Bloomy

I typically adore Fun Factory products. They're funky, irreverent, yet serious in their intent to deliver pleasure. And they're 100% silicone, which makes cleanup simpler. So, it was with great anticipation that I requested Bloomy to review.

As a butt toy, which is how Bloomy is primarily marketed, this product fulfills its mission admirably. It's not too big and not too small. It's not too smooth and not too bumpy. It's not too rigid and not too floppy for the butt. Its "tongue" provides perfectly placed perineal stimulation, especially with a bit of lubricant (natural or otherwise). And it's got an ideal finger-ring handle for solo play or for the convenience of a partner who multi-tasks (as all good partners should).

Bloomy can also be used vaginally. (As always, sterilize toys before and after use -- especially when previously used anally. Silicone can be boiled, bleached, or put in the dishwasher. Hibiclens is another option. Can't be TOO careful. Use a condom over toys when shared or when in doubt of their cleanliness.) Bloomy is a bit too floppy for my tastes as a vaginal toy, but it does connect well with both g-spot and clitoris, and its smooth surface feels quite yummy. Some foks add an egg vibrator in the finger ring (which is too big for a standard bullet), but that does remove the functionality of the ring as a grip. I didn't care for that approach vaginally or anally.

My recommendation? Buy Bloomy for your anal arsenal. If it happens to also trip your (or your partner's) pussy triggers, all the better.

Until next time...

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

Here's what Babeland has to say:

The only thing better than a beautiful sex toy is a beautiful sex toy with multiple functions, and the Bloomy leads the pack in both categories. Pliable, body-friendly silicone loops and swirls into a delicate bloom shape that’s perfect for G-spot or prostate stimulation. Try it as a dildo, a PC muscle exerciser, or a butt plug... it might even do the grocery shopping if you’re nice to it. Seriously, we’re head-over-heels for this versatile, gorgeously designed toy from Fun Factory.

• Size: 3-1/4” x 1-1/3”
• Material: Silicone

Tantus Ripple

Any product from Tantus is worth its weight in orgasms, and the Ripple is no exception. While I didn't find it adequate as a standalone, this little silicone dildo is absolutely perfect as an anal adjunct during other activities.

It's a bit short for a harness, in my opinion, 'cause even if the "insertable length" is adequate, there's the booty to consider. In a harness, the entire insertable length is not gonna make it through the back door. Manual use, however, is delightful. Not so big that it draws all your attention. Not so small that you can forget about its presence. Just right.

And, for those couples wanting to introduce anal play for him, this product is totally non-threatening. Hell, it's almost cute. Cleanup's a breeze with 100% silicone, too!

Until next time...

peace & passion,

~ Alessia Brio

Here's what EdenFantasys has to say:

The small Ripple is the ideal toy to safely begin anal exploration. Its graduated design is the perfect starter size (smaller than a finger tip to start, and about an inch across at its widest bulb). Completely flexible and suitable for harness use. Made of 100% medical grade quality silicone, the Ripple plug is flexible, hypoallergenic and warms to the body. Toy is boilable, bleachable in a 10% solution and dishwasher safe.

Product code: TAN0888
Type: Probe
Texture: Smooth
Care and cleaning: Dishwasher safe / Boilable / Bleachable
Safety features: Non-porous / Phthalates free / Hypo-allergenic / Latex free
Material: Silicone
Length: 5 1/4"
Insertable length: 4 3/4"
Circumference: 3"
Diameter: 1"
Weight: 0.3 lb
Special Features: Hypoallergenic

Buzz 1

Sometimes, amidst all the high-tech orgasmic gadgetry, you just want something sleek and simple. Something that doesn't require mental gymnastics to decipher. Something that cannot be confused with a marine mammal or a pair of miniature purple salad tongs (tongs for which a Toys for Tarts review is coming soon, by the way). Something that won't make your boyfriend's eyes pop out when you slip it into your harness.

Enter *ahem* Buzz 1. This utilitarian, silicone shaft by Tantus, makers of the Feeldoe, is elegant in its functional simplicity--much like the organ after which it was patterned (albeit in a funner color). Available in purple (which is, like, mandatory for today's objet d'fuck), black (which is incredibly sexy in a black leather Jaguar harness), and pink (for MaryKay sales reps).

This product, to my jaded way of thinking, is not a solo toy--like the Hitachi, for example. By that, I mean that using it--and it alone--is like having a scoop of plain vanilla ice cream. Undoubtedly good, but not quite enough to satisfy. It needs something to accentuate its deliciousness. Like a harness. A harness that puts that delightful little bullet vibe in contact with your clit while the smoooooooth shaft glides in and out of your partner. Or, perhaps, if playing alone, a pair of vibrating nipple clamps.

