We asked our Good Housekeeping Institute testing panel

D I.Y Sex Toys: Self-Love Edition

At $55, it’s half the price as the currently-unavailable Shegasm 5 Star Rabbit we previously recommended for internal/external stimulation, although it lacks the thumping mechanism that made the 5 Star Rabbit model a standout. The Sonnet is a fine toy, but our tester preferred the 5 Star Rabbit overall. The 5 Star Rabbit is also covered by a longer warranty (five years versus the Sonnet’s one). The presence of possibly toxic chemicals in sex toys has been a source of significant concern in the sex-toy-aficionado community. Sex toys are not well researched—beyond this study by the Swedish Chemicals Agency—or regulated by any consumer-safety agencies.

“It’s so easy to slip in your bag for a business trip or a weekend away,” says Dr. Mintz. This ergonomically designed vibrating dildo will delight users who have ever had to stop what they are doing, mid-pleasuring, to fumble with buttons, settings or to rest cramped fingers (a literal buzzkill!). It has 10 modes of vibration, but just one simple button to control them all. And the design allows users to hold it firmly and without any vibe-interfering awkwardness. After testing out the very best rabbit vibrators, Emilie found a Lalo model to be the ultimate vibrator for solo play.

And having the sex toy be the brainchild of postmenopausal women who talk openly about their experiences developing and using it? SnailVibe snagged the award for Most Innovative Sex Toy of the Year in 2020 from the adult publication XBIZ Europa Awards, and I can see why — it’s truly unique. In my time reviewing sex toys, I haven’t seen anything quite like this. Even other rabbits can look the same after a while, but none resemble escargot.

For example, you may want a small vibrator if you plan on using it during penetrative sex, and any vibe you’ll be using anally should have a flared base so it doesn’t get lost inside you. We decided not to test the original Smile Makers’s The Billionaire because it required one AA battery for four hours of use. The redesigned version has a rechargeable battery, but costs $20 more than the Satisfyer Purple Pleasure, and is covered by a lesser warranty. We tried the 6, which is similar in shape and size to a fountain pen. Unfortunately, we found the toy’s vibrations to be a bit buzzy compared to those of the rumbly and similarly shaped We-Vibe Tango (see below). And the Ultra Power Bullet 6’s handle vibrates to an unpleasant degree.

This makes the Lovense Lush 3 a great toy for anyone with a long distance partner, allowing you to hand over the reins. It even comes with an ‘intelligent mode’, so you can enjoy the experience without worrying about which buttons to press. We asked our Good Housekeeping Institute testing panel, made up of over 130 women of all ages, to put a range of vibrators through their paces. It’s very important to always clean your vibrator, as bacteria left on the toy can cause infections such as urinary tract infections.

Masturbation is positively linked to higher rates of self-esteem and sexual satisfaction, which are two big components of self-confidence. So, you could make the leap and say that using a vibrator can improve your self-confidence. Vaginal atrophy is “thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls that may occur when your body has less estrogen” according to the Mayo Clinic’s definition. It often happens when you begin menopause , but can also happen to people with vaginas who are on a testosterone therapy regiment. Whether your headaches are caused by your kids, a stressful job, or both, you’re probably in the market for something that can help relieve that annoying pain. You’re probably familiar with the “not tonight dear, I have a headache” trope, but is it actually backwards?

I usually have no interest in patterns, but the wave is better than the pulse, if only because it’s a continuous sensation whereas the pulse felt like someone playing staccato on my clit. What looks like one of those shapes from an ’80s-era airport carpet is actually a vibrating cock ring doing the maximum amount possible. For you, twin rings wrap around both your shaft and balls to boost erection strength and sensitivity. For your partner, the removable vibrator up top shimmies on her clit, while the anal bead extension penetrates their back entrance. For a partner with a double-penetration fantasy, this the vibrating cock ring of both your dreams. The Dame Pom sets itself apart from traditional vibrators in a few ways, as it’s extremely bendy and flexible.

Unlike your classic vibrator, which usually features a rumbly motor, these innovative toys utilize clit-sucking air pulsations rather than (or in tandem with) vibrations. This one fits nearly-effortlessly between two fingers, and is great for focusing vibration onto sensitive hotspots like the clit, nipples, or taint. I love this toy as someone who has chronic pain in my hands, because it’s easy for me to keep a grip on viberator, even when my pain is flaring up.

If you love frenulum stimulation, a vibrator designed specifically for that purpose is worth a shot—and this is one of the best and most unique options out there. It features two independently-controllable bullet vibes, one more “treble-y” in tenor and one more “bass-y,” for a titillating sensation that keeps your dick guessing. A silicone sleeve keeps the two vibes pressed firmly right where you need them, hands-free.

Some of the frustration came from the way that the buttons were sunk into the silicone surface of the toy—it felt like some functionality and ease of use was sacrificed for the Strawberry’s appearance. I found the Tenuto Mini most comfortable during solo use, but it’s great with a partner, too. Using a vibrator with a partner, especially during penetration, can sometimes be a challenging (if satisfying) logistical problem. While it feels great for both of us, someone generally has to hold it in place.