The Beginners Guide to Buying Your First Vibrator
Isobel is a skincare obsessed Piscean hailing from Byron Bay. She studied law and journalism in Brisbane before moving to Sydney where she’s now living by the beach in Bondi. She’s worked as a Beauty Writer for BEAUTYcrew, a Digital Content Editor for Marie Claire and InStyle, and her words have appeared in Vogue, Gritty Pretty, ELLE, Women’s Health - and of course here - at Adore Beauty.
Ever wanted to ask a beauty editor your burning beauty questions? Now you can with our new monthly series Ask Amy!
Every month, Adore's Senior Editor Amy Clark will be answering a customer beauty question. From skincare myths and hair concerns to the best beauty tools and makeup buys, there's no such thing as a dumb beauty question.
Last month, we covered holy grail foundation tips (you can catch up here).
This month's question? I’ve never bought a sex toy before… where do I start?
***
Nervous about buying your first vibrator? If you’re not sure where to start, know that you’re not alone.
With the dizzying array of sexual wellness products available, it can be confusing as hell to figure out which are the best vibrators for beginners.
Here at Adore Beauty, we’re all about starting conversations about sexual wellness and keeping them informative, inclusive, and supportive. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on vibrators for beginners to empower you.
Plus, fun fact: Now is the perfect time to buy your first vibrator because May is officially Masturbation Month (I know!).
Whether you’re buying your first vibrator, it’s your first time using a vibrator, or you want to learn about different types of vibrators, we’ve got you.
Without further ado, here’s your cheat sheet on vibrators for beginners...
What Is a Vibrator?
A vibrator is a type of sex toy that’s also known as a personal massager.
In a nutshell, it’s an electronic device that may be used to provide sexual stimulation internally and/or externally.
It probably goes without saying that most of these devices work by means of a ‘vibrating’ function.
Nowadays, you can choose from a plethora of vibrators.
They come in every colour, size, shape, and style you can imagine … and then some!
Before buying your first vibrator, you’ll want to get familiar with the different types (more on these below).
If it’s your first time using a vibrator, try playing around with the functions to become familiar with the different speed, power, and vibration pattern settings.
Side note - there’s nothing shameful about self pleasure, but to make things extra comfy, we'll discreetly ship your sex toy in a regular Adore Beauty box, just like your serums and shampoos!
A Beginner's Guide to Buying a Vibrator.
Before adding a device to cart, Adore's Senior Editor Amy Clark recommends asking yourself three questions.
"The answers will help you narrow down the search for the sex toy you didn't know you needed," she says.
"Think of it like a choose your own adventure, with a side of self pleasure."
Question 1. How do you usually self pleasure?
"Choose a device that mimics the sensations you enjoy solo or with a partner. Do you like penetration? Try a rabbit style internal vibe. Or go for clitoral suction if you get off from external stimulation."
Question 2. When and how will you be using this device?
"Other than the obvious, think about where and how you want to use this device. Is it noisy? Waterproof? Travel-friendly? All very relevant details!"
Question 3. What’s your budget?
"From $25 to $300+, you’ll find a device at Adore to get you there, no matter your budget."
You can learn more about selecting the right self pleasure device for you in this episode of our After Dark podcast series below.
Types of Vibrators.
If you’re looking for the best vibrator for beginners, we’ve got a few recommendations plus some info on how to use a vibrator.
Let’s chat through the different types.
1. Wand Vibrators.
The first wand vibrator was launched way back in the ‘60s.
Interestingly, it wasn’t designed for sexual use. Instead, it was marketed as a massager for sore muscles. Funny that!
Once its *other* uses were discovered, a slew of other wand vibrators was developed.
How to use a wand vibrator:
Are you looking at this microphone-shaped gadget and pondering, ‘How does a wand vibrator work?’ We’ve got your answer.
The vibrating head of the wand is designed to provide clitoral stimulation when placed directly on the clitoris.
However, a wand can also be used externally on other areas of the body.
Wand vibrators to try:
On the hunt for the best wand vibrator?
Featuring 10 speed settings, 20 vibration modes, and a sleek, sexy design, the Le Wand Rechargeable Massager is a strong contender in the wand vibrator category.
It’s even collected an assortment of accolades from Cosmopolitan, including ‘most powerful sex toy’, ‘best sex toy for women’, and ‘best sex toy for couples’.
Lovehoney Ignite Rechargeable Wand Vibrator Purple offers a similar experience in a smaller size, and on a budget coming in at under $50.
