Archive | September, 2012

Review: Star Delight Frosted Dildo

Crystal Delights Swarovski Frosted Dildo

Two years ago I was sent two very shiny, sparkly and beautiful items by a company I absolutely love, Crystal Delights, which contrary to their appearance, were designed to be used in the most surprising of ways.

With my love of the items being hard to miss, the folks at the company asked if I’d like to try another set of their creations; a Frosted Plug and a Frosted Dildo respectively. Of course I couldn’t say no, that would just be silly. So here I am, following up my Frosted Plug Review with my take on the Frosted Dildo… I gotta say, it’s in a league of its own, and pretty damn stunning to boot!

*You can find the original video review for my first two plugs here.

Packaging

Unlike many other companies the Frosted Dildo arrived without a box, instead being safely cradled in a lovely padded fabric sachet and wrapped in lots of tissue. There was nothing on the fabric to say what the product was, nor was there anything that could cause embarrassment should someone find it. In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if the nosy person prying into your business thought it was an expensive piece of art rather than an intimate accessory. Whether it’s the packing or the product itself, everything Crystal Delights does is definitely discreet.

The fabric was a wonderfully smooth beautiful black material with a metallic damask design and quilted black lining. After flipping it inside out I came to see that even the bag was well made with quite a bit of attention paid to the quality – no loose strings, no holes and relatively thick stitching.  If you didn’t want to use the bag for storage of the product, instead opting to leave it out as an art piece (not such a far fetched an idea with a product this stunning) you could easily use it to store other things, whether they’re sex toy related or not.

The Goods

Frosted Glass Dildo

lovely bulbous head

I usually know exactly what I’m going to write when it comes to a product I love, without hesitation the words fly onto the page like my fingers have wings, but in this case, I’m surprisingly left grounded…  and the truth is, I don’t really know why; the glass is luxurious, hand crafted and wonderfully textured, the sensations provided by the shaft are incredible, and the powder blue Swarovski Crystal gleams and sparkles beautifully… it’s a work of art, one that’s apparently left me rather speechless.

Regardless of my current state of mind, the following benefits and features speak volumes for why I love it so…

  • Thanks to the tapered head insertion is surprisingly comfortable, and with the addition of a good lube, damn near effortless, gliding in and filling the area perfectly. Just keep in mind that the bulbous design really makes itself known during thrusting, with the rounded curves sliding across the g-spot and out of the body with ease, adding the slightest of pressure and most wonderful sensations of fullness in the process.
  • Since glass has the ability to retain temperatures very well, it’s a pretty great option for varying sensations and engaging in temperature play. For those that really don’t like the feeling of something cool/cold entering them, simply holding it in your hands for a few moments, placing it in a bowl of warm water, or wrapping it in a warm/damp cloth before getting started will make a world of difference. *keep in mind I said warm, not hot.
  • As expected there’s no ‘squish’ or ‘give’ duh it’s glass and the shaft, while rippled with lovely bumps, is sleek and smooth, with a slight bit of texture that lends itself well to the experience (trust me, you can feel it), whether used anally or vaginally

    star frosted delight

    wonderfully bumpy shaft

  • On that note, the light pressure each bump creates coupled with the texturing is beyond extraordinary, especially during gentle thrusting, twirling, or while twisting back and forth. The feeling is indescribable… the best I can do is to say it’s like having your g-spot softly massaged by finger pads that know exactly where you like it most.
  • Aside from being compatible with any kind of lubricant, it also doesn’t require very much, saving you money in the long run. Trust me on this, a little goes a very long way when it comes to lubes and glass toys.
  • For those with sensitivities or allergies to latex, plastic, cyberskin or any of the other materials most pleasure products are made of, you shouldn’t have to worry as glass is hypo allergenic, hygienic, non toxic and non-porous, while also being phthalate and latex free.

As for the stats and specifics…

frosted swarovski dildo

wet vs dry

Like the previous plug I was sent, it’s not clear, instead appearing a foggy white that becomes close to transparent upon contact with any kind of fluid (pictured right). It’s this finish that gives it a textured feel while still being wonderfully smooth. 

For those that prefer length over girth, the dildo measures 6.9″ inches in total length, with only 5.9″ inches of that meant for insertion.  The head of the product is slightly larger than the shaft offering just under 5″ inches in circumference at its thickest. The shaft measures 3 3/4″  inches in circumference at it’s thinnest, and around 4″ inches around the bumps. The wide flared base allows for use anally if desired, while also acting as a handle during vaginal use.

