Lelo intimate lifestyle products reviewed

BACK in the late nineties I bought my first vibrator – a ‘Rampant Rabbit’: a phallus-shaped vibrator with a clitoral stimulant in the shape of rabbit ears that was louder than a concrete mixing truck. Thanks to the girls on TV series ‘Sex and the City’ vibrators became more openly acceptable – fashionable, even – and sales of the Rabbit shot into the stratosphere.

Move over Rabbit, Lelo’s dual-action ‘Soraya’ (£129) from their recently-launched ‘Insignia’ range is my ‘intimate massager’ of choice. Beautiful to look at, this sculpture-inspired vibrator wouldn’t look out of place in a Henry Moore exhibition.

To be honest, I was never keen on it. For starters, it was hardly discreet. It only had a couple of speeds and it looked a bit, well, childish. I wanted sleek and sexy, not something that resembled a deviant Fisher-Price toy – which is where Lelo step in.

Founded in 2003, Lelo is the creation of a talented Swedish triumvirate consisting of two industrial designers and one engineer. After attempting to buy a 40^th birthday present for the woman who ‘had it all’, they realised there was a niche in the market for beautifully designed, high-quality pleasure objects and, in particular, luxury intimate massagers. Rather than cut corners and scrimp on research or material, they focussed on producing body-safe products and drew their inspiration from the fashion and beauty industries. Their avant-garde approach and mid-to-premium price range has since attracted those with a strong sexual integrity and keen eye for design – which is exactly what I love about their products.

Move over Rabbit, Lelo’s dual-action ‘Soraya’ (£129) from their recently-launched ‘Insignia’ range is my ‘intimate massager’ of choice. Beautiful to look at, this sculpture-inspired vibrator wouldn’t look out of place in a Henry Moore exhibition. But don’t be fooled by its good looks. Beneath its FDA-approved silicone, fully-waterproofed cover (waterproof down to one metre... don’t ask) lie eight adjustable stimulation modes which provide up to four hours of (fully-rechargeable) pleasure. Best of all, it’s near silent.

I like the fact that once you’ve found your favourite setting you can slow it down or speed it up accordingly... and let me tell you, the combinations are damn good. One particular mode had me in hysterics and left me wondering how something so sylph-like could summon up such a thunderous vibration.

Thing is, as soon as you see the luxurious packaging you know you’re in for a treat. It comes with a satin storage pouch, one-year warranty, and a country-specific charger. But what tickled me most (apart from the clitoral stimulator) was the silver Insignia brooch. A masturbation badge – who’d have thought it? Still, I think there’s something to be said for the woman who’s confident enough to flaunt the fact she pleasures herself.

And in case you’re wondering why I’m referring to them as ‘pleasure objects’ rather than ‘sex toys’, it’s because Lelo coined the term. It actually makes a lot of sense (at least to me). In my previous article titled ‘Intimate lifestyle products reviewed’ (read here) I mentioned a book called ‘Sex for One’ by Betty Dodson about masturbation. Thing is, if you’re alone with your vibrator, I’d say it’s a pleasurable experience you’re seeking. But you can call it having sex with yourself if you prefer. And if you’ve never had an orgasm I suggest you a buy a copy of Ms Dodson’s book to help you on your way.

I’ve also had the great satisfaction of trying Lelo’s ‘Flickering Touch Massage Oil’ in Spicy Clove and Amber (£24.90) which smells and feels sensational. Their exquisite ‘Vanilla & Crème de Cacao Flickering Touch Massage Candle’ (£19.90), however, is my favourite. Admittedly I can’t get enough of massage candles at the moment, so to be able to team their offering with one of their ‘Intima Silk Blindfolds’ (£39) and a ‘Tantra Feather Teaser’ (£16) and let’s just say you have the perfect ingredients for a delicious weekend away.

After several weeks trialling Lelo’s goodies I’ve been deeply impressed by their quality and craftsmanship. They may not be the cheapest, but you get what you pay for. Add to that the sleek, sophisticated design and, without a doubt, this is the brand of choice for the discerning individual who seeks to vary or enhance their sexual shenanigans. And if the series was still running, I’m pretty sure this would be the brand of choice for Carrie et al, too.

To view the whole range, locate your nearest stockist, or order online visit www.lelo.com.

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