Saturday, December 22, 2012

Ivy Intimate Touch Massager Clitoral Vibrator Review


Vibration Strength: 2/5
Noise: 3/5
Ease of Use: 4/5
Ease of Care: 3/5
Material Safety: 4/5
Overall: 3/5

Pros:                                           Cons:
+ Low Price                                - Strange Clitoral Nubs
+ Easy One Button Control           - Not Waterproof
+ Ergonomic Grip                        - Weak Vibrations

Overview

     The Ivy Intimate Touch Massager is a clitoral vibrator designed by California Exotic Novelties.It features an ergonomic curved tip and a rather strange triangular patch of nubs at the tip. It is powered by two AAA batteries and controlled by a single push button on the top.

Materials, Texture, and Care

     The Ivy Intimate Touch Massager is made of mostly plastic with a silicone portion for the clitoral stimulator and a grip on the other side. It is somewhat porous and should not be shared between users that are not fluid-bonded, but it is an overall relatively safe material. The portion of the toy that comes in contact with the body should be washed with warm soap and water, taking care not to allow the water to come into contact with the rest of the toy as it is not waterproof. There is actually quite a large opening around the battery cartridge that it is important to take care that water does not get into this area.
     The tip is designed with 13 silicone nubs in a triangular pattern which creates a rather strange texture when it comes in contact with the body. Since this is a texture I've never seen before I expected it to be unique but instead of being interesting it just felt more pokey than anything else.

Measurement/Sizing


     The shape and style of this toy is perfect. It is approximately 4.5 in. long and 2.5 in. wide and fits perfectly in the palm of my hand. The tip also has a really nice downward curve that is very ergonomic, it mirrors both the shape of my hand and the curve over my pelvis. The tip is about 1 in. wide and nestles between my labia perfectly, almost like an enlarged finger.

Vibration Functions

     The vibrator features 3 speeds and 4 functions as follows:
  1. Low
  2. Medium
  3. High
  4. BzBzBzzzz
  5. BzBzBzBzBzBz
  6. bzBZbzBZbzBZbz
  7. bbbZZZZZZZbbbbZZZZZZZ
     Once cycling through all of the patterns the toy will turn off, there is no quick way to shut it off without cycling through all of the patterns, although it does not vibrate while holding the button down so in a pinch you could try that.The vibrations themselves are quite buzzy and not very strong, probably a high 2/5 on their strongest.

Controls/Power

     Ivy is controlled with two AAA batteries that are inserted into the side of the toy. Be careful with the battery cover, it has a habit of flying out of my hand when trying to take it off unless I have a tight grip on it, on the other hand though the toy can double as a weapon.
     The vibrations are controlled with a very simple single push button on the top of the toy. The way I grip the toy I need to slide my fingers pretty far back to push the button, while this might be a little awkward I do prefer this to having the button be too easy to push.


Packaging

     This toy was a free gift with one of my purchases from another site so it came simply packaged in a clear plastic bag that was destroyed upon opening so it will not work for storage. It included only a small slip of paper with directions for battery insertion but it is a simple toy and didn't need much more.

Closing Thoughts

     I would not have picked this toy out myself because of the strange clitoral nubs but I figured that maybe it would be unique and interesting instead of just plain weird. Unfortunately it turns out my first impression was the case, it was just strange. If the vibration was a bit stronger it may have been okay, because I love the ergonomic shape but the vibrations were way too weak and the clitoral tip was just plain odd.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Materials Guide

     When you're browsing through any adult site or store pay special attention to the materials their products are made of. DO NOT trust any site that does not list the materials for each of their products, it is your right as a consumer to know exactly what is being put in/near your body. Listed below I created a list of some of the most popular materials, categorized by their safety, so you can understand exactly the characteristics of each material. It can be difficult buying online so I want to provide a resource for you to make a more informed decision.

