Author: Adriana

Categories
Reviews Sexual Health and Beauty

Dare to be Bare Shave Cream

Dare to be Bare Shave Cream

Dare to be Bare Shave Cream

This product is no longer made.

I probably won’t review a whole lot of shaving creams after this because I’ve tried so many of them. My experience rarely differs to the point where I really prefer one over the other. It usually comes down to a preference of scent and package, and the Dare to be Bare shave cream excels at both. The Skinny dip scent, which I enjoyed with other products, is just as enticing and sweet here. It’s not too strong, and it doesn’t stick with your body, so that could be a con if you’re looking for something that stays with you after you get out of the shower.

And the pump bottle is great. I much prefer pumps to tubes; however, I did have a little trouble getting to twist back into lock position for travel. I just left the pump unlocked and had no unfortunate accidents, so all was good. I like to use a fair amount of product, so I probably use two pumps per leg, but it’s generous. You could get away with fewer thanks to the thickness of this product. I haven’t especially noticed it rinsing away in the water, which is also convenient but not ground-breaking.

This shave cream does do one thing differently from other products, however, and it was something that I noticed immediately. Normally, my legs feel incredibly itchy after I shave. It’s just the front of my shins from the knee down, but it’s almost always a constant. I remedy the itchy scratchies with lotion after I get out of the shower, and I forget all about the problem. For whatever reason, the dare to Be Bare shave cream does not leave me itchy, which is a slight advantage over other shaving products.

I’m not sure if this is because the ingredients differ, but the not-so-short list is as follows:

  • Aqua
  • Citramonium Chloride
  • Cetyl Alcoho
  • Stearyl Alcohol
  • Polyquaternium-7
  • Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil
  • Cannibis-Sativa (Hemp Seed) Oil
  • Panthenol
  • Cyclomethicone
  • Dimethicone
  • Hexylaurate
  • Isopropyl Palmitate
  • Stearalkonium Chloride
  • PEG-75, Meadowfoam Oil
  • Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA
  • Phenoxyethanol
  • Hydrolized Wheat Protein
  • Hydrolized Wheat Starch
  • Methylchloroisothiazolinone
  • Methylisothiazolinone
  • Phthalate-Free Fragrance

I’m really not sure what the last one is supposed to mean, but the inclusion of silicones and several oils, including hemp seed, help to condition skin. Now, I can’t save I get the perfect irritation-free shave, but I’m not sure this is the fault of this product. I’ve been walking a lot this summer, and my thighs aren’t thin enough not to rub together. So I spray on some Aftershave oil before I go out, and this does several minimize irritation. I haven’t gotten any painful ingrowns or infections, though which is always nice.

I do like the way my legs feel after shaving with this cream. The shave is especially close on my calves and shins, and my skin always feels soft immediately after.

Right now, this is the second-cheapest of all the shaving creams I’ve tried from PinkCherry. System Jo was cheaper, but I really wasn’t impressed by the formula or scent. After having used so many shaving creams, I’d likely buy this one again just because the price point, but I also enjoy all the Skinny Dip scented products from Earthly Body. If you’re looking at your local sex toy shop, you’re probably not going to find this one,

Categories
Reviews Vibrators

Ovo T1 Vibrator

T1 Lay On Vibe in Metallic Violet

T1 Lay On Vibe in Metallic Violet
$27.99 from PinkCherry

I’m always excited when I learn of new toy brands. It was no exception with Ovo, a European country that uses these wonderful shades of purple that I cannot resist. Yes, I know. You all hate purple. I fucking love it. Deal with it.

They have so many toys that it’s almost impossible to tell them apart, actually. I compared the various internal and clitoral vibes and decided that I’d go for one of the “lay on” style. Ovo makes both battery-powered and rechargeable vibes, but Pinkcherry currently only carries the battery-powered style, so I opted for the T1.

I knew it would be a tiny toy, but this thing is just minuscule in my hand. Yes, even my tiny, child-like hands. For comparison., here’s the toy next to Siri and Layaspot. Now, it’s so small that you almost have to wonder how they can fit a battery and a motor in there. My best guess? They didn’t – not really.

Ovo uses a single AAA, which should have warned me in the beginning. I don’t generally like toys that use 2 AAAs, so this would be underpowered for me, of course. Now, it’s better than any watch battery-powered vibe, yes. In fact, its output surprised me, but you have to get the battery in there, and that’s just a trial.

