The best lubricants are ideal for improving sexual pleasure for any consenting adult. For menopausal women, however, it’s not just about making penetrative sex more comfortable and pleasurable. It’s also about providing day-to-day relief of vaginal dryness.
Read more on Expert Reviews.
Spoiler alert: Sex toys aren’t as formidable as cast iron skillets. Left unwashed, a sex toy doesn’t introduce extra flavor into your life — rather, a dirty sex toy is merely a recipe for unfavorable infections. Luckily, there are plenty of sex toy cleaners that make cleaning a jiff. But before we delve into the best sex toy cleaners on the market, let’s get some clarity on why these cleaners are so essential to maintaining a healthy sex life. Two words: bodily fluids.
Read more on Allure.
May is one of the best months for a few reasons. First, we’re just a little ways away from the summertime. Second, it’s National Masturbation Month! Interestingly enough, National Women’s Health Week also lands during this lovely month; Starting from May 8th, which is Mother’s Day through May 14th. During National Women’s Health Week we often get the same information that many women and femmes are often bombarded with daily. “Maintain a good healthy diet and exercise regimen!” “Don’t stress too much!” “Self-Care!” But what does that all mean if we aren’t able to easily find and access quality products and information to help us maintain good health and wellness? Here are five awesome brands that focus on women’s and femme’s health and wellness in a unique and holistic way.
Loom is a sexual and reproductive wellness education and healthcare platform created with empathy, inclusivity, and science at the forefront. Loom was founded in 2017 by educator, doula, and author, Erica Chidi, and Quinn Lundberg, who is a policy advocate. Originally a brick-and-mortar space in Los Angeles, it expanded to the digital space to foster wider access to comprehensive women’s health education. Their program focuses on pregnancy and postpartum and is comprised of mixed media, audio, video, and written guides for a ‘learn at your own pace’ course load. You can join their program starting at $12 a month. Check them out!
Right now, people with uteruses are facing a lot of uncertainty around their reproductive rights. After the news of the leaked draft of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, now more than ever – folks need information, education, and access to safe abortion care and resources. Indeedana is a digital platform that provides people access to recent and relevant abortion care support and information. This site was originally created by an engineer and designer after they had difficulty in their abortion experience. They realized that there was a lack of up-to-date information regarding abortion laws, access to care, and more. Working with a small team of experts – they make sure their website features gender inclusivity and with an anti-racist framework. If you or someone you know is seeking access or information to abortion care, please direct them to Ineedana.
BLK & GRN is an amazing online natural wellness bazaar for Black women & femme-owned products in one space. Created by Dr. Kristian Edwards, she saw a need for an easier way for Black women to find non-toxic, quality products for their health and wellness. The company uses experts to help handpick and examine each business’s quality and ensure that their products are 100% natural and quality before adding them to their site. The amount of amazing products they have is impressive and super awesome to see all in one space! They have products ranging from skincare to beauty, home, bath, and more!
Momotaro Apotheca was founded by Lindsay Wynn who suffered from recurring bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections. She realized that not only were both of these conditions extremely common, but a good amount of the over-the-counter products used to treat them were actually a part of the problem! She and her partner did lots of research and were able to create an amazing vulvovaginal wellness system that is plant-based and organic. Their products range from salves and tinctures to probiotics and oils! They also offer important and helpful information on vaginal conditions that are often not talked about. Support Momotaro in their efforts to make talking about vulvas less taboo.
Private Packs is created by Suzanne Sinatara, a woman who suffered from chronic painful yeast infections and other common ailments of the vulva. Private Packs is a hot & cold pack that is designed with your vulva and their diverse shapes in mind. She didn’t intend to create this product and sell it – but realized that the only way many vulva owners could find any relief from discomforts down there was with random, common household items. This product is unique in its design and function – creating a common item needed for common vulva issues. This company is also committed to being transparent about their sustainability practices and keeping a great product affordable and accessible. You can find private packs at your local CVS Pharmacy.