Like every other Crystal Delights product I’ve received the surface of the Swarovski Crystal was smooth with no jagged edges, sharp points or cracks, no chips, bleeding of colors, nor any looseness… it’s definitely stuck in place (I’ve tried to pull them out of every one I’ve received, so far no luck, but many a chipped nail).

flash vs no flash

As for the actual Swarovski Crystal, it’s beyond breathtaking!

Being that the previous versions I received were all pink, or some version of it, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with the powder blue, yet true to form the light opalescent blue shone and sparkled even in dim lighting, offering hints of green, yellow, purple, turquoise, and pink with the most stunning holographic effect. Honestly, the pictures I took just don’t do it justice, instead sadly making it look much duller than it is… trust me, it’s far from dull.

Quick Side Note

One of the questions I’m very often asked in regard to dildos is how they’re meant to be used, as in – how do I get myself off from something that doesn’t vibrate?

Here’s my answer: while it may surprise many of you statistics show that over 70% of women require clitoral stimulation to achieve an orgasm and no matter how hard they try, thrusting, insertion, the feeling of fullness or the g-spot play some dildos provide will simply not be enough. In fact, many women find they need to combine clitoral play with internal stimulation or intercourse to reach the big “O”. If this seems odd please know its normal, natural and nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. Having said that, if you find that the stimulation these types of products provide just isn’t enough you may want to try something different the next time you’re in need of a fix.

Frosted Glass Dildo

girth

length comparison

dildo in pouch

wrapped up

Care & Cleaning

Since it’s virtually non porous, and therefore wont absorb bodily fluids, lube or bacteria,  you don’t have to worry about heavy cleaning; just give it a good wash with antibacterial soap and make sure to rinse it well. For the base (where the crystal is embedded) I’d suggest using a soft toothbrush to get into the area where the crystal meets the glass.

When it comes to cleaning the pouch you can simply give it a wash in cold water and line dry it. As for the material you’re looking at an outer layer of 60% Rayon/40% Polyester and an internal lining of 100% Nylon.

The Bad

While there wasn’t anything to complain about there were a couple things I did want to mention as they may be an issue for some of you when it comes to the level of comfort you experience:

powder blue beauty

Because it’s a glass product with no squish or give you may want to be careful of any forceful deep thrusting as it might be painful and bruise the cervix (the same can be said for any hard plastic, wood, metal or other glass products).

Finally, because glass is very slippery when used with lubricant (or natural bodily fluids) you may want to be sure to grip the product tightly – very easily it slipped out of my hand on two occasions.

Final Verdict

I’ve been a fan of glass products for quite some time, finding them to offer some of the best qualities around. Having said that, the Frosted Dildo by Crystal Delights is no exception; it’s perfect for vaginal or anal use, sports a textured and bumpy shaft that offers some seriously amazing sensations and stimulation, is a nice size for those that like length over girth, has a bulbous head offering an easy insertion and variety of sensations, while also being non porous, hygienic, hypoallergenic and non toxic… everything considered it’s one hell of a creation!

If you’re looking for a product that’s luxurious, unique, beautiful, and designed to truly make you feel special, you might just want to splurge and buy yourself something lovely. Go on, you deserve it.

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Review: Chavez Designs ~ Jollie

Jollie Dildo

arts ‘n crafts meets pleasure object

After recently obtaining the newest addition to my collection, a fuzzy polka dot filled Jollie, I came realize that when it came to the vast majority of sex toys, I’ve thrown around the words “amazing g-spot stimulation” probably more often than I should.

Yes, there are some that have brought on mind boggling orgasms, the Bent Graduate, Je Joue G-Ki, Lelo Ella, Fun Factory DeLight, and Diving Nun being a handful of them, but for the most part there are few others, in my opinion, that are able to target the area with such precision, time and time again, so effortlessly, that they’re worthy of the claim. In retrospect I can’t help but to wonder, what the hell was I thinking?!

Big thanks to the lovely folks over at Chavez Dezignz for helping me to finally get my hands on one of these badass beauties!  You guys are amazing, my vagina and g-spot thank you!

Packaging

There’s no bells or whistles here. No cardboard boxes or cheap plastic clamshell packages. No scantily clad women or men, and no tacky descriptions. Definitely no product info or half assed marketing scheme. When it comes to the packaging, what you see is basically what you get, as each of their creations comes placed inside a clear plastic baggie, with nothing but a pretty little bow to accompany it.

