In a rut after quarantine? A little ‘self-care’ could go a long way toward boosting your spirits – and your immune system. Face masks and hand sanitizer weren’t the only things selling well over the past two years — retailers across the world say sales of sex toys have spiked up to about 200%, as people look to self-pleasure as a new form of self-care.
According to an industry report, respondents claim that masturbating is one the most “stress-relieving activities” they can do. The report found that more than 80 percent of respondents use masturbation as a form of self-care — up from just 54 percent five years ago — with 71 percent saying they found that sexual pleasure (whether solo or not) helped them “feel better” during the quarantine.
Studies say a little self-pleasure could also benefit us in other areas as well. Research has shown that the release of oxytocin could help to strengthen our immune systems. We already know that masturbation can help increase libido and energy, but according to a study by German researchers, men who masturbated to orgasm were also able to increase their white-blood-cell count. Conclusions remain to be drawn, but the study does offer a little more incentive to do a little corona-related caressing. To help you, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular devices and accessories that people are buying right now.
1. Ella Paradis Better Love Rabbit Lily
This unisex vibrator features 10 different speeds and dual motors. Turn it up for a more intense experience, or keep the vibrations slow and smooth, depending on your mood. Either way, it stays super quiet. The Rabbit Lily is 100 percent waterproof and features a soft silicone tip that can be inserted up to four inches deep.
2. We-Vibe Chorus
Designed for couples, this vibrator offers dual stimulation with more than 10 different modes. The vibrator is super soft and flexible, to adapt to the different curves and crevices in your body. The touch-sensitive remote reacts to human touch. The harder you squeeze, the more intense the vibrations.
3. TENGA Easy Beat Eggs
Designed by the Japanese firm, TENGA, these eggs are all uniquely textured inside for a more heightened masturbatory experience. “Crack” the egg open and slide it over your shaft to enjoy a surprisingly arousing sensation. This six-pack contains six different suction styles, from “wavy” to “tornado.”
4. LELO SONA 2 Cruise
A uniquely shaped device designed for clitoral stimulation, the SONA 2 offers gentle waves that ripple along the body both inside and out. A wider surface area and large mouth provides plenty of options for play, while the silicone absorbs the sonic waves and transmits them back to your clitoris, for a deeper yet gentle sensation. The harder you press it against your body, the more powerful the stimulation.
5. Ella Paradis Better Love Stella
Brought to you by Ella Paradis and StyleCaster, Stella is the hottest clitoral stimulator this season. Compact, stylish, and oh-so-smooth, Stella’s soft silicone tongue flicks with 10 different speeds. It’s also laced up with mini silicone nubs around the head, which lightly reverberate vibes all around. It’s compact size makes it great for packing up for trips, or keeping beside your bed. Stella is also waterproof and USB rechargeable — so you can shower a little longer.
6. LELO TOR 2
This vibrating ring is worn by men but enhances pleasure for both partners. With six different settings and a snug (but not too tight) fit, the vibrator gently titillates while helping to control his orgasm, for longer sessions in bed. Take it out of the bedroom too — the Tor 2 is 100 percent waterproof, making it a great toy for the shower or tub.
7. Better Love Tap Dancer
One of the most popular sex toys on the market, this unique vibrator targets your most sensitive areas, adding a special “suction” sensation in addition to pulsating sonic waves (there are six different modes in total). A single charge gets you up to 70 minutes of continuous use. It’s also fully waterproof so you can use it in the shower or tub. The portable massager is ergonomically designed to fit in the palm of your hand for comfortable and safe handling, whether you want to get a quickie in during your morning shower, or plug it in to last all night.
8. Club Vibe 3.OH Hero
From the popular sex-tech brand, OhMiBod, this “Club Vibe 3.OH” vibrator reacts to ambient sounds and sends a corresponding wave pattern that “grooves” and pulsates to music and noise. You can also choose from five pre-set pulsations or use “tease” mode, which lets you or a partner manually control the sensations with the included wireless remote. The mushroom-shaped head is designed to stimulate the prostate. A single charge gets you up to an hour of play.
9. Tilt Dual Vibration Warming Plug
Unlike a vibrator, which you need to control with your hands at all times, this vibration plug stays put once inserted, freeing your hands up to roam. The sculpted design helps it slide into all the right places, while the warming technology heats the device to just above body temperature (about 104 degrees), to simulate the feeling of having a partner next to you (or inside you).
This warming plug is designed for everyone too, simultaneously stimulating the G-spot and clitoris, or the P-spot and perineum.
10. Hide & Play Lipstick Vibrator
Even if you’re not the adventurous type, everybody should at least keep one of these lipstick vibrators on-hand, whether for self-pleasure or couples play. Either way, the discreet lipstick-sized device delivers a lot of punch for its package. Get eight vibration settings through the uniquely-angled tip. It’s waterproof too. Use this while you’re stuck at home for awhile, then slip it into your cosmetics kit or toiletry bag to take with you on your next trip, once we’re finally allowed out again.
Do you own any of these products already? Let us know what your experiences with them have been like in the comments below.
