Sexuality Happens

This, my dear readers, is my newest sex toy. It’s a glass dildo by Ruby Glass, also known…as the VORTEX glass dildo. I just really like saying Vortex. Particularly as Q and I are headed to Sedona today, and they are all about these magical vortexes that they have there which are also known as lay lines that come together, and do magical things.

Is this a magical vortex? Well, let’s get the stats first. It, like most (if not all) glass dildos is made of glass. Not, say, the type of glad you’d drink from, or even a window pane, but some pretty hard core glass. I’ve only ever once broken a glass dildo, and it fell from the top of a dresser onto a cement floor— only one small piece broke off. Ergo, they are pretty hardy, and vagina (and butt, if they have flanged bases, like this one) friendly. The Vortex was no exception. A nice thing about glass toys is that they’re compatible with water-based lube (like all toys), but also silicone lube, which I love, and most toys can’t deal with.

As far as packaging, I was NOT impressed with the bag it came in. Most glass toys come in luxurious velvet bags, some of which are plush, but even if not, they are just nice velour and good for storing the toys so they don’t clink and chip. Sadly, the Vortex came in a weird bag that felt almost like felted plastic, or something like that. I was very much underwhelmed.

As far as cleaning glass, you can always wipe it down with soap and warm water, but it’s 100% sterilizable; you can boil it (3-5 minutes), run it through the dishwasher (top shelf) or wipe it down with a 10% bleach solution. Perfect for sharing with friends, or using both anally AND vaginally.

Let’s talk toy: the Vortex is very very pretty. It’s clear glass interspersed with black, white and green lines. I could have done without the green, but even so, it’s a beautiful glass dildo, hands down. Its design isn’t bad at all; it feels quite good sliding in and out. I was hoping for a little more G-spot action from the shape, but I didn’t really get what I was looking for. On the other hand, it just felt really good, smooth, and it has a base, so I’m pretty sure it would feel good for anal stimulation and play as well.

I love glass toys; putting them in ice water to cool them down, or warm water, to heat them up. I love how they feel sliding in and out, and how beautiful they truly are. I wish the Vortex had been a bit more G-spot magical for me, and had come with a nice pouch, but that aside, it’s a pretty rocking toy. 3.5 stars (out of 5) from me.

All in all, this is a pretty good beginner or middle of the road glass toy, and definitely a beautiful one. Click here to get your very own Vortex glass dildo. Thanks SexToy.com!

-Essin’ Em

Hey all. Here is a fancy schmancy, middle of the week review of a sex toy; the Je Joue G-Ki. As with all my video reviews, thanks to Matt (the video rockstar) and to Fascinations.

So, as you’ve gather, behold before you a review of the Je Joue G-Ki. What is it? It’s the fairly new and very cool G-spot vibrator/dildo. Get this; it actually has two awesome joints that bend and flex, making it simpler for you to make this toy fit your body, and your G-spot, the way that works for you. Another bonus? This is a reachargeable toy, which gets mucho points from my side of the court. This is not just because I love the earth, but also I hate having to deal with batteries, etc.

Interested at all? Look at the video review to get a better idea about the and watch how it works, as well as hear my thoughts the G-Ki, and other G-spot superheros, like the Lelo Gigi. I do like this toy, although I think I’d recommend the Gigi first, as that’s my all time favorite G-spot rockstar.

Again, I give my thanks to Fascinations! Enjoy the video and the review, and please especially enjouy all the fun and awkward noises I make to describe the vibrations patterns… Click here to get your very own G-Ki!

-Shanna

Click to play

The Goddess Aphrodite by DarkAlchemyStudios

Welcome to Pleasurists, a round-up of the adult product and sex toy reviews that came out in the last seven days. For updates and information follow our RSS Feed and Twitter.

Did you miss Pleasurists #92? Read it all here. Do you have a review for Pleasurists #94? Be sure to read our submission guidelines and then use our submission form and submit it before Sunday August 29th at 11:59pm PDT.

