Showing posts with label how to. Show all posts
Showing posts with label how to. Show all posts

November 1, 2018

Sex Toys 101 - Q&A: My Dirty Little Secrets Revealed


Sex Toys 101 - Q&A:

My Dirty Little Secrets Revealed


Who am I?

Q: Are you really a girl?
A: Yes! I know it may be hard to believe since this is the internet and all, but I am a bona fide female.

Q: Do you actually look like the girl in your review pictures?
A: Somewhat. The body type and hairstyle are fairly accurate, but my ears aren't actually gauged and my hair is bubblegum pink now.

Q: In real life, do you have the tattoos that appear on you in your drawings?
A: Yes I do! I am especially fond of my thigh tattoos.

Blog & Toys

Q: What made you want to start a blog about sex toys?
A: Miss Behaving's Closet of Curiosities was born out of the exhilarating yet misinformed experience I had with a Sybian, which you can read about here if you haven't already. My expectations were based purely on reviews I read online or reactions I witnessed in porn videos, which of course are usually heavily exaggerated. Although I had a wonderful time, it wasn't what I expected since the bar had been set so high. I wanted to find a way to share my thoughts and opinions in a genuine and candid manner to prevent someone else from repeating my experience, and that expanded into, "Well, why not review some other toys while you're at it?" My lady thought it was a great idea and encouraged me to turn it into a side project.

Q: If you had to take a guess, what do you think is the ratio of male to female readers of your reviews?
A: I've actually been surprised by the number of female readers/viewers I've had the pleasure of interacting with, but I'm fairly confident my male readers are far more numerous. If I had to guess, I'd say 88% male to 12% female?

Q: When buying toys do you prefer online or physical stores when making a purchase?
A: Definitely online. If I need to, I'll go to a physical store to get a feel for a toy, but 95% of my purchases are on Amazon. The price is always significantly lower even after shipping, sometimes up to a $40 difference. I wish I could support local businesses by buying in-store, but my bank account can't afford that luxury so I have to pinch pennies where I can.

Q: Do you use some of your toys with a partner or are most toys only for solo play?
A: Most of my toys are used in solo play, but there are two specifically that I use with my lady. The Shibari Halo Wand is an absolute staple for us during sex since we both benefit from it, and we also have a strap-on that I haven't had the chance to review yet that is used exclusively for me since my lady doesn't like penetration.

Q: Biggest dildo you ever tried?
A: I used to have a Bad Dragon medium-sized Flint that was the thickest toy I've ever owned to this day. It was roughly 6 in (15 cm) wide and nearly 12 in (30.5 cm) long. This is another toy I plan to review down the road, and unfortunately it didn't get to see much use because I couldn't fit more than half of it inside me.

Q: Worst sex toy experience (preferably not one that just didn't work)?
A: The Pipedream Deluxe Vibro Balls are still the absolute worse experience I've ever had with a toy thus far. It was messy, uncomfortable and extremely lackluster.

Q: What's a sex toy you've always wanted?
A: A toy that's been on my radar for nearly a year is the Satisfyer Pro 2. I'm utterly fascinated with this toy, and I really want to get my hands on one to try it out. It turns me on just thinking about its potential~

Q: In your reviews, you talk a lot about needing clit vibrations to get off. Have you ever gotten off without it?
A: There have been a handful of instances when I've been able to orgasm without needing clitoral stimulation: the very first time I tried the Tentacle, once with the Double Dong, once with the Pipedream Icicle No. 8, and when I had some raunchy anal sex with my lady in a hotel (in which I came multiple times, I might add ♥).

Q: If you were stranded on an island with your significant other, food, water, and a source of electricity. Which toy would you choose if you were limited to only bring a single toy with you?
A: Initially, I was going to choose my Shibari Halo Wand, but both my lady and I have talented fingers and I'd much rather bring our strap-on for those moments when I crave a thick rod inside me. No electricity needed!

Sexual Experiences

Q: What's your favorite sex position?
A: Downward doggystyle, or to be more specific, the "Concubine" position.

Q: What's the best sexual experience you've ever had (with a toy or person)?
A: The absolute best experience I've ever had was the very first time my lady went down on me. Up until that point, I'd never been able to get off during sex without assisting in some capacity, usually needing to stimulate myself into orgasm. But with a lot of talent and a tremendous amount of patience and stamina, my lady was able to bring me to climax without my hands moving an inch off the pillow. I came so hard I nearly seized, and I couldn't uncurl my fingers for a good five minutes afterwards because my muscles were so tensed. It's one of my fondest and most delicious memories of her. ♥

Q: Have you always been with girls or have you dated guys in the past?
A: When I was much younger and still confused about my sexuality, I only dated guys casually, although I had major crushes on a few of my female friends that I never acted on. In late middle school and high school, I dated my best friend (a girl) for several years in secret, then I was in a long-term relationship with a guy during college. While I was with him though, I always felt like a part of me was missing, and this caused a lot of tension and dissatisfaction that factored into our eventual break up. But I'm very happy to say my wife makes me feel complete in more ways than I could've imagined.

