'I tested the adult toys from a woman-centred wellness brand'
These fun and friendly adult toys are seriously worth the hype
I've been a big advocate for sexual wellness ever since I bought my first glittery toy from Ann Summers at 18. What started as a curiosity has since grown into something much more empowering, and I view self-pleasure not just as fun but also as a form of self-care.
When I came across Smile Makers Collection - a brand that champions female pleasure and is known for its colourful, approachable lineup of toys - I knew it was time to explore further. The playful packaging and inclusive messaging had been on my radar for a while and it felt like the perfect time to upgrade my toy box.
So, how would I get on with my new bedtime besties? If you're tempted to shop, use the discount code SELFCARE20 for a 20% discount.
What I thought of Smile Maker toys
Firstly, I had to select my chosen toys, and Smile Makers makes the process incredibly easy, especially for beginners. The site features a quick and friendly quiz that asks about everything from toy experience to pleasure preferences.
I matched with The Poet (£79.95), a toy that, incidentally, a friend had already raved about. I also added The Tennis Pro (£49.95), a sleek vibrator, a bottle of toy cleaner, and a lubricant to my cart - essentials for anyone building a thoughtful kit.
The toys arrived in colourful boxes, perfectly matching each toy's aesthetic. They feel soft to the touch, thanks to the body-safe silicone and I could tell they were high-quality products. The only buzzkill (no pun intended) was they both needed to be charged before use.
Once charged, I reached for The Poet first. It comes with three interchangeable 'mouths' to fit your body properly - something I've never seen from other toys. It also has five pulsation modes. Each one delivered beautifully.
There are also squeeze sensors that adjust the intensity, which sounds genius, but I found them tricky to use - especially when trying to maintain a good angle. I find Lelo's Sonic 2 massager easier to use, although it's more expensive at £129.
As for the results? Let's say my friend wasn't exaggerating. The Poet is genuinely one of the best toys I've ever tried. However, while it's marketed as 'whisper-quiet', it's more chatty than silent when not pressed against the skin - something to keep in mind if you're sharing walls.
Then, it was time to explore The Tennis Pro. With its rounded, angled head, it's designed to target all the right areas - saving me the cost (and clutter) of buying two more toys. If you'd prefer to introduce an external toy, though, I highly recommend Love Not War's Koi Wand (£109.99) - it's been a go-to for a couple of years now and never lets me down.
The Tennis Pro has four speeds and pulsation patterns. It's powerful, delivering a lovely deep rumble rather than a buzzy tickle, and the variety of speeds makes it fun to try.
It's an excellent toy for solo sessions but an equally welcome guest in partnered play. Unlike The Poet, The Tennis Pro is actually quiet, which means no awkward morning-after chats with my housemate about mysterious noises. Discretion plus pleasure is always a win-win.
So, if you're looking for toys that feel modern, body-positive and thoughtfully designed, Smile Makers is worth your attention - whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro. I'll definitely be going back for more.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
Weird Fish shoppers 'feel amazing' in 'great price' dress that 'looks so expensive'
Weird Fish shoppers 'feel amazing' in 'great price' dress that 'looks so expensive' Weird Fish have reduced the Arles Embroidered Cotton Dress by £14 and shoppers are snapping it up to wear this summer The Arles dress is a beautiful option in blue for summer (Image: Weird Fish ) Dressing for the warm weather is all about finding outfits that keep the wearer cool and comfortable, without looking frumpy. Sometimes an easy-throw-on-and-go dress is the best option and fashion retailer Weird Fish have just the ticket in a gorgeous shade of cobalt blue. Reminiscent of sparkling oceans and balmy Greek holidays, the Arles Organic Cotton Embroidered Double Cloth Dress is as summery as they come, featuring a swishy full skirt, tassels and gentle pleating. Stocked in sizes 8 to 22, the dress would typically set shoppers back £70, but a limited time sale brings the price down to £56. The statement dress could easily be worn as a wedding guest dress, paired with metallic accessories and jewellery, or popped on over the top of swimwear at the beach or pool on holiday. Made with organic cotton, the dress was inspired by Greece and Morocco, using a breathable fabric. READ MORE: Fashion writer's 'top picks from Ann Summers' festival collection ahead of Glastonbury READ MORE: New Balance shoe hailed 'comfiest to exist' and is 50% off Better yet, the maxi dress boats deep hand-slip pockets - a winning feature many shoppers applaud. White embroidery