Buying guides
Expert, no-nonsense guides to help you choose the right product, with clear, sourced safety advice.
How to choose lube: the complete buying guide
The right lube depends on its **base** (water, silicone, hybrid or oil), where you use it and how sensitive you are. For most people **water-based** is the safest starting point: it works with every condom and every toy. Silicone lasts longer but never on silicone toys, and oil does not belong with a latex condom.
Read guide →Anal for beginners: the complete buying guide
Starting anal safely comes down to three things: **plenty of lube** (the anus does not self-lubricate), a toy **with a flared base** so it can't slip inside, and **building up slowly** without forcing. Pain is always a stop signal, never use numbing gel.
Read guide →Massage & edible oil: the complete buying guide
Massage oil is for the **skin and foreplay**, not as a lubricant or internally. Crucially, oil-based products **degrade latex condoms** and don't belong vaginally. For the massage choose liquid oil, a low-temperature candle or an edible flavoured oil; for penetration switch to a water- or silicone-based lube.
Read guide →Condom size: how to measure the right fit (guide)
Condom size is determined mainly by the **girth** of your erect penis, not its length. Measure the circumference mid-shaft, divide by about 3.14 for the diameter, and use the **nominal width** as your size. A well-fitting condom is comfortable, doesn't slip and doesn't pinch.
Read guide →Which vibrator should you buy? The complete guide
The best vibrator depends on **which stimulation** you want (clitoral, internal or both) and your experience. For beginners an **air-pulse** (clitoral) toy or a **bullet** is a gentle, non-overwhelming start. Always check for **medical-grade silicone** and a CE mark, and use water-based lube with it.
Read guide →Cock Ring Buying Guide: Complete Guide + Size Chart
Buying a cock ring starts with the **right size**: measure your circumference, divide by 3.14, and choose a ring with 5-6 mm clearance. Beginners should opt for stretchy **silicone**, wear the ring for a maximum of **20-30 minutes**, and remove it immediately at numbness, discoloration, or pain.
Read guide →Air pressure vibrator and clitoral stimulator: complete buying guide
An **air pressure vibrator** stimulates the clitoris via contactless air pressure waves, without direct touch. This makes the category unique among sex toys and especially beginner-friendly. This guide explains the technology, includes a comparison table by type, and covers material choice and cleaning tips.
Read guide →BDSM & Bondage Starter Kit: Safe Beginners Guide (Buying Guide)
A BDSM or bondage starter kit starts with **safety, consent and communication**. Agree on a safeword, negotiate boundaries in advance and begin light with a blindfold, soft restraints and a feather. This guide combines SSC/RACK principles with concrete buying advice and aftercare for beginners.
Read guide →Couples Vibrator & Duo Vibrator Buying Guide
A **couples vibrator** stimulates both partners at the same time, during or alongside intimacy. This guide compares wearable vibrators, cock rings, duo vibrators and app-controlled models on use, material and privacy, so you and your partner can make the best choice.
Read guide →Butt plug size guide and anal training set: from XS to L
A **butt plug size guide** helps you progress safely from XS to L. Always start with the smallest size, use **body-safe materials** (medical silicone, glass, or steel), plenty of **water-based lubricant**, and build up step by step, only when it is pain-free. This is the dedicated size spoke linked to Intimico's **anal beginners guide**.
Read guide →Lubricant for Menopause, Pregnancy and Sensitive Skin
For menopause, pregnancy or sensitive skin, choosing the right lubricant requires extra care. Opt for water-based, fragrance- and glycerin-free, pH-balanced (3.5–4.5) formulas with low osmolality. A lubricant provides short-term relief during intimacy; a vaginal moisturiser (e.g. with hyaluronic acid) offers structural daily hydration.
Read guide →How to choose a masturbator: the complete buying guide (2026)
The right masturbator depends on the **type of stimulation** (sleeve/stroker, vacuum suction, vibrating or automatic), the material, and how easy it is to keep clean. For most beginners an **open sleeve in medical silicone** is the safest and most hygienic starting choice. Always use **water-based lubricant** inside a sleeve.
Read guide →Prostate massager buying guide: how to choose (2026)
A **prostate massager** should be chosen based on your experience level: manual models for beginners, vibrating for more intense stimulation, app or remote-control for couples, and rotating for advanced users. Always use a model **with a wide flared base**, plenty of **water-based lubricant**, and build up gradually. Prostate massage is safe when you follow the guidelines.
Read guide →How to choose a dildo: the complete buying guide (2026)
The best dildo depends on **material** (medical silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel or realistic TPE), intended use (vaginal or anal), your experience level and whether you need a suction cup or harness compatibility. For beginners, **medical silicone** is the safest all-rounder: body-safe, non-porous and easy to clean. Build up the size gradually and always use plenty of lubricant.
Read guide →Body-safe sex toy materials and care guide (2026)
**Body-safe** sex toys are made from non-porous materials such as medical-grade silicone, ABS plastic, borosilicate glass or stainless steel. Porous materials like jelly, TPE/TPR and PVC harbour bacteria and phthalates and cannot be disinfected. The choice of material also determines how you clean, store and lubricate your toy.
