The Tips+Tricks to Sex Toys from Sexpert Johanna Rief

I have been working in the Sex Tech industry for about 8 years. It was more of a happy coincidence than a conscious decision that led me to work for a sex toy company.

I hold the position as Head of Sexual Empowerment at the Lovehoney Group, the biggest sexual wellness company worldwide. With our brands and our products, we are dedicated to showing that masturbation is completely natural, healthy and beautiful. We encourage an open-minded and shame free dialogue about sexuality and pleasure in order to destigmatize masturbation and empower everyone to find their own sexual fulfillment. As Head of Sexual Empowerment, I lead the way for this discourse – by talking to international experts, sex therapists, doctors, sexologists, media and of course, our customers.

Tell us the 3 toys you always recommend to your friends

There is not an easy answer to this. Not just because we have a wide range of products but because each person has different needs and desires. Sexuality is quite complex and individual so recommending one toy for everyone isn’t possible. When it comes to sex toys, “one size fits all” does not apply. So I would rather encourage people to find out what parts of their body they want to stimulate, and how, and choose accordingly.

I would recommend We-Vibe Melt for everyone that prefers clitoral stimulation.

Melt comes with our patented Pleasure Air technology. It creates air waves that gently stimulate the sensitive nerve-endings of the clitoris. Additionally, Melt is the perfect toy to use with a partner. Thanks to its ergonomic and slim shape, it fits perfectly between two bodies. It can also be controlled via the We-Connect App – so the partners don’t even have to be in the same room for some intimate play but can be anywhere in the world.

If you prefer clitoral and vaginal stimulation, I suggest that you try We-Vibe Nova 2.

This rabbit vibrator is super flexible as both the internal and external “arm” can be adjusted however you like. It fits a lot of different body types. Due to the dual stimulation, it is the perfect toy to create intense blended orgasms. It’s one of our best-selling products.

Finally, if you are a little bit more experienced or feel adventurous, I would recommend We-Vibe Moxie.

This is a wearable vibrator – thanks to a magnetic clip you can easily fasten it to your underwear and be free to walk around. You (or your partner) can control it through a discreet remote while you are on a date, or use it at home for a fun foreplay.

For your male friends, we just released We-Vibe Bond.

This is the first wearable, app-enabled penis ring. It is perfect for teasing, either yourself or have a partner play with the remote and create excitement on the go.

What products and advice would you give to a couple looking to introduce toys into the bedroom?

For couples, I would recommend that you choose a product from We-Vibe. We-Vibe is known for its innovative couples vibrators and was the first brand to launch such a toy in 2008. Additionally, We-Vibe products can be connected and controlled with the free We-Connect App. The best-selling product is We-Vibe Chorus. The toy has a “c-shape” and is worn during sex by the woman. One arm is outside and stimulates the clitoris, the other arm is inside and offers vaginal stimulation, while the (male) partner also benefits from the vibrations during penetration. With the We-Connect App, users can control the toy from anywhere – in the room or from across the world.

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For a woman in her 20s or 30s who hasn’t had much experience with sex toys, are their any beginner tips when it comes to the tech?

I would recommend any beginner to start with a bit of imagination and thinking: “what would I like to feel on or in my body?” By drawing ideas from our current masturbation experience, we can have a better indication as to what toys can work best for our bodies, as everybody is unique and experiences pleasure in different ways.

It can be super overwhelming when first looking at the different sex toys out there. If you feel comfortable, you can talk to friends and see if they have a favorite toy, or if they remember what toy they tried out first. The great thing about our digital age is that you can do a lot of research and learn a lot about the different options, in the comfort of your home, without anyone knowing it. Ask yourself what kind of stimulation you like (or would like to try out), what your price range is, if you prefer a certain colour or look. Once you have narrowed it down, the choice will be much easier. Finally, trust your gut feeling.

Also, remember that sex toys are a great addition to your solo sex life and nothing to be ashamed of! There is nothing wrong with owning one or two or ten.

What are the benefits of adding toys into the bedroom?

Using a toy is a fantastic way to try something new in the bedroom and improve your masturbation session or intimate time with a partner. It can bring new feelings and sensations through new stimulation.

Sexual intimacy, whether embarked on alone or shared with another is valuable to our mental, physical and emotional health. Emotionally, sex releases hormones which can trigger feelings of compassion and happiness and although it may sound obvious, regular sex with someone you care about allows you to emotionally connect on a deeper level. Introducing toys can only mean yet another tool to boost all those positive feelings and emotions.

What is the best way to tell your partner you’re ready to spice things up with toys?

Approaching the topic can be a little daunting at first, so it is important to remember that a little reassurance can go a long way. Remind your partner that you love having sex with them, you’re not looking to replace them but rather enhance your experience together. For example, why not approach the topic with something like: “Sex with you is amazing and I was wondering if we could spice things up even more with…”

However, choose the right time to start the conversation. Intimate body language between you and your partner is ideal for keeping you both relaxed and comfortable talking about sex.

Remember to also use words of encouragement while using the toy. Telling your partner how turned on you are and how good they are making you feel, helps highlight the sex toy as being part of the experience, but not the focus.

Learn more about sex toys!

Johanna Rief

Director of Public Relations and Head of Sexual Empowerment at WOW Tech
Group. “I masturbate for science” is a statement Johanna established to explain, in one concise sentence, three circumstances: creating Sx Tech is about R&D and a lot of testing, (female) masturbation shouldn’t be tabooed anymore, and it is possible to find a job that is genuinely satisfying.