To me, the most important thing about the Velvet Touch vibrator is its exterior. It feels softer than velvet, and it took me a while to figure out what it does feel like. Silk? Rose petals? Close, but not quite. Microfiber. It's like soft microfiber cloth. This texture feels incredible on the clitoris and in the vagina. It's soft, soft, soft.

But underneath, the body of the toy is hard and inflexible. This is great for people like me, who enjoy a lot of firmness internally, but probably not for someone who needs more "give". Its slim size allows it to sit nicely on the clitoris to vibrate and slide smoothly into the vagina for thrusting and more vibration. It doesn't have a flared base, and is therefore not recommended for anal use. It's waterproof, so you can take it into the shower or bath.

It's also very nice for sore muscles.

I just realized that my lavender Velvet Touch is the same color as my first My Little Pony.

Moving along, the Velvet Touch has no smell or taste. It's made of PU (polyurethane) coated plastic, and is phthalates free. I have sensitive skin and the material did not irritate me (quite the opposite).

The surface is soft, caressing one's hand and body. I found its coating both soothing and arousing. Because of both its smooth, comforting texture and its slimness, I would recommend it not only to toy beginners, but to women looking to try insertion for the first time as well. I think women of any experience looking for a gentle surface touch with underlying firmness would enjoy this toy, as would women looking for a strong clitoral vibrator with a luxurious coating.

The shape is classic and simple: it's a vibrator. With 6 insertable inches, it's a nice length, plenty to insert while leaving enough room for a hand to control it. Its 3 inch circumference makes it perfect for beginners, or for anyone who likes a slim toy. It's small and pretty sturdy, so I think it would hold up well packed carefully in a suitcase.

The Velvet Touch runs on two AA batteries. Vibration is easily increased and decreased with a dial on the end. The vibration is fast and buzzy. It's neither particularly quiet nor loud; close the door and no one will hear it. It really is waterproof, and the velvet coating combined with water makes for a sensuous experience.

The Velvet Touch should be washed with warm water and soap or toy cleaner. I haven't been able to find whether it can be sterilized, so I wouldn't recommend sharing it. It plays well with both water-based and silicone-based lubricants. I put it in a little cardboard box that another of my toys came in and threw it in the dresser for now, but I want to get it some fabric that's as soft as it deserves.

The Velvet Touch comes in a clear plastic box just big enough to hold it, and not good for storage. There's nothing wrong with the packaging, but nothing special either. The instructions are all about battery insertion, which is easy to figure out without reading them. Even though the uses for the Velvet Touch are pretty obvious, I think it would be nice if it came with more instructions, especially since it's such a great beginner's toy.

With the Velvet Touch, I have finally accepted that I just don't like internal vibrations. Also, it's a bit too strong on my clitoris. I think I'm something of an anomaly in both regards. I can say that this toy has a nice range of vibration, and the highest level packs a very strong punch. At $12.99, it's a great way to find out if internal vibrations are right for you.

I still love this toy. I'm one of those people who feels up clothing hanging on racks, whether I'm interested in buying it or not. When I go to a fabric store I touch everything. I can't help it; I love soft stuff. The Velvet Touch allows me to experience the same tactile sensations on my most sensitive parts.

The vibration level is very nice clitorally in water. And the surface is just plain incredible when the toy is used as a simple dildo. Its velvety skin soothes while its firm body satisfies. I actually feel soft and pampered long after I'm done using it.