Read guide →Wand massager buying guide: plug-in, rechargeable or mini (2026)
A **wand massager** is a powerful vibrator with a rounded head, available as a plug-in (mains-powered), rechargeable or compact mini model. Plug-in wands deliver the highest consistent power, rechargeable models are more versatile, and mini wands are discreet. Choose based on power needs, mobility and whether you want to use it in water.
Read guide →Penis pump buying guide: types, how it works and safe use (2026)
A penis pump creates vacuum pressure around the penis, temporarily increasing blood flow and promoting an erection. There are four types: **manual/air**, **electric**, **water/hydro** and **pumps with a pressure gauge**. A penis pump produces a **temporary erection** or enhances pleasure but causes **no permanent enlargement** and requires safe use.
Read guide →Improve erection and boost libido: the complete buying guide (2026)
Aids such as **cock rings**, erection creams, and supplements can offer support for mild, situational erection difficulties or a temporarily low libido. They are **not a replacement for a doctor or prescription medication** such as PDE5 inhibitors. For persistent symptoms, a GP is the right first step, as cardiovascular, hormonal, or psychological causes may be involved.
Read guide →Warming, cooling and numbing lube: the complete guide (2026)
**Warming, cooling, numbing and tingling** lubes and creams add an extra sensation to intimacy. Warming and cooling products are safe to try for most people. **Numbing agents (benzocaine/lidocaine) mask pain**, an essential injury signal, and are therefore cautioned against by experts, especially for anal use. Always start with a patch test.
Read guide →How to choose a strap-on: the complete buying guide (2026)
A **strap-on** consists of a harness and a [dildo](/categories/dildos). The right type depends on your situation: an **adjustable harness with O-ring** is the most versatile choice for beginners. Always use **medical-grade silicone**, the correct O-ring diameter and **[water-based lubricant](/categories/glijmiddelen)** with a silicone dildo.
Read guide →How to choose lingerie: the complete buying guide and size guide
The right lingerie depends on **type** (set, bodystocking, corset), **size** (bra size, clothing size, hosiery size) and **occasion**. Measure your underbust for your band size and calculate cup size from the difference with your overbust. Sizes vary between brands: use the charts below as a guide, not as absolute values.
Read guide →Intimate care buying guide: how to care for your intimate area safely
Good intimate care starts with understanding what your body already does. The **vagina is self-cleaning**: only the **vulva** (external area) needs gentle cleansing with lukewarm water or a pH-friendly wash. Douching, internal washing, and scented products disrupt the natural flora and increase the risk of infections. Here is how to care for your intimate area safely and consciously.
Read guide →Men's lingerie buying guide: types, sizing and materials (2026)
**Men's lingerie** ranges from the comfortable everyday boxer to a bold jockstrap or a sensual harness. The choice depends on your style preference, occasion and comfort. Measure your **waist in centimetres** to find your size (S-XXL). Choose skin-friendly, breathable fabric for daily wear and follow care instructions to make your lingerie last.
Read guide →Buying roleplay costumes: the complete guide (2026)
Roleplay costumes bring a fantasy to life and add playfulness to the bedroom. Choose a **theme you both enjoy**, check the **brand's own size chart** (sizing is not standardised), review the **material** for comfort and potential allergies, and agree **in advance** on what is and is not part of the game.
Read guide →Erotic games for couples: the complete buying guide (2026)
Erotic games help couples increase intimacy in a playful way, from light card games to adventurous truth-or-dare sets. Choose based on **mood, experience level and mutual enthusiasm**. The core rule: a game is an **invitation, not an obligation**. Only do what feels good for both of you.
Read guide →Nipple clamps buying guide: types, pressure and how to start safely
Nipple clamps come in five main types: adjustable screw clamps (best for beginners), clover/Japanese clamps (self-tightening), magnetic clamps, weighted or chained clamps, and suction/vacuum clamps. Beginners should choose **adjustable clamps at low pressure** and build up gradually. Limit wear time to a maximum of **15-20 minutes** per session.
Read guide →Impact play: buying guide for floggers, paddles and crops (2026)
**Impact play** covers all forms of consensual striking or slapping, from a gentle spank with the hand to a flogger or paddle. The two core sensations are **thud** (dull, deep) and **sting** (sharp, stinging). Strike only on fleshy, safe zones, agree on a safeword in advance and build up slowly, especially when you are new to BDSM.
Read guide →Electrosex and e-stim buying guide: how to start safely (2026)
**Electrosex** (e-stim) uses gentle electrical pulses for intimate stimulation via purpose-designed low-voltage devices. There are two main categories: **TENS/EMS control units with separate electrodes** and **ready-to-use e-stim toys**. Always start on the lowest setting, use only purpose-built equipment, and read the safety rules about the heart and pacemakers before you begin.
Read guide →Penis sleeve and extender buying guide (2026)
A **penis sleeve** is a sheath worn over the penis to add length, girth or stimulation, or to assist when erections are difficult. There are four main types: **extending**, **thickening**, **vibrating** and **hollow** as an assistive device. The right choice depends on the desired effect, fit and the material used.
Read guide →Pheromones buying guide: what they are and what to realistically expect (2026)
**Pheromones** are chemical signals animals use to influence their own species. Whether synthetic pheromones genuinely change human attraction or behaviour is **scientifically uncertain** and debated. Pheromone perfume can be a fun, experimental addition, but expect no guaranteed effect. Choose based on scent, quality and comfort.
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