I recommend that every arsenal consist of a basic model like the Buzz 1. Shop around online, though. Prices at the sites I checked varied by as much as $15. And don't forget to pick up the coupon codes we've collected to save a few bucks.

Until next time...

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

Here's what Babeland, who graciously provided the product, has to say:

Smooth, bright and penetrating, this is the family of vibrating silicone dildos our customers have been asking for! Forget about ungainly battery packs, the Buzz 1 comes with a small Zippy Vibe that nestles in the base of the dildo and generates sweet vibration. Great for those looking for a shorter strap-on dildo, this modest sized dildo with semi-realistic head is harness compatible with a 1-1/2" O-ring. Color may vary. Please refer to our return policy for this product.

• Size: 6" x 1-1/4"
• Material: Silicone
• Volume:
• Intensity:
• Batteries: Three watch batteries (included)

Bandito

I heart Fun Factory products. They're always a bit unusual, which appeals to the eclectic eroticist in me. Even when the product doesn't really work for me, I still admire its looks and the creativity behind its design. I especially like that Fun Factory doesn't insist upon making a dildo look precisely like a penis. While the male organ is delightful in so many ways, not all lesbians care to be reminded of such during sex. Fun Factory makes dicks that aren't exactly like dicks for chicks that like un-dick-like dicks. Take Bandito, for example. Sure, the silicone dildo is phallic. It's undoubtedly intended for very dick-like uses. However, it's also intriguingly un-dick-like in a futuristic kinda sci-fi tentacle way. I think artistic sex toys are just damned spiffy.

And, even if one is enamored of the male organ, which--I'll readily admit--I am, that's not to say that it's not enjoyable to have a little added up-curve to one's silicone shaft. Or, if you happen to be pegging, to spin that sucker around in the harness and make the up-curve into a down-curve to better hit the p-spot. Just can't DO that with a real dick, y'know. Well, you could spin the whole guy around, but we're not talking about zero-gravity sex... yet.

Last week, I reviewed a similar product: Vixen Creations' Woody. It's the glittery, more dick-like faux dick over there on the right. As you can see, both have the concave base that serves to suction the dildo to any smooth surface. I had to fidget with Bandito a bit to get it firmly affixed, but neither product lost its grip on my shower wall until I pried it loose after the hot water ran out.

The angle of the photo makes it look as if Bandito is larger, but in reality, Woody is slightly longer and slightly thicker. The only difference I could feel, though, was Bandito's yummy extra up-curve. Both got the job done in roughly the same amount of time. (I don't keep a stopwatch handy when toy testing, sorry.)

Like Woody, Bandito fits my favorite harness beautifully. As singles go, these comparably-priced toys are both solo and strap-on winners.

Until next time...

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

Eden Fantasys, who graciously provided the Bandito for review, says:

Indulge in silicone fantasy with this artistically designed dildo. Swirling patterns are raised from the surface, giving a dual-texture feel to this pliable sensual toy.

Curved in a gentle arc, the design helps stimulate the G-spot with its smooth tip. A unique three-lobed base is ideal for harness play, and sits very comfortably in the hand for thrusting when used on a partner. A concave shape on the bottom gives it a suction-cup quality for solo play.

Made of soft 100% silicone, the Bandito can be fully sterilized by boiling in water for a few minutes, or a quick soak in a 10% bleach solution. Silicone warms to body temperature, is hygienic, and perfect for those with sensitivity to materials like jelly.

• Product code: FUN24308
• Type: Strap-on dildo
• Texture: Swirled
• Care and cleaning: Dishwasher safe/Boilable/Bleachable
• Safety features: Non-porous/Phthalates free/Hypo-allergenic/Latex free
• Harness compatibility: O-ring compatible
• Material: Silicone
• Length: 6 1/2"
• Insertable length: 5 1/2"
• Circumference: 4 1/2"
• Diameter: 1 1/2"
• Weight: 1 lb
• Special Features: Waterproof, Harness compatible, Flared base

Woody

From Vixen Creations, makers of the Nexus, comes this realistically-sized 100% silicone dildo. Now, the silvery glitter is not a common attribute of the part of the human male anatomy after which this product is patterned, but I think Woody wears it well. If a glittery dick isn't your thing, Woody also comes in black and vanilla. (Hey, at least it's not purple. What IS it with purple sex toys, anyway?)

