Looking for glowy and youthful skin? What about a new way to bring your sexual wellness journey to new heights? As it turns out, evening primrose oil — the cult-following skincare step — can be used for both.

According to a recent study on this luxurious oil, it was found that “The consumption of evening primrose oil capsules can improve sexual function in women of reproductive age, particularly in orgasm and sexual satisfaction dimensions.”

But whether you take it in oil or capsule form, expect to see big (and sexy) benefits. Used for centuries for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties — in sexual wellness, as an aphrodisiac, and of course, its skin benefits — its one new item to add to your routine that you won’t want to miss.

Evening primrose oil 101: what it is, what it's used for, and the benefits

What is evening primrose oil? 

If you’re unfamiliar, you might be wondering: what is evening primrose oil? At its core, this oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose flower (also known as Oenothera biennis). It's often used in supplements and beauty products for its health benefits — plus, it can be applied either right to the skin or ingested.

A fun fact about the name: it comes from the evening primrose flower, which is small and only blooms at night, with the petals opening at sunrise and closing during the day. We think that’s kind of beautiful.

It can be used for so many things, too:

• Boosting women’s health (especially those who have PCOS or are in menopause)

• It can also be used as an aphrodisiac, boosting libido in folks with vulvas

• And of course, skincare

Evening primrose oil skin benefits

As a skincare product, evening primrose oil takes the cake. For anyone who suffers from dry, irritated or inflamed skin, dermatologists tend to recommend it. A study from 2005 found that evening primrose oil, or more specifically, the gamma-linolenic acid found in it, helps soothe the skin and improve the overall appearance of elasticity, firmness, moisture and fatigue resistance.

Evening primrose oil for sexual health

As for adding to your sexual wellness routine, evening primrose oil can do that, too. has benefits for our sexual health as well.

Because it is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), it has the power to boost libido in folks with vulvas. On the opposite end, for people with penises, that same gamma-linolenic acid is said to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. 

Wherever you are on the gender spectrum, the fatty acids found in evening primrose oil can help improve blood flow — and increased blood flow is never bad for your sex life.

Evening primrose for menopause 

As if skincare and sexual health weren’t enough, another potential benefit of the oil lies in menopause. It is thought to help with the severity of hot flashes, one of the most uncomfortable side effects of menopause. In a study from 2018, looked into how effective evening primrose oil was at helping with hot flashes, and researchers saw an improvement in the symptoms.

Plus, a more recent 2021 study compared EPO and placebo effects when treating hot flashes in perimenopause women. They found no difference between hot flashes but found that night sweats were less severe in the group that took evening primrose oil.

Evening primrose oil for PCOS

There is also some evidence to show that taking evening primrose oil as a supplement can help reduce the symptoms of PCOS.

One study published in 2018 surveyed 60 women with PCOS over the course of 12 weeks. What they found is that taking vitamin D and EPO supplements for 12 weeks significantly improved triglycerides and other hormonal levels. 

Are there any side effects to using evening primrose oil?

Naturally, not everything is good about this lush oil — and it doesn’t work for everyone. Here are a few things to note before trying it:

• It has a thick consistency and can clog pores more than other oils. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, we suggest staying clear of it

• In rare cases, it can also cause an allergic reaction. If you notice common allergy symptoms like itchiness, rash, or burning sensation on the skin, refrain from using it.

• For most folks, using evening primrose oil topically and internally are considered generally safe. But when ingested, it can sometimes cause upset stomach, nausea, headache and abdominal pain.

  It's advised to check in with your health provider before you decide to take evening primrose oil as a supplement because supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA.)

How Bloomi uses evening primrose oil in our products

At Bloomi, we have a selection of intimate care products that contain evening primrose oil. But remember: We only use the best quality evening primrose oil that fits our Clean Standard.

