D I.Y Sex Toys: Self-Love Edition
We get that it can be overwhelming to sift through the retailer’s thousands of products, so allow us to do the shopping for you. “This finger vibrator has a unique shape (similar to fingers) that is easy to hold and maneuver, and surrounds the clitoris with two prongs of vibrational power. Pulsing or continuous vibes help enhance the sensation and allow you or a partner to pinch, tease, and robustly massage the clitoris into bliss,” says Balestrieri.
For those who enjoy versatility, this vibrator features one non-vibrating side and one vibrating side — both great for vaginal and anal pleasure. It looks luxurious, and you can play with three vibration patterns and three power levels. “Pleasure and orgasm are really good for you because they release hormones that reduce stress and anxiety,” says Zar. For most women, the clitoris is the gateway to orgasm — and this toy is made specifically for that pleasure part.
The only exception is the portion in the middle that connects both ends, which is made from ABS plastic (also a non-porous, body-safe material). Keep scrolling for our full reviews of the best sex toys for couples, but here they are in one handy grab-and-go list, so you can bag those bedroom brownie points. I thought maybe it was just me, but three sex experts I spoke to for this article cited it as their favorite, too.
With a little bit of maneuvering, it is possible to use the Pulse II hands-free, which could be a big benefit for some men. The Pulse II can also create a feeling of togetherness and shared pleasure for couples who aren’t able to have intercourse. Neither of us had ever seen a toy that claimed it could be used flaccid or erect, and I had assumed this was a bizarre marketing angle. In reality, the Pulse II’s ability to be used while flaccid ended up being my tester’s favorite feature. I’m obviously not personally experienced in the ways of male masturbation, but my tester shared that the Pulse II did away with that awkward stage of jerking off when you’re trying to get hard enough to do the deed. Instead of that pulling-at-putty type of feeling , you can simply relax and let the Pulse II do all the work.
But despite its general reliability, a larger wand vibrator doesn’t necessarily scream discreet. This wand in particular tends to be louder, and definitely requires more real estate in your nightstand drawer. As with everything else when it comes to sex, what makes a good vibrator relies a lot on a single factor — your own preferences.
The Point Plus allows you to experiment with different textures and vibrations, thanks to the included sleeves. Place them over the smooth silicone bullet (which boasts 20 powerful modes) and enjoy the new sensations on your clit. SELF’s former commerce editor adores this vibe from sexual wellness company Maude, which blends an egg, finger, and wand vibrator in one.
My favorite part about the Satisfyer Pro 2 is the shape — it almost looks like a hairbrush with a small nose on the top. The only part that really vibrates is that little nose, so your wrist or hands don’t feel numb from the vibrations. The Fin’s tether also easily slips off even if you’re in the middle of using it viberators, and the buzzing is quiet enough that it won’t distract you (or wake the neighbors). It’s water-resistant, too, and made of medical-grade silicone, making it great for anyone with sensitive skin. Its pointy side can be a little intense with its targeted vibrations, though. I found myself feeling over-sensitive and needing a break after a few minutes of extended use.
You can get that fingering-while-licking oral sex vibe with a rabbit vibrator. It has two little “bunny ears” for clitoral stimulation that are attached to an insertable dildo-shaped shaft that vibrates inside of you so you can attempt a G-spot and clitoral orgasm. Everyone’s sensitivities are a little different, and if your clit requires focused attention or you’re seeking multiple orgasms, this clitoral pinpoint vibrator may be the oral sex toy for you. A narrow, soft, bendable vibrating tip moves in an elliptical motion to bring you super targeted clitoral pleasure just like the real thing. This latest model provides 12 pleasure modes, from gentle to “oh wow” so you can bring yourself to ultimate satisfaction.
Some are and the key is to look for a vibrator that explicitly says it’s “waterproof” as opposed to being “water-resistant”. The latter simply means that it’s fine to get water on it but it shouldn’t be submerged underwater for longer than a few seconds. Waterproof, on the other hand, is completely submersible and can be taken into a bathtub for hours without breaking.
