Toys onTrial

Lelo Mia - by K

2009-12-11T12:25:00.001-08:00

Lelo Mia

The Mia is such a sleek, awesome vibe you can’t help but feel sexy with it. I got it because I wanted a small vibe that I could take with me traveling, and it’s perfect.

First, it is very discrete-it is a pretty four-inch plastic tube that looks just like lipstick in your purse. No one would know what it is (unless they know what it is), and just that is enough to put a smile on your face as you walk around with your classy, stealthy little vibe at the ready. No worry about a vibrating suitcase at the airport, and it’s always on call for a personal quickie or a trip to meet a partner. Of course, it’s also great at home for anyone worried about someone discovering their toys. It’s hard plastic, so it’s simple to wipe clean and durable enough to be carried loose, though it does come with an elegant white satin pouch if you prefer. Adding to the simplicity and portability of it is the fact that it is rechargeable-though a USB port! Perfect for students, businesspeople, or anyone who is around a computer (almost everyone?). No carrying around a bulky charger and no buying batteries, just a couple hours of charging and it’ll go and go (up to four hours, though I haven’t had the energy to test that yet).

Looks and subtlety aside, the Mia is also just a great vibrator. Most vibes of its size are one speed, or have just a couple intensity settings, but the Mia has quite a range of vibe strengths and three great pulsating setting on top of that. The upper settings are quite strong for something so small, and I was surprised at how quiet it is, particularly considering its strength and that it is made of plastic. It is easy to use with just a single + button to scroll through the settings. Finally, it’s easy to handle, and because of its size it doesn’t get in the way when playing with a partner the way bigger vibes can. The only thing I don’t love about it is that once the cap gradually got worked off when it was really being used. It takes a moment to replace it, or you can just forget about it and put the cap back on when you’re finished. I think the style, vibe quality, portability, and ability to recharge this toy more than make up for the possibility of this small distraction happening, so I would still very strongly recommend it.

The Mia is fun to carry, and very fun to use-anywhere!

Purchase the Lelo Mia here.

Mystic Wand - by C

2009-10-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

I was in the market for a new toy and had a chance to take a look at the Mystic Wand before they were available for sale. I thought it was nice - silicon and waterproof are two big positives to me - but a vibrating toy is a vibrating toy right? Well when it was finally available to purchase, I figured it was worth getting for what I wanted out of a toy. Now that I've used it, I have to say WOW!!! I was completely unable to form a coherent thought within moments of turning it on. The vibrations go from "good" to "wahoo!" and the pulsating settings are fantastic! The only thing this toy doesn't do is cuddle you when you're done. I highly recommend it.

Purchase the Mystic here.

Coochy Protection Powder - by Brenda

2009-09-30T13:08:00.001-07:00

I am a big fan of Coochy After Shave Mist so I was excited to see something new in the Coochy line. Coochy Powder is a lot like baby powder but it smells a million times better. It has a gentle lavendar smell that I really like. I suppose some might find it too strong but I think it's a nice fresh scent. It's made of mica and silica so it helps to keep you dry. I managed to score one of these as a gift from a distributor at the trade shows in LA. And am I ever glad I did! A little dab in those sweaty areas keeps you feeling dry and fresh! It comes in a small jar so it's easy to carry in your toiletry case or even in a purse. It also has aloe powder so it has a nice soothing effect on the skin. I also use it after shaving as a alternate to the mist.

Coochy powder does have zinc oxide in it, which some people may not like. It's not edible like honey dust but it is less expensive. I also find the scent nicer than honey dust and the applicator (powder puff) easier to use.

purchase Coochy Protection Powder here.