Bloomi's Desire is a sensual pleasure oil that has a feel-good formula to increase pleasure before and during intimate moments alone or with a partner. Apply 2-4 pumps to your intimate skin (breasts, nipples, vulva, penis, etc.) and gently rub it in a few minutes before intimacy.

For a more luxurious experience, Bloomi's Luxe Arousal Oil is the way to go. The squalene in the formula adds extra moisture and hydration to your intimate areas. Apply 2-4 pumps to your intimate skin (breasts, nipples, vulva, penis, etc.) a few minutes before intimacy, and gently rub it into your skin to activate it. 

Both products have evening primrose oil to help increase the blood flow to the genitals and help improve arousal.

Bloomi Clean Standard overview

At Bloomi, we believe that everyone deserves clean and non-toxic intimate care products that feel good and do good for our bodies. That's why with the help of top sexual wellness experts and academic research we have created a Clean Standard for our intimate care products.

 Our products have plant-based formulas that are free of vulvar allergens like glycerin, gluten, parabens, fragrances, and sulfates so you don't have to worry about having an unpleasant reaction to something. 

Our toys are made from non-toxic ingredients like medical-grade silicone and stainless steel so you can enjoy solo and partnered pleasure knowing you're using the best quality toys. 

And our packaging is made with sustainable, compostable, and recyclable materials, so you know your favorite intimate products are not harming the environment.

Are you looking to spice things up in the bedroom? From mini vibrators to double-sided vibrators, there is a multitude of sex toys for beginners that’ll give you the power to truly unlock your pleasure — even if you’ve never done it before.

At Bloomi, we get it. The sex toy industry can be intimidating — with so many options in different budgets, shapes and sizes, kink-specific toys and more — but it doesn’t have to be. To help you find your next (or first) toy, we’re here to breakdown what to look out for, below.

Why Using Sex Toys For Beginners is a Game Changer

It’s true: You don’t need anything fancy to get off in the bedroom, but according to the experts, or shall we say sexperts, a toy can definitely add to the fun. Whether you want to have a higher level of orgasm or explore where your body can take you in other ways of pleasure, toys can increase the chance of reaching orgasm, especially for vulva-havers.

What Types of Sex Toys for Beginners Exist?

When you begin your search for starter sex toys, the selection can definitely be hard to sift through, from intense-looking vibrators to anal beads. The good thing, though, is that there are plenty of affordable options to help you dip your toe in the water and find what you like best. 

Some sex toys are gender-targeted, like vibrators and dildos are designed for both men and women, offering the ideal shape for stimulating the G-spot, as well as the P-spot. But don’t be fooled; Toys can be used no matter where you are on the gender spectrum.

External vs Internal Sex Toys for Beginners

There are to kinds of sex toys to be familiar with: external vs. internal. External, for example, could be a toy designed to target the clitoris or the perineum, but they’re used outside of the body. If you prefer internal stimulation to your G-Spot or P-spot, though, there are options for that, too. A wand-type vibrator has the length, flexibility, and comfort necessary for internal use.

Some toys can be used for both, though. We personally love The Caress Full-Body Massager ($65) — it’s the perfect example of a toy that can be used for internal and external pleasure and really get you there.

3 Options to Look For When Shopping for Sex Toys as a Beginner

There are a lot of sex toys out there. That being said, you don’t want to invest in just any sex toys for beginners. In our opinion, here are three of the most important things to look out for:

1. Materials:

   Not all sex toys are made equal or from the same grade of materials. You want medical-grade silicone. It’s soft and gentle for your sensitive regions, plus it's safe to use. 

2. Ease of Use:

   Too many buttons and features can easily turn a fun bedroom romp into a confusing and complicated headache. Look for sex toys that are easy to use and uncomplicated. 

3. Various Settings:

   Keeping things simple is great, but you still want the option to change the pulse or intensity on your vibrator so you can play around and find what suits you best.

Our Top 5: What are the Best Sex Toys for Beginners? 