You may hear me mention phthalates below, and rather often in my blog. Phthalates are chemicals added to plastics to soften them. They have been linked to breast cancer and a disruption in the endocrine system. Phthalates have been banned in most children's toys but are still present in many adult products.

Very Safe Materials: Very safe materials are totally non-porous and can be sanitized fully by boiling or wiping down in a 10% bleach solution. It is hypo-allergenic, latex free, and phthalates free. It's also very durable, if cared for properly these toys will last a lifetime.

Borosilicate Glass: This is the same glass that is used in Pyrex cook wear, it is not something that you need to worry about breaking. It does have some weight as it is solid glass and it is very firm so you need to be careful not to bruise yourself internally, it can be clear, colored, or feature beautiful swirls of color inside. The surface is so smooth that one might not even need lube, but if lube or even water is added it can be very slippery, if you do drop it onto a hard surface it might break but if it does it is designed to break into chunks as opposed to shattering. It should also be checked periodically for cracks and imperfections, and if you find one you should discontinue use.

Silicone: Silicone is a man made material, it's the softest and most common of the very safe materials, and it could have a smooth, velvety, or rubbery texture. Some companies have developed a dual density silicone, which has a firm core and a soft outer layer for a more realistic feel. Some toy companies may also make the frame of their toy out of plastic and coat it in silicone, this makes it safer and firmer than a toy that is made only out of silicone. You should not use silicone lubricants with silicone toys as there are specific chemicals in silicone lubricants that keeps the silicone in it's liquid state and when it comes in contact with your silicone toys it may have a chemical reaction causing the surface to become gummy and tacky and therefore unusable. They should also avoid contact with other toys that are not 100% silicone and should be stored in a cloth or pouch.


Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is as hard as glass but much heavier, you need to careful not to bruise yourself while thrusting with a stainless steel toy. It is also just as smooth as glass so one should exercise caution when adding lube or water. Other metals are slightly less safe but comparable.

Mostly Safe Materials: These materials are mostly non-porous but cannot be totally sanitized, they should not be shared without a condom. They are often phthalate-free but they also have a shorter lifespan then the very safe materials.







Elastomer: This material is very similar to a rubber, it begins soft and has chemicals added to make it harder so that it can be used to create a variety of textures. Be sure to check the box to see if they are phthalate-free.


Plastic: This firm material is non-porous and phthalate-free, it is very smooth and quite common in adult toys.

PU Coated Plastic: The PU coat on these plastic toys give them a velvety texture but it also creates microscopic, shallow cavities where fluids and bacteria can build up which makes them slightly less safe than not coated plastics.

Stone: Stone is a semi-porous firm material, it can be sanitized with a 10% bleach solution. Users should exercise great care when using stone toys as they can bruise the user's cervix.

TPR/TPE: This material is very similar to an elastomer, it begins soft and has chemicals added to make it harder.

Wood: Wood dildos are made beautify, they are firm but not quite as firm as metal or glass. Although wood is porous, when used in adult products it is coated with a thick seal to protect it. Do not boil it as the wood will change size with the temperature which would damage the seal. The seal should be inspected before use for any imperfections in the coating, as this would make the toy porous and unfit for use.


Unsafe Materials: These materials are porous and can easily harbor bacteria, they cannot be thoroughly cleaned and should not be used without a condom. They often have a very strong odor of chemicals.

Cyberskin/UR3/Pure Skin/Futurotic/Real Skin: These are the most realistic feeling toys that you can get for as low a price as these and are incredibly soft. They are a chemical mixture of pvc and silicone. They arrive coated in a powder and it is best to coat them in a corn starch after each use, this will help them stay soft, otherwise the surface may become tacky. Store them each in their own bag in a cool dark place where they cannot come into contact with other toys. It is only safe to use water based lubricants with these toys as any other would degrade them.