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Looking for sexy posts other than reviews?

e[lust] #18

Editor

Scarlet Lotus St. Syr

Editor’s Pick

• njoy Fun Wand by Elodie

I already adored my new toy before I knew how the end with three bloops felt in my butt. When K used the Fun Wand in my rear (with plenty of lubricant), it was a revelation.

On to the reviews…

Vibrators

• L’Amour Tripler Dual Stimulation by Mistress Kay
• L’Amour Tripler Dual Stimulation by Jessie Beth
• Fun Factory Sinfflut Benjamin Bond by Rayne
• Tuyo by Marilyn
• Rhythm “O” Triple Kiss by Isabel0329
• Rhythm “O” Triple Kiss by Jane Blow
• Rechargeable Power Wand by Dr. Ruthie
• We-Vibe II by Juliettia
• We-Vibe II by Kate
• Blue Venus by Bitchin’ Babe
• Black Diamond by buzzvibe
• LELO Siri by Alan & Michele
• Zen Calm Massager by Jessie Beth
• Wand Vibrator Comparison by Dr. Ruthie
• Calypso 2 by Lucy Lemonade
• Reflections Bliss Nirvana by Vanilla Kinks
• The C-Spot by Alan & Michele
• Chippendales Diva by Pretty Power Tools
• Evolved Croupier by Pretty Power Tools

Dildos

• Crystal Delights Epiphany Baton by Isabel0329
• njoy Fun Wand by Elodie
• Tentacle Jr. by True Pleasure
• Vixen Creations Spur by Elodie
• Jollies Jack by Pretty Power Tools

Anal Toys

• Crystal Delights Plug by Scarlet Lotus St. Syr
• LELO Bob by Dr. Ruthie
• Tantus Ripple by Vanilla Kinks
• Silicone Explorers by Kynky Kytty
• Fun Factory Flexi Felix by Red Vinyl Kitty

Toys for Cocks

• Tenga Flip Hole by Cooper
• Blossom Sleeve by Red Vinyl Kitty
• Studded Extender Sleeve by Pretty Power Tools

Lube, Massage Oil, Bath Stuff, & etc.

• Durex Play Utopia by Lucid Obsession
• Earthly Body Waterslide by HotMoviesForHer Sex Toy Crew
• BabeLicious by Vanilla Kinks
• BabeLube by Saraid
• Babeland Naked Organic by Dr. Ruthie
• Pink Unity by Kynky Kytty
• System JO Wild Clitoral Stimulation Gel by Femenina Deliciosa

BDSM/Fetish

• Rachel’s Play Pak by Jessie Beth
• Pink Plush Cuffs by Kit O’Connell
• Mini Cat-O-Nine Tails by Mistress Kay
• Fetish Fantasy Series Bamboo Beater by Lucy Lemonade
• Wartenberg Pinwheel by buzzvibe
• Pinwheel by Mystress Lady Evyl
• Spank Ties by Mistress Kay
• Under the Bed Restraints by Missy

Adult Books/Games

• A Smart Girl’s Guide to Porn by Alan & Michele
• Pleasure Bound by Mistress Kay
• Secrets of Prostate Massage by Joanna Cake
• Sexually Dominant Woman by Mistress Kay
• Fast Girls by Mistress Kay
• Fairy Tale Lust by Alan & Michele
• Sex Toys 101 by Alan & Michele

Adult DVDs & Porn

• Tristan Taormino’s Expert Guide to Anal Pleasure for Men by Mistress Kay
• Desperate Husbands by Chops McGruff
• Ultimate Surrender #15 by J.D. Bauchery
• A+ by FrzKey
• Justine Joli LOST by J.D. Bauchery
• Couch Surfers 2 – Trans Men in Action by The Porn Librarian
• Speakeasy by Jessie Beth
• Inmu Vol. 1 & 2 by FrzKey
• Feeling It… Not Faking It by Jessie Beth

Storage

• Small Black Vibrator Case by Mistress Kay

Miscellaneous

• Vibrating Velvet Corsette Harness by Essin’ Em
• Celtic Wreath Nipple Jewelry by Isabel0329
• Good Vibrations Soft Pack by Mistress Kay
• Trojan Fire & Ice Condoms by Lucid Obsession
• Spareparts Theo Harness by Pretty Power Tools

This week’s review is of something I never thought I’d try, none the less like. It’s from Babeland (thanks for the free product yo!) and it’s a stimulation gel. You know, the stuff you put on your bits (usually your clip/labia, although it can be used externally as well) to give them a bit more of that tingling senstation.

