Sexy Reviews Archives - Page 5 of 8

It’s not often that you hear the words “lubricant” and “flea market” in the same sentence, however that’s how this story begins.

As you may recall, I spent most of the fall helping my Mom with her clothing & jewelry business at the flea market on Sundays. I met some very “colourful characters” during my flea market stint. Therefore, you can imagine my initial apprehension when the organizer of the flea market (my Mom’s friend Valerie) told me, “Simone, there’s someone you should meet.” Having read my blog, she explained that she has a friend who has her own line of lubricants and sensual products. Like I said, I was skeptical. However, when she explained that her friend was Mellta Swift, the brainchild behind Hathor Aphrodisia a gorgeous line of products that includes one of my favourite lubes EVER – Hathor Aphrodisia Lubricant Pure, I was blown away!

The Hathor Aphrodisia is an eco friendly line includes a natural lubricant, love lotion, exotic oil, and lubricant lickeurs – all of which are plant based and infused with aphrodisiac properties. The line is truly lovely. I just had no idea it was a local company until a few months ago.

Before I started writing this blog, my experience with lube was minimal at best. I’d only tried synthetic drugstore brands, with mixed results. Now, flash forward to a few years ago when I started to get seriously interested in sex toys, lubricants and other sexy products. I went to a local Toronto boutique, Good For Her (FYI, this store rocks) and picked up a tube of Hathor Aphrodisia Lubricant Pure as a birthday surprise for my boyfriend at the time.

This stuff was a total game changer. I went from thinking lube was OK, to loving it. Hathor Aphrodisia Lubricant Pure is a eco-friendly lubricant that is Glycerin free*, Paraben free, Petroleum free, Synthetic Fragrance and Colour free, Vegan and compatible with both condoms & sex toys – making it the perfect lube for anyone who is super sensitive like I am.

*FYI, If you are prone to yeast infections should avoid using any lubricants that contain glycerin.

The Lubricant Pure also contains organic emollients with aphrodisiac and anti bacterial properties including, Jujube Zizyphus, Siberian Ginseng & Horny Goat Weed (Yes, you read that right. It’s a thing) I don’t know if it’s because of the ultra-gentle formula, or the Horny Goat Weed (Giggle. Sorry, I couldn’t help it), but this lube totally rocks. It’s ultra slippery without being greasy, doesn’t stain and makes for a sweet ride alone or with a partner. Even though I have tried other lubes since, this one is still one of my all time favourites.

In November, I finally had a chance to meet Mellta in person and talk shop. It was really cool to hear the story behind Hathor Aphrodisia and how she runs the company with her daughter, Nathanda. Not to mention, Mellta was also just a lot of fun to talk to. When I walked into the coffee shop and saw that she had the same hot pink MacBook case as I do, I figured it was a sign that we would probably hit it off & I was right 🙂 We had a really great time talking about sexy products, dating & entrepreneurship. She also sent me home with a tube of my favourite Lubricant Pure and some Sensual Love Lotion (Thank you!!)

For those of you who aren’t familiar, Sensual Love Lotion is a “heady, euphoric & addictive” lotion made with pure botanical emollients, extracts and essential oils of rosewood, ylang ylang, tangerine, geranium, cedarwood and patchouli. Although I usually shy away from anything containing patchouli, this stuff smells absolutely AMAZING. Imagine the botanical fragrance of Aveda products, only 100 times better. Because it’s chock full of aphrodisiacs, you can use it during sensual massage or wear it daily to attract the object of your affections! To be honest, I just think it’s a really nice body lotion. To quote my Mom who keeps stealing it off my dresser,

“The lotion doesn’t make me feel erotic, it just smells really good and makes me feel happy.”

(Thanks Mom!)

The moral of this story: you never know who you’re going to meet or what delicious surprises await around the corner.

If you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, or just want to treat yourself and support an eco-friendly, female owned, local small business, I strongly recommend checking out Hathor Aphrodisia. It’s well worth the splurge – especially if you’re extra sensitive like I am.

You can purchase the line here or via the female friendly sex store She Bop.

These products were provided to me free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion of the product. All views are my own because that’s how I roll.

As we speak I’m currently recovering from a brutal cold/flu that I picked up in Vegas – my fourth trip there in 3 years! But, more on that later. Before I spill the details about my trip, I thought I’d take this opportunity to share with you guys some of the awesome products that have landed on my desk recently.

Not many people know this, but I’ve always been a Bettie Page fan. I’ve had a girl crush on her ever since I stumbled across some of her pin-up photos when I was 14 or 15. Although I was already a fan of famous blondes like Marilyn Monroe and Madonna, what drew me to Bettie was that she was a brunette – just like me. I also loved how in some photos she looked sexy and playful – almost like the girl next-door – whereas, in others she looked like a fierce, vixen. Naughty but nice, shy yet daring, it was Bettie Page’s intriguingly contradictory character that earned her the title of ‘The Queen of Pin Ups.” She’s since become synonymous with the 1950’s pin-up and fetish photo scene.