1. Massage Clitoral Vibrator ($45)

The Lowdown 

The Bloomi Massage Clitoral Vibrator packs a lot of power for a device that can fit in the palm of your hand. The rounded side makes for a great body massager, while the thoughtfully crafted curvy side is tailor-made for clitoral or targeted stimulation.  

Why This is Perfect for a Beginner

Small, handheld vibrators are discreet, easy to use, and far from intimidating. As a result, they make a great starter sex toy. This particular option offers three different vibration intensities and patterns so you can find what feels right to your body. 

2. Play Mini Vibrator ($35)

The Lowdown 

This curvy and compact vibrator is bound to be your new bestie in the bedroom. It fits comfortably in your hand and offers two different sides - a rounded edge which can be used to massage out the kinks in your neck, as well as a curvy side made especially for stimulating the clitoris or anus. As a result, this is a good beginner sex toy for humankind.

Why This is Perfect for a Beginner

The compact nature of this sex toy makes it less intimidating for anyone new to the world of vibrators. It features three different settings so you can uncover what you like. Plus, a straightforward design and minimal buttons reduce any learning curve. 

3. Indulge Double-Sided Vibrator ($60)

The Lowdown 

This double-sided vibrator offers one vibrating and one non-vibrating side. Artfully designed to target G-spot and P-spot pleasure, it is ideal for both anal and vaginal play.

Why This is Perfect for a Beginner

Thanks to the shape and size of this vibrator for beginners, you can use the vibration externally or give internal play a try. With simple and straightforward functionality, you can enjoy all the pleasure without any hangups on how to use it. 

4. Link Flexible Handcuffs ($20)

The Lowdown 

Vibrators are far from the only way to get things heating up in the bedroom. A pair of flexible handcuffs can do wonders for role play and amping up excitement. 

Why This is Perfect for a Beginner

Restraint and bondage play are having their moment in the sun right now, and these lightweight, comfortable, and flexible handcuffs offer a great way for beginners to get in on the action. 

5. Caress Full-Body Massager ($65) 

The Lowdown 

The Caress Full-Body Massager offers power and flexibility in one amazing vibrator for beginners. Our favorite feature is the pleasure-ball, which offers an incredible massage no matter where you place it. The non-vibrating side offers the perfect handlebar, but that’s not all; it doubles as an internal toy. 

Why This is Perfect for a Beginner

This is a top pick for beginners because its design makes it perfect to use on your whole body, slowly working down to your more intimate regions. Plus, the non-vibrating side makes it possible to make the leap to internal play when and if you’re ready. 

Playing With Sex Toys is Never Ending Fun

We encourage you to never stop exploring when it comes to all of the amazing sex toys for beginners available on the market. In the process, you can learn more about yourself while unlocking a whole new level of pleasure, alone or with a partner.

While this list covers some of our favorite starter sex toys, there is still more to be discovered. Check out the full line of Bloomi sex toys and sexual wellness products.  

While talking about all the exciting ways to use sex toys, remember: it's also equally important to talk about how to clean your sex toys, plus how to store them.

Sofie Roos, a licensed sexologist and expert with Passionerad, tells Bloomi, “If you clean your sex toys right away after using it, bacteria never get a chance to start growing.”

Whether you have a large or small collection or like to invest in expensive or more affordable toys, once you find your favorites, keep them in good shape for many years to come. To help, we’ve put together a true beginner's guide on how to clean your sex toys and how to store them afterward — you’ll thank us later.

The ultimate guide on how to clean your sex toys (and where to store them)

Why cleaning your sex toys is important

Cleaning your sex toys is a must — if you don’t clean them properly, it can have a serious impact on your health. After all, using unclean sex toys can introduce harmful bacteria and fungi into your sensitive microflora — regardless of your gender — and who wants that?

“If you leave a toy for some time (and in worst case scenario forget about it), you most likely won’t be able to clean bacteria away,” Roos explains, “In the worst-case scenario, an unclean sex toy can lead to infections and a disturbance in your PH balance if you use it.”