As always, this is a friendly reminder that being a woman and womanhood are on a spectrum. The health and wellness needs of women are vast and unique and go beyond that of just diet, exercise, and stress management. Sexual and reproductive wellness is an important part of holistic wellness for women and femmes and is often forgotten or ill-represented. These companies, much like us here at Sliquid, saw a need for more access, education, and healthier products to better support women and femmes in their health and wellness practices. Remember, when possible, shop local becuase there are more amazing folks doing things just like this somewhere near you! And remember, always #HeauxResponsibly and support the women and femmes in your lives by listening to what they need.
Written by Alessandra Isabella on Friday, February 23, 2024.
Introducing a personal lubricant into your sex life is a great way to spice things up while making the night more comfortable and enjoyable for you and your partner. But if you’ve never shopped for lube before, it can be overwhelming, to say the least.
Read more on Popsugar.
When it comes to lube, how it affects your skin can be just as important as how you use it. Thankfully, these lubes have minimal, highly moisturizing ingredients that’ll keep your skin feeling supple and silky smooth
Some pieces of sex advice are so important as to be practically universal — e.g., “communicate more,” “shower regularly” and “don’t forget about the clit.” Another pearl of wisdom that can improve just about anyone’s sex life: Use lube.
Read more on MEL.
Do you suffer from vaginal dryness, is sex sometimes uncomfortable, or would your love life simply benefit from a bit of extra slip and slide?
There is no shame in seeking help if it benefits your sex life! And trust us, when it comes to keeping your labia happy, lubricant is the answer to almost all woes. The right lube can work wonders in the bedroom, keep your skin soft and transform your orgasm power in the process.
Read more on Women’s Health.
If you haven’t heard – today, April 18th, is Anal Sex Day! People oftentimes hear the word anal and are filled with a bit of fear and apprehension. We hope that this blog post helps to answer some common questions and ease some of those fears. In this post, we aim to dispel some common misconceptions, provide some awesome tips and tricks, and discuss the importance of pre-care and aftercare so that you have the best anal sex experience possible! First and foremost, if you enjoy anything anal sex-related, it does not make you queer/gay. Anal sex is enjoyable, and it’s meant to be enjoyed by anyone with a butt!
Prepping for Anal:
A lot of people prepare for anal sex on the day of, or even a few hours before, sexual intimacy. However, if you’re thinking about trying any type of penetrative anal play – daily preparation prior to doing so is extremely key. One #HeauxTipProTip I have for preparing for anal is eating a healthy, fibrous diet and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. Fiber is a key component in your diet for solid, healthy bowel movements; an issue that is a common fear for folks who might be curious about anal play. Pooping, much like enjoying anal sex, is nothing that should ever make you feel shame. Having the urge to use the restroom during anal, or even having a little bit of poop show up during playtime, is natural, normal, and perfectly okay. It even happens to the best and most prepared.
Another #HeauxTipProTip regarding anal hygiene relates to general cleanliness. Make sure to shower before intimacy and prep the butt for some action! Showering right before, or even taking some over-the-counter booty wipes to help get you clean for anal play, is helpful for both you and your partner. When in the shower, you can prepare your butt for anal play in one of two ways. First, if you’re comfortable, is putting your finger inside your butthole with warm water running down your back and cheeks. If you’re taking a bath just sit in the tub and do the same with your fingers. If you feel you want a little bit more of a slightly pressured, more thorough, cleaning of the inside of your butt, your second option is douching. Anal douching, when done properly, can help clean out your butt leading to amazing anal play.
One might be asking…what is a douche? And, how do you use it? Anal douching is the act of clearing out the anal cavity with lukewarm water before engaging in anal play. When preparing to douche, it is important to make sure you’re laying down on a towel (if this is your first time) or in the shower (if you’re comfortable and have done this before) and your body is relaxed. You can either buy an enema from a grocery store (or pharmacy) and empty out the saline contents (as this will make you go poop) and replace the contents with lukewarm water. Or, you can buy an anal bulb from your local sex shop or online retailer and do the same step of adding lukewarm water. Prepare your butt for insertion of the tip of the bulb by adding lubricant to your anus, as well as the tip of the bulb, and insert it into your anus. Slowly squeeze the water deep inside your anus and wait about 1-2 minutes before you head to the toilet to release the water. Be sure to only repeat this step 2-3 times, as this will reduce your risk for anal lining damage and the disruption of the balanced ecosystem already present in your anal lining and cavity. Some ways to reduce damaging your anal cavity when douching are to not douche daily, use sterile water (not saline or tap), and make sure to use water that is not too hot. It’s also very important to remember to not have sex right after you douche. To ensure that all the water has come out, and to reduce your risk for STI/STD infection, wait at least one hour before engaging in anal play.
