While the intended use of this smooth, small and cute blindfold is definitely sexual, meant for shutting down one sense in order to escalate others, I first wanted to try it out under a more rigorous test: as a sleeping mask.

To run your fingers across this blindfold is to know that it would make an excellent addition to a beginner BDSM session or romantic, candle-lit adventure through the senses. The texture is soft, the shape formed by curving lines, accentuated by raised ridges. It doesn't have an overly cutesy look, or a particularly rough and dangerous one. My fleece-lined piece is a dark leather exterior with a fuzzy whuzzy interior and is definitely too tame for the folks going for a dungeon-esque feel to their play. This piece, however, is so simple in design that it could be used in any scene.

But back to sleeping. In my mind, the real test of whether a blindfold is going to fit my myriad purposes is to see if it will stay on my face through a night of turning, smooshing into pillows and generally being a fidget. Most blindfolds slip off and end up either somewhere in my hair, or off in the sheets, as the fabric is too slippery to stay in place with any movement. This blindfold eschews satin or fleece in the lining and uses suede instead. While the elastic is not adjustable (most aren't, though), it fit perfectly and remained in place until I was awoken by the harrowing sounds of an alarm clock. This is far preferable to having the sun come in and wake me up earlier. So not only could this serve a purpose for us light sleepers but this shows me that even in rough play, the blindfold will stay in place and keep users in the scene.

While leather lovers will rejoice at this piece, there are two downsides for those of us who don't specifically get off on it. One is that suede and leather are more difficult to clean than just popping the blindfold into the washer. There's usually brushing involved and much more consideration about storage and the chemicals you wear that might degrade it. The other issue is that vegetarians and vegans aren't going to want to use animal by-products.

Overall, a good choice for quickly adding some sensory deprivation into your play that will also make itself useful when you're trying to grab an afternoon nap.

The leather exterior seems well crafted and constructed to last a long time. As with all leather and suede goods, it's got that evocative smell, which you may or may not enjoy. It's hard to imagine the kind of thing that would actually cause it to come apart, although leather and suede have their own issues with certain chemicals. Perfume, cologne and hairspray can degrade items made of suede. Heat and sunlight can ruin leather. So this means storage must be mindful of these limitations.

Unless your head is notably smaller or larger than average, this should fit comfortably. There's adequate length to the elastic to accommodate. The shape of the eye covers is interesting and kind of minimal. There's not a lot of extra fabric beyond the eyes, but the raised ridge on the inside perimeter does a great deal to keep out the light effectively.

As I explained in the Use section, I tried this piece out first as a sleeping mask. It passed the test for staying put far more than most blindfolds, due to its snug fit and the raised ridges on the inside. In an actual scene, it can stay put better as well, if you're moving around a lot or having your hair pulled. It certainly met my expectations and exceeded them, since I expected that the small size would result in letting in too much light around the edges.

As I mentioned above, leather and suede require a little more love than some materials. Keep this blindfold away from heat or direct sunlight, be mindful that chemicals like perfumes and hairspray stay away from it. Cleaning involves brushing and wiping gently, as opposed to a washing machine. Unless your play is also particularly messy, it's not going to require a ton of cleaning. That said, if you have an oilier face, it's probably prudent to clean the interior after each use.

The packaging was reasonable: not too much waste. I'm not sure who the person is that needs instructions on use for a blindfold. Perhaps a motivational list of sexy ideas would be more applicable, since the only step is putting it on your face.

I have some personal moral issues with leather and suede and want to validate that if you're a vegan or vegetarian on the fence about which product to buy, you would probably feel better getting something else. That said, if you love the feel and smell of leather, this will hit that desire in a small, but real dose.