Aside from health risks, the life of your sex toys will dwindle if they’re not cleaned and stored properly. Luckily, cleaning sex toys can be simple and easy, you can even make it a fun ritual to spend time washing your toys after a sexy session.

How to clean sex toys: a guide for different types of sex toys

Looking to know how to clean your sex toys? That all depends on what material they are made from.

Silicone toys

Medical-grade silicone is a non-porous material — which means that it doesn't have microscopic holes (like pores in our skin) — that tend to hold bacteria and fungi. This makes silicone toys much safer to use and more hygienic, too. It also makes them much easier to clean.

You should clean your sex toys after each use, before you dry them, and store them away. If you want to go the extra mile, you could clean them before each use, but that is not always needed.

“A silicone toy, for example, should be washed more carefully in colder water and with a milder soup,” Roos says, “ Preferably, use a sex toy cleaner that is also a mild sanitizer, specifically made for sex toys. It's less harmful to the material and can help make them last longer!”

Metal and glass toys

If you have sex toys made of metal like stainless steel or gold, you should clean them after each use.

According to Roos, hard sex toys made out of metal or glass are very easy to clean. Just wash them under medium hot water with some soap, dry them off with a towel — try to not use paper towels since it will stick on the toy and you’ll need to peel it away later — and then use some alcohol sanitizer if you want to be on the extra safe side.

Hard plastic toys

Hard plastic toys can also be cleaned with a specialized sex toy cleaner, warm water and mild soap.

Porous materials

There are still sex toys that are made from porous materials that have small holes that harbor bacteria and fungi. While we recommend that it may be best to steer clear of toys like this, if you do have some, we know how to properly get them squeaky clean.

“In my opinion, it is best to wash porous toys twice, since bacteria is trickier to remove,” Roos says.

It’s simple: clean them with mild soap and water and then dry the toy with a soft and clean towel.

Why storing your sex toys properly is important

Aside from cleaning, how you store your sex toys can make a difference in their lifespan, too. Plus, if you keep them out in the open, they have a higher chance of collecting lint, dust, and bacteria (and we don’t want that!)

You can choose to keep your sex toys in the original packaging they come in, whether it's a box or a satin bag, but always keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place like your drawer or closet. If you don't have the original box and the toys don't come with a special storage bag, then you can simply wrap them in a lint-free material or a towel.

Sex toy storage recommendations

If you are looking for the perfect solution to storing your sex toys, we’ve got you! Here are some of the best sex toy storage recommendations that are discreet and practical:

Bloomi Tote Travel pouch

Bloomi's Tote Travel Pouch is the perfect discreet and practical storage solution for people who want something chic and cute. Made from a sustainable cotton canvas material with a waterproof liner, you can easily keep your essential lubes and arousal serums around, without worrying about spills.

It is large enough to fit everything you need and it’s also travel-friendly (so nobody will ever suspect what's inside.)

We’ll say it again for the people in the back: having a self-pleasure routine is a practice of self-love and care. There is a lot of stigma toward the proper term — masturbation — but when it comes down to it, it is simply a natural, safe, healthy, and normal way to explore your body. 

According to a recent study, 84 percent of Americans report that they’ve masturbated in their life. Plus, it was found that regular masturbators were more confident in their sex lives, and more satisfied with their own personal pleasure overall — like people with vulvas, which 56 percent of say that solo playtime with or without sex toys has led to better orgasms over time.

But what if it doesn’t feel as easy to you? If you’re stuck in feelings of shame, and embarrassment or just don’t see the benefits of masturbation, we’ve got you. With the help of Cassie Willnauer, an AASECT-certified sex therapist, we’re breaking down the term (and stigma) so you can explore your sexual needs, and feel safe doing so, below.

What is masturbation? 

Masturbation, or solo sex, is the act of stimulating one's genitals with hands or toys for sexual pleasure. Simply put, by Willnauer, it is the practice of touching your own body in any way that brings you sexual pleasure.

