While looking for a dildo, I was put off by the very veiny and testicled models I saw because I wanted a realistic-feeling and realistic-looking toy. I knew Tex by Vixen Creations was the style I was looking for as soon as I saw it. It's something that could be intimate, but not intimidating.

Specifically, it was smaller. A larger dildo would have been anatomically impossible for a particular partner, but other aspects of the design make it ideal for a tighter partner or someone who just isn't into larger toys.

There's a soft layer outside around a solid inner core, which means its tip is soft, and it doesn't bruise the cervix. It feels like, well, an erect cock--slightly soft at the end, more solid core with the VixSkin texture that is quite lifelike--and if you warm it up a little, it's quite like the real thing. The texture isn't off-putting at all or an acquired taste--if you like cocks, this one's pretty great.

Tex has a wide base, which gives you a considerable amount of control over it as a strap-on or in hand-held use. I like the size--not too small, not too big. Some folks may not find it to be a size that really suits them if they prefer things on the larger end of the scale, but other Vixen Creations items, like the Leo, can be too big/long, and that's just as troublesome. This toy looks pretty real; no balls, but it comes in a generic Caucasian flesh tone and has nice ridges and contours. Due to its realistic look, it probably wouldn't be suitable for discreet travel, but due to its compact size, it would fit in a suitcase just fine!

Its gentle curve can also be used for g-spot play if done correctly, though generally I prefer to use my fingers for better control.

This toy's size and shape are great for partners of sizes and shapes on the smaller end of the spectrum. This toy also lends itself pretty well to anal insertion since the end is flanged and it's not gargantuan (no judgment if you like a big cock; just saying, it's a pretty user-friendly guy in this sense). It's harness-compatible, and I had no issue using it with one.

That extra flare means I have enough space to tie a rope harness with slack left over for creative binding. A soft rope is best for this, but avoid anything linty because the VixSkin is a lint magnet. This gets to be a problem when I wear boxer briefs over the harness.

VixSkin is 100% silicone, which means it can be bleached in a 10% bleach solution (90% water) or boiled for a few minutes to sterilize it. However, it does pick up scents, so if washing with soap & water seems like the best option for you, try to get an unscented soap (or one where you don't mind the smell). Storage is easy; its package is perfectly shaped and sized for the purpose. Silicone dildos are NOT compatible with silicone lubricant--they'll melt--water-based is best. There are some really good water-based lubes out there, including one of my faves, Probe.

This toy did not come with instructions, but it's in the standard clear tube packaging for Vixen Creations stuff, which I love. It's perfect for storage, though not discreet.

This toy, like most other silicone dildos, holds temperatures well; if you've just boiled it to sterilize, it's pleasantly warm to insert after cooling briefly.