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Welcome to Skimm Tested, where we put products to the test and then give them a report card. (Check out all of our tried-and-tested faves here.)
The assignment…
Unbound Babes is a women-founded sex toy company that specializes in body-safe vibrators and accessories. My coworker Caroline and I tested the Squish ($66), Jelly ($18), and Cuffies ($19) to see if they could elevate sex with our respective partners. Out of the extensive lineup of sexual wellness brands out there, could Unbound Babes become our go-to when we’re in the mood?
Squish ($66)
Straight A’s in…
Material. The silicone is super-soft, smooth, frictionless, and waterproof. Caroline loves that it has a more organic, skin-like feel than something like the (infamous) Magic Wand. A minor note, but I found the bright colors to be oddly attractive for a vibe. PS: It washes easily with mild soap and water.
Shape. It’s shaped like a makeup sponge, so you can use the flatter side or get more concentrated power via the textured nub. If you want to cover more, I’d suggest the flat side. It fits in the palm of your hand so it’s not cumbersome to hold or maneuver. If you’re using it with a partner, it’s not annoyingly getting in the way.
Noise-level. Caroline and I both found the vibrator to be pretty quiet. The vibrations are more of a low rumble.
Accessibility. We both agree it’s a great option for beginners. It’s external-only, aesthetically pleasing, and feels overall approachable when it comes to vibrators. It doesn’t have 20-something vibration patterns to choose from, which honestly is preferred. It’s got two patterns and four levels of intensity. Caroline also noted that it’s very easy to turn on and off, which is an underrated feature. Press and hold either of the buttons (there’s two) for a few seconds, and it’ll shut off.
Storage pouch. The vibe comes with a bag and universal charging cord, so keeping it in a bedside table is easy.
Room for growth…
Haptic mode. Admittedly, the haptic mode is a cool feature because neither of us have seen a vibrator with this type of function before. When in use, the vibrator will respond to your grip, so if you want to increase the power, squeeze harder. However, I didn’t fall head over heels in love with the function. I had to keep my grip tight to keep the power level where I wanted it to be, therefore making me focus on something else when all I’m trying to do is quiet my mind and be present in my body. Caroline had a similar experience.
Power. This is personal preference and I realize that, but I think this vibrator could be more powerful.
Jelly ($18)
Straight A’s in…
Longevity. According to Caroline, this water-based lube lasts longer than others. She also reported that it doesn’t pill and a little goes a long way.
Formula. It’s vegan and mostly organic (95% of ingredients). If you’re ingredient-aware, this is a great pro for a personal-care product. And since it’s water-based, you can use it with latex condoms. Other things to note: It’s glycerin-, glycol-, and paraben-free, plus safe for pregnancy.
Room for growth…
Fragrance. Could be a pro for some, but the Jelly has a slight vanilla and lemon scent. My personal preference for something going on an extremely sensitive, intimate part of my body is no fragrance.
Skin reaction. So this is important. I can’t report as thoroughly as Caroline on the Jelly because it did give me an allergic reaction. It didn’t burn during use, but within the hour of testing, I noticed small red bumps spreading on my arms and legs, so it did give me a non-itchy case of dermatitis. I was able to treat it with a topical cream and the rash resolved itself within 24 hours, but I urge everyone reading this to patch test any lubricant before using (it’s the smartest, safest thing to do, regardless of brand).
Cuffies ($19)
Straight A’s in…
Beginner-friendly. Since you don’t need to deal with knots, buckles, or locks, the overall aesthetic is a lot less intimidating than an actual pair of handcuffs or restraints. You can slip them on and off.
Material. The silicone is smooth, so you won’t get bruised or pinched.
Level of restraint. When I put these on, I felt restrained, so they definitely serve their purpose. There is some level of stretchiness to them, but not so much that you can easily slip out.
Room for growth…
Size. Truthfully, Caroline and I were both surprised at how small these cuffs are. As two women, we were able to get them on our wrists (still took some maneuvering), but our male partners struggled. They don’t have a ton of stretch, which is great for the restraint aspect, but not so great for the versatility aspect. You would absolutely not be able to fit these over ankles.
Design. The downside of the design not being a buckle or knot is that you can’t secure them to anything (like a bed frame). Yes, this makes them beginner-friendly, but these wouldn’t be my go-to option for those who want more intensity in their restraint play.
More about the brand
Works best for…
Anyone looking to explore and deepen their sexual connection with their partner.
Those that want to learn about their likes and dislikes via solo play.
Someone who is new to the world of vibrators and sex-related accessories. Beginners are welcome.
Gets extra credit for…
Unbound Babes takes discretion seriously, so boxes arrive nonbranded. They ship almost anywhere, and returns can be made up to 90 days after receiving the item (if used). Unused, unopened items will always get a refund.
How we did our homework…
My coworker and I had sex with our partners for the sake of this review.
Footnotes…
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