I decided to introduce myself to Woody in the shower. Y'see, one of Woody's nifty little features is a concave base: a simple, but ingenious design element that allows Woody's base to function like a suction cup. A suction cup strong enough to stick to the wall of the shower through some vigorous action. Not that I'd know, of course. *wink*

But with Woody stuck to the wall, one's hands are free to... um... do other things, like... um... shampoo. Yeah, shampoo. And, if so inclined, to rinse ever-so-thoroughly with that lovely Moen hand-held shower massager. Ahem.

After the hot water ran out... erm, I mean, after I finished showering, I tested Woody in my Jaguar harness, which fits like they were made for one another. Red leather. Glittery dick. It's the new look for fall. All the rage. Can't wait to take 'em for a test drive.

At $60, Woody doesn't come cheap, but versatility, durability, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness make it well worth the expense. The glitter's just icing on that cake.

Until next time...

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

Here's what Babeland has to say:

Who doesn't want a Woody? This guy may be average in size, but his performance is anything but. With a great head for G-spot lovin' and a shaft that's nicely proportioned, Woody looks and feels great. Black, vanilla, or glittery silver! Please refer to our return policy for this product.

• Size: 6-1/4" x 1-1/2"
• Material: Silicone

Tantus Buzz

Cross posting Ducky Doolittle's video review for Tantus' "The Buzz" that came to Toys for Tarts' attention via Violet Blue's blog. Tantus, by the way, is the maker of the Feeldoe and many other great pleasure products.

Violet also has a terrific post about unsafe sex toys/products that y'all should read.

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

Jollie

Let me catch my breath... Okay, YUM! And I repeat, YUM! As reported by Fleshbot's Marital Aid Test Kitchen, the Jollie is a big dildo. It takes a bit of patience (and lube) to get it where it needs--no, wants--to be, but once it's there, you'll have no regrets. Trust me on this one.

The photos and the numbers don't really give an adequate understanding of this toy's delicious girth. The manufacturer's website says it's 5.75" in circumference. To put that in perspective, my wrist is 6" around. Got it now? Yup, when likening this product to a sexual experience, fisting is the first thing that *cough* comes to mind.

And, as with fisting, pleasure is not about the piston-style thrust, but the stretching and the fullness and the g-spot pressure. Even little movements provide intense stimulation. That finger ring is a terrific design element, too -- especially when grasping a smooth, slippery toy. The back flange functions as a lever, bringing the "hump" into firmer contact with g-spot. Cha-ching! Grab a towel before you get started. You'll need it.

The only thing I don't like about this product is its packaging, a plastic clamshell case with a bed of polka-dotted tissue paper inside, which makes it impossible to tell if it's been opened. There's a squick factor involved with a toy that could've already been used, y'know? However, an extra diligent pre-cleaning allayed those fears--and they were certainly not in my mind while I was enjoying its girthy, purple bliss.

Until next time...

peace & passion,

~ Alessia Brio

# # #

Product Dimensions
Material: Silicone - Length: 7.5"
Insertable Length: 4" - Circumference: 5.75"
Diameter: 1.75"



* This toy graciously provided for review by Babeland.

Share Double Dildo

I really wanted to like this toy. Seriously. In fact, I began to question whether my desire to find it all flavors of magnificent would interfere with my objectivity. I needn't have worried. *sigh* I do not like this product. I have read some glowing reviews elsewhere, though -- so don't base a purchasing decision for such a high-priced toy on just one person's opinion. Women come in an infinitely delicious variety of shapes and sizes, so one product is never going to fit every woman perfectly.

It looked, from the photographs, like the designers had incorporated the best features of the Feeldoe and the Nexus and left the worst on the cutting room floor. Pretty packaging, too.

Size-wise, the shaft of the Share is comparable in length to the Nexus and slightly less girthy than the Feeldoe Stout.

Weight-wise, it is also comparable. In other words, it's heavy. It's made of solid silicone, as are the Feeldoe and the Nexus. Kegels of steel are required to use any of these products in the traditional on-top thrusting position without a harness. Not saying it can't be done, mind you, just that it--like all physical achievements--takes some training. Don't expect to slip any of them in and have them stay put during no-holds-barred fucking unless you work your Kegels religiously.

Texture-wise, I do like this product better than the other two. It's softer, more flesh-like, and not as smooth. (Plus, it's a more natural color.) As a result, however, it requires more lube than either of its cousins. (Two packets are included in the box.) That's not necessarily a bad thing, but the more lube floating around down there, the more likelihood that pony end is gonna slip right out of its vaginal stable.

