feel, and the way it handles. Another popular choice is hemp. this hemp bondage rope from Bound To Please.

Hemp rope coiled from a beginner BDSM toys kit

This hemp rope retails for £12.99 for each 10 metre lengths. It is 5mm in diameter, which is my preferred rope thickness for most purposes.

The thing I love about natural fibre ropes, and hemp in particular, is the smell. Hemp rope has a distinct, sweet and woody smell smell. Natural fibres also get softer and smoother with use, as they are handled and absorb the natural oils from your skin.

Rope Tips & Tricks

Close up of part of a futomomo in hemp rope on anonymous leg
A self-tie by me

Beginners often wonder how much rope to buy, and the annoyingly vague answer is “it depends.” Factors like the size of your rope bottom and the types of ties you want to do will have an impact. If all you want to do is tie your partner to the bed for sex, a couple of lengths will be enough. For more complex formal ties, a minimum of 3 lengths will get you started.

Once you start moving beyond very basic ties, the risk involved in rope bondage increases. Suspension looks cool and can be great fun, but it is also very dangerous if not done properly. Take the time to become proficient in floor-based bondage before you even think about suspending or being suspended, and then learn how to do it under the guidance of an experienced rigger.

Make sure you can remove the rope quickly if you need to. EMT shears (the kind paramedics use) are a popular and safe option. Again, never leave a bound person alone.

Peer rope events, in-person or online classes, and instructional videos by reputable teachers are all great ways to learn bondage basics and not-so-basics. Don’t discount self-tying, either, which can be both fun and educational.

Beginner BDSM Toys #3: Bound to Please Silicone Paddle

The most common materials for spanking paddles are leather, faux leather, and hard plastic. I’d never used a silicone paddle before I received this one to try.

The Bound To Please Silicone Paddle measures 41cm long by 6cm wide. It is light and easy to handle, a breeze to clean and sterilise (just throw it in boiling water or use a body-safe medical wipe), and suitable for vegans.

BLack silicone paddle from a beginner BDSM toys kit

I tested this one out with my partner The Artist. To the best of my recollection, my reaction to the first few strikes was a string of profanity. A combination of the density of the silicone, textured surface, and slender design means this fucking thing hurts like hell.

Seriously, I don’t think I can really recommend a silicone paddle as a beginner BDSM toy. It is vicious.

Now to be clear, I love this paddle. But I am an experienced kinkster and have been doing impact play for well over a decade. 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 someone just starting out. You could get hurt or hurt your partner in a bad way if you start out with an impact toy this intense.

So what do I recommend instead? A wide, soft leather paddle or flexible layered paddle is a great beginner BDSM toy for curious impact players.

If you’re feeling brave enough to try this fucker, though, it retails for an affordable £24.99.

Silicone Paddle Tips & Tricks

Black silicone paddle in anoymous hand

Before you pick up a silicone paddle or any other impact toy, learn which areas of the body you can safely strike. Fleshy areas like the butt and backs of the thighs are low risk and enjoyable on most people. Front and inner thighs, breasts and chests, upper backs, and genitals can also be fun if you’re careful. Never strike the face, head, neck, spine, lower back, or any bony area or joint.

If you’re new to impact play, start slowly. Most people can take more impact, and will enjoy it far more, if you build up gradually. Unless you’ve negotiated it very explicitly with an experienced bottom, whacking someone at full force right out of the gate is a recipe for a bad time.

Remember that the goal of an impact play session isn’t to take or dish out as much as you possibly can. The goal is for everyone involved to have a good time.

When you’re negotiating a spanking 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. Will power dynamics be involved or are you purely in it for the physical sensations? Will you be taking on a role, or playing as yourself?

Other Recommendations For Your First Toy 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 The Pleasure Garden for sending me these items to review. Affiliate links appear in this post. All views and writing are mine.