I didn’t really know that much about Bettie until I watched The Notorious Bettie Page – the 2005 bio-pic based on her life. I now have an even greater respect for Bettie Page. She had a really hard life, yet you’d never guess from looking at her photos. She was a strong and intelligent woman who did her own thing.

Needless to say, I was really excited when I found out that one of my favourite companies, Lovehoney, had launched a line of Bettie Page Pleasure Products. Really, really excited.

Created exclusively by Lovehoney, the range is the only collection of official sex toys and bondage accessories approved by the late Bettie Page’s estate. Bettie Page not only had a huge influence on the bondage scene, but she also brought an element of glamour to her sexuality that’s still appreciated today. Lovehoney has definitely captured Bettie’s retro-glam vibe in this gorgeous collection of 11 luxury erotic products. The collection includes bondage rope, handcuffs, satin restraints, a lead and collar set, a riding crop and leather bullwhip, spanking paddles, a blindfold, orgasm balm and two different vibrators.

My sex toy collection is quite extensive. So, when the lovely people over at Lovehoney asked me if I’d be interested in reviewing a piece from the Betty Page Pleasure Products collection, I decided to go for something completely outside of my usual comfort zone. Although bondage has never really been my thing, lately I’ve been craving a good set of handcuffs. I’ve never owned any and I figured they’d be a fun piece to add to my collection, just in case I might need them at some point :). Enter the Bettie Page “Wild and Willing” Faux Leather Wrist Cuffs.

Not me. However, I wish I everything else in this photo was mine - including the ability to do gorgeous retro make-up and hair.

Designed for “comfortable restraint”, these luxurious wrist cuffs are made of ultra soft padded, faux leather and lined with black velvet. They are finished with silver metal fittings and detachable chain.

You can adjust the cuff circumference between 5.7 – 9 inches to achieve a pinch-free fit in any position. Quick release clips extend from 2 fully rotatable D-rings to allow limited movement, while the metal chain links the cuffs and restricts your partner, offering no more than 7 inches between each wrist.

Although I haven’t had a chance to try these with a partner, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable these cuffs are. The silver buckles and structured design of the cuffs makes you feel restrained yet supported, while the soft velvet lining feels nice & soft against the skin.

From what I was able to tell, these cuffs are perfect for anyone who is looking to add some sexy restraint play into their bedroom activities, but doesn’t want to have to deal with the discomfort of chaffing during play. I imagine that with these “Wild and Willing” cuffs you could just lay back and enjoy the ride.

I know that it’s “what’s inside that counts”, but I can’t write this review without mentioning the gorgeous packaging of this line. It truly blew me away. My wrist cuffs arrived in a stunning, black velvet lined box featuring a bunch of Bettie’s famous pin-up photos. Included in the box was also a Bettie Page trading card and keychain charm. As someone who loves all things retro, sexy and vintage, I have to say I’m kind of in love with the effort that was put into designing such nice packaging. Usually I just recycle the packaging that my adult products come in, but I’ll definitely be keeping this box for storage.

So that you get an idea of what the cuffs look like on a real person, I took a few snap shots. Drumroll, please!

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For those of you who weren’t already aware of this, for the past six months I’ve had the pleasure of being the social media manager over at condom company extraordinaire, Lucky Bloke. You may remember Lucky Bloke from that time I made Skinny Dip Condoms – they were the lovely people who supplied those yummy smelling strawberry condoms that helped make this dream a reality. A few months later, I met Lucky Bloke’s CEO Melissa at Bloggers in Sin City 2012. We instantly hit it off and have been working together ever since.

People always ask me (cough. cough. my Mom. cough. cough.) what it’s like working for a company that sells condoms. To be honest, it’s great. Lucky Bloke is all about pleasure, safety and giving back to social causes. They’re on a mission to help people have amazing sex with condoms (yes, you read right!) through premium products, education and promoting healthy sexuality. They also give a portion of each sale to pressing social issues. It’s really nice to work with a company whose values are very much in line with mine.

Working with Lucky Bloke I’ve actually learned a lot about condoms, lube and safer sex. Here’s a few things that I think everyone should know about condoms & lube –

– Condoms are not one-size-fits all. Condoms actually come in three distinctly different sizes – small, medium and large. Furthermore, not all condoms are created equal – and while we’re all taught to USE condoms, we’re never taught how to CHOOSE condoms. (As someone who has spent time in the condom aisle feeling bewildered at all the different choices, I know this to be true.)

