When I first heard of Zestra Essential Arousal Oils I felt a little skeptical.  I’ve tried a kajillion of these different types of  “arousal” creams and jellies in the past, and I’ve never been terribly impressed.  You put it on your netherbelows, wait a few minutes, and BLAMO!  You are a raging sex kitten.

Um,

yeah.

That crap has never worked for me.  The only thing I’ve ever felt was a little tingling, but nothing more than that–no BLAMO! No sex kitten. However,  I was willing to give Zestra a try because it’s a little bit different from the other stuff that’s out there..

Here’s what it says on their website:

Recommended by doctors, Zestra® is a safe, natural, easy-to-apply blend of botanical oils and extracts that works by heightening a woman’s sense of touch. So you feel more during sex. Experience the Zestra Rush™ within minutes the first time — and every time — you use it.

Zestra is a safe, patented blend of botanicals oils and extracts, created to help women feel more — effortlessly. Topically applied Zestra works within minutes by heightening your sensitivity to touch – for deep, pleasurable sensations, sexual satisfaction and fulfillment.

After applying Zestra to the clitoris and labia, the effects – the Zestra Rush^™ – begin for most women within 3 to 5 minutes and last for up to 45 minutes.

It’s even gotten attention from Good Morning America, The View, The New York Times, Tyra, Rachel Ray, and even Dr. Oz, so it must be good!

After doing a little research and reading the ingredients list (Borage Seed oil, Evening Primrose oil, Angelica Extract, Coleus Forskohill Extract, Theobromine, Anti-Oxidants, and flavor) I could tell it was pretty harmless, so I was excited to give it whirl!

We tore open the packet and it immediately started rolling and spilling out.  So the first impression was that it is very thin, watery, and silky. For that reason I think the pump bottle version is probably the best way to go since the packet is a little messy and some of the stuff gets wasted.  It does not appear to be dark, but it could potentially leave an oil stain on certain colors of sheets, similar to any oil or silicone based fluid.

Since the packet said it had “flavor” in it, we tasted it.  It’s pretty light and non-descript.  It almost tastes like wax lips.  Kinda sweet and subtle. The scent is light and pleasant and also pretty hard to pin down. It did leave a bit of a tingly sensation on the lips and tongue.

Next, I mashed Zestra into my girl area.  My husband has a problem with my use of the word “mash,” so we’ll just say we “gently massaged” it in, but the truth is, I really just mashed it in there because the baby was taking a nap and we had an unpredictable amount of time to get the job done.  Also, it had been a while since we had Sexy Time and I was anxious to get the party started.

Mash or not, the stuff started to burn a little bit almost right away.  I think the product literature describes it as a “gentle warming.” I’ll leave the final determination up to you, as I’m sure different people will have different sensations. In my case, I’d call it a “burning” rather than a “warming,” but make no mistake–it is a good thing, and it doesn’t hurt at all.  It’s a nice kind of burning, but I was a bit underwhelmed.  I waited for my “Zestra Rush” to come, but it never did.  The clock was ticking, so we started doing our thing anyway and ho-lee-shit!

There it was.

It wasn’t so much of a rush like all-of-a-sudden, but I could tell right away that it made my clitoris way more sensitive.  In fact I nearly exploded as soon as my husband touched me there.  It was amazing!  It FELT amazing! Zestra really did increase my sensitivity, which I would describe as low-to-average normally.

Now, it did not turn me into a wanton sex kitten, so I would say that my desire and/or libido was unaffected. That said, it did make sex even more pleasurable than usual and the memory of that will most certainly make me more enthusiastic for the next time.  So, in that way, Zestra can potentially help you become more interested in sex because it just plain feels better. It also might have a more systemic effect once it’s been used more often, but I can’t speak to that… yet. Although the product literature states you should apply it five or ten minutes before intercourse, I found the effects to be quite long-lasting, even up to an hour or more, so it’s possible that it could be used as more of an aphrodisiac by applying it earlier than that, to “get the juices flowing.”