Jelly/Jel-Lee/AquaGel: Jelly toys are slightly less porous than Cyberskin but should still be covered with a condom. They have a rubbery feel and smell and come in a variety of colors.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

We Vibe III Couples Vibrator Review

Vibration Strength: 4/5

Noise: 2/5
Ease of Use: 2/5
Ease of Care: 3/5
Material Safety: 5/5
Overall: 4/5

Pros:                                           Cons:
+ Silicone                                     - Grabby Silicone
+ Waterproof                               - Difficult to Push Button
+ Unique Design/Concept             - Doesn't Stay in Place Well/Slippery
+ Carry/Charge Case
+ Wireless Controller         


Overview

     The We-Vibe III is the third iteration of a revolutionary couples vibrator from We-Vibe. When they released the first We-Vibe it was the first of its kind, the C-shaped vibrator is designed so that one arm can be inserted vaginally while the other end rests on the clitoris. The inserted arm is then thin enough that it can comfortably be worn during intercourse, providing vibrating stimulation to both the female bodied partner's G-Spot and the penis of the partner doing the penetrating. The major difference between the We-Vibe III and it's younger siblings is the charge dock/carry case that comes with it and the option to control it with remote control, it also boasts 40% more power.
     When I picked up this toy I was concerned about how it would fit with my body (which can sometimes be too tight for him on it's own) for it's intended use but I choose to pick it up anyway because I had some other uses I had dreamed up for this toy. First, I thought this would be a unique way to begin with double penetration (again keeping my smaller frame in mind). I had hopes that this would help to provide hands free g-spot and clitoral stimulation during anal sex. I was also very intrigued by the wireless remote control and hoped this would help me fulfill my fantasies of wearing a vibrator in public while my fiance controlled it.

Materials, Texture, and Care

     The We-Vibe III is made out of high quality silicone which is non-porous, phthalate-free and totally body safe. It is easy to care for and can be wiped down with warm soap and water before and after use for everyday care and if you plan on sharing with a partner it can be sanitized with a 10% bleach solution. It should be stored in a way such that it cannot make contact with other silicone products because they can sometimes damage one another. I recommend storing in the charge dock they include which doubles as a carrying case but you can also use a small pouch if you prefer. I would also highly advise against using any silicone lubes with this product. Silicone lubes have chemicals in them to keep the silicone in a liquid state and you do not want the silicone on your new We-Vibe III becoming it's liquid state! If you absolutely must use your favorite silicone lube I would recommend spot testing somewhere unobtrusive (such as along the bend).
     The remote is a hard plastic with a thin silicone strip around the button. It should not be coming in contact with many bodily fluids but if it does need to be cleaned I would wipe it down with a damp cloth as I am not entirely sure that this portion is waterproof. 
     The texture of the silicone that covers the We-Vibe III is not my favorite, they use a very shiny, sticky silicone with a lot of drag as opposed to the velvety silicone I have seen on some other toys. This toy collects lint like nothing I have ever seen! It is definitely necessary to rinse it down before use, I keep it enclosed in it's plastic case inside a drawer and somehow every time I pull it out it still manages to have more cat hair on it than my cat! The silicone is entirely smooth except for some raised bumps along the clitoral stimulator and the g-spot stimulator. These bumps aren't particularly noticeable in use but if you are texture sensitive you will probably feel it.




Measurement/Sizing

     The We-Vibe III is approximately the size of the palm of my hand. While the measurements on most dual stimulation toys are very important, the shape of this particular toy makes it a bit less so. Since the clitoral stimulator is so broad you don't have to worry about it lining up perfectly as no matter where it rests it should still be hitting your clitoris.
     One interesting point that I'm going to put in here that I don't always talk about in my reviews is the weight. Unfortunately I don't have a scale that will measure weights this small so I can't give you an exact measurement but it doesn't feel heavy in the palm of my hand, however it does feel heavy when in use, at least too heavy to sit properly. I'll touch on this more in the performance section.