around the neckline and down the three quarter length sleeves add a touch of elegance and really elevate the outfit to stylish heights. One shopper took to the reviews section of the Weird Fish website to say: "Perfect for holiday. Fit is gorgeous, I feel amazing in it and such a good price for something that looks so expensive." And now reduced to £56, it's even better value for money. Arles Organic Cotton Embroidered Double Cloth Dress £70 £56 Weird Fish Shop Deal Product Description Shoppers are getting prepped for the warm weather in the Weird Fish sale. Boden have also got a number of beautiful blue summer dresses on their website, including the Isabel Broderie Mix Maxi Dress. It's £130, but shoppers can shave 15% off the price tag bringing it down to £110.50 with the code JM7D. Shoppers are calling the dress a 'win win' as it is 'very comfortable and breezy', however, someone did find the colour to be a little too 'intense' for their liking. Opting for a summer dress with a pattern helps to break the colour up and make it a less of a statement. This Light Blue Tile Print Shirred Waist Maxi Dress for £48 at Roman does exactly this. It would look lovely with wedges and shoppers say they have 'had lots of compliments' since wearing it. The floaty tiered skirt is a flattering feature (Image: Weird Fish ) Fashion fans also say that the Weird Fish maxi dress has lots going for it, with one person writing: "Lovely fabric, colour, embroidery, sleeves. Like it." Those that have a shorter frame may wish to know that some customers found the design a little too long. Article continues below A four star review reads: "A nice quality garment. The embroidery is lovely but the dress drowned me I need to be taller. Having bought online I returned it in store very easily. There were some nice items in there and I will shop there in future." But, shoppers with their eye on the Arles Organic Cotton Embroidered Double Cloth Dress can pick it up for £56 on the Weird Fish website.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Wales Online
Flattering Roman summer dress that 'covers bumps' under £40
Flattering Roman summer dress that 'covers bumps' under £40 The dress, which comes in five prints, has a clever design using panels to skim the body in a universally flattering way Retailing for under £40, the dress employs a smart design with panels that create a flattering silhouette (Image: Roman ) Summer dressing is all about comfort and confidence, and shoppers have discovered a "figure-flattering" dress from Roman that ticks both boxes. Retailing for under £40, the Abstract Panelled Short Dress employs a smart design with panels that create a flattering silhouette. With the use of the code DREAM at checkout, the dress is available for £37.80. It comes in five prints, but the turquoise pattern is most widely available in UK sizes 10 to 20. The fit-and-flare style cascades into a breezy skirt, complemented by a charming sweetheart neckline and supportive wide shoulder straps. The dress has been such a hit with customers that many have purchased several. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . READ MORE: New Balance shoe hailed 'comfiest to exist' and is 50% off LATEST: Fashion writer's 'top picks from Ann Summers' festival collection One shopper revealed they "already have it in two different colours", while another confessed to owning "seven of these style of dresses". Ideal for upcoming weddings or holidays, the dress "hangs beautifully" and requires "no ironing", making it perfect to "just throw in a suitcase and it comes out perfect at the other end", reports Essex Live. Judging by the reviews, it's clear that the Roman dress has left wearers feeling elated. Over 300 people have left reviews, giving the dress an almost flawless score of 4.9 out of five. Customers are hailing it as a "wow dress", praising how it "hugs the body giving wonderful shape". The material has also been commended for its cool feel during summer, making it wearable even in soaring temperatures. The Roman dress is making waves with its striking floral design that epitomises the essence of summer. This season, other brands like Boden and Weird Fish are also embracing vivid hues in their fashion lines. The dress has been such a hit with customers that many have purchased several (Image: Roman ) The Isabel Broderie Mix Maxi Dress from Boden has won over customers, being described as a 'win-win' for its suitability for summer festivities, and it's currently a steal at £84, reduced from £120. Weird Fish's Himanshee Maxi Dress, in a stunning shade of blue, has been marked down to £54.19 from its original price of £85. Customers have dubbed it the "best dress ever", praising its figure-flattering cut and excellent value in glowing reviews. Praise is also pouring in for the Roman Abstract Panelled Short Dress, with one reviewer exclaiming: "Love this dress! Fits perfectly, looks amazing. Such a flattering style. Will not crease in my suitcase." Another satisfied