From the other side of the table, my husband reported that he felt some “tingly” effects on his dangly bits. Also he noted that his erection did not seem to subside quite as much during his “recovery” period immediately following–a fact I could corroborate. In fact, he said that he could still “feel something” going on an hour after the first exposure, and that first exposure was only by secondary contact through me. For a while it even looked like we might have a lot more fun, but sure enough life butted in in the form of a waking, crying baby and even those most enticing plans had to be scrapped. Maybe next time! The little packets will be kept close at hand until then…

Treat yourself to Zestra at Amazon

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Post from: Toy With Me

Zestra Arousal Oils – It Felt Amazing!

You decide to go for a walk in the rain but don’t intend to bring an umbrella. Make sense? No? So why would you embark upon a sensual session with your favorite toy without the accompaniment to amp it up to optimal? I know you don’t want to stop your va va voom short at va va! Neither did I. When I read the label of Astroglide, I was quite sure I had found my voom.

I knew from experience that in addition to making natural or condom play more comfortable for both parties, lubricant can also intensify stimulation to infinity. So I had built-in expectations for my next lube of choice, but wanted one that would exceed them. Something light, natural feeling, non-irritating and hassle-free. I concede, I can tend to be about aesthetics. I’ll blame it on instinct. The first thing I liked about Astroglide is the vibrant packaging that mimics the body’s contours with a sleek curving bottle in shades of my favorite purple and sexy red. It made me want to get flexible also if you know what I mean.

But inside the tantalizing shell is what won Astroglide my vote. It’s moisturizing, and it’s super light, designed to be virtually indistinguishable from the vagina’s natural lubricant. (Yes, sometimes she needs a bit of help due to age, antihistamines, decongestants, and low estrogen levels from pregnancy, menopause, premenopause, menstrual cycle changes, or contraceptives). I like slick! The slicker the better … Astroglide is a “super slick” long-lasting formula. And I appreciate that it comes from a reputable source. Since 1991, the innovative Bio Film Inc. has been among the globe’s pack leaders in high quality lube sales, and they concoct it in a FDA-registered facility with strict in-house quality procedures. That’s good stuff.

Being water-based gives Astroglide a leg up (wee!) in the versatility department, as, unlike silicone, I can use it with silicone toys. My first date with Astroglide was to help me review the JimmyJane Form 6 vibrator. Coming out of the bottle it was a bit stringy, but being water-based it didn’t stay that way. My vibe felt smooth as butter after its Astro-rubdown. Inside me it felt slick and moisturizing. It made inserting my Form 6′s larger end a slippery, stimulating delight. Even this long-lasting formula didn’t last long enough (maybe I’m the real Energizer Bunny!) and water-based lube dries and gets tacky. But a quick reapplication from my curvy purple friend got me re-slipified. Another perk of water-based lube is easy clean-up because its water soluble. Score!

Astroglide is available to purchase at Eden Fantasys

Ins and Outs

Out

• – Slightly stringy coming out of the bottle but does smooth out.
• – Dries and feels tacky, but just reapply.

In

• - No pesky irritants to ruin play.
• - Leaves zero residue and cleans easily with water.
• - Gives sensuality and pleasure a giant lift!
• - Lubricant plus moisturizer. I love 2-for-1.

Features

• - Promotes safe sex! Condom friendly.
• - Odorless. No distractions in the schnoz department.
• - Neutral taste. Unless you’re giving me flavors, give me nothing!
• - Handy squeeze bottle.
• - Toy compatible. Come out and play!

Astroglide is available to purchase at Eden Fantasys

Post from: Toy With Me

I Get Wet – Astroglide Liquid Lubricant

Possibly related goodness:

1. Liquid Silk Lubrication
2. Using Lubrication
3. ID GLide Lubrication

I feel pampered just by hearing the word “silk.” We’ve all run our fingers across the smooth, soft, exotic fabric form of this rich gift from China. Now imagine that silken sensation being massaged across your body, ambling down to your erogenous zones where it will catapult your sexual experience through the roof. If you don’t know it yet, I am a lubricant advocate all the way. I find great comfort and pleasure quite literally in lube with my play, be it with a vibrator, dildo, or my partner’s built-in attribute. The name Liquid Silk itself made me want to bask in a dollop or two of this luxury lube.