While some may see this as cheap, I find it a very nice change of pace. No packaging means no unnecessary garbage, no need for concern should someone else get their hands on it, and no b.s. It’s eco-friendly, cost effective, cute and far more personal. Maybe it’s just me but it gives the impression that someone, rather than a big corporation, put some time, thought and care into what they were sending my way. Not a machine, not a conveyor belt, not a factory, but instead an actual person, and in a market where little touches are few and far between, that counts for something.

Deluxe Jollie by Chavez Dezignz

ergonomic handle

The Good

Let it be known that this is not a ‘thrusting’ object, quite the opposite actually; the Jollie is at it’s best when inserted and left in place while being ground upon, with the fullness, pressure on the g-spot, and depth of sensations offered acting as the essence of the experience. Sure, you could thrust it, but doing so would likely leave you wanting, waiting and disappointed. Don’t do that to the Jollie, it doesn’t deserve it.

As for the many other benefits and features…

  • With a curved body that graduates in diameter and circumference, the Jollie delivers a feeling of fullness that’s hard to match. More than that, the raised and slightly thicker middle portion offers exceptionally comfortable and redonkulously pleasurable g-spot stimulation, while the gentle bumps on the handle offer an added sensation where clitoral stimulation is concerned. This of course shouldn’t be surprising being that it’s made anatomically from the inside of a female subject. How they did that I have no clue, but damn, it certainly worked out well!
  • The silicone is supple, thick, smooth and firm, with a very slight bit of squish and give, allowing for insertion to be a highly gratifying experience. As an added bonus, the sensation of vaginal contractions around the shaft (during orgasm) were overwhelmingly intense. Again, I’m pretty sure the shape aided well with this as it fit like a hand to a glove.
Deluxe Jollie with Puff Balls

puff balls!

  • Being that most females require clitoral stimulation to get off, the Jollie’s shape makes the inclusion of other methods fairly easy to incorporate; the small loop in the handle is great for holding a larger sized bullet or thin vibe, while the rounded end cups most hand held wands surprisingly well (I tested mine with a Hitachi Magic Wand and Fairy Wand). On that note, unlike other dildos sporting either a flared or flat base, the end of the Jollie is curved allowing the fingers to fall in place almost instantly when the handle is employed.
  • Each product made by the company is crafted out of 100% silicone that’s virtually non-porous, hypoallergenic, hygienic, non-toxic and phthalate/latex free. Body safe toys for the win!
  • For those that like the idea of customization, and don’t mind paying a little more for it, be it sparkles, stars, puff balls, stickers, barbie shoes (yes I did just say BARBIE SHOES!!!), or otherwise, the folks at Chavez Dezignz are more than willing to discuss the option of making one that is totally unique. Though I will admit, it was the puff balls that got me, can we say instant love?! I think we can.
  • Finally, something I probably should have started with, each product they create is handcrafted. For some of you this probably wont garner much attention, but for me, someone who likes supporting those that do something they love, while also trying to forage their way though a market filled with less than honorable manufacturers, the fact that each one is hand poured and potentially crafted to your specifications counts for something.  I can’t help but feel better giving them my dollar than a manufacturer that’s just going to use it to continue making shitty jelly products or prey on consumers who don’t know better.

Regarding the actual measurements you’re looking at a total length of 9″ inches, with an insertable length of around 6″ inches, the first smaller portion has a circumference of 5″ inches, that graduates up to 6 1/4″ inches at the fullest and slides back down to 5″ inches just before the handle starts.

Jollie Deluxe

front view

gently ribbed handle

back view

simple packaging

Care & Cleaning

When it comes to keeping your Jollie good as new I’d suggest only using water based lubes as a silicone version would likely ruin it. As for cleaning you can simply give it a good wash with soap and water, being that it’s crafted out of high quality silicone it wont need the same attention a lower class product would require. If you’re like me and can’t stand lint, I’d suggest you wrap it in a lint free piece of fabric or keep it inside the plastic baggie it comes it while not in use.

size comparison

The Bad

Regarding my dislikes, or issues with the product I think some may have, there were a few, though I don’t think they’ll be a concern for everyone;

It attracts lint. So do most silicone products… and even though I know that it’s still a pet peeve of mine.

Being that it’s rather thick it may be too large for some. Having said that, if you like girth over length, it should be a very welcome addition. I personally loved it!

Due to the texture of the silicone, shape, and size, it may be somewhat difficult to insert without being totally lubricated.  Having said that, for as aroused as I was I found there needed to be additional lube or it created an uncomfortable drag on the skin that made me tense, creating a situation where I didn’t think I’d be able to take it. Once lube was added and it was fully inserted, AMAZING!