Speaking of the pony end -- it's big. Too big for my comfort, actually. In order to "sit" in the saddle, I had to push and squirm and maneuver to the point that I totally lost my enthusiasm for the task at hand. YMMV, of course. I have been surgically altered (complete hysterectomy -- including my cervix), which may very well be the reason I couldn't get comfortable with the Share. I will note, however, that this hasn't been an issue with either the Nexus or Feeldoe. The pony ends of both cousins fit quite comfortably.

But the aspect of the Share that I dislike the most is the floppiness of the saddle. The Feeldoe is somewhat floppy. It dangles at the same angle when held by the pony end. However, the Share has more bounce. Give 'em each a jiggle, and the Share takes twice as long to return to a resting position. That's WAY too much play, in my opinion. Of the three, the Nexus is the most stable in this regard, but I think even it could use a bit of stiffening. The glowing reviewer mentioned above considered this "flexibility" a plus. I don't.

So, alas, what could have been the be-all-and-end-all ended up being a disappointment. Hopefully, the engineers will keep trying. We walked on the moon, after all. Surely we can design the perfect strapless double dildo.

Until next time...

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

Hustler Real Man Dream Dick

A Toys for Tarts guest review:

There’s a new line of dongs on the market. They’re made from a material called CyberSkin.™ Per the promo from one of the manufacturers:

“CyberSkin is different from all other materials on the market today. With the creation of CyberSkin it is now possible to make adult sex toys with Virtual Touch, that is, with an extremely realistic feel like that of the human body. This means that if you close your eyes & touch the material, you can't tell the difference between a CyberSkin Dildo and the human penis for instance. CyberSkin has memory, and is very flexible so it can recover to its original shape.”

Now, one quibble: you can’t claim anything that comes in bubblegum pink, lavender, and electric blue is just like a real cock. Nope, just can’t.

I have the Hustler Real Man Dream Dick. (Who thinks up these names???) When I close my eyes and touch it… I know it’s not a real dick. The difference comes across in tactile sensation. It just isn’t skin. However, among the six or seven other dildos in my collection, it does feel the most realistic. The surface warms to the touch. It gives like skin when you slide your hand along the surface. The flexibility is great. The Hustler model, if worn in a harness, hangs correctly and moves like a real erect cock.

Given a decent harness, just about any position a guy with dick could manage is achievable. Anal penetration? Well, most dongs they’re just too clunky, not flexible enough. The penetrating party gets a lot of resistance from the product itself. That doesn’t happen with, in this case, the Hustler model. In fact, a side by side, early morning rear entry was incredibly pleasurable for all concerned. No loss of control was experienced. It stayed in place and because of the flexibility, a fairly awkward position became possible.

Dream Dick has a pretty solid core and that extends into the scrotum section. I would like someone, someday, to come up with a dildo where the balls have as much give as a real set… and that could be possible with the CyberSkin.™ They didn’t go that far. Still, the Hustler Dream Dick was well worth the $48.95 price tag.

James Buchanan
www.James-Buchanan.com
www.eroticjames.livejournal.com

Njoy Fun Wand

More than a sex toy, this object is a lifetime work of art, suitable for tasks both inside and outside your bedroom. Insert one end of this fabulous wand in for amazing g-spot orgams, or the beaded end in for anal ecstasy. Practice kegel exercises for more intense sexual pleasures, or simply grab your favorite massage oil and use the Njoy Fun Wand to relieve those tight shoulder and back muscles. Hand-crafted from highest grade stainless steel, the Njoy will last forever and is easy to clean with mild soap and water. Measures approximately 8" in length, with the widest bulbs measuring 1" diameter. (Available from JT's Stockroom)

Just don't drop it on your foot. I'm just sayin' *wink*

Ring Around My Rosie

Available from Blowfish:

"When designers start fashioning sex toys you get some interesting ideas. Most of the designer inspired sex toys we've seen have been sleek creations that don't look much like traditional sex toys at all. Well this one is different. It's clearly a phallic inspired design, but with fun new twists. The core of the toy is a straight shaft with a flared, rounded, non-realistic head. This shaft is made of a bright magenta glow-in-the-dark silicone sheath that holds a stiffer plastic core that keeps it much firmer than if the whole thing was poured of solid silicone. The head is about 1-1/2" at the widest point, the shaft is about 15/16" in diameter, and the total insertable length is just about 6". The base of the sleeve/shaft is slightly flared, allowing it to press down and act as a suction cup; it has a firm grip on smooth surfaces for straight up-down the shaft sliding, although side-to-side motion will break the suction fairly easily. This shaft is nice to use all on its own, providing a dramatic size difference between the flare of the head and the narrower shaft. If you'd prefer something more evenly sized or deliciously ribbed for the whole length of the shaft, you can work the 1-1/2" diameter silicone rings over the head and onto the shaft to provide additional thickness and a rippled texture. These rings make for a seriously bumpy ride so if you dig lots of texture in your thrusting, this is your toy.