Q: Top 5 fetishes?
A: 1. Size difference / size queen
2. Squirting / creampie
3. Tentacles
4. Fucked silly / mind-break
5. Pokephilia

Q: Do you have a fantasy fetish you wish you could do irl?
A: I really wish I could have a tentacle monster as a pet to fuck me silly on a whim. Consentacles are the best!

Q: If you could make love to any fantasy creature, what would it be?
A: If this also implies it won't kill me during or after the act, probably a werewolf.

Q: Tentacles or slime?
A: As much as I love slimes, my first love still belongs to tentacles, always and forever.

Q: To face sit, or have ones face sat upon?
A: I like my women like I like my glasses: sitting on my face.

Q: What's the sexiest outfit you can think of?
A: What I personally find extremely sexy is a mini dress that ends just below the butt, long enough to actually cover everything but short enough that her movements tease you in hopes that you just might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of something delicious. Pair that with thigh-high stockings and boots and I'm utterly smitten. ♥

Q: I love your drawings of girls squirting out their love juices when they climax. Do you or your girlfriend squirt?
A: Sadly no, neither my wife nor I are squirters, although that's not something I pine after because I can only imagine the sheer volume of sheets and towels I'd have to wash if one of us was, haha. I'm satisfied just having it as a viewing fetish.

Q: Would you rather be a in relationship with your perfect romantic partner but have to share her/him, or have several lovers who you are the perfect romantic partner to?
A: Several lovers I'm the perfect partner for, absolutely and without hesitation. I am a very jealous and possessive person, and the thought of having to share my lover with someone else is enough to throw me into crippling depression and anxiety. If I can't belong to one person, I don't want to belong to anyone at all. I'd rather be the perfect girl no one can possess and consequently break a lot of hearts than belong to someone but suffer the feeling that my partner needs to seek someone else because I'm not good enough or I'm lacking something they want. (Fun personal fact, this is exactly how my last serious relationship ended so this question hits pretty close to home.)

Art-Related

Q: What program do you use to color your drawings?
A: Photoshop CC 2015

Q: What's your process to do your art?
A: First, I start by gathering lots of references for poses, costumes, characters, etc. until I feel confident that I have enough material to work with. Next, I create a pencil sketch in my sketchbook. From there depending on the type of commission/illustration I'm doing, I either scan the sketch directly to my laptop and begin the coloring process or refine the drawing and print out a copy to trace clean final lines in a separate sketchbook. That image is then scanned and colors are added in Photoshop to create the final picture.

Q: Do you only draw using a tablet or do you use other mediums such as pencils or ink when sketching and drawing?
A: My actual drawing process is always done traditionally with pencil first. I find I get better nuances in shading and form with a mechanical pencil than I ever can digitally. I usually reserve the digital aspect of my work just for colors and small sketch modifications. I'm starting to grow a bit more comfortable drawing with a tablet, but it imparts a completely different feel compared to my pencil drawings which is not always the desired effect I'm after. I'm also much faster with a pencil than a tablet. For example, the exclusive illustration that comes with my Belle en Rose comic was done entirely in Photoshop because I thought it might be a fun practice challenge. That piece took me over a week to completely finish compared to the three or four days it would've taken if I had done it in pencil first. The hair alone took four days.

Q: Do you have a favourite tool for art? e.g. a piece of software/tablet, a type of pen/pencil.
A: Definitely a classic 5 mm mechanical pencil.

Q: What inspired you to begin drawing? Particularly what drew you into the X-rated artwork?
A: Art kind of runs in my family. My grandmother was a painter, my father is very hands-on and craftsy, my mother used to do a lot of needlepoint and crochet, and my brother is a graphic designer. I've been drawing ever since I can remember because I loved that I could actually put on paper what others can only imagine. Since I developed the talent and ability to create anything my mind could conjure, I wanted to be part of that exclusive 1% club that creates content for others to enjoy. And since the porn corner of the internet offers a lucrative business for those who are willing to put in the effort, I thought, "Why the hell not?" It also gives me an opportunity to continue practicing and challenging myself with various body proportions and positions while also occasionally working with content I normally wouldn't choose to draw on my own. I get to expand my horizons as an artist.
TL;DR, it's a lot of fun!

Q: How did your style evolve?
A: Style happens on its own the more you practice and the more you're influenced by the things that inspire you. I was told early on that you should never force your style because it will come naturally,. Just keep at it and you'll see! It may take several slow years, but you'll definitely notice a difference if you keep practicing. My style of work in middle school compared to what I do now is almost unrecognizable as coming from the same person, but I'm proud of how far I've come. I went from a heavy (poorly drawn) manga style to more realistic one but with a hint of my comic/manga roots. I think it's charming, but I'll leave that for you to decide as a viewer.