Vibration Functions

     The We-Vibe III brags 40% more power than its younger brother the We-Vibe II. While I have not tried the We-Vibe II I can certainly see why they wanted to amp up the power. It is somewhat powerful, a low 4/5, which is a good level for me in conjunction with other stimulation but it's just not quite enough on it's own. If it was any less powerful I would be pretty unhappy. What I do like is that the vibrations are very rumbly and not buzzy at all. Rumbly vibrations penetrate deep into the flesh, while buzzy vibrations simply vibrate the surface. Rumbly vibrations may not feel as powerful as buzzy vibrations but buzzy vibrations can sometimes temporarily numb the area or make the skin feel itchy.
     Another nice thing about this vibe is that it has two motors, one in each arm, which many other couples vibes do not feature. The motors move at the same speed but it might be interesting to allow them to be controlled separately in a future We-Vibe, maybe allow them to pulse at different speeds for some unique sensations. The motors feature six different vibration modes.
  1. Steady Vibration at a Moderate Speed
  2. Steady Vibration at a Higher Speed
  3. 9 Revs then a 9 Quick Pulses
  4. Slowly Escalating
  5. Quick Pulsing
  6. Cha Cha Cha
    After cycling through all of the functions it will go to off, then cycle back to the beginning. If you want to turn it off at any time push and hold the remote for three seconds. The vibrations are pretty quiet and probably could not be heard through a blanket and certainly not through a door; however on high it was just loud enough that I wouldn't be comfortable wearing it out in a public place unless it was a loud bar or club.

Controls/Power

     There are two different options when controlling the We-Vibe III. To turn it on you begin by pushing the small button on the tip of the clitoral arm. It is a bit difficult to see as it is concealed beneath the silicone, and even harder to push with lube on your hands. This is why I really like that it came with a wireless remote for the We-Vibe III. Once you turn it on with the button on the toy itself you can then use the remote to cycle through the functions and turn it off. I really prefer the remote to the button on the toy itself because it is almost impossible to push the button on the toy while it's not in use, let alone while it is in you. Not only is the silicone very slippery but the button is small and hard to press.
     One of the great thing about We-Vibe, and many other luxury lines, is that it is rechargeable. It rests in a small, covered, plastic case that is very discrete. The case is great for storage, and when it is closed the lid stays in place so it could easily be thrown into a large bag or something. The charger then plugs into the back of the case to charge it, the unit comes with a standard United States charger.




Packaging

     The We-Vibe III comes packaged in a simple round cardboard container. It is purple and white with the name and image of the product on the front. It is not discrete but it is very tasteful. Included in the box is the We-Vibe III itself, the wireless remote, the charge dock/carry case, the AC adapter, and the instruction manual.


Performance

     I had a few different uses in mind when I first got the We-Vibe III as I listed above, so I'll touch on each of these and how it lived up to my expectations.
     First, I had hoped to be able to use it hands-free, unfortunately this was not the case. Once lubed up and inserted the We-Vibe begins to slide back out of my body, if I am standing it will fall out entirely but if I am sitting/laying it will only fall part of the way. I'm going to assume that this is because of how slippery it is when it is lubed up, it has absolutely no drag. It could also be due to the fact that the toy's natural shape is to have the arms very close together , so when I stretch them to almost 90 degrees to insert it and it will begin to slip out so as to return to it's natural shape. Unfortunately this means I need to hold it in place with my hand.
     Naturally since it is not hands free I can't exactly use it in public like I had hoped. I noticed that if I wear a tighter pair of panties it helps to hold it in place enough to wear it around the house but I wouldn't leave with it. On the noise level I would say it would certainly be able to be worn in a club or bar, it may even be okay in a restaurant one night, but that would be pushing it, especially on high speeds. The remote also isn't great for long range or through clothing so I'm probably going to stick to using it in the bedroom.
     Finally, I wanted to use it inserted vaginally while my fiance penetrated me anally and while I could not use it hands free this was still FANTASTIC! The result of the stimulation on my clitoris, g-spot and the feel of him thrusting inside me brought about one of the strongest orgasms I have ever had, definitely a new favorite! My fiance even said that he could feel the vibrations while he was in me, so if your partner is a fan of vibrations this would be a great option. On it's own the strength of the vibrations are not enough for me but add him to the equation and it is a match made in heaven.
     You're probably wondering how it works for it's intended use, well to be honest, I haven't gotten a chance to try it this way. I honestly worry that there won't be enough room so I was not in a huge rush, I was all ready to try it today but we were rudely interrupted so I decided that instead of continuing to put this off I would post it as is and augment it later with more information.