If you like thrusting this may not be the product for you since using it that way doesn’t do it the justice it deserves. If on the other hand you enjoy inserting products and basically leaving them to do their thing, while you busy yourself with clitoral stimulation (or whatever else gets you off), don’t hesitate. The experience was far beyond what I expected, in every good way possible.

For those that like to have uninterrupted clitoral stimulation, be it with a vibe, fingers or orally, while something else is inserted, the handle may get in the way. If you’re clever you can find a way to incorporate it into the experience (adding a vibe to the loop in the handle, using the handle to hold a thicker vibe in place against the body, or pressing a vibe directly against the Jollie to diffuse very strong vibrations are all great ideas). Of course if you’d like to avoid that all together you could opt to get a Jollet, which is essentially a Jollie minus the handle, but equally as badass.

girthy s.o.b

Finally, they’re not cheap. Well not the fun puff ball, heart filled Valentine, customized, or pretty sparkle versions anyways. If you want a Deluxe they’ll run you around $200.00. Fortunately there is the original Jollie available in 6 different colors for $100.00. In all honestly the additional elements of the Deluxe don’t affect the experience in any way when it comes to sensations, so if you don’t mind having a solid color over fun puff balls you’re in luck (or you could get an original solid Jollie and Jollet for just under the price of a Deluxe. It’s a win/win situation).

Final Verdict

Oh Deluxe Jollie, how I love thee! From the smooth and firm silicone to the adorable, fun little puff balls held within, this perfectly designed dildo is far beyond the scope of what’s currently available. Both design and appearance are beyond different, but in this case, different is most definitely good! Not only does it target the g-spot with precision, add a sensation of fullness that’s hard to match, but the basic features helped me to reach some of the strongest and most enjoyable orgasms I’ve ever had. Seriously, it’s beyond revolutionary, and that my friends, is priceless.

If you’re looking for a new pleasure object, one that’s innovative, original, body safe, quality, highly pleasurable and definitely worth every penny, you’ll want to consider adding a Jollie to your collection. Trust me, your vagina/g-spot will thank you for it later.

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Review: Liberator – Fascinator Throe

For as much as I’d like to find another way to say it, there’s really nothing else that does it so perfectly as these three words…

Sex. Is. Messy.

Between the lube, sweat, and other bodily fluids, you’ve got yourself a resulting ‘wet spot’ waiting to happen. One that far too often just can’t be avoided.  Sure, you could lay down a towel – they’re readily accessible, easy to employ and pretty handy, but let’s be honest…  it really isn’t that arousing of an option (especially if you don’t use dryer sheets or fabric softener and the texture of the towel is akin to running your backside up and down tree bark. Yes I’ve been there. It wasn’t fun).

There is of course another option, one that I actually scoffed at until I put it to good use and saw for myself just how valuable it was: a soft, plush, attractive, comfortable, discreet, perfectly sized, and super absorbent Liberator Throe.  It’s like a towel, but a million times better. And that’s putting it mildly.

*Dear SheVibe, Both I, and my bed, thank you!

Packaging

From the half naked woman strewn about on the front, to the tacky choice of words used in the description (maybe it’s just me but “slurps up love juice” is something they might want to rethink as a selling feature), the low quality plastic box, to the lack of product information, everything about the packaging comes off as cheap, tacky and not very discreet. My suggestion, don’t read it (unless you like a good laugh), just throw it out as soon as you get your Throe.

satin side vs shag side

The Good

For those wondering what the big deal is, Fascinator Throes are to beds and sheets, what lubes are to dry sex. Yeah, I know, that probably doesn’t sound so good…  let me put it this way; they make the experience a lot more sensual, comfortable, stress-free, and sexy.

Looking for something a little more product specific? Forgive me, but I’m going to quote the box since it’s got the best description I’ve seen so far:

Fascintator Throes are a sex play surface faced with velvety microfiber or shag fur; lined with a cool sensuous satin underside and a protective water barrier sandwiched in-between.

Basically put, it’s a double sided, super soft blanket, with a waterproof layer in the middle, that works to protect your bed, sheets, couch, or any other surface you might choose to have some fun on.