So I paid my respects at babeland.com and grabbed a sample size for a buck. Bodywise makes Liquid Silk, as well as Maximus lube, and adheres to the most rigid health and safety guidelines. Not to mention that the company randomly selects and analyzes a sample of its lube from each of its product runs. I was ready to discover if this exceptional quality lube of a lovely name could get down to serious business and slide me into orgasmic orbit.

The first feature I simply must mention about Liquid Silk is that although it’s the wonderfully versatile water-based variety that is compatible with all sex toys, it has proven to me through experience that it’s also delightfully non-tacky. This is far from your normal find in the world of water-based lubes. You usually have to stop progress to reapply this type of lube as it dries and wants to stick to things you don’t want stuck. Another nod to this lube: it conditions the skin, leaving it supple and toned, so it’s ideal for intimate massage as well as the foreplay you know you deserve on the way to extremely intense intercourse a la Liquid Silk.

Engineered to the point of amazing, this luxurious lube is touch sensitive and designed to reduce the risk of skin breakage. It’s also formulated to be bio-static, meaning it will stop the spread of bacteria, yeast infection or fungal spores. Bodywise satisfies any lube appetite by offering Liquid Silk in a variety of sizes: pump bottle, squeeze bottle, and individual sachets. You read it hear: this lube is my personal favorite, and definitely scores the throne on my luxury lube shelf!

Liquid Silk is available to purchase at Babeland.

Ins and Outs

Out

• Tastes bitter. Keep wipes handy for areas of the buffet you may want to sample.

In

• The name says it all. “Liquid Silk” is exactly how I would describe it.
• Non-tacky unusual and awesome for a water-based lube.
• Can use with any and all toys. Such liberation!

Specs

• Comes in varying sizes and dispensers.
• Squeeze bottle, pump bottle or single use.

Features

• Formulated to be bio-static.
• Wonderful skin conditioner too!

Liquid Silk is available to purchase at Babeland.

Post from: Toy With Me

Liquid Silk Lubrication

Possibly related goodness:

1. I Get Wet – Astroglide Liquid Lubricant
2. ID GLide Lubrication
3. Using Lubrication

To be sure, Mother Nature gets five stars for our body’s power to turn on the juices when we get turned on, but sometimes our natural lubrication isn’t enough to make us friction free. While its functional side relieves vaginal dryness, comforts anal play and helps keep condoms from breaking, lubricant also brings a heightened sensitivity to sex, to which you’ll find no objection from me.

Let your choice of the perfect lube be determined by your wants and needs. The lubricant market is generous indeed, giving us an abundance of types to enjoy. I will give you the low down on the two most popular ways to go down low.

(Note that while oil lubricant is also delightful for sexy slathering, save it for sensual massages. It destroys latex rubber condoms and is not to be used internally or with toys of any material).

Ahh, Silicone

The handy substance that gets credit for some of my most treasured toys also makes for a lubricant that can hold its own. Though more expensive than its counterparts, you get more mileage out of less. A modest dollop keeps going and going, won’t dry up, and repels water, so you can indulge in some slippery aquatic erotica. Silicone is condom safe and less likely to cause an allergic reaction than other types of lube. My two negatives are its capacity to stain sheets and tendency to offend the taste buds. Clean-up requires soap and water, but a little good hygiene never hurt anyone.