Closing Thoughts


     I am really very happy with my We-Vibe III, I love the fact that I can use it to get internal vaginal stimulation during anal penetration, something that I can't usually achieve because of my small frame. It's also handy that it is rechargeable and I love that they added a remote because using only the push button on the toy to control it would be maddening. I also love silicone toys because the material is so safe and easily cleaned but this particular silicone is really sticky and collects lint like a fiend, until you put lube on it, then it's slipperier than soap in the shower. While this is not a great beginner toy it is a unique toy to add to an established collection and I would certainly recommend it to someone wishing to try something new.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Types of Sex Toys

When you're on many adult sites, or in adult stores, there is typically an endless list of "categories" or "types of toys" and when you are buying your first toy this can be a bit overwhelming. This is why I figured it would be a great idea to break down each type of toy for you here to help you make a better educated decision.

Dildo: A dildo is a phallic shaped toy designed for vaginal or anal insertion. It may be vibrating or non-vibrating, realistic or non-realistic.

Vibrator: A vibrator can be any object that vibrates, realistic or non-realistic, designed for clitoral stimulation or insertion or both. If it vibrates its a vibrator!

Realistic Toys: Realistic toys are designed in flesh tones and feature a prominent phallic head, may or may not feature veins along the shaft and may or may not feature testicles.

Non-Realistic Toys: When people think of sex toys they often imagine a huge plastic or rubbery cock, but there is any number of non-realistic toys in various colors and designs.

Clitoral Vibrator: A Clitoral vibrator is a vibrator designed to be used specifically on the clitoris, often these are known as bullets as the shape may resemble a bullet but there are any number of other shapes available as well. They are often too small or too awkwardly shaped to be inserted but any vibrator designed to be inserted may also be used clitorally.

Traditional Toys: Traditional toys are designed very simply, they are cylindrical in shape and often have a rounded head and very little texture. They are great toys for beginners because they can be used internally or externally and are very simplistic.

G-Spot Toy: These toys are designed, as one might expect, to stimulate the G-Spot. The tip should be curved with a flat or rounded head, you may even see some with a more pointed tip. These toys are best when made out of a firm material so as to apply adequate pressure to the G-Spot. Having knowledge of where your G-Spot is located will help you find a toy that fits your body best.

Dual Stimulation: Dual stimulation toys are often also known as "Rabbit Vibrators." They may feature one or two motors but typically have two "heads" or points of stimulation. One portion that is designed to be inserted and another that would rest against the clitoris while the larger end is inserted. I have even seen Triple Stimulation toys that stimulate internally, clitorally, and anally. The best multiple stimulation toys typically have one motor for each area but there are plenty of good toys dual stimulation with one or even no motors. Anatomy is very important with these toys as they must fit your body quite well to be effective.

Double Penetration: These are toys with two (vibrating or non-vibrating)shafts designed to be inserted anally and vaginally at the same time. As I have mentioned, a persons anatomy my affect how toys work with their bodies and this is more important here than in any other type of toy.

Harness Compatible: A harness compatible toy is one that has a flared base which can be inserted into a harness for gender-play, pegging, trans-men, or for any other reason you may desire.

Kegel Exercisers: Kegel exercisers are toys designed to exercise the muscles of the pelvic floor, the most common type are kegel balls (which are designed so that the user would flex their muscles to keep the balls inserted) but I have seen any other unique designs as well.