What is it? It is Sliquid Organics Stimulation O Gel. That’s a mouthful, I know!

To be honest, I never thought I would ask for something like this.  Once, Arkadia send me some of their “arousal gels” and I tried it out. It didn’t work as planned, and I actually wrote a post about using it all kinky like, in D/s play. However, definitely not its intended use, and clearly, it wasn’t something I needed. Until the beginning of this year, I never had an issue being horny, sexual, aroused, you name it. Think teenage boy hiting hormones, and multiply it.

However, starting about January, my sex drive started to zero out. I was depressed, broke, and then I had a cervical cancer scare. I did not feel sex or sexual, and I didn’t let myself or Q touch me (although I did try to make sure I was still fucking Q fairly regularly) for at least a month, and then maybe once a month since then. It’s been frustrating me to no end; porn doesn’t turn me on as much as it used to, and my poor Hitachi was being under used, and looked all lonely.

So when this came up as a review option, I figured why not. I was desperate. It’s 100% vegan, it’s natural (although not condom compatible — it contains at least two types of oils), and I like a lot of the Sliquid products.

This gel has changed my sex life. Period.  When I use it, I actually stop whatever else is going on in my brain, and concentrate on the fabulous feelings on and around my clit. In the past week, I’ve used it 3 times, and have had sex (if you count masturbating, which I do, especially since I haven’t done it much at all lately) 3 times. Pretty good odds.

Now, I don’t think it’ll work for everyone. A year ago, I probably would have turned up my nose at this. However, if you are looking for a little extra boost, a little tingle, an extra dimension to your sex life, or something to get you out of your sexual funk, I’d suggest this. I almost didn’t try it, and am so glad (and am sure Q feels the same way) that I did.

I love this stuff — to get your own bottle, just click here!

-Essin’ Em

I haven’t gotten to review a harness in a while, so I have to thank the lovely feminist sex toy store (in Canada) Trinity Romance for this chance to review the Velvet Vibrating Corsette Harness.

As far as harnesses go, I love love love my Spareparts Joque harness. There is nothing quite like it. However, as has often been pointed out to me, even my custom made leopard print one is not quite as femme-y as some would like. Ergo, I have endevoured to finding a fat-girl-friendly, femme-tastic, dual strap harness.

This one is pretty damn close. The promo pictures show the harness making your ass look pretty good, and in real life, it comes pretty close. Here is a picture of me in the harness, with my ass nicely framed (thanks Q for taking the photo!)

Ok. So ass looks good. Check. Plus size friendly? The straps fit up to a 60″ waist. This meant that even as a big girl, I had a LOT of extra strappage going on. A lot. To the point where I might cut them, and burn the ends so they don’t get in the way as much. So big girl fit-able? Hell yes.

Now, I have the black one, but this also comes in purple, if you’re like me and like to coordinate. It also comes with a vibrating bullet that fits in a pocket in the front and THREE adjustable O-rings. I really appreciated that; most adjustable O-ring harnesses don’t actually come with other O-rings for you to switch out.

The vibe? Meh. I could have don’t without it. Didn’t have much oomph to it, and like most small bullet vibes, it dies quickly, and has expensive batteries to replace. However, if you have a smaller rechargable vibe, like the Lelo Mia, you can use that in the same place, which is nice.

The harness looked pretty damn good on me, and fit quite comfortably, and I loved the tie-up in the back. My one issue with it is that if you choose to use a bigger cock, either thick or long, it’s going to be heavy, and honestly, this harness is not meant for heavier cocks. The velvet and stretchy rubber O-rings just don’t provide enough support. This means you might end up with a bit of a limp dick, or even worse, your cock popping out into your partner. I’m awkward, yes, but that earns a total awkward calamari from me.  Also, because the front part is solid (unlike the Joque, or the Sportsheet Bare as You Dare), you cannot use it to support toys like the Feeldoe, Nexus and Share.

