Now, there is never anything wrong with a lil’ bump and grind, but sometimes its good for a girl to experiment with herself, and uhm, other things. I’ll be a bit honest, the word ‘vibrator’, makes me go red in the face, still, and much to everyone’s surprise, I am always the shy one hiding in the corner-or just getting really drunk- at and Ann Summers party. As a lingerie designer, it has always been something I have been very aware of, but this has still never made things any less confusing for me, no matter how many times, I have let the tip of a jelly phallus vibrate on the tip of my nose.
Which is why, I have asked Stephanie Baker, the CEO of Fun Factory toys, to, er, give it to me straight.

Quick an’ Easy?
Feeling a little bit fruity, but only have about ten minutes before you have to leave for work/can’t really be bothered before you go to bed? Then the best thing to use is a toy with a small motor, which hits the nerve endings of the clitoris directly and help you reach your destination quicker. According to Steph, the best products to buy are the ones with different speeds and pulsations built in so you can beat to the rhythm of your own drum and avoid ‘numbing your fun’. Because they have smaller motors, they are also usually quieter and are good for solo sessions.

SASSY RECOMMENDS; Clockwise from LEFT; LAYAspot magenta, 43.00@funfactory, LELO Mia, 36.95@lovehoney.co.uk, Pink bullet vibrator, 10.00@annsummers.com, LoveBunnies, 10.00@lovehoney.co.uk

Big Boys
A toy with a larger motor, creates a lower, yet more powerful vibration that has a deep and throbbing sensation that travels through your muscles, rubs against the clitoris indirectly, hits the g-spot and is the next best thing to sex. Steph’s best recommendation is Fun Factorys bestseller, the Semirealistic SmartVibe which has 8 speeds, 3 pulsations and a BOOST button for that crucial ‘O’ moment. For dual penetration, vibrators like the famous Ann Summers Rabbit, stimulate the clitoris and internally and if anything else giving you a good once-over, with different types of waves and throbs.

Double the Fun
If you are using a toy with a partner, Steph says it is best to find a toy that works the clitoris, easy to hold and operate and is small enough to be used at the same time as sex. If you are a beginner, she says it is best to experiment together, beginning with a vibrating ring-I recommend Durex’s Play ring- and then work up towards more ambitious toys, like the We-Vibe II, which hits the clitoris and the g-spot and can be attached to your man.

Semirealistic SmartVibe, 55.99@ funfactory.co.uk,Doc Johnson Jenna Velvet Jewel Multispeed, 16.99@lovehoney.co.uk, Rampant Rabbit G Pulse Remote, 49.00@annsummers.co.uk, Play Ultra, 10.99 @shop.durex.com, We Vibe II Clitoral and G-Spot Vibrator, 77.49 @ lovehoney.co.uk

Ain’t Nuthin but a G thang
Or so they say. Dispelling the myth, that it doesn’t exist, Steph says, that you have to find a toy which suits you. The G spot is usually an inch or so inside the vagina, behind the belly button, and to be able to reach it during penetration, the focus must be at the tip of the toy, otherwise you won’t feel the benefits. The Delight, by Fun Factory has been designed to reach the G-spot at the same time as stimulating the clitoris, and it has been awarded as Sex Toy of the Year by Company magazine and was the Winner in Good Housekeeping’s Sex toy survey.

Electric Feel
Erotic toys can be made of many things from the more luxurious wood and glass crystal, to the flexible and jellier feeling toys. Although these are usually made of natural silicone-which doesn’t degrade or fade, some of the cheaper varieties contain bad emollients and solvents that can be absorbed by internal mucus membranes, and are harmful to long term use. Steph says to avoid any toys that smell really plasticy, as they usually contain these types of solvents. If you want to save the world, and rock your own too, there are many sextoys which are now rechargable, and the new Click N Charge range from Fun Factory also do this.

SASSY RECOMMENDS; Shiri Zinn Minx vibrator, 99.00 @ exclusivelyeve.co.uk, , Hot and Cold Ceramic Dildo, 115.00@ coco-de-mer.com, Promises G-Spot vibrator, 18.00 @annsummers.com, JimmyJane Little Chroma special edition inked, 108.00@exclusivelyeve.co.uk, The Delight, 85.99 @ funfactory.co.uk, 16.99@lovehoney.co.uk

Good Vibrations
Of course, this guide would be no good, if we didn’t recommend where to shop from.
My personal favourite is Coco De Mer, the erotic emporium which hosts a variety of products from lingerie, oils and books to toys and accessories. I also really like Pleasure Chest, which is stateside -NY, LA, Chicago-as it stocks similar items and salons, and their staff are just great. Steph’s favourite is Shhh! in Hoxton Square, London, where she says the staff are really helpful and informative as well as showcasing samples of the toys. It depends on the experience you want-a group of girls usually find Ann Summers a haven for toys and games, which is great for those that want to have fun sex, rather than an erotic experience. It’s also a great place to take your man, as he won’t find it too intimidating. For those shysters amongst us-me included!- lovehoney.co.uk and exclusivelyeve.co.uk are brilliant, as they are really female orientated, but boys might prefer sextoys.co.uk which is more factual.

But no matter where you shop, or what you buy, be safe and only do what you feel comfortable with. Sassy AND Sorted!

If you have any questions, or even care to share, comment below!