Anal Safe Toy: An anal safe toy is any toy that has a flared base and can be inserted safely anally. The anus has two rings of muscles, one can be controlled but the other cannot and may attempt to pull anything inserted inside. The vaginal canal has an end (the cervix) but the anal cavity does not, so anything lost anally usually requires a trip to the ER. This is why it is important to be sure that anything you insert anally has a flared base to keep in anchored outside the body. It also helps to get your anal toys it a very body safe, non-porous material (see more on materials in a later post), to keep it sanitary.

Butt Plug: A butt plug is a specific type of anal safe toy that is designed to be inserted and remain inserted during sex, masturbation, or any other type of play. Some can even be worn long term under clothing. They feature a flared base and a thin neck, usually with a bulbous head, this helps to keep it inserted and locked into place.

Anal Beads: These look exactly like a string of beads, with a flared base, that is designed to be inserted anally. Try pulling them out during orgasm (slowly, you're not starting a lawnmower!) for a unique popping sensation.

Prostate Massagers: Prostate massagers are shaped similarly to G-Spot toys but are instead designed to be inserted anally (with a flared base) and massage the male prostate.

Masturbation Sleeves: These are textured sleeves that are designed for the penis to be inserted into during masturbation. They may have one or two open ends, those with two open ends can be used during fellatio, using the sleeve to stimulate the shaft while the partner might stimulate the tip.

Cock Rings: These are restrictive bands that come in many different materials varying in stretchy-ness they are designed to be wrapped around either just the shaft or around the shaft and balls. They are designed to restrict blood flowing out of an erect penis, this keeps the erection harder for longer and also make the orgasm more intense. They may also house a vibrator or other devise for stimulation of a female partners clitoris.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Welcome!

     Hey guys, gals, sexy friends and fellow geeks! This is my first blog but I figured I would begin with a little introduction, and chat about some of my goals for this blog. To start I am a 20 something year old woman who loves all things sexy and all things geeky. I study Speech Communication and Business at my college in New York and work as a manager in a gaming store. I love to learn new things and I have a habit of hopelessly fan-girling over the things I love. I am looking forward to moving to Florida with my fiance and either working in the Disney Parks or opening my own adult shop, couldn't get more different huh? but I guess that's just me.
     This blog will be many things, but I have some major goals for it. First I would love to make it a venue for sex-positive discussion and information. I plan on writing about sex information, how-to's, techinqes, some science and anatomy, sex and society, sex and politics, and sex toy reviews. I will also include a good many references to all of my favorite geeky fandoms. I will likely be posting reviews and comments on my favorite games, movies and television shows. Some of my favorites which you will probably hear a lot about include Doctor Who, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, American Horror Story, Walking Dead, Pokemon, and all things Disney. I must note though that I will try to avoid spoilers but if I cannot they will be preceded by plenty of warnings.
     Despite the many things this blog will be, and hodge podge of sex and geekery that is my life, there are a few things that it will not be and that it will never be. This is not an area for shaming anyone, for any reason. You may notice that I mentioned the term "sex-positive" before, but you may not know what it means. The Foundation for a Sex Positive Culture's Mission statement is as follows: "As proponents of sex positive culture, we believe that the appropriate uses of sex extend beyond reproduction. They include creating personal pleasure, bonding interpersonal relationships, promoting spiritual growth, and enhancing emotional and physical health. In a sex positive world, everyone has the freedom and resources to pursue a fulfilling and empowering sex life." Basically, as long as the sex play is safe and consensual there is no shame in it, instead it is an opportunity for self expression, exploration, and intimacy.
     I'm always excited to hear from people so if you have any suggestions of ways for me to improve my blog, any topics you would like to hear discussed, or any questions go right ahead and drop me a line, I'm plenty friendly and always excited to talk to anyone!

Boring Legal Mumbo Jumbo:
     Many of the products reviewed on this blog were offered to me at a discounted rate or free of charge in exchange for a review. This does not influence my opinion in any way and I make every effort to remain entirely unbiased in each and every one of my reviews.