4US Vibrating Cock Ring - by pickles

2009-09-30T11:41:00.001-07:00

All I can say about this toy is 'Oh My God!'. This toy is just stupid. It is unlike any other vibrating ring you have ever used. It does what all the others do - vibrates externally so it gives great clitoral sensation, but it does what no other ring does, it vibrates the penis. Yes, I'm serious, it vibrates the penis. The shape of this thing makes it so that instead of simply flowing around and around the ring, the vibration is interupted in the ring and moves into the penis. I had this all explained to me before I got it, but I thought they were full of it. I even checked it out with a silicone dildo and could feel that it was vibrating the dildo but I thought it wouldn't do the same thing on a human body. But it really does!

So here's the deal. The vibrating bullet is really strong so you need to be somewhat aroused before you start using it or be someone who likes a strong vibe. It takes a few minutes to get accustomed to it because the strength of that vibe on your clit is all you're going to focus on. but once you get past that, you can feel the internal vibration. It's amazing. It's like a human rabbit habit. If you're partner is skilled with his penis (or if you are skilled at guiding), you can manipulate the internal and the external sensation to get unreal g-spot sensation and just amazing all over stimulation. It's indescribable.

My partner likes it because it holds very firmly at the base of the penis without restricting or scratching. He gets all the benefits of that all-over vibration too.

Some potential drawbacks are that the 4US is very strong. You might be able to put a less intense bullet in it, but the shape of this bullet is unique, I've seen bullets the same width but not the same length, so I don't know if you'd get the same vibration coverage through the toy.

The bullet section is a little hard. There's not much rubber covering the bullet. For some, it might be uncomfortable with too much pressure.

This toy would also be great at the base of a silicone dildo.

4US is made of Intramed which is a new material that has all of the same properties as 100% silicone (as it says on the box). It's waterproof and very easy to clean.

Go get one! Now!

purchase the 4US Cock Ring here.

The Zone by Happy Valley - reviewed by Lachlan

2009-09-18T12:50:00.001-07:00

The Zone - By Happy Valley

This 100% silicone toy works quite well as an P spot stimulator and anal toy. It is true that this isn't the most aesthetically pleasing toy on the market, but it works. This toy has just the right combination of curve, girth and length to put pressure in all the right places for prostate stimulation. Depending on position the base can also push up against the perineum. The bullet vibe which is inserted into the base will provide stimulation to the perineum and sphincter giving a great sensation to the many nerve endings in that area. This toy at its widest part is 1-1/8" and narrows down at the base of the toy to approx. 3/4" so it stays in place when partaking in different activities.

At this price point I feel The Zone would be hard to beat. With the combination of internal and external stimulation this toy has led to many explosive orgasms.

Lachlan

Lelo Liv - by Trixie Laroue

2009-08-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

Lelo is in a league of its own. I have masturbated the old fashioned way, with small vibes, and even the infamous rabbit however nothing even comes close to Lelo’s Liv. Liv not only looks like a million dollars but feels like it.

Liv is made out of platinum grade silicone (in various bright colors) with a plastic base resembling something that Apple Computers would be proud of. Its sleek body has a slight curve in the neck that allows for it to fit naturally in the curves of your body for external play but curved enough at the tip for G-Spot play. The vibe is also narrow enough to slide comfortably between your lips with little work required. On top of that I also found the shape allowed for a larger toy to be used easily during sex in a couple of positions with little effort to keep it in place.

The vibe settings on this toy again reiterate the Lelo will settle for nothing but the best. The control can look a bit daunting with no on or off button to be seen however by pushing the right arrow the speed increases and the left does the opposite. The up and down arrows control the setting: steady, 3 pulses and finally a full out increase/decrease wave setting. The pulses and steady vibration can have increased speed (just push the left/right arrows when you find a setting you like) for each allowing for your play to constantly change. The only complaint I have is the pulse setting stop and starts which I find frustrating more than anything else. All of these settings together allow for the user to have a choice of an extended play session alternating speeds and settings or just a quickie, a steady high intensity vibe.

Internally Liv is not a very full feeling toy however it’s perfect for G-spot play and for me felt similar to a partner stimulating my g-spot plus vibration. If you are searching for something for your G-Spot Liv’s sister GiGi offers the same settings but the shape is geared more towards the G-Spot.