I suppose the design of this vibe is intended for you to pinch the backside with your middle finger and thumb, leaving your index finger to operate it. I always press down on the nose of the toy, so this is lost on me. However, there’s a plastic panel on the underside of this toy that you’re supposed to remove to inert the battery. A little dimple lets me know that this is the case, but you’re going to need the power of Christ to compel it open. Seriously. It’s a bitch. Unless you’re Wolverine, you fingernails will break before you get this open. Every time I’ve opened the battery pack, I’ve had to wedge something in there to do this. The thing that you wedge in there has to be pretty tiny, however. Like a metal nail file. Keys are too big. The rest of the underside of the toy is silicone, while the top if velvety plastic.

And the battery cover definitely isn’t waterproof or even splash proof. I gave it a normal washing, and when I popped off the cover, a bunch of water dripped out. This is a clusterfuck of terrible. Even if I loved this toy, I would likely forget about it after the battery died the first time.

So, once you get the battery in the damned thing, there’s a tiny plastic button to push. Yes, it’s got haptic feedback. No, I don’t like it. The button is so small that my fingertip takes up almost the whole thing. What do I want? I don’t know. Anything else. Two buttons. A bigger button. Something, anything that isn’t just designed to be form over function.

I’d like to point out that sticking sharp objects against plastic vibes tends to, you know, scratch the fuck out of them. Man, I almost feel like I’m writing a review for the original iPhone. “Looks great, for 5 minutes.” And, really, all the toys in this line are aesthetically appealing to me, but I just don’t think that’s enough. They’ve got to get me off. Like, hello? That’s the point, guys.

It’s a shame that the power output of this is so meager because I do like the shape. The way that it swoops out under the back of the toy creates a greater angle that better cups my mons, like the Layaspot. I can get a bit more pressure with this vibe than I can with Siri.

Layaspot, Siri and Ovo

At about 1 inch tall and 3 inches long, the tiny toy fits in my panties, and it’s certainly a better option for that type of stimulation than the ridiculous bullets you get with “vibrating panties.” The shape is likely unobtrusive enough to use during partner sex, but I haven’t tried it that way. You can see from my photo that this is smaller than Layaspot and Siri; although, it’s not shiny like it looks in the photo. My flash kept washing it out.

Do I really like anything about this toy? Yes. Sure, the plastic has a satin finish, and the particular shade of purple – metallic violet, they call it – really grabs me. But this isn’t exactly seamless, especially around the battery pack. The packaging indicates luxury without being bulky or hard to recycle. This T1 comes in a little box and sits snugly in a foam insert. There’s a cutout where the manual and guide sit vertically. These are tiny little books are about 1” square. It’s compact and a great use of space, but it’s not a saving grace.

So my verdict? This is not a toy worth the suggested price. PinkCherry $28 price tag is certainly more fair, but I would pass on all the Ovo vibes with a similar power source. Ovo has really underwhelmed me. I guess the tiny size indicates that this company has failed to look at the big picture.

 

Categories
Reviews Sexual Health and Beauty

SHE AFterCare: AfterTrace Odor Neutralizer

SHE AFterCare: AfterTrace Odor Neutralizer

SHE AFterCare: AfterTrace Odor Neutralizer

This product has been discontinued.

I figure it’s about time I got around to this review. I’ve now had a chance to try almost all of the products in the SHE Aftercare line, and I generally like them. They are pricey, however, so you’ll probably wondering whether they’re worth the price. I can say, with absolute certainty, that the Aftershave Oil is, but what do I think of the AfterTrace Odor Neutralizer?

This comes in the same 4 fl oz bottle as the aftershave. It has the same pump. It even has a similar scent – very herbal and “natural” to me. I didn’t like it very much when I first tried the aftershave oil, but now I don’t mind. I guess I acclimated.

This is a very thin mist. You don’t even feel that it’s on. I’ve never felt any sensation to indicate it either. The pump works well to cover an area, and I usually pump two or 3 times to cover my thighs and vulva in general. Despite using this quite a bit, there’s barely a dent in the bottle. That’s thanks to how fine the mist is.

Having used AfterTrace, which is supposed to inhibit odors rather than simply covering them up, I’ve gotten a pretty good feel for it. I’ve found that it works better in some situations, namely, when you’re right out of the shower or bath, haven’t sweated yet, and you’re putting on fresh underwear. Preventing unpleasant odors is key.

Because if you realize you’re a little unpleasant after a hard, hot day, and you spray this, it’s just not going to work as well. This is doubly true if you’re getting back into sweat-soaked clothes and underwear because the unpleasant odors will just transfer back to your body.

