The Essence for Couples is a clitoral stimulator. It can be used for erogenous zones such as the nipples, thighs, and stomach. it is also marketed to be partially insertable, which can offer variety, but it might not be the most comfortable option for some users. The Essence is marketed at an affordable price. It is accessible for the majority of users. More experienced users will be bored at the lack of features or qualities the Essence has to offer while beginners could put their money to better toys. The average user could put the same amount of money to better use to acquire a better toy.

The Essence does have some redeeming aspects. It is waterproof, so even though it is no the most discreet you can bring it in the shower with you. It also has some fairly strong vibrations. The materials it is made from aren't bad either. The Essence is not designed or intended for anal insertion.

The Essence is made of 2 materials. It is primarily made of plastic, which generally ranks an 8 out of 10 on the materials scale. Plastic is usually non porous, making it easier to clean. The other material it is made out of is a TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) and silicone composite. Each manufacturer has different formulas for their mixtures like this. Usually, TPR/silicone mixtures are microporous, which us still better than more porous jelly and rubber toys. It ranks a 6 on the materials scale, which is fair. It is hypoallergenic and made of food grade materials.

There are textures on the toy. The silicone/TPR pad on the head has raised bumps on it. They can be felt when glided across the clitoris and when inserted, but it is not too intense. The silicone/TPR pad can be pressed if you place your thumb on it; it offers some plushness to it. The plastic and the toy overall are hard and unyielding. There is a very obvious seam where the silicone/TPR meets the plastic. It can't be felt but increases cleaning time.



There is texture on the plastic. The handle contains ribs. The toy is not ment to be inserted to this point, so this is most likely to help with holding the toy, especially if lubricant is introduced. There is no overt odor to the Essence.

The Essence is a bit of an ugly duckling in the toy world. It shouldn't scare new users away, but it doesn't have the appeal more streamlined toys do. It's not very intimidating in any of its dimensions. It is 6 inches long with an insertable length of 2.75 inches. The insertable length is the length of the top half/head of the toy (with the middle bering where the handle that contains the battery meets the head). It is not the most ergonomic for inserting for some users. There isn't much to insert and it can be a bit awkward to handle.



The circumference is average for female oriented toys at 4.5 inches around. In terms of discretion, the Essence does not scream sex toy as other toys do, but it cannot hide in plain view, especially if you have wandering eyes around. It's best to toss it in a drawer when it is not in use. It is also a bit loud when in use. Since there is only on function, there is only one set sound. It is a sold 3 Bees. You may be heard beyond a closed door and blanket if you have no background noise going on. It's best to turn on a fan or some music before using the Essence.

If traveling, it is best to remove the battery so it does not accidentally twist on.

The controls are easy for the Essence. It twists. The handle and head and joined to together. This is the joint where you twist the two halves to turn the toy on and off. The head has the words ON and OFF, while the handle has a small dot. Twist the handle so that the dot lines up with the ON. The toy will turn on. It only has one setting, which is a standard, steady vibration. It is both buzzy and rumbly in nature. It is 4 Vrooms, which is enough power for the majority of users. The motor is located in the head. Vibrations travel well in the head but deaden enough in the handle to make it easy to maneuver.

To turn off, twist the handle so it is on the OFF (it will shut off anywhere so long as the dot is not on the ON). The Essence takes 1 AA battery. To access the battery cage, twist the toy while pulling on both ends of the toy. It will pop off.



This is where one of the major fault lie with this toy. The metal pieces that create the circuit are not very secure. If they move even a bit, the circuit cannot be completed and the toy will not turn on. You may have to manually bend the metal tabs inside the battery cage on the inner rim of the toy. Also, if the toy is not fastened on very tightly, the toy will also not turn on. You may have to press the halves together with some force to get the toy to work. This temperamental trait is what makes the toy lose much of its appeal.

The Essence is waterproof. It can be used in the shower with no problem.

Care for the Essence is average(ish). Soap and water works best here. You may need to use a nail or toothpick to work around the seams, especially where the silicone/TPR pad meets with the plastic. A lot of debris can collect here and it won't go away with just a washing. If you use lubricant, it can get inside all the ribs at the toy's handle. Once clean, the toy can be stored in a box or drawer. Keep it from direct contact with rubber and jelly toys to prevent contamination. Also keep it away from direct contact with silicone toys, or at least the silicone pad. The silicone coatings on other toys can be affected by it.

Only use water based lubricant with the Essence.

The packaging for the Essence is standard sex toy packaging, especially for this price level of sex toys. The plastic box is not discreet since the toy is easily visible through the transparent window. It is not intended to be used as long term storage, but it can be if you wanted.

So, do I recommend this toy? If a friend were looking at it and asked me if I thought it was a good toy I would say it was not. Granted, there are worse toys for this price point, but there are also better ones. This toy is not the best option for those who need discretion. If discretion is not an issue, many people find shoddy/temperamental construction and issue. I don't want to grab a toy and fine that I need to bend the metal tabs or spring to get it working right (talk about a buzz killer).

Appearance wise, the toy could use a face lift. I give an A for color choices, but that's where it ends. The toys is a pseudo pocket rocket but is more unsightly.

So... if I'm complaining like this, you may be asking what I would recommend instead of this toy. The Dream Massager G is only a couple of dollars more and offers variety, better discretion, and better quality. Another option is the Posh, which might be a little less strong, but is cuter, more affordable, and a better quality.