Finally it’s also important to note a few other features Liv sports: she’s is rechargeable (though I rarely have to recharge it), you can lock the keys for travel (trust me nothing is worse than a vibe going off in your purse) and it comes with a one year warranty. These seemingly tiny features are those little things that make Liv not just a good toy but a great one.

purchase the Liv from The Traveling Tickle Trunk - check it out here.

The Fun Factory El Love - by Trixie Laroue

2009-08-20T15:44:00.001-07:00

The newest edition of toys from FunFactory the El Love and Patchy Paul 3 have peaked my interest for some time. These toys are a hybrid between the munchkins vibrating settings (various speeds and pulses) and the larger sized vibes (specifically the shape of the Gigolo and Heartbreaker). Plus a bonus boost button which when pushed makes the toy vibrate harder than any of the other settings. So when I finally caved and picked one up I couldn’t wait to start playing.

For the first couple of weeks my El Love was to say the least frustrating. The toy needs higher quality batteries (sorry the Dollar Store ones just won't do) so it would randomly shut off. Secondly due to the width of the toy I highly recommend using a bit of lube as it makes movement and positioning much easier (for both internal and external play). However once I got that sorted out the El Love has been a great toy.

I personally like to play externally so for me this toy has been great as the shape of it is brilliant. The curve half-way down the El Love allows for the motor (aka the strongest part of the vibrator) to sit perfectly on your clit while the rest sits comfortably narrowing between your legs to simultaneously stimulate your lips etc. Then with the simple rotation of the toy the soft edge sits on your clit providing a more specific point of vibration. While this is certainly not the strongest vibe on the market because of all the curves it was easy to find a spot where there is more than enough power to make me orgasm. That being said the other brilliance to this toy (and the rest of the multi-setting Fun factory toys for that matter) is its vibrating settings.

It offers you the basic varying speeds but more importantly a pulse setting that never completely stops the vibrating. Instead it jumps from high to low thus making it the first pulse setting that I can orgasm to. Rather than the usual stop start frustration I found myself having a completely different orgasm than usual, one that speeds and slows as the toy does which for me increased the intensity and length. Hence it being well worth the work it took to get used to the toy. Those pulses can then be played with as they have three different jump speeds from slowly to extremely quickly. In fact the only vibe setting I wasn’t enamored with was the boost button. The button is awkward to push (located at the base of the toy) and really only increases the frequency of the vibration not the intensity.

As I previously mentioned I’m a big fan of external play however I thought I’d mention a few points of interest for internal use. Due to the size of the El Love it is a very filling toy (think lots of lube) however again the shape works delightfully. The tip of the toy can stimulate the G-Spot however on a shape basis alone I would recommend the Patchy Paul over the El Love if you’re looking for a G-Spot toy due to its ridges and more pronounced nose.

For me the El Love is a toy that reinforces anything worthwhile takes a bit of work. While it was the first toy that actually took a bit of time to get right, when it’s right well it’s amazingly right. This also reminded me of something I always hear but seldom remember. Toys are for playing, trying new things and adventuring with, it might take a bit of time but trust me its more than worth it in the end.

You can purchase the El Love from The Traveling Tickle Trunk - check it out here.

Glow Oil by Earthly Body - written by C

2009-08-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

I'm always on the lookout for products that smell nice without being perfumey and so was immediately drawn to the new display in the store for Glow Oil by Earthly Body. The Glow Oil comes in 6 scents (strawberry, grape, watermelon, cherry, morrocan nights and skinny dip) and each is made with skin-friendly essential oils. I smelled each scent and liked all of them. The I came to Skinny Dip and was instantly hooked! I have been using the Skinny Dip only for a few days and already notice that my skin feels incredibly soft.