2. Bullet Vibrator.
‘What’s a bullet vibrator?’ If you’re scratching your head, let’s talk it through.
Although they’re larger than an *actual* bullet, these devices are named for their discreet, compact design.
How to use:
Curious about how to use a bullet vibrator?
They can generally be used both internally and externally, depending on the area you wish to stimulate.
Bullet vibrators to try:
Vush Gloss is so discrete, it doesn't really even look like a pleasure device.
The lipstick-looking, budget-friendly bullet vibrator has 10 vibration settings and a precision point. It’s small, but mighty.
Le Wand Chrome Bullet Rose Gold won’t disappoint, either. This chic, rose gold vibrator comes equipped with 11 vibration modes and 4 intensity levels.
3. Clitoral Vibrator.
Clitoral vibrators use either a vibrating action or vacuum technology (and sometimes both) to externally stimulate the clitoris.
‘Why is this relevant?’ we hear you ask.
Well, studies show that many women can’t reach climax without clitoral stimulation.
How to use:
Clitoral vibrators are incredibly easy to work. Simply switch one on, select your desired settings, and apply it to the clitoris.
Clitoral suction and clitoral stimulation vibrators to try:
Smile Makers The Frenchman has a great entry-level price tag!
A device that simulates what oral sex feels like? That you can use anywhere on your body?
Yes please.
is also one of our best-selling clitoral suction devices. It's the original, but still one of the best.
If you’re yet to try a clitoral suction device, consider this humble but powerful toy essential to your pleasure education.
4. Internal Vibrator or G-Spot Vibrator.
As one of the more traditional options, the internal style is a tried-and-true model, so it’s a popular vibrator for beginners.
Usually cylindrical in shape, an internal vibrator is chiefly designed to provide internal stimulation but can be used externally too.
How to use:
If you’d like to know how to insert the vibrator, we have some words of advice.
When trying a vibrator for the first time, be sure you have a personal lubricant on hand to ensure a comfortable experience.
When choosing your lubricant, go for LBDO Flow Lubricant 100ml or another water-based formula.
That’s because silicone- and oil-based lubricants can damage sex toys.
Internal vibrators to try:
‘What is the best G-spot vibrator?’ would no doubt be one of the most-googled phrases by those who’ve searched for a first vibrator.
Why? Located on the front wall of the vagina, the G-spot is notoriously tricky to reach.
But because the G-spot is said to produce strong sexual sensations when stimulated, it’s well worth questing after!
Unsurprisingly, internal vibrators designed to target the G-spot are in high demand.
Lovehoney Curve Rechargeable G-Spot Vibrator Purple is an affordable, entry-level internal vibrator.
The contoured shape of this internal vibe targets the G-spot with waves of pleasure busing 8 vibration patterns and 12 levels of intensity.
Forget 80s-style phallic rabbits.
Vush Muse Rabbit Vibrator is a 2-in-1 vibrator uses internal and external arms to stimulate your G-spot and clitoris at the same time.
5. Inclusive Vibrators For All Genders.
No matter how you identify, every body deserves to experience pleasure.
You can now find inclusive vibrators and sex toys that cater to everybody, with unique designs and new technologies.
How to use:
However you want! Inclusive vibes are recommended for use on all erogenous zones (areas of the body with heightened sensitivity).
An inclusive vibrator to try:
LBDO Essensual Vibe is an Australian-designed vibrator that can be used for targeted or broad stimulation, solo or with a partner, to help you achieve the precise pleasure you’re searching for.
LBDO designed this vibrator for all bodies and engineered it from medical-grade silicone, which is soft to the touch.
It’s also rechargeable, waterproof and easy to use with six different vibration settings: low, medium, high, pulse, wave, and tease.
How to Find the Right Vibrator.
Unlike some things in life, vibrators are not a one-size-fits-all kinda deal.
When selecting your first vibrator, it’s helpful to first think about the area of your body you wish to stimulate.
Because, as we’ve discussed, different types of vibrators offer different things.
Reading reviews can also be a helpful way to learn about the pros and cons of each product.
With all that said, choosing your first vibrator may also involve a bit of trial and error.
Don’t be disheartened if it takes you a couple of tries to find your perfect match!
One Last Thing: Cleaning.
Before we part, there’s one more thing we should mention.
Remember to clean your device with a damp cloth and mild antibacterial soap or a product like Vush Clean Queen Intimate Accessory Spray - 80ml between uses.
We hope this article on choosing your first vibrator has provided some useful tips and guidance on how to find the right vibrator for you.
Want to know more? Check out these guides from our sexual wellness category...