Q: What parts of nsfw artwork do you enjoy drawing vs. what things are more difficult?
A: I absolutely love working with facial expressions. I've always been drawn to portraiture and capturing a person's likeness, and it was a skill I tried to perfect while in college. I find expressions of the purest ecstasy and release rather arousing so I pay special attention to this detail in my work. As for the most difficult parts, hands are and always will be a challenge. I like to think I'm much better at drawing hands and feet than I used to be, but they still give me trouble at times. The proportions are very specific, and it's easy for a foreshortened hand to look malformed and lumpy.

Q: Least favourite thing to draw?
A: I actually really don't like drawing legs, haha. I know, it's a rather strange answer. In comparison to the intricate nature of faces, hands and genitals, I find legs really boring. I enjoy drawing hips and at times calves, but legs don't offer a lot of mental stimulation for me so I tend to get impatient.

Q: What steps do you take in drawing hair? It looks awesome!
A: Drawing hair is actually the equivalent of meditation for me, haha. Especially when it comes to curly hair like Annabelle's, all of the swirls are methodical yet therapeutic once I get into it, and it's easy for me to get lost in thought rendering it all out. I start with a quick loose scribble to plan out the general shape. Then I refine the scribble with larger specific chunks that will eventually become defined curls and strands. And then finally, I add more detailed lines to flesh out the form. It's really hard to explain my process with just words, so due to popular demand, I plan to put out a step-by-step tutorial to show exactly how I do it.

Q: Did anything or anyone in particular influence the design of your character, Annabelle?
A: Annabelle is partially based off of me as a sort of fursona and partially inspired by a sheep girl I've been drawing on and off for the past four years. She never had a name until recently, and her design has evolved since her first depiction. I used her as an outlet for my most severe anxiety and depressive episodes, so she's been used and abused quite a bit as a sort of sacrificial lamb. But I refined her personality, solidified her design and gave her a much happier ending I think.

Q: Do you have a perfect environment for drawing? e.g. lounging around in the evening, or working hard at a desk.
A: I prefer sitting at my desk when I'm drawing with pencil but sitting on the couch when I'm coloring on my laptop.

Q: Whats your favorite color to use when designing/adopting characters?
A: I try to pick colors based on the theme or personality of the character, but I tend to default to pink often.

Q: Favorite Pokemon to draw for smuttery?
A: Any of those hard to level-up dragons like Dragonite or Salamence. Their monstrous dicks are perfect for getting some inexperienced trainers into trouble~

Q: Have you ever had anyone else draw you?
A: While I was in college, I used to be a figure model in life-drawing classes so there might be some studies of me floating around somewhere, but other than that no, not to my knowledge.

Q: When are you gonna draw a new comic yo?
A: I've got a brand-new one in the works right now! I'm planning to release it in early January 2019.

Q: What's the cooldown on drawing you new fanart?
A: My body is always ready for fanart, no cool-down necessary. Fuck me up, fam! But in all seriousness, it's such a humbling experience receiving fanart especially when I'm still trying to carve out my niche in the art world. It's always greatly appreciated, thank you in advance!

Random Personal Tidbits

Q: Does pineapple belong on pizza?
A: Pineapple ABSOLUTELY belongs on pizza.

Q: Favorite type of food? (American, Italian, etc)
A: Italian!

Q: What's your favorite dessert?
A: Cookies 'n cream anything! Mousse, ice-cream, pudding, you name it.

Q: Cake or pie?
A: Pie!

Q: Favorite type of music? Especially when you work?
A: I listen to a wide variety of music depending on my mood, but I particularly enjoy electronic music such as house and drum 'n bass. I listen to a lot of IIDX music when I'm driving because I have a great sound system in my car. But I also enjoy classic rock, indie, hip hop, 1920s and 80s. When I work though, I prefer more ambient or instrumental music like game soundtracks or chillout. Lately, I'll just pull up a YouTube "let's play" when I'm at my desk or when my lady is awake, we'll watch a movie or TV show in the background while I work on the couch.

Q: Favourite mythological creature?
A: Mermaids!

Q: Who's your favorite superhero/superheroine?
A: I'm not big into the superhero scene, but I really like Iron Man (especially Robert Downey Jr.'s variation ♥). I love that his "superpower" is his intellect which he harnesses to build his suit but otherwise has no other remarkable otherworldly traits.

Q: Who's your favorite supervillain/supervillainess?
A: It may be cliche, but I do like the Joker especially when you get into the comic book lore and revisions of his character. What appeals to me is, like with Iron Man, he doesn't have any supernatural powers. He's just absolutely insane.