Glow Oil comes in an 8oz bottle with a spritzer. I put it on after I shower, rub it into my skin and let it soak in for a few minutes while I finish getting ready and before getting dressed to ensure my skin gets the full benefit of the moisture. You definitely feel that it's an oil when you first apply it but it soaks in quickly to make your skin soft and not sticky or oily. The Skinny Dip scent is subtle (hints of vanilla and coconut) but one that I'll catch a hint of occasionally as I go about my day. I absolutely love how sensual it makes me feel and soft it is on my skin. Two thumbs up!

Find Glow Oil on our site here!

The Zone

2009-06-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

The Zone - by Happy Valley
review by Pickles

(ed. note - this picture shows two 'zones' - we don't have a picture of a single unit yet)

Wow! This is quite the toy. It looks like a non-descript blob of silicone, but believe me, this weird-looking toy is worth a second look. I've tried the toys that supposed to be clitoral and G-spot at the same time, but they usually don't work. If you want to get to your g-spot, you have to tip and push the toy forward. That means that the 'clitoral' part of the toy at the base moves backward away from your body. Seesm like a great idea until you actually play with it. The Zone solves that problem. The internal part has just the right shape and firmness to really massage the G-spot. And because of the u-shape, and the fact that it is already titled forward, the clitoral base doesn't tip away from you! I found two really great ways to play with the Zone. First, hold the base and push it into your clit (the base has a vibrator, by the way). By grinding and moving the toy back and forth and in and out, you actually do great G-spot and clit action at the same time! Second, and this is really the brilliance, sit on it. The base is flat on the bottom. You can sit on the edge of a bed or in a chair, pushing the base into the surface and the tip into you! Then you just rock around and get that great dual action hands-free. The Zone is 100% silicone so it's very soft and flexible and also easy to clean - particularly because the bullet vibe is removeable. You could even put a different vibrator with different speeds and settings into it. They say the Zone is designed for prostate play too and my guess is that it would work really well for that - but given that I don't have a prostate, I wouldn't know. I think it would actually be a decent anal toy but I haven't given that a try yet. Truly, the only drawback to the Zone is the way it looks. Once you've seen what it can do, you'll forget all about that.

Find The Zone at The Traveling Tickle Trunk

Wanda - by Amber

2009-04-30T11:25:00.001-07:00

Wanda

made by Fun Factory

Reviewed By: Amber

At first glance Wanda looks slightly odd and un-assuming with its blue squiggly shape, flared base, and cute critter smile. Odd description right?!? Well folks, I’m here to say this toy SHOULDN’T be overlooked….here’s my reasons why.

It’s made with a medium density silicone, which means it’s 100% non-porous, making it okay for both vaginal & anal play. Throw this beauty into a pot of boiling water for 3 minuets & presto ~ sterilized.
Silicone toys warm up to body temperature beautifully, responds well to manipulation in multiple directions, and transfers vibes in the most delightful way (vibe not included)
The flared base serves multiple purposes.

Preventing the toy from traveling “up” if used for anal play
Acts as a “handle” if used for in & out action
Allows for suction to multiple surfaces J
Can be used in a variety of harnesses

Wanda’s tapered shape provides a gradual introduction for those exploring the idea of penetrative play.
The squiggly shape effectively glides along all the right places in a subtle, yet VERY satisfying way!
If sound is an issue, I rest assure this ones a stealthy performer. Barring exception to all moans & screams of pleasure that may escape while in use.
Did I mention the fantastic cost?!?

Find Wanda at The Traveling Tickle Trunk

Thumbelina - by pickles

2009-03-19T14:19:00.001-07:00

I know everyone raves about the Rabbit but if you're a G-spot gal, this is the toy you want. Thumbelina is a Vibratex toy (same people who make the Rabbit Habit) so it's a good quality toy. It's shorter and much lighter than the Rabbit Habbit and it does not have the rotating pearls. It may not look all that pretty, but believe me, Thumbelina does the job! The shorter attachment part vibrates and has two speeds - strong and 'OMG that's strong!' I'd definitely give it a 5 out of 5 on the vibe intensity scale. The shaft part rotates in a fairly tight circle.