Water water everywhere

I like the fact that water-based lubricant comes in varying consistencies, so I can choose the density I want. Water lube is also cost efficient and low maintenance (according to my husband, the opposite of me). You can treat yourself to a candy store of flavours, and even kindle a little fire in the hole with the warming variety. It’s condom compatible and doesn’t usually stain sheets. But, like water, it dries up, so pardon its interruption when you need to reapply. It becomes tacky as it dries so mind where you place yourself if you don’t want to stick. (Just kidding! Reapplication restores its slickness, or you can keep a damp washcloth nearby to clean before round 2).

With or without toys, the right lube and the right mood give your mind and body the freedom to slip slide away.

Post from: Toy With Me

Using Lubrication

Possibly related goodness:

1. ID GLide Lubrication
2. Liquid Silk Lubrication
3. I Get Wet – Astroglide Liquid Lubricant

Ten minutes in to what was supposed to be a quick stop online before I dash off to the gym, and I’m still scrolling back and forth in front of search results for lubricant, riddled with indecision. Since when are there nearly as many brands of lube as there are of breakfast cereal? As my vision begins to blur in a pathetic state of confusion, a bright blue bottle catches my eye. Its wavy design soothes my frayed nerves, and the bright white lettering is a beacon announcing the enticing words “glide,” “long-lasting,” and, wait, does that actually say “doctor recommended?” I guess I’ll be a good girl and follow doctor’s orders. Off to the check-out with my ID Glide.

No, lubricant isn’t absolutely necessary for sex to be wonderful, but it sure can make a capital out of that w. While you know, or will soon, that I think reviewing toys is no less than the cat’s meow, test driving lube is a ride on a whole other highway. When you add lubricant to the party, buckle your seat belt baby, because you’re going the extra mile.

Although I can’t say I’ve met a lube that didn’t do me right, I do fancy water-based because it’s easy to clean and non-staining. And while I’d be the first to tout a new brand if it’s earned a nod by living up to my demanding standards, I find a certain comfort in the well-established lines. ID Glide is the brainchild of the leading maker of personal lubricants, Westridge Laboratories, Inc., that’s been in the lube biz since 1993. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve these kind folks, but we’re not just talking about lube to kick vaginal dryness to the curb … the clever little buggers at Westridge design lubes specifically to make sexual sensation skyrocket.

Delivery day arrives and so does my hard-sought bottle of ID Glide. I ponder my options. My recently christened Iris dildo was beckoning, and I thought it rude to disobey. This was going to give a whole new meaning to watering the flowers. I popped the top in giddy anticipation, but was sure to not be greedy … a little ID goes a long way. Glide indeed; my incredibly slippery superhero was fighting friction instantly, giving my Iris the green light to cruise effortlessly across my clitoris and in and out of me. Even with a seat belt, I was going to need an air bag.

And how, might you ask, can a girl be basking in the midst of such slick and stimulating delight and still be able to control her own destiny? I pleasantly discovered that my ID Glide lets me pace my own progress to the great and powerful O.

ID Glide is available at Eden Fantasys

Ins and Outs

Out
- Water dries and so does water-based lube, becoming sticky en route. But reapplication restores its wonderfulness.

In
- Clear. I like color as much as the next gal, but I don’t need it going places where it shouldn’t.

- Neutral taste. And they mean neutral. If you’ve ever had a mouthful of “unflavored” foul tasting lube, ’nuff said.
- Virtually odorless. No chemical or antiseptic smells here my friend.
- Don’t need to use much at a time. Two things I support: conservation and getting my money’s worth.
- Water soluble. Water cleans water, and water-based lube won’t stain those satin sheets.

Features
- Hypoallergenic. Remember, it’s “doctor recommended!”
- Condom safe. Not all lubes are created condom equal.
- Can be used with toys. Makes friends with latex and plastic.
- Squeeze bottle. Give me easy application when I’m trying to get my groove on.
- Award winning and rated #1 by the U.S. edition of Men’s Health Magazine.

ID Glide is available at Eden Fantasys

Post from: Toy With Me

ID GLide Lubrication

Possibly related goodness:

1. Liquid Silk Lubrication
2. Using Lubrication
3. I Get Wet – Astroglide Liquid Lubricant