Q: Pokemon, Digimon, or neither?
A: Pokemon obviously! Have you seen my galleries? :p

Q: What is your favourite colour? (In a Tim the Enchanter voice, naturally)
A: Haha, I dig the reference. Blue!

Q: Favorite outside activity?
A: Haha, does Pokemon GO count? In all seriousness, I really enjoy rustic camping.

Q: Would you rather hug a strong girl or a chubby girl from behind?
A: Probably a strong girl because I get to feel the muscle under soft skin. It's a win-win!

Q: Maws or paws, which do you prefer?
A: Paws!

Q: Biggest pet peeve?
A: Customers who make assumptions (loudly) to the person they're with about a product when they are absolutely in the wrong, but when you try to correct them gently so they'll be more informed, they criticize or ignore you. I love dealing with this on a daily basis in retail...

Q: Do you have a celebrity crush and have you ever drawn or imagined them in a sexual situation?
A: I have a massive lady-boner for Ellen Page even before she came out. I'm not attracted to celebrities enough to imagine them in sexual situations, and I haven't drawn Ellen Page, sexualized or not, but if I ever get around to playing The Last of Us and creating subsequent fanart, I guess technically I will have then.

Q: Do you have any waifus/husbandos?
A: I used to have a pretty sizable list when I was in high school, but I've grown out of most of my fictional crushes. Some of them included Jin from Samurai Champloo, Bakura from Yu-Gi-Oh! and Envy from Fullmetal Alchemist. The only two that have persisted to this day are the Dark Magician Girl from Yu-Gi-Oh! and Bianca from Spyro: Year of the Dragon, haha.

Q: Should Pluto be a planet again?
A: No. The scientific reasons for why Pluto is categorized as a dwarf planet make the utmost sense, and people who demand Pluto to be a planet again are just reacting to nostalgia. I really don't want to clutter up this Q&A by citing articles so here is a brief list of research and evidence to back up my claim:
National Geographic
Morgridge Institute for Research
The Library of Congress

Q: If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you take with you?
A: My wife. :3 Because two heads are better than one when it comes to survival. But if that's not a satisfactory answer, a how-to survival guide.

Q: What are you eating RIGHT NOW?!
A: Homemade apple crisp!


Thank you everyone for participating with your thoughtful and interesting questions! I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about me as an artist, writer and person and will continue to support me in the future!

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Want to help contribute to the cause? Check out the blog wish list on Amazon!

Gift givers will receive a free hi-res file of the illustration promoting the item they purchased as well as a special shout-out as that month's patron.

Want to be a guest reviewer on the blog?
Send an email to missannabellehawkins !at gmail.com and we can set up an interview! Guests also receive a hi-res file of their toy illustration.

March 1, 2018

Sex Toys 101 - Cleaning: Rinse and Repeat the Right Way


Sex Toys 101 - Cleaning:

Rinse and Repeat the Right Way


A number of my readers have inquired how to correctly take care of certain sex toys they own, so as a companion piece to Sex Toys 101: Materials (which, if you haven't already, you ought to read as an important public service announcement), I've compiled a list of the proper ways to clean your adult toys based on their material type.

Cleaning doesn't need to be labor-intensive, but certain toys do require an increased level of care. Porous toys (jellies, gels, etc.) appear deceptively easy to clean, only requiring soap and water or a cleansing toy spray, but this is due to the reality that you, as a consumer, have very little power over the production and end result of their material compositions. You can never fully sterilize these toys, not without destroying them in the process. The volatile compounds melt readily under high heat so boiling or steaming is out of the question. Surface cleaning is the only available option and will never penetrate deep enough into the toy to fully rid it of bacteria. The easiest method to avoid any unsavory guests from establishing a home on your sex toy is to consistently use a condom which  also drastically cuts down on the interaction of harmful chemicals between you and your pleasure tool.

Non-porous toys, on the other hand, provide a wider array of cleaning options for proper sterilization. Before trying any of these methods, make sure to read the packaging first to determine if you can even attempt them. A lack of knowledge and understanding may destroy your toy in the process. For example, some toys that claim to contain 100% silicone may actually be comprised of a mixture of compounds, some of which react poorly to heat. In this scenario, confident in your "silicone" dildo, you plop it into a pot of boiling water and return after five minutes to discover it transformed into a gooey mass.Toys made of 100% medical-grade silicone, glass and stainless steel withstand heat and thus go through your dishwasher or undergo a steam or boiling treatment without any issues and come out brand-spanking new. If your toy contains electronic parts however, avoid high heat and stick to just surface cleaning or else you may ruin the internal components. Also take note if your toy is waterproof or not. If a toy is motorized but not waterproof and you submerge it for too long while cleaning, obviously you will need to start looking for a replacement.