Why it's awesome:
The shaft of the Thumbelina is shaped so that it sits right at the G-spot and then it rotate so that the bump on the front is constantly pushing into the G-spot. If you like G-spot massage, this will make you crazy! The cool thing about it is that it's really designed for you to just turn it on and leave it, not to mess around with moving it about. When you just leave it, it does the job, but more slowly than if you just took a toy and thrusted it in there - the slow build is unreal. And if you like a super-strong vibe, this is great.

Why it may not be so good.
The vibe is so strong that it's hard to even have it on when you start up. I found I had to get warmed up a little before I turned the vibe on because it's pretty intense.

If you don't like G-spot play or if you have a specific way you like your g-spot play, this may not be your thing.

Although the 4 AAA batteries make it smaller and lighter weight, it also makes it a bit of a battery-eater. I highly recommend rechargeables.

Like all rotating toys I've found, Thumbelina is pretty loud. It's not as loud as the Rabbit but you can definitely hear it through a closed door. The stereo needs to be on while you use this toy.

purchase the Thumbelina here

Snugglepuss - by Rachel

2009-03-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

My first impression of the Snugglepuss was that it was bigger than I'd imagined. In the picture it looks like a little finger-sized gay sea creature that got kicked in the balls and doubled over. I was imagining getting it in the mail, thinking it was cute, like candy-pink insertable pussy jewelry.

The Snugglepuss, if we can get past its vomitously cutesy name, is an evolutionary toy that is the first of its kind that I've seen. It's just so damned innovative! Combining pseudo hands-free play, safe materials, and blended stimulation (G-Spot and clitoral) the Snugglepuss also- you guessed it- vibrates. I give the strength of the vibration a 2.5-3 on the 5 point scale, but it's perfect for this toy.

Play!

Don't think of the Snugglepuss as a vibrator, think of it as a buzzy little hug for your pussy. Manufactured by Virbratex, the Snugglepuss has a motor that runs off of three watch batteries which are included. Covered on each end by an nubbly elastomer sleeve, the sleeves meet at a seam in the middle which you have to roll back to remove the little battery tag when you first get it. Once this tag is removed, the Snugglepuss vibrates when its ends are separated, so there's no way to turn it on and off once you start playing with it. The ends only have to be separated 1" to work. The literature in the packaging urges the user not to separate them more than this, which is basically impossible advice to follow, but I had no problems and no malfunctioning snuggley pussy action. Since the little elbow joint is rather sensitive, I don't recommend using this toy in an overly rough manner. This toy isnt meant to be a dildo or a vag-pounder, but rather to stay in place nicely, buzzing away, letting you use your imagination.

The thicker knob is inserted into the vagina to stimulate the G-Spot, while the little end hugs up tight against the clitoris. The clit end has little fins on either side for added labial stimulation. The ergonomic design of the Snugglepuss makes some assumptions about the female anatomy, and since no two pussies are created the same, don't expect it to meet your clit perfectly. Fortunately, that's not really the point of the Snugglepuss. Instead of being a toy that is meant for just one kind of stimulation, the Snugglepuss stimulates the entire area. Think of it as the factor that unites your genitalia- clit, labia, and G-Spot together- all with the intention of bringing you a new kind of pleasure.

You can put it in place and go to town humping a pillow or the mattress, rock in a rocking chair (or a regular chair for that matter) and watch some porn, use your hand to move it around, or stand in the kitchen doing dishes. I do not actually recommend wearing the Snugglepuss out of the house as it's not silent and also not meant to be ignored at any time, like Smartballs can be while inserted. The moment you attempt to stand up and move around while wearing the Snugglepuss will be the moment you discover its secret weapon:

Kegels:

Yes, the all-important widely praised PC muscle makes the difference between the Snugglepuss being a nice little buzzy cunt hug and an experience to be reckoned with. You'll need to use these muscles (the muscles used to stop the flow of urine) to keep the toy in place while moving around, and it will be the world's most fascinating workout. Every sensation will intensify and the genital unity I was talking about earlier will really start to make sense to you.

