I purchased the Hera by Luxotiq as a treat for myself, and it is hands-down the prettiest toy I own. I could hardly wait to get it out of the box! There's a lot to like about glass dildos in general; they're easy to use and care for, and they make for exciting temperature play. The Hera distinguishes itself with its tasteful styling and graceful curves. Indeed, the Hera is a thing of beauty, and it would make a very thoughtful, quite divine gift.

Glass is one of the most exciting and satisfying materials for a dildo, primarily because of its surface quality and its ability to retain heat and cold. The Hera has a feeling of substantial weight; it is clearly made to last, and manufactured with precision. Its surface is pristinley smooth, which is a delight when used to rub, penetrate, or thrust. The glass surface also provides the slightest dragging sensation, which can be used to wonderful effect as it passes between the labia.

The fact that glass retains heat and cold, and can thus provide the user with delightful shifts in temperature, is perhaps its most appealing aspect. I found that my own body heat was sufficient to provide a very pleasant warmth while using Hera (since the heat was exactly body temperature, it reminded me of my partner), but if you wish to experience a more intense temperature shift, it's not too much trouble to submerge Hera in a warm or ice-cold bath. With glass, it is a good idea, not to move the toy too quickly from one extreme temperature to another (i.e. from a freezer to hot water), as doing so could prove painful to you and/or destructive to the toy.

For me, the appeal of Hera's appearance has to do with its subtle, minimalist styling. I chose the pink version, which is very slightly more lively in color than the photograph (the tiniest bit more saturated and electric), but still oh-so feminine. It pairs nicely with the accompanying packaging, too. Its curves are beautifully sculpted, and the glass itself is pristine and clear with only the smallest, lacy "L" emblazoned on the surface near the handle.

The length seemed just right to me, leaving just enough room for me to hold onto the smaller end as a handle (though the smaller end could easily be used for penetration, too, if you wished for some variety). The width on the larger end increases gradually, and it was such blissful anticipation to work my way toward its full 1.5 inch girth. An even greater width might appeal to some users but, since glass provides no give at all, I found this width very pleasing. It provided me with just the right amount of 'stretched' sensation.

Overall I loved using the Hera. I was feeling greedy and decided to test its aptitude for multiple orgasms, and was pleasantly rewarded. I paired the Hera with Sliquid's organics gel, which didn't stay slippery as long as I would have liked, but that's another review for another day. After working my way towards full penetration, I turned over onto my stomach. Before I continue, a word of warning about this; glass provides no give whatsoever, and other glass dildos I have used sometimes fail to bend along with the body when shifting positions. I was still surprised at how uncomfortable I was while trying to turn over from my back to my tummy. Ouch! So perhaps it's best to remove Hera entirely before you make any substantial move in body positioning.

Once on my tummy, I was able to hold Hera comfortably in place with my panties--a helpful trick since the glass is especially slippery, and I wanted both hands for clitoral stimulation. I rocked my hips at an easy pace, and was delighted as the glass moved from deeper inside me, tantalizing my labia with the warmth from deep within. The heat noticeably enhanced the sensation of the first orgasm, and for the next two I just continued to rock slowly until the fluctuations in heat began to help the tension build again. I wonder how many more might have followed if I hadn't stopped at three?

High quality glass dildos like the Hera require very little in the way of care and maintenance. Since I don't share Hera, I only wash it with soap and warm water, and on the odd occasion, pop it into the dishwasher for a deeper clean. If you're planning to share your toy, then it's best to boil the toy or let it sit in a bath of bleach solution to fully disinfect it. Luxotiq provides a very sweet box, too, which seems perfect for storage.

Before I purchased Hera, I noticed that several other reviewers had trouble with the packaging coming apart. This was not the case for me; in fact, quite the reverse. The box is really quite beautiful, with a soft pink and ivory color palette and "Luxotiq" set in scroll lettering on the lip. The closure is an ivory satin ribbon, which can be tied into a sweet little bow. The inside is also lovely, with a plush satin lining to keep your toy safe and sound. The box also comes with a little calling card and a small cloth, ostensibly for wiping off the toy, though this seems impractical to me. The overall effect is one of feminine luxury, and the box is pretty enough to use for presentation to any lucky recipient.