If cleaning your toy with soap and water, avoid soaps containing perfumes which can leave residue and cause genital irritation. Some perfumes may even encourage the decomposition of your toy by allowing chemical toxins to leech out more readily, especially in the case of jellies. To avoid any potential grief, always stick to mild fragrance-free soaps and thoroughly rinse off the toy before drying. Sterile sprays are another surface cleaning option and are found in adult shops or online. These contain chemicals safe for your body but destructive to bacteria, similar to how hand sanitizer works. Follow the directions on the bottle, usually requiring you to spray the toy until fully doused, let sit for a few seconds, then wipe off with a clean cloth.

Something glaringly obvious I shouldn't have to say is clean your toy shortly after you use it and, for the love of god, do not simply pop Big 'ol Bill out of you and immediately store it in your bedside table without making a trip to the bathroom first. Not only is this disgusting but also encourages bacteria to fester, some of which you may not destroy when you finally get around to cleaning your toy a few days later. It's also a good rule of thumb to give it a quick rinse off before use as well especially if it sat in storage for some time. This helps remove any dust or residue collected over time that you want to avoid putting inside you.

Lastly, before jumping into a breakdown of each toy material type and how to care for them, anal toys require a slightly different slew of cleaning necessities due to the nature of the realms they explore. When cleaning, use a fragrance-free antibacterial soap since there is a much higher level of bacterial exposure that must be kept under control. You may use a spray cleaner, but you should not solely rely on it as it will not remove most of the bacterial residue. If possible, always boil these toys after each use for thorough cleansing and peace of mind. Failure to properly clean anal toys can lead to health risks and infections to you and any partners you share it with.


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Jelly, Gel & PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Clean-ability: ★☆☆☆☆

To most effortlessly keep these highly porous toys clean, simply use a condom right from the get-go. Rather than worry about a bacteria infestation, condoms naturally prevent most bacteria from taking root in the first place, and you only need to clean the lubricant off with soap and water. This also prevents any harmful chemicals from leeching into your body. But if you have a latex allergy or if condoms ruin the experience for you, jellies, gels and PVC toys must be cleaned with mild soap and warm water or sprayed with a toy cleaner and either air-dried or dried with a lint-free towel. If opting for a towel, the lint-free quality is important to prevent fabric fuzz from clinging to the surface thus forcing you to start all over again (hence why I personally prefer to air-dry my toys). You can never fully sterilize these toys so keeping them at the maximum cleanliness level possible is imperative. Boiling or steaming causes the compounds to break apart and melt so soap and water is the only route available.

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Skin-Like Silicone & Latex

Clean-ability: ★★☆☆☆

Skin-like silicone requires more attention and aftercare to properly preserve the longevity of this delicate material. After cleaning it with mild soap and water or a toy cleaner, dry with a lint-free cloth or let thoroughly air-dry before proceeding to the final step. Make sure the toy is absolutely dry inside and out, especially if a masturbator, then sprinkle with a toy renewal powder or cornstarch all over the surface including the inside. If not fully dry, any lingering moisture causes the powder to gum up the surface creating a mess you will have to rinse off again. This powder provides a protective layer over the silicone preventing it from sticking to itself and nearby objects and preserving the silky softness of the surface. Without this powder, the toy is vulnerable to increased surface wear which leads to microtears and cracks. Latex also requires similar care though the material tends to have more durability in comparison. But like skin-like silicone, it requires a dusting of renewal powder or cornstarch after the initial cleaning because latex is especially susceptible to sticking to anything it touches. Exposing either of these toy types to intense heat causes them to melt immediately so do not boil or steam. If you consider purchasing a toy made from one of these materials, be aware of the extra efforts expected of you for proper upkeep and longevity.

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TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) & TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber)

Clean-ability: ★★★☆☆

TPE and TPR tend to have less porosity than the previously mentioned toy materials and thus do not necessarily require a condom, although using one always decreases cleanup time afterwards. Relatively body-safe depending on the company, they clean well with soap and warm to hot (but not boiling) water or with a toy spray. Air-dry or use a lint-free towel again. While not as sticky as jelly, gel and PVC toys, fabric residue might still cling to the surface so going lint-free from the start prevents any potential rewashing.

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ABS Plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Clean-ability: ★★★★☆

No lint-free towels required here! ABS plastic has a smooth non-porous surface so any clean cloth is fair game as long as the toy is free from cracks or sharp edges that could snag on the fabric. Although a much safer material, the compounds still fair poorly against high heat so boiling or steaming is discouraged as the plastic could warp and melt. However, ABS handles regular hot tap water well enough and cleaning it with soap works perfectly fine. If it contains electronic parts, take care not to submerge the toy unless it specifically states it's waterproof.