During Anal Play:
You’ve prepared and are ready to get into some anal play! However, before we dive right into penetration, it’s important to make sure that your mind, body, and booty are relaxed and ready for action. Our first and most important anal #HeauxTipProTip is to try anal play on yourself before you engage in it with someone else. This might not be the case for everyone, but what better way to know if you like something than by trying it out first? We suggest engaging in sensual anal massage, or anal fingering, before full-on penetration with toys or a penis. With any type of finger penetration, be sure to trim or cut your nails and, most importantly, use lots of lubrication! Important note: DO NOT USE SALIVA! SALIVA IS NOT LUBE and can increase your risk for STD/STI infection.
Perhaps fingers aren’t enough for you. Maybe they just aren’t your thing. In this case, try a vibrating or non-vibrating plug, or anal beads, to test what type of anal stimulation you prefer (depth, fullness, etc.). For vulva owners who are experimenting with anal play, we suggest prioritizing foreplay. Make sure the person who is receiving anal stimulation/penetration is fully turned on. Stimulate the vulva, the nipples, and any other erogenous zone prior to, and during, play! For penis owners who are experimenting with anal play, I suggest the same! Prioritize playing with the penis and nipples or any other erogenous zone during anal penetration or stimulation.
For vulva owners, during anal penetration, we suggest focusing on clitoral stimulation simulation and other pleasurable sensations while anal sex is happening – for example: using Sliquid Organics O Gel for maximum pleasure! Combine this organic clit stimulating gel with a wand or finger vibrator and elevate your anal experience. Another fun suggestion would be to use nipple clamps to stimulate the nipples and any other combination of toys for clitoral vibration or stimulation. For penis owners, using vibrating C-Rings, or even strokers on the person receiving anal penetration can create an even more intense and pleasurable anal experience!
We are all about reducing harm and making sure that folks are practicing safer sex; so with that said, using condoms is always a great option for engaging in anal sex. And whether or not you choose to wear a condom – LUBE IS KEY AND SUPER IMPORTANT FOR ANAL SEX! SALIVA IS NOT LUBE AND IS NOT SAFE FOR ANAL SEX. If you are using condoms during anal sex, here are some lubricants that can add to a more pleasurable time! Sliquid Naturals Sassy is a great option. This water-based formula is made specifically with anal sex in mind, and its thickness definitely adds padding, making the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Another recommendation is Sliquid Naturals Silk, which is also water-based, but it has been infused with super-slippery silicone – making it last longer without the need to reapply as often.
For vulva owners, we also suggest trying Sliquid Spark, our stimulating menthol-infused silicone lube with cool and warming sensations. The stimulating sensation is amazing both anally and on the clitoris. Penis owners…Sliquid Spark is just as fun for you too. We highly suggest also trying it. For folks who choose not to use condoms, these lubricants will add the same level of fun and pleasure to your experience! Your lubrication options, when not using condoms, allow you to use lubes that are oil-based. Keep in mind, however, that oil can cause folks to feel the urge to poop when used for anal sex, and it can be very messy and staining.
Anal Sex Aftercare:
Alright…you just had an anal adventure and now you’re all ready to come down from the sexual euphoria we hope you encountered. Let’s discuss some key things to have do, and have nearby when you are prepping for anal aftercare. First and foremost, communicate with your partner. If solo, check in with yourself! Ask how you and/or your partner are feeling. What do you/they need in this moment of a post-sex comedown? This is the perfect time to HYDRATE! Drink plenty of water and fluids that replenish your body. Second, have a warm washcloth, or booty wipes, nearby to help clean and wipe down the area. Keep in mind that toilet paper is a bit too abrasive for a sensitive area after anal play. Third (and optional), some people like to keep CBD suppositories or oil around for anal pre-or aftercare. NEVER ever use numbing products of any kind on your anus because you need to always be aware of the depth and sensations experienced when having anal sex. These feelings/sensations, whether pleasurable or uncomfortable, are your cue to either keep going or stop the intercourse to avoid damage and trauma. CBD suppositories or oil are a natural, more mild product that can be used to help relax the body/area before, during, and after anal penetration.
