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Taking your sex life to the next level can feel a little intimidating. In the name of science (and pleasure), we scoured the corners of the internet and consulted certified sex and relationship coach, Erica Lemke, and sexologist Carol Queen to fill in all of our sex-ed gaps with better-for-you recommendations. We tested all of these products ourselves, took excessive notes, and are sharing the ones that are worth your money.
Looking for more feel-good products? Check out our full list of Good For You Award winners here.
Toys
Best External Vibrator: Smile Makers The Ballerina
Unlike other clitoris stimulators, The Ballerina envelops the entire vulva at once for broad touch stimulation. It has six speeds and six dynamic pulsation modes. Plus, it’s waterproof, so you can take your solo playdate to the shower.
Best for Travel: Maude Vibe Mini
This mini vibrator is tiny, but mighty. It has five speeds and a flutter tip for precise and focused external stimulation. It’s very discreet and small enough to fit in your clutch or toiletry bag. This is a great option for beginners.
Best Handcuffs: Liebe Seele Handcuffs
There’s a reason these handcuffs are winners for the second year in a row. They’re made with a high-quality, supple leather that won’t rub or irritate your skin. They’re also fully adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of wrist sizes and won’t come apart or open unexpectedly.
Best Cock Ring: LBDO Loop
Cock rings aren’t just for…well, cocks. This ring from LBDO is a vibrating ring for both partners thanks to its unique, ergonomic design. It has a snug and flexible fit, with a flatter, wider side for vulva stimulation during penetration. It’s waterproof and whisper-quiet. And don’t even get us started on the gorgeous travel case it comes in.
Best Rabbit Vibrator: Lelo Soraya Wave™
We took a page from Charlotte York’s book and went on a hunt for a rabbit vibrator so good, it’s practically addicting. Enter: Lelo’s Soraya Wave, aka a luxe version of the popular multi-pronged vibe. It stimulates both internally and externally, and is covered in a silicone that is almost warm to the touch. Is it an investment? Yes. But is it worth it? Double yes.
Tools
Best Subscription Box: Arya Subscription
Remember those Liebe Seele handcuffs? Those are just one of the many tools and toys you could receive as an Arya Subscriber. After completing this free quiz, your dedicated concierge will send over a box every month with three items to help heat things up, along with guided interactive journeys built on science-backed techniques.
Best Massage Oil: Dame Massage Oil Candle
If you’re already lighting candles to set the mood, why not invest in one that doubles as massage oil? This one from Dame pools almost instantly, so you can get to the good part faster. It comes in three scents: Soft Touch (sandalwood), Melt Together (green tea, fig, and cedarwood), and Wild Lust (lime leaves and white peach). You’ll also appreciate the tiny spout on the rim for easier pours.
Best CBD Lube: Foria Awaken Arousal Oil with CBD
For an oil with a little more pizzazz, we recommend Foria’s CBD-infused arousal oil. The CBD won’t get you high, but it will help alleviate dryness, amplify the sense of touch, and support overall comfort. While it’s not compatible with latex condoms, it is safe for oral and manual play and can be reapplied as frequently as you’d like.
Best Pelvic Floor Massager: The Pelvic People’s Kiwi
Sometimes, it’s hard to get in the mood. That’s where Kiwi comes in. This vibrating pelvic relaxation massager is specifically and ergonomically designed to soothe muscle tension while stimulating you internally and externally. You can choose between a “buzzy” or a “rumbly” vibe, and rest easy knowing it was designed by pelvic health experts.
Best Drugstore Lube: K-Y Liquid Personal Lube
Our favorite no-frills lube has to be the K-Y’s. You can snag it at CVS, Amazon, or Target for longer-lasting pleasure that compliments your natural lubrication. It’s water-based for a lightweight, non-sticky feel and better glides. Better yet, it’s under $10.
Media & Games
Best Audio Erotica App: Quinn
We love the Quinn app for a variety of reasons: it’s woman-founded, LGBTQ-friendly, and focuses on healthy, consensual scenarios. You can even find a few of your favorite celebs-turned-audio creators, like Rob Rausch from the latest season of Traitors and Chris Briney from The Summer I Turned Pretty. Try it for a week completely free or sign up for under $10 a month.
Our Favorite Nonfiction Pick: Intimacy by Ita O’Brien
Intimacy can feel…complicated. For a little extra guidance, we turn to Intimacy by Ita O’Brien. It has over 300 pages dedicated to understanding desire, attachment and chemistry. O’Brien is known for her work as a coordinator for some of our favorite steamy scenes in on Normal People, Sex Education, and I May Destroy You.