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Medical-Grade Silicone, Borosilicate Glass & Stainless Steel

Clean-ability: ★★★★★

Although you cannot boil or steam skin-like silicone, medical-grade silicone toys can go straight in the dishwasher! That is, as long as the toy is waterproof with no electronic elements. This type of silicone handles heat extremely well because of its stable and strong chemical bonds so you can completely sterilize the toy by either boiling or steaming it. Borosilicate glass and stainless steel toys also handle heat like pros, and like silicone, if no electronic components are at risk, can be sterilized with no worry. If boiling is your preference, bring a pot of water to a low boil and throw your toy in for about ten minutes. If your little friend is made of silicone, taking care to keep it away from the sides of the pot or it may melt. Remove, let cool and either air-dry or dry with a towel. If opting for the dishwasher route, place on the top shelf and run the cycle without any soap which essentially creates a high-powered steam bath for your buddy. Again, these methods only work for non-electronic toys as the high temperatures will damage the internal components. If your toy does contain motors and whatnot, simply wash by hand with soap and hot water. You can also use the soap and water method for a quick and simple cleanup if you do not want to deep clean it yet, though it's recommend to sterilize it once a month or so depending on the frequency of use.

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While conducting research for this review, I actually learned I clean quite a few of my own toys incorrectly, so it goes to show even "experts" make mistakes (not that I consider myself one whatsoever). Just remember that taking an extra five minutes to properly clean your toy makes the difference between a safe sexual experience and a potentially hazardous one down the road. It all depends on you and the amount of effort you're willing to put into caring for your toy. And yourself!

For more info:


Want to help contribute to the cause? Check out the blog wish list on Amazon!

Gift givers will receive a free hi-res file of the illustration promoting the item they purchased as well as a special shout-out as that month's patron.

Want to be a guest reviewer on the blog?
Send an email to missannabellehawkins !at gmail.com and we can set up an interview! Guests also receive a hi-res file of their toy illustration.

December 1, 2017

Sex Toys 101 - Materials: The Good, the Bad, and Phthalates


Sex Toys 101 - Materials:

The Good, the Bad and Phthalates



I decided to give my readers a little end-of-the-year special. While it's entertaining to read about my exploits and consider acquiring some of these toys yourself (or just imagining me with them), I'm realizing people might not understand the variety of materials that combine to create a sex toy. Why should you care if something is made out of a high-quality silicone versus rubber? And what the hell is a phthalate? This month, I provide you with a breakdown of the different types of materials an adult toy might contain ranked from hazardous waste to gift of the gods. I hope this will educate you and arm you with an arsenal of understanding the next time you want to add to or start your own collection.

Before we begin our list, here are a few important things to consider: The porosity of a toy will tell you right away whether the material is body-safe or not. If a toy is more porous, it is much harder to clean. Porous toys cannot be sterilized whether that involves boiling or high steam because the heat causes the material to melt and disintegrate. Because you can't clean it properly, bacteria grow and flourish on and in the toy. The next time you have some alone time, you're exposing your body to these bacteria, and if you cross-contaminate orally, vaginally or anally, or if you share the toy with someone else, you or they have a higher chance of suffering from an infection. Porous toys also tend to have more flexibility because they are treated with chemical softeners that can leak out of the toy and into you over time.

In the sex toy industry, materials are not regulated. There isn't an FDA for dildos so cheap toys can be chalk full of harmful chemicals. This brings us to phthalates (tha-lates). Phthalates are a common chemical plasticizer combined into numerous base materials like plastic to make them stay squishy. While very cheap to manufacture, phthalates are a known carcinogen and can cause neurological and reproductive harm. This is exceptionally alarming if you're a woman exposing your vagina and uterus to these destructive chemicals. This is why it's so important to avoid any toy that may contain phthalates. Even toys that claim to be phthalate-free may not actually be, so be very careful about what you put inside your body.

There are a handful of telltale signs in a toy that should raise some red flags. Extremely bendy or squishy toys, especially if they are partially or fully translucent, most likely contain some sort of softening agent to give them that flexibility. Toys like this should be avoided or used sparingly and with a condom to avoid absorbing any harmful chemicals. Strong rubbery or unpleasant smells may also indicate poor chemical bonding that will eventually break down over time. When you take a toy out of the package for the first time, it's understandable if it may smell funny for a little while. But if it persists especially after you've washed it several times, this is a good indicator of poor-quality materials. Oily surface build-up or discharge is also an excellent warning that the toy is degrading and releasing chemicals, usually the phthalates I mentioned. Also check for discoloration as another sign. But enough fine print and warning labels, we proceed to the list itself!

