When I joined Edenfantasys last summer, I was looking for a G-spot vibrator that was on the smaller side girth-wise, silicone, and rechargeable. At the time Lelo's Elise model was not waterproof, so I decided to try the Liv.

Although designed to primarily stimulate the G-spot, I found this vibe works better at stimulating the clitoris and nipples. To be fair, I am still figuring out how to stimulate my G-spot through masturbation, so it might partially be user error on my part. Unlike most clitoral vibrators, the Liv has a handle which keeps the vibrations from numbing the hand.

If you are thinking at all of wanting to use the Liv anally, it would be better to buy the Lelo Billy which has a flared part for safety (although the Billy is also NOT waterproof).

The smooth, silicone texture covering rigid plastic on the insertable length has very little drag. Because it is so smooth, I can choose whether or not I want to use a water-based lube. Since the texture is not overly stimulating, I think anyone can use the Liv without fear of the silicone texture being overly stimulating. Speaking of the insertable part, it is very rigid. Because the insertable portion is not solid silicone, this vibe won't have as much give as a silicone dildo.

The handle is a white, glossy plastic with a different, shiny silvery plastic separating the insertable part from the controls. Similarly, the control pad is the same white plastic surrounded by a LED ring.

I chose the lime green color because it reminds me of nature during summertime. The Liv also comes in two other unusual sex toy colors, cerise (pink) and navy blue. When the vibe arrived there was no particular scent or taste; I've since noticed that the vibe does faintly pick up the scent of the cleaner I use.

Lelo markets the Liv as "The Elegant Mid-sized Vibrator with Iconic Form." Instead it's "The Elegant Small-sized Vibrator with Iconic Form." The shape is supposed to stimulate the G-spot because it is thickest where it should hit the G-spot. It has a 3¾" circumference at its widest point; I consider this girth to be small because it is under 4" in circumference. I think the size is best suited for those who prefer slender toys.

The comparison picture above demonstrates how short the insertable length is. Because of the short insertable length, it's best for shallow thrusting rather than thrusting with the whole length.

This Lelo vibrator is great for travel and discretion because it comes with a black bag and the controls can be locked.

Performance //
The vibrators feel more 'rumbly' than buzzy to me which I like; what I mean is that they feel deeper in the vibrator rather than just on the surface. Annoyingly every once in awhile, the silver seam will pinch when thrusting. It may be because sometimes I do not use lube, but it may well be the design of the seam itself.

The Lelo Liv is very quiet, something I appreciate because I do not want anyone outside of my bedroom hearing the vibrator. On the highest vibration settings the vibrator can be heard through bed covers, but even then only barely. It is neither splash-proof nor waterproof which means this vibrator cannot be used in the shower or submerged.

As implied by the review title, I consider this vibrator to be Magikarp-like because it's good for foreplay or if you're sensitive to strong vibrations in larger vibrators. However, if you want a vibrator to intensely stimulate the G-spot, I would suggest a different, albeit larger, vibrator such as the Elise 2 (similar shape) or Fun Factory's G4 Tiger (textured shape).

Controls //
Dubbed an "Intuitive interface dial" by Lelo, the control pad is a circle with four 'quadrants': up, down, plus, and minus. Surrounded by a circular LED indicator, this lights up when switching between unlocked and locked. To turn on you hold down on the + button, and to turn off you hold down on the - button.

As I mentioned previously, the vibe can be locked so it isn't accidentally turned on. Simply press down on the center of the control pad to lock, and repeat to unlock.

Charging //
Another unlocking option is to charge the Liv. If you see the LED indicator glowing red, then the Liv needs to be charged.

To charge, plug the plug part of the charger into the Liv until you hear a ‘subtle click’. Then plug the charger into the wall, and two hours later the vibrator should be fully charged indicated by the LED indicator glowing white.

Functions //
Here is a visual representation of the different patterns:

1. Continuous vibration
2. Extended interval pulsation
3. Intermediate interval pulsation
4. Short interval pulsation
5. Wave pulsation

To go to the next pattern, press the (+) and you'll hear a soft click. As a heads up, when you reach the fifth pattern you have to hold down the (-) to go back to a previous pattern, rather than cycling back via the (+). I would say my favorite patterns are #1 and #4, externally and internally respectively.

The user manual that came with my Liv explicitly states: "Never use cleansers containing alcohol, petrol or acetone". This means it is NOT safe to use Classic Erotica's Before and after cleaner. It is safe to use Lelo's antibacterial toy cleaning spray. Just spray, wait 5 seconds, and wipe.

Another option is spraying the vibe with a 10% bleach solution and wiping down. Because it is not waterproof, I would suggest using a damp cloth and soap if you do not have a cleaner. I find that the seams, as well as the control pad, collect fluids. These 'fluid traps' make it difficult to clean. It's frustrating when the rest of the vibe is clean that the seams remain dirty.

The Liv's silicone is compatible with water-based lubes, but not silicone-based lubes. I would recommend the V Ultra Sensitive Lubricant. I store it in the black, drawstring bag it comes with to keep off dust. Unlike most of my silicone toys, it doesn't attract a lot of lint. If you decide to store the Liv with other toys, keep it in its bag to protect it from being damaged by non-silicone toys.

How the Liv compares to Lelo's other Femme G-spot vibrators:
• Gigi
At the same price point, it has a 'G-spot kink' (as described in the Lelo LIV/GIGI/INEZ user manual). Because of that 'kink,' the Gigi should offer greater G-spot stimulation. Like the Liv, the Gigi is not waterproof; the trade-off is a lower price point than the other vibrators mentioned below.
• Iris
Well... given that it's not waterproof, I would not suggest this more expensive vibrator over the Liv.
• Mona 2
Not only waterproof, this larger vibrator offers an additional vibration mode and pronounced contour for stimulating the G-spot. Like the Liv it retains a white plastic handle rather than a silicone coated handle (like the Elise 2).
• Elise 2
This larger counterpart makes up for the higher price point by being waterproof and bigger. Plus it has two motors, (supposedly) stronger vibrations, and 8 (vs. 5) modes. If you can afford this price point, I would suggest investing in the Elise 2 over the Liv.

When I initially bought this I didn't think I would really miss out on it not being waterproof. But after a month or so I wanted to be able to use this in the shower or bath. My mentor at the time Woman China gave me the advice that when buying a $100+ vibrator to (almost) always choose one that is waterproof; I really wished I had listened to her.

I regret not taking the risk of having my G-spot overstimulated by the Gigi. A friend listened to my suggestion to buy a Lelo vibe; she chose the Gigi and has been loving it. In contrast I felt the Liv was disappointing for the price point. Because of Lelo's 10 year warranty, if the Liv stops functioning I could buy another Lelo vibrator at half price. Not too shabby. Although, I am very hesitant to purchase another Lelo G-spot vibrator based on the Liv's weak intensity.

At this point I would not recommend this vibrator unless you feel that the Elise 2 would be too big, or if you really don't mind it not being waterproof. My fingers are crossed that Lelo's working on a waterproof Liv 2 (and Gigi 2) that I could recommend.