Our Favorite Steamy Reads
We’re living in the golden age of romance novels. We’ve found that these steamy reads have opened up a whole new way to experience pleasure and fantasy, enhancing our own romantic lives in the process. Some of our favorite romance writers this year? Tessa Bailey, J.T. Geissinger, Rachel Reid, Nikki Payne, Ali Hazelwood, Bolu Babalola, Tia Williams, Elsie Silver, Kennedy Ryan, and the romance novella imprint 831 Stories. For more inspiration, check out our spicy reading list.
Best Date Night Activity: The Adventure Challenge
One of our favorite things about this card game is that it can be used by anyone, in any stage of their relationships. Whether you’re looking to spice up date nights with a long-term partner or connect on a deeper, more sensual level with someone new, this card deck will cultivate connection All you have to do is set aside one day or night with your partner, grab a coin, and let the scratch-off cards take care of the rest.
Best Conversation Starter: Love Talk
We’re never opposed to a good old fashioned round of the “questions” game, but if we’re talking awards, we hand ours to Love Talk. The 72-card deck is full of thought-provoking questions and prompts to connect with your partner and close friends on the deepest of levels. For more sex- and pleasure-focused prompts, we recommend Sex Talk. Psst…they even come with free condoms.
Menstruation
Best Tampons: Viv Organic Cotton Tampons
It’s actually criminal how many organic tampons come in the most uncomfortable cardboard applicators. Female-founded Viv found the solution. Their BPA-free applicators are ultra-smooth to glide in and the tampons themselves are absorbent, toxin-free, and made of 100% organic cotton. The result? A healthier, more Earth-friendly period. Because that’s what happens when you let women invent things.
Best Pads: Rael Pads
We love Rael pads for their heavy absorbency levels without making you feel like you’re wearing a diaper. They’re lightweight and breathable, with a sneaky Leak-Locker Technology to prevent overflow. They won’t budge and have been dermatologist-tested for irritation.
Best Period Underwear: Knix Period Underwear
For a pad that doesn’t feel like a pad at all, we turn to Knix’s period underwear. Not only are they made with high-quality fabric, but they can also absorb an entire night’s flow (up to 11 super tampons-worth) without leaking. They come in nearly every underwear style (thongs included) with varying levels of absorbency and a light compression that’s comforting, not restrictive.
Best Heating Pad: Geniani Electric Heating Pad
This heating pad lets you cycle through three heat levels while contouring to your every curve, plus it’s machine-washable. It’ll automatically shut off after two hours, so if you fall asleep, don’t sweat it. It’s great for menstrual cramps, backaches, sore muscles, or simply relaxing on the couch.
Best Cleansing Products: Salt XO Yonni pH Balancing Intimate Wash
Think of this balancing wash as an essential oil-powered cleanser for your vagina. The tea tree- and aloe-infused formula supports your natural pH levels and soothes irritation while eliminating odor-causing bacteria. If you’re someone who’s prone to dryness or yeast infections, this one’s a must.
Prenatal and Postnatal Care
Best Bra for Breastfeeding: Hatch Skin To Skin Bra
Any bra that doesn’t feel like a bra is an automatic win in our book, especially this second skin-like breastfeeding bra from Hatch. There’s zero metal or hardware, just a buttery smooth, stretchy Pima cotton fabric that’s fully machine-washable. Pro tip: Their stylist recommends measuring your chest instead of using your pregnancy bra size for a more accurate fit.
Best Peri Bottle: Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle
This upside down cleansing bottle is one of our most underrated postpartum selects. It’s super gentle for avoiding pain or irritation, and is small and portable enough to throw in your tote. It comes with a travel drawstring bag to keep it clean, too. No wonder hospitals and birth centers are always recommending it.
Best Underwear: Bodily Mesh Undies
These ultra-stretchy boyshorts may be one-size-fits-all, but you’ll think they were designed especially for you. You’ll feel supported without feeling squeezed or restricted. They even make wearing giant maxi pads easier and more comfortable.
Best Pregnancy Pillow: BabyBub Bub’s Maternity Pillow
We haven’t seen a pregnancy pillow like this one before. Its winged design helps support side sleeping by soothing back and hip pain while you snooze. Even the pickiest of sleepers love its adjustable length and the fact that it helps with pregnancy swelling.
Best Stretch Mark Oil: Hatch Belly Oil
All of the intense hydration, none of the greasy residue. That’s how we would describe Hatch’s Belly Oil in a nutshell. It’s quick-dry formula is rich with natural ingredients (like sweet almond oil and grapefruit oil) to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars. Not to mention it dries really, really fast.