Lastly, get some booty rubs and cuddles in! Physical touch and words of affirmation are always extremely helpful and comforting after anal sex. You’re experiencing something either for the first or one of not that many times and it can be comforting to know that you or someone else recognizes your confident curiosity.
We hope that this blog post was helpful in dispelling some misconceptions, sharing some great tips for beginners, and sharing some cool new ways to elevate your anal play. This is a friendly reminder that our sexual desires are not defined or boxed in by our sexuality and that our pleasure experiences are a journey – not a destination. As always, have fun, play safely, and #HeauxResponsibly!
Written by Alessandra Isabella on Friday, February 23, 2024.
Let’s get this out of the way: Massage oil is a little corny. It’s hard not to think of a mojo-less Austin Powers offering a sensual massage or Jerry Seinfeld contemplating becoming an “orgy guy” who has to get “all kinds of robes and lotions.” But the truth is that massage can do so much: it relaxes us, helps us release stress, keeps us present and centered, and, yes, sometimes it turns us all the way on. It’s an intimate way of connecting with a partner by making them feel as blissed-out as you can. What could be better than that?
Read more on GQ.
A new season and new month are finally upon us, and it is time to shake those winter blues. April is home to many important causes and awareness campaigns, including National Autism Awareness Month, National Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and Stress Awareness Month. As some of you may or may not know, April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). SAAM was first nationally recognized and observed in April of 2001 – but the fight and urgency for sexual assault awareness began much earlier than this.
This movement started in the 1970s as a widespread need was seen for more support surrounding sexual assault and violence against women. When the organization Bay Area Women Against Rape opened in 1971 as one of the first rape crisis centers in the United States, other states saw a need for more immediate support and resources for survivors and allies. In the 1980s, many activists chose October as a month to raise awareness specifically about domestic violence against women. Starting with a singular week in 1990, the National Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCASA), with the support of activist groups, organizations, and coalitions around the country, decided that April was the proper month to observe this cause. The entire month of April is now home to a national campaign meant to help increase awareness around the risks and causes of sexual assault in our communities and to empower people to take the appropriate steps to prevent and support those in their respective communities.
This post isn’t going to give a bunch of statistics and share the unfortunately very high and difficult data that exists around sexual assault cases in the United States. Rather, we want to make this post about the ways in which we can help to reduce the harm and risks of sexual assault and violence. Through information, such as this, we hope to provide a means to support survivors.
Let’s say that someone comes to you and says that they have been sexually assaulted. What do you do next? The folks over at RAINN have a great acronym to help people begin their support with a survivor. The acronym is TALK, which stands for (T)hank them for telling you, (A)sk how you can help them, (L)isten without judgment, and (K)eep supporting them. It can be extremely nerve-racking and scary for someone to share or come forward after an assault. Some tips for supporting someone during their disclosure are to practice active listening, be present, offer supportive reassurance, acknowledge all of their emotions, and accept their plans and decisions on how and when they want to heal.
In addition to practicing TALK, here are some ways that you can reduce harm and counteract the risk factors that might contribute to sexual assault situations:
As always, sexual assault is something that is very difficult to discuss, and even more difficult to share when it has happened to you. This is also a friendly reminder that sexual assault and violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. It doesn’t discriminate based on gender, age, race, or sexual orientation. It is up to everyone to continue to support and believe survivors, and to continue to raise awareness to help prevent these assaults from continuing to happen in our communities. Below are some amazing resources with great information on ways to either report an assault, share your story, or be an ally by supporting a survivor:
National Sexual Assault Hotline
National Domestic Violence Hotline
National Disability Rights Network
1 in 6 (for male or masculine-identified persons)
The Trevor Project (for people in the LGBTQ+ community)
FORGE (for Trans & Gender Expansive persons)
Child Help National Abuse Hotline
Safe Helpline (for people in the Military)
Written by Alessandra Isabella on Friday, February 23, 2024.