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Jelly

Porousness: ★☆☆☆☆

Cleanliness: ★☆☆☆☆

Odor & Taste: ★☆☆☆☆

Cost: ★★★★★

Longevity: ★☆☆☆☆

Overall rating: ★☆☆☆☆

Possibly the absolute worst thing to put inside you, jelly toys are made from the cheapest materials available in the adult toy industry and are formed from an unstable blend of rubber and plastic. Because this chemical concoction is so easy to produce, the resulting toys come with a super cheap price tag that lures inexperienced buyers into snagging one or two to experiment with as their first toy, and the infinite array of colors, shapes and sizes also make them an even more appealing buy; but it's best to save up a little extra in the piggy bank for a much higher quality toy. Jellies always contain phthalates giving them their telltale softness and flexibility. These toys are extremely porous and cannot be sterilized which leads to bacteria build-up and degradation over time. They give off a pronounced rubbery smell and taste and are best avoided entirely. But if you truly have your heart set on one, it's advised you use it with a condom. Or use it for a very short period of time before disposing of it completely (a feasible option at such a bargain). You must also be aware of how you store jellies because they interact with other jellies and rubber + plastic blend toys by "melting" together due to their unstable chemical compounds. Use water or silicone-based lubrication with jelly toys but avoid anything oil-based as it causes the phthalates to leech out more readily.

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PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Porousness: ★☆☆☆☆

Cleanliness: ★☆☆☆☆

Odor & Taste: ★☆☆☆☆

Cost: ★★★★★

Longevity: ★☆☆☆☆

Overall rating: ★☆☆☆☆

PVC toys are as inexpensive and readily available as jellies and as equally bad for your body. They are made from the same material as plastic PVC piping but infused with phthalates to keep the toy soft and pliable. And also like jellies, they are porous and cannot be sterilized and usually have an unpleasant odor and taste. These toys are best avoided as well and must be stored among other plastic toys with caution to avoid the same "melting" effect as mentioned before. Unlike with jellies, PVC toys can only use water-based lube because silicone and oil may break down the plastic over time.

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Skin-Like Silicone

Porousness: ★★☆☆☆

Cleanliness: ★☆☆☆☆

Odor & Taste: ★★★★☆

Cost: ★★★★★

Longevity: ★★☆☆☆

Overall rating: ★★☆☆☆

Skin-like silicone is typically found in male masturbators and include brands like RealSkin, CyberSkin and SoftTouch. They intend to replicate a life-like sensation as closely as possible and rely on a number of chemicals to maintain its trademark silky softness. However, we do not know exactly what goes into these toys because the actual compounds are a closely kept industry secret. These toys are still porous so they cannot be completely sterilized but are generally odorless with a mild taste and are easy to get your hands on without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, since we cannot vouch for the nature of this silicone, the toys may or may not contain phthalates and do degrade over time in part from how delicate the material is to begin with. Like other low-end toys, skin-like silicone must be stored carefully because they stick to rubber and jelly like glue. It's recommended to use only water-based lube because oil will break down the material faster and silicone can cause abrasions to the surface.

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Gel

Porousness: ★★☆☆☆

Cleanliness: ★★☆☆☆

Odor & Taste: ★★☆☆☆

Cost: ★★★★☆

Longevity: ★★☆☆☆

Overall rating: ★★☆☆☆

Gel toys vary slightly from jelly because they contain a blend of silicone and jelly rather than plastic and rubber making them more structurally sound though still not of the best quality. Some gel toys like the Sil-a-Gel brand advertise their products as latex free and antibacterial, though because gel is still porous and cannot be sterilized, it's recommended to use with a condom if possible just for good measure. Gel toys may or may not contain phthalates depending on the company and usually have a slight odor and lingering taste. They should be used with water-based lubricants because silicone can damage the surface and oil may cause chemicals to leech out depending on the quality of the toy. 

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Latex

Porousness: ★★★☆☆

Cleanliness: ★★★☆☆

Odor & Taste: ★★☆☆☆

Cost: ★★★☆☆

Longevity: ★★★☆☆

Overall rating: ★★★☆☆

Latex toys are less common and usually associated with fetish items and inflatable toys due to their naturally flexible nature. Although still bordering on the low-end spectrum of sex toys because of their porosity and inability to be sterilized, latex toys are actually fairly safe as long as you don't have an allergy and usually do not contain phthalates. However, they can still potentially leak chemical compounds over time from improper care and stick to other toys when poorly stored. They also have a significant smell and taste which can be off-putting. Water and silicone lubes work great but avoid oil-based ones as they can break down the material faster.

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TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

Porousness: ★★★☆☆

Cleanliness: ★★★☆☆

Odor & Taste: ★★★★★

Cost: ★★★☆☆

Longevity: ★★★☆☆

Overall rating: ★★★☆☆

Also known as nitrile rubber or silicone rubber, TPE is sometimes confused with TPR. Both are rubber-based materials that branch off into different categories during the manufacturing process. TPE has a less stable bond structure and doesn't require curing which makes it generally less expensive and more flexible, but is instead treated with a softening agent that can be potentially harmful down the road. TPE-based toys are still porous so they cannot be sterilized, but they are usually phthalate-free as well as odorless and tasteless. However, some cheaper toys are laced with filler compounds so always double check the packaging and take care when using them. Use water or silicone-based lubrication with TPE toys and avoid oil-based ones to prevent negative reactions with the materials.