What are the health benefits of masturbation? 

Masturbation isn’t just for pleasure, but health benefits, too.

“Masturbation produces hormones which contribute to a reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression,” Willnauer tells Bloomi, “These hormones can be produced other ways, but masturbation is a fun and pleasurable and easily accessible for most folks!”

People who masturbate tend to be more successful in achieving their own pleasure, more reflective on the sexual aspects of their lives, and even more expressive in intimate relations. Plus, they tend to be more resistant to gendered double standards in sexuality. But that’s not the only benefits, too.

1. Masturbation helps you understand what your body likes and doesn't

Looking to explore your body? This is your time to try new things on your own. You'll find that after several solo sessions, you're going to feel more comfortable not only asking for what you want during partnered sex, but be able to get yourself close to the edge every time.

Plus, we find that scheduling time for masturbation can be a fun way to take yourself on a solo date night. Try playing soft music, light a candle, and rub Bloomi's Luxe Massage Oil on your skin and revel in soft, long-lasting playtime.

2. It strengthens bladder control

Did you know masturbation is a great workout for your pelvic floor muscles. When your body experiences orgasms regularly, these muscles contract and strengthen over time. Having a stronger pelvic floor also leads to stronger orgasms and an increased ability to have multiple back-to-back orgasms, too.

3. Masturbation builds self-confidence

Sex is here to help us feel good, especially solo sex. After a moment of solo play, you might notice an increase in your mood and even self-confidence.

4. Masturbation supports the immune system

Sex of all kinds, including masturbation, contributes to building up your immune system. Increased blood flow is beneficial for overall wellness; in fact, arousal and orgasms can help the body produce antibodies that protect against and fight bacteria and viruses.

5. Masturbation boosts libido

If stress is impacting your libido, one of the first steps you can take is touching yourself. It's one of the easiest ways to get turned on. If you’re feeling really inspired, try using Bloomi’s Indulge Double-Sided Vibrator. We also recommend using an arousal oil during masturbation, which can further boost stimulation, help folks who struggle with vaginal dryness and intensify orgasms. 

6. Masturbation eases body aches and pain

Practicing your masturbation routine can also help relieve pain like menstrual cramps or headaches. When you have an orgasm, your muscles contract, and you release a cocktail of hormones, including endorphins, all of which are your body's natural pain-killing mechanisms. 

7. Masturbation induces relaxation and more restful sleep

Last, but not least, masturbation can help you relax and fall asleep. When you orgasm, your body will release oxytocin and vasopressin, which counteract any stress hormones you have stored up, so you can drift off into a nice and restful sleep.

The best ways to masturbate solo

“The best ways to masturbate are the ones that feel good to you,” Willnauer explains, “I hate the idea that anyone is hiding away in their bathroom masturbating over their toilet as quickly as possible. Allow yourself time and space to enjoy the process of masturbation. Romance yourself. Light a candle, take a bath, wear lingerie and experiment with a variety of different types of stimulation to see what works, what’s fun, and what feels the best!”

Depending on what type of masturbation you prefer, we think using a toy like Bloomi’s Massage and Play Mini could be great for beginners.

If you want a sex toy that stimulates the sensation of oral sex, then Lora DiCarlo's Baci is a great toy to consider. It mimics the laps and strokes of the tongue and has ten different levels of clitoral stimulation to help you reach an intense orgasm. For internal stimulation, though, we love Bloomi's Indulge — a G-spot massager that has a curved shape designed for the precise stimulation of internal pleasure spots — that will feel amazing.

As always, though, make sure you’re using a good lubricant — like a water-based lube like Bloomi's Smooth or an oil-based lube like Bloomi's Delight — so you’re feeling extra good no matter how you’re choosing to play.

Is it bad to masturbate every day?

There is nothing wrong with masturbating every day!