March 21st – 25th marked the 20th National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week. Last week was created to highlight and raise awareness of the very unique, holistic health needs of those in the rainbow community. Just like many other communities, the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals are vast and deserve to be met. Here is a list of some awesome wellness brands who are killing the game in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, as well as educating allies!
Whether it be asking for PrEP, questioning your gender identity, being curious about hormone therapy, or just seeking sexual wellness information pertaining to LGBTQ+ health concerns, many queer individuals dread going to the doctor for one reason or another. To address and alleviate this dread, Folx Health was founded by A.G. Breitenstein in 2019. Folx Health is the FIRST internet healthcare provider that provides gender-affirming care to the LGBTQIA+ community. Their services include HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), ED support (erectile dysfunction), PrEP, and Primary Care, to name just a few. They also have an amazing virtual library that includes educational and informative articles about all things hormones and sexual wellness.
Sure, most individuals had some form of basic sex education when they were growing up (if any education at all); however, we can almost guarantee that anal sex wasn’t included in that conversation. No worries! The people over at Future Method have got it covered! Future Method’s founder, Dr. Evan Goldstein, has created judgment-free, scientifically-backed pleasure products to promote and enhance safe and healthy pleasure experiences! The products they offer include prebiotics and probiotics, skincare, and more.
Clothing can be a sensitive subject/space for many folks in the LGBTQ+ community. Most brands that exist are usually thinking about the consumer from a very narrow framing. Fran Dunaway and her wife Naomi Gonzalez realized that there was a lack of queer brands that provide quality products, are gender-affirming, and are size-inclusive. After speaking with the community, they created a brand that is widely accepted and loved in LGBTQ+ spaces today. Tomboyx, or Tomboy Exchange, is an underwear brand created with real humans in mind. Their vast collections of colors, styles, sizing, and model representation center those that they are creating for!
Shopping for sex toys can be really intimidating and difficult, especially when most sex toys are usually designed by cis-men for people with penises and vulvas. Wet For Her prides itself on being a company that makes toys “by lesbians, for lesbians” but is extremely gender and sexuality inclusive. They are known for their unique and original toy designs, such as the Two-Finger Extender, the Union, and the RockHer. In recent years, they have expanded their products to also include packers, bumpers, etc, to make sure people of all genders were affirmed in their pleasure. I personally have had the great honor of receiving the Two-Finger Extender and paired it with Sliquid’s Naturals H2O lubricant; a really great, natural, water-based lube that reduces friction and adds some much-needed slipperiness to your experience!
For consumers that have gender affirmation as one of their core values and missions, it is oftentimes very difficult for them to find products that speak directly to their buying needs. For people with gender-expansive experiences, things are definitely not one-size-fits-all. The New York Toy Collective founder Chelsea Downs, and co-founder Laura Parker, saw a need and desire to prioritize the pleasure and sexual wellness needs of transgender and non-binary people. They started off making handmade dildos with product quality, representation, and comfortability in mind. They now sell dildos, packers, and other gender-affirming pleasure items with cutting-edge sex tech in mind!
One of the best things about sex toys, and sexual wellness, is how endless the possibilities are in creating fun and functional pleasure products. Step, the founder of Cute Little Fuckers, took an amazing and original vision and brought them to life! Cute Little Fuckers is a trans-owned sex toy company that has adorable little monsters that will give you a BIG ‘O’! They are well-known in the sexual wellness world for being one of the first adult toys on Kickstarter in 2019. These fun and unique toys were made by Step in an effort to make sex toys more gender-inclusive and personal. These toys are one of a kind, made with quality material, and would pair very well with Sliquid Naturals Sea, which is infused with seaweed extract for extra slip. Naturals Sassy, Sliquid’s thickest water-based formula, is another great option for all types of toy play.
While this list is non-exhaustive, we hope it gives everyone some insight into the amazing brands out there doing the work to promote, create, produce, and educate those in the LGBTQ+ communities, while actively addressing their unique needs. As a gentle reminder, remember to uplift and listen to those in the LGBTQ+ community! The health and wellness needs of LGBTQ+ folks, like all other people’s, are important and deserve to be met.
Written by Alessandra Isabella on Friday, February 23, 2024.