So when I spray this right after a shower, I do feel fresher for longer but if I forget, the spray alone doesn’t make me feel any better without a change of panties. Now, I’ve got a similar product review going up, and these products mostly differ in ingredients, so I thought I’d take the time to let you know what’s in AfterTrace:

  • Water
  • polysorbate 20
  • comfrey rhizome/root extract
  • saccharomyces ferment
  • oat beta glucan
  • organic aloe
  • arnica Montana flower extract
  • chamomile flower extract
  • lavender extract
  • orange peel oil
  • bergamot fruit oil
  • rosemary leaf oil
  • allantoin
  • caprylyl glycol
  • phenoxyethanol
  • hexylene glycol

Given how many oils there are, this is a pretty thin product. It’s likely due to the fact that the main ingredient is water. The label actually places an asterisk next to ingredients that are natural, and that’s most of them. In fact, many of these extracts and oils are common in massage products and lubes, but I haven’t heard of all of them. As I’m writing this, my Internet connection is down and I can’t check them all out, but I’ll try to remember to do so in the future.

Now, this retails for about $15, which might seem a bit expensive, but I think the bottle will last you quite a while. If you’re unable to shower every 15 minutes during the summer and want to feel fresher longer, I’d give this a try. I’m just not sure it’s a must-have kind of product.

Categories
Dating The Bartender

Honestly

The truth is.. I thought that we were incredibly close to something real, something comfortable and sexy, something unbreakable once we got to that point. I don’t want that to slip away, and I want you to say the same thing.

Categories
Articles

5 Lubes I Totally Recommend

Lube is lube, you know? Most people pick something from the pharmacy and run with it, no matter how awful it was. I used to be one of those people. I know. What I have discovered as a sex toy reviewer and blogger is this: I do not like writing lube reviews. Some of them are terrible. Many of them are just a little bit different from the next one. Most of them do the job without complaint. Few stand out. Even trying to make this list in my head was a little difficult because lubes tend to blend together in my memory. However, a few lubes have stood out from the bunch.

  1. System Jo Premium Women Lubricant
    The only silicone-based lube on this list is by System Jo. I’ve liked several of their products, but this one stands out. Silicone lube feels, to me, like wearing a plastic bag. It’s how a condom feels to men. I hate it. Add in incompatibility with so many of my toys and the general thinness, and it’s out. System Jo Premium is thicker than most silicone lubes, and it’ll last you forever if using for penetrative sex. It can also double as a massage glide.
  2. sliquid lube cubeWet Naturals Beautifully Bare
    The thing about lubes is that they’re not made from my body, and I can feel the difference. I hate it, to be perfect honest. So when I tried this lube from a company that I didn’t think was necessarily spectacular, I was surprised to note that it does feel like more of my own lubrication, at least in the water-based formula. Just don’t confuse the silicone lube and ruin your favorite VixSkin toy, guys.
  3. Maximus
    This is the go-to lube for anal lovers. It’s thick and long lasting. It’s compatible with silicone toys. Unlike most water-based lubes, it isn’t sticky. Once I tried it, I understood why everyone loved it.
  4. Frolic
    While I enjoy thicker lubes, I don’t want them to be solid. They need to come easily out of the bottle. I shouldn’t have to feel like I’m forcing a solid into my vagina. I’ve had that exact experience, so don’t think that I am exaggerating in the least. Frolic has a handy pump bottle that has a cover to lock it. It’s thick enough to stay in place but thin enough to spread, and it’s affordable.
  5. Sliquid Naturals Lube Cube
    Sliquid’s Lube Cube isn’t one lube, but it’s this awesome sampler pack that lets you try various flavors and formulas. The sweet flavors are the best I’ve ever tasted, and most people love Sliquid lube. The company actually makes four different cube options, but I reviews Sliquid Naturals.

What are your favorite lubes for activities like toy play? Vaginal and anal sex? Massage? Let us know in the comments!

 

 

Categories
Giveaways Site

Happy 5th Birthday oSaL! Have a giveaway!

Birthday candles

Usually, the anniversary here at Of Sex and Love comes and passes and I miss it. I don’t mean to, I just don’t have it memorized, and I obviously spend less time in this corner of the Internet than I used to. It’s not that I don’t love you, because I do. However, the landscape of things has changed, and it doesn’t take a genius to see this. Still, I’m here, and I think there’s something to be said for that.

I’m still learning. I’m still making friends. I’m still finding new toys that I love and trying to help other bloggers and reviewers by giving them information and steering them away from awful companies.  I’ve made a few changes in the past year. I joined Tumblr, and have been trying to be active on it. You can follow me here or see my highlights every Thursday-ish. Additionally, I’ve been trying to sc0ur the Web for more content that I think my readers would enjoy.