And as we all know, the stronger the PC muscle, the better off the world.

Cleaning and Upkeep:

Since the little seam at the bend of the Snugglepuss seems fairly watertight, you could probably feel splash-safe when washing this toy. However, for the sake of the toy's longevity I would recommend keeping water away from the seam. Absolutey do not submerge this toy in water or use it in the shower.

You can use a washcloth, warm water, and a mild soap to clean the Snugglepuss. Since it's made of elastomer, it's safe and phlalate-free which means it does not leak any toxins whatsoever into your business. However, elastomer is slightly porous so it cannot be shared with others without the use of a condom. Putting a condom on this toy may seem tricky but just start at the thick end and roll the condom over the toy until it's covered.

THIS TOY IS NOT FOR ANAL PLAY. So no buttholes now, I mean it.

purchase the snugglepuss here

Smartballs - by Rachel

2009-03-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

Ladies, your attention please! If you’ve done your homework you’ll know that the strengthening of your PC muscle is of utmost importance for prolonged health, especially sexual health. It tightens the vaginal muscles and deepens orgasms; not to mention these factors combined with the fresh circulation of blood into sexual tissues will heighten your libido and keep it going strong.

The first reaction to this news is commonly “Sign me up!” But who has time to set aside ten minutes of their day to lounging around and clenching their PC muscles? Sure, they can be done anywhere--that is the beauty of Kegels…yet, how often do you actually remember to do them? And what if you’re looking for a faster, more efficient way to strengthen your nether-regions?

Enter Smartballs. These are a new twist on ancient Ben Wa balls, which women have been using in China and Japan for centuries to strengthen their pelvic muscles and reap the benefits. Smartballs are two silicone balls which vibrate when moved, encased in colorful elastomer, an odorless, long-lasting, and easy-to-clean material. A non-porous silicone string is firmly attached to one end to calm the nerves of any woman who fears things getting lost inside of her (not possible, by the way. Stuck? Yes, but not lost).

The idea is to insert Smartballs into the vagina and then go about your business. Every step, shift, elevator lurch, and shimmy will cause these little balls to emit subtle to intense vibrations. I know it sounds like we’ve been talking about an exercise program here, but ladies! This is a workout you can really, really enjoy. Not to mention, it’s fun to walk around smiling at everyone while they wonder what’s got you in such a good mood. Smartballs work on their own to massage and strengthen the vaginal muscles, or you can combine them with Kegels to put you on the fast-track to a superwoman grip.

Women have reviewed these little balls as a great way to earn control over their PC muscles, increase their ability to have multiple orgasms, and prevent incontinence in their later years. One woman even described that using Smartballs was like “getting a whole new vagina!” Now this isn’t a battery-powered device, chicas, so don’t expect the earth to move. Do expect to experience a range of sensations from a gentle jingle to a breath-stopping vibration. Soon, even your ability to appreciate and fully enjoy the subtlest motions will be honed to a sharp focus. Not that you'll want to focus on anything else.

We recommend getting your female balls from The Traveling Tickle Trunk, founded by the fabulous Brenda; who personally answered my emails asking questions on further ways to use Smartballs.

Some of her suggestions are as follows:

For PC muscle building:

focus on tightening around Smartballs while you have them in (Kegels)
try pulling them out slowly while tightening the pelvic floor for resistance

For fun:

play with moving them in and out, the size and shape of them can put pressure on the G-spot; each woman will need to find the specific position of her hips that works best
keep them in while having other types of clitoral or even anal stimulation with toys or hands
try a vibrator against the bottom of the balls themselves to make them REALLY shake!

Find Smartballs here.