full size spread

As for the many benefits and features…

  • Don’t let the crappy packaging fool you, each Liberator Shag Throe is well made, luxurious, designed to last, and quality to boot. Thinking back over the last 4 months mine has been put through hell; between nervously picking at the seams during horror movies, spilling various things on it (ravioli, soup, martinis, etc), throwing it in the wash a half dozen times, bringing it along for very sandy days at the beach, and letting my dog go at it while I watched helplessly (for some reason she decided it needed to die), its managed to retain the same appearance and plush texture as when it first arrived. Lucy – 0. Shag Throe – 1.
  • Although it’s marketed specifically on the benefits offered for use during sex, the Shag Throe shouldn’t be limited to just that. It’s great for picnics (the juice, soup and pasts didn’t manage to ruin it), days at the beach (you’ll still need a towel, but since it’s super absorbent you can flip it over and it won’t feel like your lying on a soggy blanket), for use with kids or babies (they’re notorious for spilling stuff), concerts or days at the park (makes a pretty kickass barrier between dewy grass and dry bottoms), long flights or bus rides (it’s a far cry from those crappy, baby sized, itchy blankets they give you), or to simply add something lavish to any room. I honestly can’t figure out why these things aren’t more mainstream. I mean shit, if the “Snuggie” can do it…
  • If you’re the type that gets very wet, or squirts, and inevitably ends up having to strip the bed of sheets right after sex (not everyone likes sleeping in a wet spot), a Throe, no matter the kind, will likely end up being a serious time saver. On that note, having to wash just one blanket rather than a bunch of bedding is definitely a nice change of pace.
  • For those that like the feel of different textures against their skin, whether it’s smooth and satiny, plush and soft, velvish (like a suede) or thick luxurious faux fur, there’s a few options to choose from. I know for some of you this wont seem like a big deal, but in the heat of the moment the added sensations on the body can be quite the turn on… especially when blindfolded.
  • Considering the large size (most are 5′ x 4′), each Fascinator Throe will cover a much larger area than a towel could, while also looking and feeling much better.

The Tests

To test the absorbancy/waterproofness of my pretty purple Throe I decided to create two tests that I could show/share online:

The first was using 3 different types of water based lube, all of which had different consistencies; Sliquid Sea, Give Lube Premium Aqua Gel , and SystemJo Tangerine. On the satin side (since it was thinner) I dribbled thick lines down the material and let it sit for 5 minutes untouched, beside it I dumped a shit tonne and rubbed it in, again leaving it to sit for 5 minutes.  The results: the areas where I rubbed it in still felt damp to the touch, but they weren’t ‘soaking wet’ like I expected. The dribbled lube sat in little pools, with the edges having slowly seeped into the material. Fortunately nothing had seeped through the layers to the shag side, nor was there any indication that anything had been dripped, rubbed or spilled.  *pictures below

Sliquid Sea | Give Lube | System Jo Tangerine

no seeping through layers, shag sides dry!

For the second test I literally dumped an entire glass of water over both sides and let it sit for 5 minutes untouched, what the hell this was supposed to prove I have no idea (maybe a good test for big squirters or people that get really wet during intercourse?).  As you can see it absorbed into the thinner satin side, however it pooled and created little droplets on the thicker shag side (picture 3 below), and when I lifted it to check the bed there was absolutely no seepage through to the bedspread. Having said that, places on the satin side where the water was absorbed, but wasn’t poured on the shag side, didn’t seep through to the shag side. Of course it was damp and heavy, but again, it didn’t feel ‘soaking wet’ like I expected. Waterproof test = passed! *pictures below

pouring | full cup | pooled water | wet Throe but no seepage on bed

Care & Cleaning

To clean your Throe simply machine wash it separately or with like colors in cold water, delicate cycle and tumble dry on low heat. It’s advised that you don’t add bleach or or iron it since you’ll likely ruin it. For the record I’ve washed mine quite a few times now and it’s still good as new.

The Bad

When it came to things I didn’t like  there were only two, though I personally blame my cats, not the product: it collects cat hair, not like a silicone toy does, but still… it’s not very hot when in the heat of the moment you find yourself lubed up and covered in kitty fur. If your cats have claws (mine all do) they’ll likely put little ‘catches’ in the satin side by accident. My cats never tried to scratch it intentionally, but when they’re sleeping they do that kitten-paw-flex-purr-thing and since they all like to sleep on it, it can’t be avoided.

Final Verdict

When I first spied the Liberator Shag Throes online I thought they were a pretty clever marketing gimmick, I mean common, they’re just blankets.  Then I read a bunch of reviews and figured that if that many people thought they were great, maybe I was missing something. Now, having owned, used, and loved one, I have to admit my first impressions were wrong. Very wrong. Not only are the Liberator Throes a far better idea than using a towel, they’re practical in a way many other ‘sex accessories’ aren’t.

For more info or to pick out a Throe of your own (trust me, you need one!), head over to SheVibe. They’re listed at lower prices than I’ve seen on other sites, and even carry matching elegant LoveArts restraint pillows (I WANT!), and handy but fancy Stashe Pillows to hide all your goodies.

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