Latest news with #LaurenCodling
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'I tried adult toys from a woman-centred brand and they're incredible'
'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. READ MORE: 'I tried protein shakes for women and lost weight while getting more energy' READ MORE: Hand luggage bag that's the 'perfect fit for Ryanair' now has a massive 45% off 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. Shop the range Prices vary Smile Makers Collection Buy Now on Smile Makers Collection Product Description 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 ) Article continues below 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.
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
'Simba's reflexology-inspired slippers feel like a foot massage'
Shopping writer Lauren Codling tried Simba Sleep's Rok Slippers - and they're her new WFH essential Home comforts are all about creating little moments of ease, and few things bring instant relaxation quite like a cosy pair of slippers. This is especially true on work-from-home days, when you want to feel snug but still supported. I'll admit, I'm usually a bed socks loyalist, but recently I've been looking for a pair of proper slippers - something that feels a bit more structured, but still ticks the comfort box. So when Simba - yes, the brand behind the award-winning Hybrid Mattress - announced it was launching slippers late last year, my interest was piqued. The Rok Slippers (£89) are its first-ever pair, and comfort is naturally front and centre. But Simba's gone one step further: the slippers feature nine gel-filled pressure points designed to gently massage the feet, mimicking a reflexology experience. I was genuinely excited when a pair landed on my desk to try. Reflexology? Slippers? Cosy meets clever? Count me in. My honest review of Simba Rok Slippers I've been consistently wearing these slippers for weeks, and so far, so good. Straight out of the box, I was surprised by how stylish they were - I'd genuinely consider wearing these moccasin-style shoes out and about while running errands. When I first put them on, the gel pressure points were noticeable - not hugely, but I could tell they're made with support in mind. I can especially tell the difference whenever I come back from my post-lunchtime walk - I often come back with slightly achy feet, but slipping into the Rok Slippers afterward feels like a reward. They immediately ease the tension in my feet and it doesn't hurt to walk around the flat in them. The gel pressure points come into their own here, gently supporting and soothing the area that feels most tired, like the arch and instep. Another thing I've appreciated is that they don't slip off my feet - even when I'm going up and down stairs or moving quickly around my flat. They have a non-slip rubber outsole, which has come in handy on our tiled kitchen floor (no skidding while rushing for coffee) and when I've had to dash downstairs for a delivery. My only real gripe is that they aren't overly warm. As it's currently sunny outside, this isn't a problem right now, but I suspect I'll be wearing socks with them once the temperature takes a dip again. If you prefer warmth over support and comfort, The White Company's faux fur booties are a much better alternative - and they're reduced to £15.60 from £26 - as are these faux fur-lined slippers from Next for £21. After two weeks of wear - working at my desk, popping to put the bins out, even standing at the stove while cooking - the Simba slippers have held up impressively well. The structure hasn't flattened or lost shape, and they feel durable and of good quality. Although I can't say they keep my feet as warm as my beloved bed socks, they genuinely ease that tired, achy foot feeling that's typical by the end of the day. It's pure instinct to put them on as soon as I hop out of bed or walk through the front door. Of course, they're pricier than your average slippers but for what you get (clever tech, comfort that lasts, and a brand with serious sleep credentials), they feel like a wise investment. And as I've not reached for my bed socks since they arrived, I'd say that says a lot.
