I am a balm fiend, for balm is one of those essentials. I know without looking where to find balm: a tube in my pocket, another in my bag, one more in the car - and small tubs by the bed, by the computer, and on my desk at work. Balm is good - because when my lips are drying out, all I want to do is slide on some soft slippery slightly-sticky moistener. It makes me happy, and it makes me more kissable.

So why not have balm for your other lips? Sensuous Beauty Vulva Balm|Vulva balm - Lubricant by Sensuous Beauty is designed specifically for your nether areas (although I've discovered it's most pleasant for your mouth as well). It bills itself as a "deliciously scented, moisturising balm, formulated for women experiencing dryness due to menopause or other hormonal shifts." And - as a bonus - it's also an excellent lubricant (although not latex friendly, so keep those condoms away!).

The fragrance I tried (Violet Flower) is nicely scented: a subtle aroma that doesn't overwhelm and is not too sweet. Reading the ingredients list makes me all the more enthusiastic about slathering it on myself, as it's made up of organic sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, organic violet flower infusion, beeswax, wildcrafted cocoa butter, vitamin E, and their Violet blend of pure essential oils. Yum! All their flavors are totally natural, and the lack of chemical undertones makes it pleasant indeed.  There are three fragrances to choose from, with 'Rapturous Rose' and 'Gypsy Jasmine' being the other two options.

Since my Vulva Balm arrived, I have developed a new nightly ritual.  Once I lie down in bed, I lean over to the bedside table and get my balm (it comes in a larger pot - 1.25 fl oz - than my lip balm, so I have no troubles telling the two apart).  Unscrewing the tub, I skim my index finger across the surface of the balm, gathering it on my finger tip. Then I gently smooth it across my vulva - down my left labia majora, up my right. A little more balm, and I brush it across my minora and up around my clitoris [Editor's Note: we don't recommend using oil-based products inside the vagina, as they are often difficult to wash off and can collect unwanted bacteria].

Vulva Balm creates a plump and full feeling in my nethers, and it is delicious to masturbate with, either digitally or with sex toys.  It's not as slippery as lube, but neither is it tacky. Instead, fingers or instruments glide across the surface, leaving a lovely friction in its wake.

Balm is an essential. Now, Vulva Balm is also an essential for me - and considerably more erotic than mere lip balm!