All in all, this is a great, sexy harness, that fits people of all sizes, is an awesome vegan harness, a bit femme-y, and with adjustable O-rings. If you’re looking for a first time, or occasional use harness, this would be perfect. On the other hand, if you’re rocking the cock (femme cock or otherwise) on a regular basis, I’d suggest something a bit more sturdy!

Thanks to Trinity Romance for this lovely harness. If you live in B.C., Canada, tell them to bring me in for a class — I’d LOVE to teach there!

-Essin’ Em

I have been asked to write a paid review of the sex toys website Discreet-Romance.com.

First impression? The site needs a bit more of a face lift on the front. It’s incredibly busy, and has issues with word combos like “man sex toys” and “vaginas and dolls.” I had a hell of a time trying to find an “about” sections. Returns policy? Yes. FAQ sections? Yes. A whole hell of a lot of different vibrator options, and a variety of adult toys? Yes. However, I was never able to find a mission statement, or even an about section. So really, I can’t tell you much about who owns/runs the site, what their views are on sexuality and sex positivity, etc. There is an “about our store” section on the front page below the blog, but it is not informative, and is full of typos, which annoyed me.

First thing I always do when reviewing a sex toy/adult toy site is to search the site for anal eaze. Yes, they do indeed carry it. HUGE black mark in my book. They also carry shrink creams, which is a big no-no to me. Moreover, they have really racistly-named shrink creams, which I have huge beef with. Not impressed with their selection.

As far as body-friendly items, they do carry the full line of Tantus silicone (and aluminum items), including butt plugs, dildos, harness kits and vibrators.They also have the line of Lelo toys (some of my favs as well). On the other hand, they do NOT have any Vixen, Jimmy Jane, Liberator, etc. If you’re looking for high end toys, this is not the site for you.

However, if what you want is cheap toys, you may have found your match, Each page displays lots of sale items, including rabbit style vibrators for under $20, bullet vibes for under $5, etc. If you know what you’re looking for, their search button is ok, but I find their left hand menu of items very difficult to search, and it’s extremely hard to find the few body-friendly and quality items in the mess of everything else.

On the front page, they do have a blog, that unlike many of these one-off toy sites, seems to be updated on a fairly regular basis. The writing isn’t amazing, and I personally don’t agree with many of the topics/advice given, but I do appreciate that they have one, unlike many similar sites.

All in all, I say meh to Discreet Romance. I don’t approve of many of their products (anal numbing creams, shrink creams, etc), and find the navigation fairly difficult, especially if I’m looking for a decent toy. However, their prices are low, and they actually have a sexuality blog, which is more than I can say for most of these sites that sell adult toys.

-Essin’ Em

You’ll note that this review is very different than my average one.  I usually review sex toys, or books, or lubes. However, the other day, I was in Fascinations, and was talking to one of the associates, and she told me that this shot worked really well for her. Given that my poor sex drive has pretty much been out the window since my cancer scare back in January, I’ve gotten to the point where I’m willing to try pretty much anything, as long as I know it’s not medically harmful. Ergo, I bought this shot, the Rock On for HerFemale Sexual Enhancement shot/drink.

Now, I will tell you that I don’t seem to do well with supplements. Caffeine (whether in coffee, chocolate, tea, or otherwise) has never affected me. I could drink a Crowbar (4 shots of espresso, coffee and chocolate syrup) in college, and fall asleep shortly there after.  When I was working for the evil corporate gym on overnight shifts, I tried a 5-hour Energy shot one night, and promptly fell asleep at the desk. So I didn’t have much hope for it.

It tastes gross. Like, face making, gag noise making gross. However, I drank the whole thing, and then Q and I went and had sex. Did it work? I don’t really think so. I mean, we already were planning on having sex, it didn’t at all make me feel more sexual (basically, I’m all good with fucking Q, and find that really hot, but am not so hot with being sexual myself), and I certainly wasn’t buzzing with horniness.  Would I use it again? No.