customer commented: "Lovely dress. Perfect for holiday or home. Would definitely recommend." Despite lacking a zip, which might pose an issue for some in terms of fit, the dress's slightly looser design has been well-received, with one buyer noting: "Love this dress fits great and good material panels give it a sense of thicker material which covers all my bumps." However, one individual remarked that although they were fond of the dress's style, the fabric was less appealing to them. The dress is composed of 93% Polyester and 7% Elastane. One satisfied customer posted a gleaming five-star review: "Fabulous on. Have had the one in blue for years. "The fit is perfect, I ordered a size 12 and perfect. I feel good and confident when I go out." Article continues below Bargain hunters will be thrilled to know they can snap up Roman's Abstract Panelled Short Dress for just £37.80 by using the code DREAM during a special promotional period.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Wales Online
Fashion writer's 'top picks from Ann Summers' festival collection ahead of Glastonbury
Fashion writer's 'top picks from Ann Summers' festival collection ahead of Glastonbury The high street brand has launched a range of bold and playful pieces that will ensure music fans stand out in the crowd Ann Summers has some seriously cool festival looks this season (Image: Ann Summers ) As festival season approaches, those attending Glastonbury on 25 June know that planning the perfect outfit is as crucial as the lineup itself. In her quest for the ideal ensemble, fashion journalist Lauren Codling discovered some unexpected options at Ann Summers. Lauren commented: "The brand is hitting the mark with its glamorous, dancefloor-ready collection. "From sequin-adorned bodysuits to faux leather shorts, it's got all the ingredients for a headline act moment - and some items are even discounted." Topping her list of must-haves was the Flashing Lights Sequin Body, now priced at £27.20 (reduced from £34). With its vibrant pink hue and generous sparkle, it seems tailor-made for dancing under the stage lights. "It's bold, playful and a bit cheeky, featuring a deep back and mesh thong rear. Pair it with denim cut-offs, or go all out and wear it alone with a pair of knee-high boots," she suggests. For the more adventurous festival-goers, the Eternal Rainbow Suit presents another option. Now marked down to £28.80 from £36, this piece swaps solid colour for rainbow lace and mesh, lending it a whimsical feel, reports the Liverpool Echo. It also boasts underwired cups for extra support and adjustable shoulder straps for increased comfort. READ MORE: Butlin's major holiday park revamp with brand new attractions and deals from £69 READ MORE: Stylist Mark Heyes has Lorraine viewers begging to know where to buy £42 shirt for summer "With a statement piece like this, keep the rest of your outfit simple," advised Lauren. "Think black shorts and chunky combat boots to let the bodysuit do all the talking." Lauren has some top tips for festival enthusiasts still on the hunt for that standout ensemble, shining a spotlight on Jaded London. She shares her own experience: "They're serving up some top fits including cargo trousers and co-ords that scream headline act. I rocked their beige parachute trousers at the Lido Festival in London the other week, and they were a dream combo of comfy and stylish." Anne Summers Festival Edit Various Ann Summers Browse the collection Product Description Anne Summers Festival Edit She also gives a shout-out to Motel Rocks for those craving a more eye-catching look. "If you crave that bold print action, sheer overlays, and the iconic Y2K party-girl buzz – perfect for frolicking in a muddy field." Ann Summers is also making waves in festival fashion with an array of snazzy shorts to choose from. The collection offers diamante or a timeless black pick, both priced at £28 each. Though the brand's festival offerings have only gathered a handful of reviews so far, those who've tried the diamante shorts are full of praise. One satisfied customer raved: "Really pretty. The material is thin, which is perfect for summer. I love the bling detail on the chains." Another shared her sizing journey: "I recently went from 16 to 14, and I am choosing size medium more often. I went with a size large on this one so that my belly doesn't stick out. They are a bit large, but I love how they make me look as if I have room." Article continues below Ann Summers' festival fashion line is receiving high praise, yet some patrons have voiced concerns over delivery hiccups on TrustPilot. A disgruntled customer shared: "I placed an order, which was cancelled a week later. No reason was given; the email stated that if I still wanted the products, I should place a new order." Despite these delivery grievances, Ann Summers continues to captivate with its festival attire, drawing in fashion enthusiasts such as Lauren. The entire collection is available for perusal here.