I’ve been running giveaways with widgets instead of through comments. For the most part, it makes everything easier for me. The rest of the Internet is ahead of this trend, so I hope you guys are getting the hang of it. I’ve been making more of an effort to include photos in my reviews, which I think is something that other people like more than I do, so I never noticed before.

I couldn’t begin to guess how many toys or posts I’ve made since last July — there are about 50 reviews and 10 giveaways — but I can give you the rundown since I started this blog:

  • 723 posts
  • 32 categories
  • 1360 tags — wow!
  • 3922 comments
  • 247 Tumblr posts
  • 92 Facebook followers

One of the things that I cannot quite quantify is how I’ve become more of a feminist after hanging out with this crowd. It started as Adriana clicking links, reading posts and leaving comments, but now I’m a vocal feminist in my real life. This is one of the reasons I am quieter on OSAL: I’m spending less time hiding behind anonymity.

Looking back, not everything is grand. I debated adding these thoughts at all but they’re important because they’re me. So many of the people that I’ve loved have now become people that I’ve lost. None of the communities feel the same anymore, and I feel an increasing sense of disconnect. Now, more than even when I started this blog, I feel like an outsider looking in. I feel invisible more often than I’d care to admit. It reminds me of times as a child that still evoke negative emotions. I don’t quite know how to reconcile that.

But I’d like to change that, so perhaps my next year with this blog will be one where I focus on making friendships that extend past Twitter or Facebook. Beyond forums. Into the land of the person behind Adriana rather than just the persona I’ve developed. In that vein, I don’t just want to reward you as my readers and commenters. I’d like to use this soapbox to engage with and get to know you. Maybe this will be a little more fun, or maybe you’re just here for the giveaway prize.

And to the point of this post: a giveaway! $100 from PinkCherry to residents of the con US and Canada. Shipping’s on PinkCherry so you can spend every last penny! Use the form below to enter.

Good luck!

$100 to PinkCherry

Click here to load the form if it doesn’t show up on page.

Ends August 17.

Categories
Reviews Sexual Health and Beauty

Skinny Dip Bath and Shower Gel

Bath & Shower Gel

Bath & Shower Gel
$13.95 from Amazon

It seems like forever ago when I wrote a review for the suntouched candle in skinny dip smell. I still have it, actually, because I’ve had so few opportunities to use it since then. I loved the scent, but honestly, it reminded me of something dreamsicle-like. The sweet vanilla was very obvious and I detected hints of citrus, even though the company actually makes products in the dreamsicle scent. Thus, I knew what to expect when I wanted to try the shower gel from TabuToys.

If you’re not so familiar, then you’ll probably be happy to know that these products are all about remaining natural and good for you. Instead of chemicals, you get natural ingredients such as hemp seed, which is the basis of all Earthly Body products as far as I can tell. I’ve tried a few more hemp seed products since I initially used the massage candle, and I think I’m a fan. Among the perks are the following:

  • Paraben free
  • Petroleum free
  • Phthalate free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan

Honestly, I’ll put just about anything on my body as long as it smells good. When it comes to shower gels, a nice lather is also important. The Skinny Dip bath & shower gel by Earthly Body does absolutely both. Now, if you were just taking a sniff at the bottle on the shelf of a store, you might be a little disappointed. You can’t smell much in the bottle. You have to actually put it on your body and let it lather up. Then, the sweet vanilla scent wafts to your nose. I find the smell of the body wash is a little more gentle, less aggressive than the candle. If you want something that’s more lightly scented, this might be the product for you.

It’s also great at lathering. The foam is big and fluffy and fun. Is that a weird way to describe it? I like big, fluffy shower gels. I like to feel the silky foam on my body, and this body wash delivers in that department. It feels luxurious. And I get clean, so that’s awesome.

The bottle is a little smaller but the benefit of this is that the opening is also smaller, so you don’t tend to squeeze out as much product at once, and you really don’t need to with the amount of lather that you get.

The ingredients such as hemp seed lend to moisturizing, but a good lotion or moisturizer after your shower is probably best if you have rather dry skin. Mine’s not, especially in summer time. Earthly Body makes a hand and body lotion in the same scent for that. Other products in the line include body mist, a combination massage candle and body butter and massage oil.

Now, it’s not perfect. For example, it’s a little rough on this sunburn that I’ve managed to give myself, so you may want to pass it up if you’re super sensitive or have a skin condition that soaps tend to irritate. It’s also slippery. I forget this because I only have a shower, but you could kill yourself in your tub if you have nothing to stop skidding. That’s really just the way it is with any body washes. It’d be cool if they had a bar soap, but body wash doesn’t leave a residue like that.