–A lot of people who hate using condoms are simply using the wrong size. To figure out you or your partner’s correct size, here is a fun & easy guide for condom sizing. It makes sense – would you buy a pair of shoes that were one-size-fits-all?! Of course not! Besides, as Cher from Clueless says about shoes, “Those only go on your feet!” The worst condom for one person, may be the best condom for someone else.

To help people find the condoms & lube they love, Lucky Bloke has created a line of sampler packs that feature some of the world’s best condoms and lubricants. If you’re not sure what size condom you need, they even have a Perfect Fit Sampler that comes with a variety of different sizes for you to try. Instead of buying a whole box of condoms that you may love or hate, the samplers allow you to try a bunch of different condoms or lube so you can find the perfect products for you.

Explore the thinnest condoms available from Japan; a tasty line of vegan and organic flavored condoms from Australia; condoms that vary from glow-in-the-dark to ribbed AND studded from North America; as well as the very best from Europe. Each condom and lube sampler is comprised of the top rated picks in its category and comes in an elegant clear plastic box.

(FYI, once you try the condoms that Lucky Bloke offers, you’ll never go back to most drugstore brands. The Glyde Strawberry Condom aka the “Skinny Dip Condom” has received very favourable reviews. Ahem.)

Because I am currently not in need of condoms, Melissa kindly sent me Lucky Bloke’s Ultimate Lube Sampler to test out. The Ultimate Lube sampler includes some of the sexiest lubes out there. From water-based, silicone based (and hybrids, of course!) to arousing, flavoured and stimulating — the lube sampler features a variety of premium, best selling formulas.

My sampler included 12 different premium lubes from brands like One, Sliquid, Uberlube, Good Clean Love, Wet, Please Cream and Pjur. I originally had 12 lube packets, but ended up using two (d’oh!) so, that’s why there are only 10 small lube packets in the photo. Luckily Melissa also sent me two jumbo samples of Good Clean Love that I have included in the photo as stand-ins for the missing lubes.

As someone who is really sensitive to products and additives, I love that none of these lubes irritated me and that many of them included organic, natural ingredients. If I had to pick a favourite, I’d have to say the Good Clean Love “Almost Naked.” It’s a great lube for sensitive people like myself and has a very delicate vanilla and orange blossom scent. Other faves include anything from Sliquid and the Please Cream – a light, creamy lubricant that feels fantastic.

It was fun having so many different lube options to try and was surprised by how many I really enjoyed. I also love that everything is in small, single use packages that are perfect for throwing in your purse or sleepover kit along with condoms (without having to worry about bringing a large bottle with you that could potentially leak all over.)

I’m totally in love with Lucky Bloke and I want you to be too. That’s why I’d like to give one reader the chance to try three different samplers – one per month, for the next three months. The winner can mix things up (i.e. two condom samplers and one lube.) Not currently using condoms?! If you use toys or have sex at all, I strongly recommend the lube samplers! Seriously, lube makes everything better.

If you’re ready to take your sex life up a notch over the next three months, you just need to leave a comment on this post letting me know that you’d like to win. Bonus points can be earned by following the prompts below –
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest runs until Thursday November 7th when I’ll pick a winner at random.

Good Luck!

Yours in pleasure & safety,

It’s no secret that I love leopard print. I wear my beloved leopard print pyjamas so much that my family actually staged an intervention. Between my pyjamas, lingerie, a dress, some smoking slippers, a gorgeous purse and a pair of zebra print Michael Kors pumps, my closet is starting to look like a safari. It’s not just me – log on to Pinterest and you’ll find tons of animal print pieces for Fall. Lately, I’ve been looking for something just a bit sexier than my usual animal print pyjamas, so I was super thrilled when Lingerie Canada offered to send me this gorgeous leopard print Kimono, Bralette and Thong Set by Dreamgirl (Thank you!!)

I like to joke around with people that because of my Eastern European heritage, it’s my birthright to wear as much animal print as possible. When done right, a touch of animal print can look really chic. In fact, this quote by Jenna Lyons, the president and creative director of J. Crew, is pretty much my whole fashion philosophy in a nutshell. If the tastemakers at J. Crew give their thumbs up, it must be OK, right?!

With that said, when it comes to animal prints, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. To avoid looking like you’re ready to party with the cast of Jersey Shore, it all comes down to moderation. Although I loved how the lingerie set looked in the product photos, I was worried that maybe a leopard print robe and matching underwear might be too loud. However when I received the set in the mail (and tore open the package excitedly – yay, new underwear!), I was very pleasantly surprised.

The Kimono set set comes with a lace bralette, a lace boys-cut thong and a sheer, animal print chiffon robe. Both the bralette and the thong are made of scalloped stretch lace and trimmed in silky, chiffon leopard print. The bralette has adjustable straps and a hook & eye closure in the back.

