Recommendation: Lyla by LELO

Ever since I attended one of Coco de Mer's salons last year, I have wanted to own a LELO Pleasure Object. When Sam Roddick passed various sample vibrators around the group at her workshop, I marvelled at just how different they were to anything else in the shop, and also any I had used before. They were beautifully designed quality items that were sensuous to use - even when just testing the vibrations in the palm of your hand whilst sat in a room full of strangers! The firm yet tactile finish felt luxurious, the buttons were inviting to use, and several experienced women in the room mentioned that they already owned a LELO massager and they would most definitely recommend them. High praise indeed.

So, when I received an email recently asking if I'd like to join their affiliate programme, I thought long and hard about it. My main problem with the idea was that I don't carry traditional paid-for advertising on Rarely Wears Lipstick and so all my recommendations come in the form of reviews of products I have already used. Sadly, I did not yet own anything made by LELO, so I thought I would ask if there was any chance of acquiring one of their personal massagers for review purposes. To my great delight, not only did the lovely people at LELO agree to this, but they were also just about to launch a rather exciting new range: Insignia SenseMotion.

These waterproof couples’ massagers each have a wireless remote that features motion-sensor technology, much like the type of thing you'd find in an iPhone or Nintendo Wii controller. This means the vibrations can be controlled by a slight movement of the hand or flick of the wrist, rather than just by pressing buttons. LELO's SenseMotion press release says that: "SenseMotion offers an unprecedented way to interact with personal massagers, as users tilt, shake or turn the wireless controller to vary vibration patterns as freely as they choose". In addition, the controller itself vibrates - a function that you can also switch off, if desired - and is synchronised with the massager, so that the person holding the controller can feel the vibrations their partner is experiencing.

There are three products in the range - available in three colours - each with a different design and intended application. Tiani is designed for women to wear during intercourse, Oden is designed for men to wear, but I chose the interesting variety offered by the Lyla. An egg-like massager that can be used externally or worn internally by women, it promises "discreet yet powerful vibrations [...] potential to control from distance bring untold possibilities in couples’ play". How could I possibly resist?

When my Lyla arrived, I experienced the sort of delight I often get when I lay my hands on a new gadget. Despite the fact that they are essentially a gadget themselves, this part of the 'technojoy' rarely happens with me for vibrators as they are usually packaged rather cheaply, but this was much more like unwrapping a quality item like a smartphone. After plugging the massager in to charge, I settled down to read the instructions and familiarise myself with the controller. After all, no one wants a rather intense personal moment spoiled as they fumble to find the right button, right? Thankfully the instructions are clear and the controller itself takes batteries, so I was able to get to grips with most of the settings before trying out the wireless functionality.

Like the rest of the SenseMotion range, the Lyla has two vibration modes that are operated simply by moving the wireless controller, and an additional six modes that use the 3-button interface which appears across the Insignia range. This provides a massive amount of variation in the sensations Lyla can provide and so I would be amazed if there was anyone out there who couldn't find a vibration setting they liked. If you are a fan of using a buzz to get you off, then this toy would most definitely be for you! However, this is only the beginning. Once you activate the main part of the massager, linking it wirelessly to the remote, things just get better.

The vibrations that you feel from the massager are the same as those from the remote, only quieter. Because of this, it is a much better couples' toy than the traditional wireless controller variety, as the person selecting the vibration setting can feel what the other person is feeling. This would give couples a much better idea of what works well for their partner, without having the added complication of positioning and angling the vibrations themselves. You control where you want the vibrations, and they decide how intense they are. I found the SenseMotion modes extremely playful and fun and thought they could definitely inspire some beautifully exploratory and sensual sex.

As well as being a fantastic toy for use with other people, I thought that Lyla also excelled for solo use. The six traditional vibration settings offer a wide variety of sensations - with intensity easily adjusted up or down - and the motor in the remote can be switched off or on. This allows for self-play either with internal and external vibrations together, or simply with your favourite setting on the massager and the silenced remote put to one side until you're done.

Basically, this little beauty is several toys in one. Several very good toys. I didn't think I'd ever find anything as satisfying as my embarrassingly ugly Bedside Bullet, but LELO have managed something much better and it's gorgeous too. After wasting money on several cheaper vibrators whilst trying to find The One, I can now see that I should just have saved up and bought from LELO in the first place. Whether you're with partners or alone, I think that you'll find they have rather hit the spot with Insignia SenseMotion.