That said, I have now spoken to several women of various orientations and ages that swear by this. Is it snake oil? Maybe. I’m not sure how well L-Argenine works when used internally/ingested, however, we do know it works in creating extra sensation topically. It’s possible that my body just doesn’t react well to supplements. Who knows.

Next on my list; clitoral arousal gel. Again, these aren’t normally things I’d like to try, but I’m getting desperate, just like many women out there, looking to reclaim and take control of their sexuality. I’m happy to share my experiences around this, in hopes that it’ll help others.

Want to try the shot for yourself? Click here to get a bottle. If you *do* try it, please let me know via comment or email what you thought – I really would love to know!

-Essin’ Em

What do we have here? Its a vibrator that is a little different than what you’d expect. It’s a vibrator that is a little off the beaten path. No, it’s not Jaws vibrator, and an Abominable Snowman vibe. It’s just not quite your run of the mill vibrator.

What makes this vibe so incredibly different? Well how about that it is made of ice. Yep, you heard me, MADE OF ICE. Is that not cool or crazy or ridiculous or awesome or all the the aforementioned? What toy is this that I’m talking about? Why, its the Ice Vibe by Touche. The body of the toy is 100% medical grade silicone, the freezing cup is plastic, it comes with a little traditional bullet vibrator, and of  course, the actual part that winds up vibrating  is made of ice. I think this is the perfect toy to use in the summer to cool down when your love life is getting a bit heated up. I put more thoughts into the video about the ice vibe. Check out my video review.

As usual, a big thank you to Fascinations for the toy in exchange for a review, as well as video guy Matt who made the awesome video. The video is a bit old, but is never seen before, and now that it’s summer, what better time to share the Ice Vibe with you, right?

-Essin’ Em

I love vibrators. I love rechargable vibrators. Ergo, when I was given the offer from a certain sex toy store to review the Bsoft Rechargable Vibrator (in return for a review), I most definitely took them up on their offer.

Looks wise, it’s a pretty nice, aero-dynamic, streamlined toy. This is good. It’s also very light weight. Now, some people prefer their toys to be light weight, but I actually find it to be a bit unerving, and often times the sign of a not-so-good toy. I went in a bit of a sceptic, as all sex toy reviewers should (unless you’re buying an Njoy or a Lelo – no skeptism needed).

It’s an ok toy. Not bad, by any means. It’s made of a hard plastic, so it’s phthalate free/body friendly, and can be washed with antibacterial soap and warm water. However, note that it is not, in fact, sterilizable, and so should be a one vulva/one person toy. Because it’s plastic and not silicone, you can use either water based lube or silicone based lube with it, depending on your personal preference.

Charging was fairly easy, and I really do appreciate that they didn’t go totally overboard with the packaging. The box is small, just like the toy.

The problem was the toy itself. Well, I shouldn’t say problem. It’s a decent toy, especially for its price range. It’s hard to find a decent rechargable toy that is body friendly for under $70, and this one certainly is all of that. However, there just wasn’t much power or oomp behind it, and that’s a pretty important part of vibrators for me is something that can really provide power when needed, and be a lower level for Q as needed.

So as a beginner toy, yes, or one for someone that likes light stimulation, this is good. For anyone who has experience with vibes, it might come off a bit iffy or weak, and I’d suggest something with a little more power to it.

Want one of your own? Click here to get YOUR very own Bsoft Rechargable Vibrator!

-Essin’ Em

This toy is quite new and quite different than your average version 2.0 double dildo (think the Share by Fun Factory, or the Feeldoe by Tantus). Why? Because it has adjustable angles, using a little silicone piece to change things up.

Like the other toys in this overarching category, it’s 100% silicone, meaning you can clean it with soap and water, or sterilize it with a 10% bleach solution, dishwashing it (top shelf, no soap), or boiling it 3-5 minutes. However, litter crevices make it a bit harder to clean than some of its counter parts. Only use water based lube please!

For the most part, I was pretty impressed with the Mantric Sysil Double-Dildo like toy, and even made you a shiny video review for you to learn a little more about it, see it in action, etc. Check it out:

Thanks again to Matt and Fascinations for the video action and toy-ness.

Click here to get your own Sysil Mantric and begin the angling action!

-Essin’ Em