"Do note, while this picture is intended to show how the rings will slip onto the toy, be prepared for them not to stay spaced very well once you get down to using it. The rings will slide up and down unless the whole shaft is covered, so don't be misled by the photo of intermittent rings like speed bumps along the shaft. This bright pink set is their Special Edition that comes with amazing packaging, a little pouch for your rings so you don't don't lose them in your toy chests, and a very cute and very tiny pair of black mesh thong panties that tie with pink and black ribbons over the hips. The panties are included as a gift to you from the French manufacturer and do not come in different sizes. (Note: they are super teeny on even our littlest tester).

"And just in case you were thinking between the lines, the base on this dildo is thin and flexible, which makes it work nicely as a suction cup but not so great as a flange. If you want to use this up your butt do exercise caution as it could slip completely inside if you're not careful."

Nexus

Here's what Nite Time Toys had to say:

"This innovative beauty is the ultimate achievement in dildo design — a double that works! The straighter, thicker end is 6 inches long (1.5 inch diameter), and the sharply curved, shorter end is 5 inches long (1.25 inch diameter) with a rippled shaft to help hold it in place. May be used with or without a harness. A Vixen Creations masterpiece, with a lifetime manufacturer's warranty. Handcrafted, swirl patterns will vary."

The Nexus is made of 100% silicone.

Sugar

Available from Blowfish:

"It is tough to make a non-realistic silicone dildo into something special and unique without going to extremes, and yet, this elegant toy is beautiful and functional in all of its simplicity. The Sugar is made from a high grade-silicone with a medium-firm texture to it. The 7" shaft slowly widens and tapers, ranging from 1-1/2" to 1" at different points, widest at the center. Upon first examination, it seems as if the shaft was intended to be inserted, leaving the wide curved tail to function as a grip or handle as you thrust. However, our adventurous testers really enjoyed flipping the whole toy around, using the shaft as the handle, and inserting the 2" diameter hooked end as a G-spot stimulator. The flare at the end of the handle makes a perfect ridge for really getting in there and cranking up the intensity.

"Also, this dildo is so beautiful that it should be displayed! Thankfully, the manufacturer includes an acrylic stand for this toy so you can leave it out on the coffee table for all to admire. To be perfectly honest, we love the stand just as much as we love this toy. They make a beautiful pair.

"Comes in two beautiful shades: Frost is crystalline white and a bit translucent and Water is an ocean-inspired deep green-blue."

Feeldoe

Here's what JT's Stockroom had to say:

"We've tested just about every double-ended dildo available that can be used in a harness, from the traditional double dong to the very complicated and pricey varieties. Technology has come a long way, but they all still left something to be desired, whether it be limited sensation for the wielder, sturdiness, or just over all functionality. Until now. The FeelDoe is the best double-ended dildo we have ever seen! It looks a bit strange and we were skeptical at first, but the pleasure that this toy delivers for both parties involved (its also great for solo play!) exceeds anything that we have ever tested. The smooth, realistically-shaped shaft is a great girth, length and shape for both anal and vaginal penetration. The egg shaped knob that fits inside the woman wearing the Feel Doe is not too big and not too small and somehow manages to give intense sensation with every thrust! The ribbed patch that lands right on the clitoris gets you closer and closer to orgasm as you grind away! The deep valley that runs along the bottom of the FeelDoe allows your 3-strap g-string harness to stabilize the toy even further, though it is equally suited for use with 4-strap harnesses. Simply the best double-ended harness compatible dildo."

"Silicone is a great material for dildos because it feels warm to the touch. These smooth, flexible dildos are resilient and durable. The texture is similar to the softness of skin, giving them a sensual feel. The non-porous silicone cleans easily with soap and water, and unlike some latex materials, doesn't get sticky after being used. (No more picking lint off your freshly washed dildos!) Silicone products are also the only way to go for people who have latex allergies. We highly recommend these fun toys, especially for use with strap-on harnesses."