No one enjoys nipple itch, so I am happy to report that the lace on the bra is ultra soft and not at all scratchy. Same goes for the thong – it’s actually really comfortable. The lace is super soft and there is zero awkward wedgie action. Unlike some thongs that come with lingerie sets, this thong is anything but flimsy. The boys-cut/hipster style is very comfortable and actually looks & feels super sexy on.

In my opinion there are both “good” and “bad” animal prints. I was pleased to discover the print on the robe was really nice. It’s made of a sheer chiffon material and drapes really nicely.

I love that the bralette and panties are so comfy that I could easily wear them everyday. Although the bralette doesn’t provide that much support (especially if you’re on the bustier side) it’s perfect for wearing around the house while I work and would also look super cute paired with some of my summer tanks that dip low around the arms. Note: I’m a 32C and while I found the bra supportive enough for lounging at home and light wear, women with larger busts might prefer a robe set that comes with an underwire bra or more support.

The robe is super comfortable as well, however it is pretty sheer. Since we’re heading into the colder months in Canada (or “Snuggie Weather” as I like to call it), I will probably save the robe for special occasions or warmer weather.

Now for the moment of truth. What does it look like on?!

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When I was growing up in the 80’s, it was super cool to have things with your name on it – barrettes, rubber stamps, stickers, a mini-liscense plate – anything really. I wanted all these things, but alas, it was impossible to find anything with my name on it. Tiffany, Jennifer or Sarah, yes – Simone, no. Somehow adding an “e” with magic marker onto something intended for “Simon” just didn’t have the same appeal. Unwilling to give up on my dream of owning a personalized rubber stamp, my parents eventually had one made at an office supply store. It didn’t have fancy cursive writing and it clearly looked like it was from an office supply place, but it said “Simone” in big, all caps, block letters and it was alllll mine. I spent the next few years, stamping my name on anything and everything (“Hey, 1980’s, I’ve arrived!”)

It’s still rare that I find items with my name on them, so you can imagine the unadulterated glee I experienced when I discovered that someone had come out with a Simone lubricant. Yes, Simone lube. It’s a thing. I wish I could say that the lube is somehow inspired by me or this blog, but the truth is that it’s part of Luz de la Riva’s gorgeous collection of intimate cosmetics. I instantly fell in love with the gorgeous packaging. From the girl’s long, wavy hair to her bright pink heels…everything about it is just so Skinny Dip. J’adore!

I was so excited when the lovely folks at Sexcuse Moi offered to send me my very own bottle of Simone, water based lubricant to try out (thank you!!) If you haven’t heard of Sexcuse Moi, you need to check them out. I’ve spent a lot of time checking out different online sex stores and Sexcuse Moi is by far one of the nicest and most sophisticated ones I’ve come across. Designed for the discerning woman or gentleman, Sexcuse Moi carries everything from luxury toys, sexy body care products to erotic art. Also, because it’s a small company, the customer service is awesome! One of the owners, John is super cool and actually took time to reach out to me personally via the telephone – something that’s almost unheard these days. Yay for great small businesses! 🙂

Sexcuse Moi has a nicely curated selection of products and the Luz de La Riva line is no exception. From perfume, lubricant, massage oil to jewelled hand cuffs, each piece is named after and features a different illustration of a woman. Meet Lulu, Olivia, Simone and Zoe (shown below)

I’m completely obsessed with their packaging! I love how it’s flirty and sexy, but still something you could easily keep on your nightstand or with your other beauty products without screaming out “Yo, I have lube on my dresser!” To prove my point, here’s the Simone lubricant with some of my other beauty essentials.

Joe the Intern may also be a bit obsessed with the Luz de La Riva line. He’s been sitting on my dresser for the past 6 hours staring at the bottle with a dreamy look in his eyes. He begged me to let him share his thoughts.

By now you’re probably wondering, “Yes, but how’s the actual product?” The Simone lubricant is water-based, glycerine free and has no discernible scent. As someone who is really sensitive, I love that it’s non irritating. However, if you’re used to super thick lubricants you might have a hard time getting used to this one. While it is quite slippery, the texture is more like a liquid than a gel hence, mimicking the body’s natural moisture. Also, because it’s water based, it’s safe to use with all toys. The final verdict? It’s a heck of a lot more fun than a personalized mini-license plate. Just saying.

Thanks again to Sexcuse Moi for providing me with this fab product for review. If you’re interested in checking out what Sexcuse Moi has to offer, use the code SKINNYDIP at the check-out to get 15% off your purchase.

*This product was provided to me free of charge in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own because that’s how I roll.

A Story About Lube & Serendipity

Show & Tell | Bettie Page Wild and Willing Wrist Cuffs

Review & Giveaway | Three Months of Pleasure From Lucky Bloke

Show &Tell | Wild at Heart

Introducing “Simone” Lubricant