Life

12 Sex Toys That Porn Stars & Sex Coaches Swear By
by Shayna Murphy

Finding sex toys that work for you can seem daunting if you’re not sure where to begin. So, what better place to start than the experts? I got in touch with a variety of knowledgeable sources and found the sex toys experts swear by — including intimacy coaches, sexologists, and sex performers.

"Some of the biggest challenges couples face when exploring adult toys for the first time is first and foremost the fear of the unknown, which cuts off the conversation before it even begins," says Davia Frost, a certified sex and intimacy coach. But according to Frost, because sex toys can also help create more intimacy within relationships, couples who start using them together are really in for a treat.

And whether or not you're coupled up, there are certain recommended products that can take you from sex toy novice to an expert yourself. From strap-ons to fun-filled solo play and everything that comes in between, trying out toys can be a great way to find new pleasures and get to know your body a bit more. If you’re eager to try some out, consider these recommendations from sex educators and performers for the best toys that'll get the job done.

1

Heighten Your Senses With A Satin Blindfold

MUQU Blindfold Fetish Eye Mask, $8, Amazon

Exploring sex toys for the first time with your partner? A pair of satin blindfolds like this may be the way to go. "Blindfolds are a great method for couples to overcome fear or anxiety about using adult toys for the first time," says Frost. "Taking away one sense heightens the others in a very liberating way." This one is easy to untie, and can be used as handcuffs or restraints as well as an eye mask.

2

A Gateway To A Whole New Vibe

Wowyes Rabbit Vibrator, $46, Amazon

When it comes to sex toys, there's a lot to choose from. According to sex educator Daniel Saynt, it's important to start off slow though. "I'd strongly suggest starting with the basics," says Saynt. "Try not to go [from] zero to a gimp suit. Consider vibrators and dildos as your gateway...smaller toys are always less intimidating to begin with." As such, a silicone, multi-speed rabbit vibrator like this could be a good entry point. It's water-resistant, too.

3

This C-Ring For Penile, Clitoral, And Testicular Stimulation

Doc Johnson Wonderland Heavenly Heart C-Ring, $16, Amazon

When trying toys with a partner, communication is key. "Creating an open dialogue that leaves space for questions and concerns is paramount to overcoming any trepidation that someone may have with the use of a sex toy," says Megan Stubbs, a sexologist and sex educator. When you're trying out new toys, Stubbs recommends this cock ring from Doc Johnson. "Its size makes it unobtrusive and can benefit both partners. Powered by a bullet vibrator, the shape of the toy provides clitoral stimulation during penetration and the c-ring helps the erection strength. You could also 180 the c-ring and use it to stimulate the testicles as well."

4

Try The World's Smartest Pleasure Toy

Tantriss Umie, $150, Amazon

For long distance couples, staying connected can be difficult, but smart vibrators like the Umie help lovers make the most of their time apart. With the Umie, users get an "app-controlled luxury G-spot toy that allows for users to be anywhere in the world and completely customize their partners experience from warming the toy up for them, syncing the vibrations to the beat of their favorite playlist, shake mode, voice-control to bring sexy talk to whole next level experience, as well as ramping up the speed to a powerful but pleasurably juicy level," says Frost. "This app even allows you to draw a specific vibe sequence for their lover."

5

A True Classic Never Goes Out Of Style

Magic Wand Massager with Wand Essentials, $60, Amazon

Toys for long term couples can add fresh new experiences to the bedroom, says Chellie, an adult film performer and certified holistic wellness coach. "It's a way to explore new sensations together and better understand one another's physical and psychological triggers." One of the most popular toys that she recommends is this classic wand, which features two vibrating massage speeds. "The classic Hitachi Magic Wand is never a disappointment!"

6

This Ultra-Bendable Smart Vibrator That Adapts To Your Body Shape

MysteryVibe Crescendo, $180, Amazon

Looking to get creative? Perhaps you might be interested in trying this flexible vibrator, which can be positioned into whichever shape you want — great for solo play. "[MysteryVibe Crescendo] can go from a G-spot toy or a toy that can be used during oral sex," says Frost. "The great thing is that it stays put in any position that you put it in for a completely hands-free experience. It has six individual motors that can be controlled separately, which brings another way to controlling your pleasure. MysteryVibe is another great app-controlled toy that allows you to really customize and edit how it vibrates. The app also is a tech lover's dream, there is even wireless charging, which just ices the cake!"

7

A Beginner Kit For Anyone Who Want To Explore Strap-Ons

Tantus Bend Over Beginner Kit, $62, Amazon

"Sex toys are a great way to learn new things about your partner; something that all great couples know is a never-ending journey," says Angela Wells, founder and CEO of Vibrant Inc., a sex toy retail and educational site. Wells recommends this beginner strap-on set. "[The] Bend Over Beginner Kit by Tantus is perfect for couples experimenting with harnesses and strap-ons for the first time. It comes with a harness, two flexible dildos plus a bullet vibrator."

8

This Flashlight-Sized Masturbator For Intense Solo Play

Fleshlight Stamina Training Unit, $70, Amazon

"Your sex life needs to be constantly evolving. It's a journey, not a destination," says Saynt. Whether you're single or coupled up, solo play can be a great way to continue exploring, and Saynt recommends this flashlight-length masturbator, which features a soft, skin-like canal, for those who want penile stimulation and are eager to improve stamina and have more intense orgasms.

9

This Cock Ring That Delivers The Perfect Fit

Perfect Fit Armour Up Sport, $17, Amazon

Anyone looking for penile stimulation may also want to consider this clear cock ring, which is perfect for prolonging erections and intensifying orgasms. According to Chellie, this is an especially great choice for couples because it "creates intense sensation, swelling and hardening of the penis beyond normal."

10

Adjust Positions For Incredible Orgasms

Liberator Jaz Positioning Pillow, $50, Amazon

Drive the right kind of wedge between you and your partner with this positioning pillow, which "allows for extra height and the best angle for deeper penetration, G-spot stimulation or prostate stimulation during sexual intercourse," says Frost. This pillow also features a removable and washable cover, making for easy cleanup afterward.

11

Get In Sync With This Innovative Couples Vibrator

We-Vibe Sync Adjustable Couples Vibrator, $124, Amazon

There tons of couples vibrators that can really help partners get into the same groove, no matter how far apart they are. "Technology has made long-distance pleasure easier than ever," says Wells. But We-Vibe Sync is a terrific option because it's "a wearable vibrator that can be controlled by an app, no matter how far you are. Once you’re back together, try it as a wearable vibrator that can be worn during sex." It also targets G-spot and clitoral stimulation, and features customizable vibration.

12

This Totally Unique, Egg-Shaped Masturbator

Tenga Egg Stepper (6 Pack), $37, Amazon

"Bringing in toys helps you discover new ways to get your partner off and every couple should be thinking about achieving their ultimate level of pleasure through constant discovery," says Saynt. Whether you're looking for solo play or you enjoy mutual masturbation with your partner, this egg-shaped male masturbator could be an excellent toy to have in your arsenal. Small, disposable and featuring a penis-hugging sleeve that expands to fit all sizes, this toy is one that Saynt recommends for anyone looking for penile stimulation.

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