Vibrators aren't a one size fits all, which is why it's important to know how to pick a vibrator that will work for you. Where to start? The materials!

I know, I know- we have all been to a sex shop or an online boutique and thought “what is that?” “How do you even use that?” Or “why is that made the way it is?”. For me, the first time I went into a sex shop, I felt the environment to be a little threatening- I had heard all about the glory of vibrators, but the first thing I saw when I walked in was a giant, purple hand and arm used for fisting. It wasn’t exactly an “ah ha” moment, but the lovely woman at the counter walked me through the various options I had to start my relationship with toys.

In this blog, I want to specifically touch on personal massagers and vibrators, which are the most commonly used toys for women. There are literally thousands of options when it comes to choosing one, so it’s best you learn a little about what materials they are made of. When looking at what a toy is made of, some key things is that is is medical grade, body safe, easy to sanitize, and non-porous!

Internal or External Vibrator?

In general, you will find that most products are for internal or external stimulation, or both! Vibrators are primarily used for clitoral stimulation, while dildos are primarily used for vaginal stimulation. Dildos can still vibrate, and the primary use of vibrators are to promote blood flow and stimulation to the erectile tissue in the clitoris.

Some toys, like the We-Vibe Nova 2 from Peepshow Toys, have a curved vibrating mechanism along with an exterior vibrator, providing full internal and external stimulation of the G spot and clitoris (will review this product on its own). Remember, the clitoris has over 8,000 nerve endings- and a vibrator can help stimulate them all. Non-vibrating massagers can still be used to stimulate the clitoris and vagina by applying pressure and rhythm- its a slower, yet extremely satisfying process that I recommend trying before incorporating a vibrating toy.

Plastics (ABS), Lucites, and Acrylic Vibrators

Toys made out of these materials are a great options because they are non-porous and can be used with any lubricant (silicone toys cannot be combined with silicone based lubes). Although these toys are harder to the touch, they transmit vibrations well given that they are of high quality. Low quality Plastic or Acrylic toys will dull out any vibrations from personal experience. These toys can tend to feel cold to the touch, and can definitely be fun for temperature play. High quality toys in these materials are also very easy to clean, although i do not recommend boiling them!  

100% Medical Grade Silicone

Do your research on the toys you’re purchasing with silicone. You could be buying cheap stuff that isn’t medical grade, and in order for it to be “silicone” labeled  it only needs 10% silicone in the product.... which can leave room for other harmful materials. Getting 100% high quality silicone is essential since the product will be durable and not container phthalates (chemicals added to soften plastics), and are only made of high grade polymers. As well as plastics, 100% silicone is also non-porous and is considered hypoallergenic. What’s nice about silicone toys is that they can actually retain heat, feel more realistic (like penis replicas and such), and usually do a better job of transmitting and feeling vibrations.

Easy to clean, you can actually sterilize silicone products without harming them. Make sure to ALWAYS use a water based lubricant with a silicone product- silicone lubricants will actually eat away at silicone products, and could leave you at risk for a reaction. Some high quality retailers claim that their products can handle silicone lube, but i choose to play it safe and keep my toys in shape! 

Glass and Metal

Glass and metal toys have always been such an amazement to me, since I have always love vibrators for the their power! Glass and Metal massagers are one of the safest toys you can use, since they are hypoallergenic, non-porous, and you can use them with any type of lubricant. These are the easiest to clean and sterilize, and most likely have the longest life out of all your toys.

I find that most glass or metal massagers come at an angle or curved in order to stimulate the G spot in a way that can’t be done through intercourse with a penis (fingers can achieve this curve). The biggest pro to glass/metal toys? Heat them in hot water or stick them in the fridge for some temperature play- the build up for climax may be slower than a vibrator, but it’s a slower and more focused sexual experience. 

Very rarely, you'll find metal toys that have vibration added to them like L'Acier Vibrators. 

Don't be cheap when buying a vibrator!

When shopping around for a toy, you may be inclined to get something on the low end of the price spectrum- and let me tell you, you get what you pay for. Cheap toys will usually break before or after a few uses, will be made with cheap and dangerous materials/chemicals (which you are putting on your vulva or in your vagina), and usually have very weak power, not to mention.... damage easily.

When I was younger, i bought a $20 vibrator from the brand Neon, which i found inside a mall at Spencer’s. It was made of a hard, tacky plastic. When turned on, you could barely feel the vibrations, and it broke after 3 uses + was very hard to clean. Now take for example my 90$ vibrating wand I use nearly everyday- it is high quality silicone, rechargeable, easy to clean, and it’s not dying anytime soon! When you invest in your pleasure, a few amazing toys is all you will need for incredible self pleasure or toy play.

Peepshow Toys has the largest variety of external, internal, or dual vibrators in a variety of price ranges that don't sacrifice quality. You can use code "JULIETA" for 10% off your order!