'I tried adult toys from a woman-centred brand and they're incredible'
When shopping writer Lauren Codling came across Smile Makers Collection - a brand that champions female pleasure and is known for its colourful, approachable lineup of toys - she knew it was time to explore further
Smile Makers create products they hope customers will proudly display on their bedside table rather than feeling compelled to hide under the bed
(Image: Smile Makers Collection )
Ever since I purchased my first glittery toy from Ann Summers at 18, I've been a strong advocate for sexual wellness. What began as a curiosity has evolved into something far more empowering, and I now view self-pleasure not just as fun but also as a form of self-care.
When I discovered Smile Makers Collection - a brand that promotes female pleasure and is renowned for its colourful, approachable range of toys - I knew it was time to delve deeper. The playful packaging and inclusive messaging had caught my attention for some time, and it seemed like the ideal moment to enhance my toy collection, reports the Mirror.
Read on to find out how I fared with my new bedtime companions. And if you're tempted to make a purchase, use the discount code SELFCARE20 for a 20% reduction.
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My thoughts on Smile Maker toys
Firstly, I had to choose my preferred toys, and Smile Makers makes this process incredibly straightforward, particularly for novices. The website features a quick and friendly quiz that inquires about everything from toy experience to pleasure preferences.
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Use the discount code SELFCARE20 for a 20% discount.
I was matched with The Poet (£79.95), a toy that, coincidentally, a friend had already praised. I also added The Tennis Pro (£49.95), a sleek vibrator, a bottle of toy cleaner, and a lubricant to my basket - essentials for anyone assembling a thoughtful kit.
The toys arrived in vibrant packaging, perfectly complementing the aesthetic of each toy. They feel soft to the touch, thanks to the body-safe silicone, and I could tell they were high-quality products. The only downside was that both needed to be charged before use.
Once powered up, I reached for The Poet first. It comes with three interchangeable 'mouths' to fit your body properly - something I've never seen from other toys. It also has five pulsation modes. Each one delivered beautifully.
There are also squeeze sensors that adjust the intensity, which sounds ingenious, but I found them tricky to use - especially when trying to maintain a good angle. I find Lelo's Sonic 2 massager easier to use, although it's more expensive at £129.
Lauren tried two toys (The Poet and The Tennis Pro), as well as a toy wash and lubricant
(Image: Lauren Codling )
As for the results? Let's just say my friend wasn't exaggerating. The Poet is genuinely one of the best toys I've ever tried. However, while it's marketed as 'whisper-quiet', it's more chatty than silent when not pressed against the skin - something to bear in mind if you're sharing walls.
Then, it was time to explore The Tennis Pro. With its rounded, angled head, it's designed to target all the right areas - saving me the cost (and clutter) of buying two more toys. If you'd prefer to introduce an external toy, though, I highly recommend Love Not War's Koi Wand (£59.99) - it's been a reliable favourite for a couple of years now and never lets me down.
The Tennis Pro boasts four speeds and pulsation patterns. It's potent, offering a delightful deep rumble rather than a light tickle, and the variety of speeds makes it an exciting toy to explore.
The Tennis Pro has an angled head and flexible neck to hit the right spot every time
(Image: Smile Makers Collection )
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It's a fantastic gadget for solo sessions but also a welcome addition to partnered play. Unlike The Poet, The Tennis Pro is quiet, which means no uncomfortable morning after discussions with my flatmate about strange sounds. A combination of discretion and pleasure is always a winning formula.
So, if you're on the hunt for toys that feel contemporary, body-positive and thoughtfully designed, Smile Makers deserves your consideration - whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro. I'll certainly be returning for more.
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