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With Valentine’s Day just ahead, there’s never been a better time to show yourself some self-love. So run to Target, load up your cart with chocolates and stuffed animals, and hell, throw in a rose sex toy while you’re at it, too. It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without some form of flowers, right?
The rose sex toy has a pretty iconic shape, so you’ve probably seen or at least heard of it. But just in case you’re new to sex toys, we asked Javay Frye-Nekrasova, MEd, Sex Educator at Lovehoney, to share what you’ll need to know before buying one.
“The rose sex toy is a Pleasure Air toy that is designed in the shape of a rose,” she says. “It offers a suction sensation and is designed for clitoral stimulation and can also be used for nipple stimulation. It can help people achieve both clitoral and nipple orgasms.”
Whether you plan to use the toy alone or with a partner, the rose toy is good for everyone because it can be used for different areas of the body. “It is particularly a great choice for people with vulvas as it is designed for clitoral stimulation,” Nekrasova adds. “The rose toy might be a good idea for you if you are looking for a toy that doesn’t look like your typical sex toy, making a cute addition to your nightstand, or for those who are a fan of toys that are a little kitschy or campy.”
Now, you’re probably wondering how to use it. Nekrasova recommends using the toy with lube, either directly on the body or onto the opening of the toy. Then, place the toy directly over the clitoris or to the side, if you find direct stimulation overwhelming. Once you turn on the toy, it will start the suction/Pleasure Air function. Depending on your mood, you can then change the intensity to be stronger or less intense.
“The biggest thing to be careful about is the lube you are using with the toy,” she warns. “Since it is a silicone toy, you are going to want to make sure that you use water-based or hybrid lube.”
To clean the toy, Nekrasova suggests using toy cleaner or a mild, unscented hand soap. “You are going to cover the toy with cleaner and scrub the crevices to be sure to get any dried fluids and bacteria. Also, be sure to clean inside the opening where the clitoris/nipple goes,” she says. “Rinse the toy in warm water, and then you can dry it with a towel or let it air dry. In terms of care, be sure not to leave your toy on the charger for extended amounts of time after it is fully charged as this can damage the battery.”