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TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber)

Porousness: ★★★☆☆

Cleanliness: ★★★★☆

Odor & Taste: ★★★★★

Cost: ★★★☆☆

Longevity: ★★★★☆

Overall rating: ★★★★☆

TPR toys are flexible yet soft while still retaining their overall shape. Because TPR is not treated with a softening agent like TPE, it contains more stable chemical compounds and is considered much more body-safe. Although still slightly porous so it cannot be completely sterilized, the material's compounds prevent bacteria from building up as readily as long as it is properly cleaned and maintained. These toys are also generally odorless and tasteless. Like TPE, toys make from TPR cannot be combined with oil-based lubes to prevent the break-down of materials.

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ABS Plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Porousness: ★★★★☆

Cleanliness: ★★★★★

Odor & Taste: ★★★★★

Cost: ★★★☆☆

Longevity: ★★★★☆

Overall rating: ★★★★☆

ABS plastic is an excellent material and usually found in toy handles and vibrating bullets as well as providing a sturdy base for silicone to wrap around (or simply as the whole toy itself!). It is easy to find and fairly inexpensive though higher-end elaborate toys can start to pinch your pockets. This is especially true when it comes to vibrators and wands because the rigid structure of the plastic provides a long-lasting toy while also distributing strong vibrations throughout it. Generally non-porous and phthalate-free, it is tasteless and odor-free and can be sterilized as long as any inner electronics are not at risk. Take care to monitor your toy to ensure no cracks or chips develop which could compromise the structure and make it more difficult to clean and use. ABS toys are compatible with any type of lubrication though water-based is recommended for the easiest clean-up.

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Medical-Grade Silicone

Porousness: ★★★★★

Cleanliness: ★★★★★

Odor & Taste: ★★★★★

Cost: ★☆☆☆☆

Longevity: ★★★★★

Overall rating: ★★★★★

Now we finally make it to the best of the best! Medical-grade silicone is one of the highest-quality materials for sex toys, though unfortunately, this also makes them some of the most expensive toys on the market. However, you can feel confident knowing the money you spend is most certainly money well-spent as you will most likely have this toy for years to come. Non-porous and hypoallergenic, they come with little to no taste and no odor and can be fully sterilized (again, as long as no electronics are at risk). True silicone is phthalate-free and long-lasting with proper care and the best option if you are looking for something soft and flexible without the chemical garbage. Do not use silicone-based lube with silicone toys because it is abrasive and may damage the surface of the toy over time.

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Borosilicate Glass

Porousness: ★★★★★

Cleanliness: ★★★★★

Odor & Taste: ★★★★★

Cost: ★★★★★

Longevity: ★★★★★

Overall rating: ★★★★★

Glass is fantastic in all aspects except for its rigidity which can be uncomfortable and a turn-off for some. But in terms of quality, it is arguably tip of the top, cream of the crop. Borosilicate glass is structurally stronger than regular glass because it does not expand as it cools which allows it to absorb shockwaves that normally shatter ordinary glass. Non-porous, hypoallergenic, phthalate-free, eco-friendly, odorless, tasteless, the list goes on and on. You can sterilize it with no worry, and it will never degrade. Very easy to shop for and generally inexpensive, glass toys are also very decorative and aesthetically pleasing beyond just a pleasure item. Glass is one of the cleanest and safest materials alongside stainless steel, but as mentioned, the rigidity is less body-friendly in terms of use, so medical-grade silicone is the alternate route for those who need some flexibility in their toy. Feel free to use any type of lube also!

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Stainless Steel

Porousness: ★★★★★

Cleanliness: ★★★★★

Odor & Taste: ★★★★★

Cost: ★★☆☆☆

Longevity: ★★★★★

Overall rating: ★★★★★


Stainless steel shares every feature with borosilicate glass except it is much harder to find and is generally more expensive. Like latex, it is usually considered and found as a fetish item and is typically manufactured as anal toys due to its sterile nature. However, it still makes a great everyday toy if you get your hands on one.


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In closing, here are some thoughts to keep in mind as you start shopping with your newfound knowledge: Read the packaging to find out what kind of material you are dealing with, but also realize not all companies will tell you outright what their products are made of. You may have to dig around online to find the answers you need. Also, research the company to evaluate their trustworthiness. Do the appearance of their toys match up to their descriptions? Have people complained about the quality of their toys despite the company's promises? Remember not to trust everything a mass-marketer claims and take what they say with a grain of salt. Monitor your toys for signs of degradation or discoloration and know the right time to throw in the towel and throw it out. Always keep your toys clean and avoid cross-contamination between entrances and partners without sterilizing it first or using a condom. And above all else, trust your instincts! If you know something isn't quite right, it probably isn't.

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