“There is no prescribed limit to the amount of time or frequency with which you can or should be masturbating. The main question to consider is whether masturbation is infringing on your other obligations and desired activities,” she says.

If you’re enjoying the act and still meeting your obligations and engaging in other activities that bring you joy, then we say go for it! And remember: masturbating is totally normal and a healthy part of our sexual wellness journeys.

In today’s modern age, it’s common to hear folks describe their sexual sides in different ways — think vanilla, open-minded, and of course, kinky. But for some of us beginners, it can feel like a large leap into the unknown to describe ourselves as kinky (especially if we don’t yet know what we like or if we even have a kink, in general.)  Luckily, we’ve got the internet’s help for that.

While there is still room for more research on kink, one recent scientific study found something quite interesting: Curiosity around kink in the U.S. is quite high — at approximately 45 to 60 percent of the population expressing wonder around kink  — and most have at least thought about exploring what their kink is, over time. 

More often than not, if you’re wondering if you have a kink, you just might. But if you find yourself still at a loss, Bloomi is here to help. With the expertise of Amanda (also known as The Kink Consultant), we’re here to break down what kink is, why it matters, and how to know if you have one, below.

And don’t worry — this is a judgment-free, open-minded zone. Your kink (and self-pleasure) is safe with us.

What is the definition of a kink?

“I define kink as finding enjoyment in non-traditional acts of intimacy,” The Kink Consultant explains.

Although the official Webster dictionary defines kink as an “unconventional sexual taste or behavior,” The Kink Consultant adds that she purposefully avoids the word sex when talking about kink. That’s because, for so many kink practitioners, sex isn’t involved in at all. In her mind, kink can more accurately thought of as an act of its own. 

However, kink can be sexual, too. It all varies from person to person (imagine that!)

4 different kinks folks can have 

There are so many different types of kink out there. Like The Kink Consultant explained, they’re not all sexual, but some can be, too. 

Let it be known: this isn’t a comprehensive list of all the kinks out there. In fact, these are just a few that might be more commonly-known and are often good intros into the kink world, below.

1. Power exchange

“A person can have kinks that incorporate power exchange such as consensual non-consent or even orgasm control,” she explains. Power exchange is just as it sounds — you’re exchanging or giving power, from dominants to submissives, through acts of kinky scenes or play. 

2. Bondage

Another commonly known kink? Bondange  — the B in BDSM — which can be things like Shibari, using handcuffs, chastity belts or even taping to restrain someone else or yourself.

3. Humiliation kinks

What about humiliation? Yes, that’s a kink, too. The idea with this one is that a person (regardless of gender) enjoys the feeling or act of being humiliated by another person. What the kink activity is, though, varies.

“Humiliation is a little more person-specific, because some people consider forced feminization a humiliation kink, while others prefer something a little more physical like having to crawl on all fours or eat off the floor.” 

4. Impact play

Impact play is probably one of the most common knowledge kinks. Think flogging or spanking — with a leather flogger, paddle or even a cane — that is used by a dominant on a submissive in a kink scene. Sometimes, it involves bruising, or at the most intense level, drawing blood to the skin.

“The list of kinks and how people interpret those kinks is varied,” The Kink Consultant reminds us, “Almost every kink has its own spectrum of intensity, including impact play!”

Again, this kink doesn’t always involve sex, but sometimes it can. It all truly depends on the persons involved.

How do you know if you have a kink, yourself? 

According to Amanda, the way people discover their own kinks can range from innately knowing them from a young age to discovering a kink based on new, exciting experiences. 

“Whether it's something that piques their interest in a book or movie, or having a partner introduce them to something that uncovers a kink,” she tells Bloomi.

If you want to know if you have a kink, her advice is simple: the best way to explore kinks, if you’re thinking about them, is to dip your toe into what piques your interest. Shibari (or rope play) try buying some rope and tying knots on yourself.

Slowly, but steadily trying new things, can help you to know whether or not you have a kink or if it isn't for you. 

Resources for folks new to kink