‘Stealthing’: Why Non-consensual Condom Removal Is A Big Deal

24/04/2021
minutes
reading

“Stealthing” or non-consensual condom removal, is when one person secretly and purposefully
removes the condom during intercourse, while their partner has only consented to condom-protected sex. Victims of stealthing are exposed to potential pregnancy and STIs, unbeknownst
to them—selfishly for their partner’s increased pleasure or thrill. In countries like Canada and
Germany, stealthing is punishable by law and is regarded as a form of sexual assault, akin to rape.

In 2016, Germany’s sexual crime laws were reformed, placing greater weight on consent. Since
then, in the country’s first steal thing case, a 36 year old policeman was found guilty of sexual
assault by a local Berlin court. The victim “explicitly requested” that the man wear a condom
during intercourse, and had given no consent to sex without protection. It was only after the man
ejaculated, that the victim realized he had not been wearing a condom. The defendant was fined
€3,000, along with €96 for the victim’s sexual health test; he also received an eight-month
suspended jail sentence.

 

The concept of stealthing is definitely not new, but the term for this practice has been used since
2014 by the gay community. Either way, it’s still a big deal and a form of sexual abuse. In
adolescent relationships, condom negotiation is often silenced by male partners—partially due
to a lack of knowledge in negotiating in this area, a feeling of obligation and the fear of the
condom-wearer’s response. To prevent this from happening in the first place, it’s important that
gay and straight males are taught that wearing a condom is beneficial for them as well.

A recent study in the U.S. found that “10% of young male non-problem drinkers reported having
engaged in nonconsensual condom removal since the age of 14. Men who had engaged in this
behavior reported higher rates of STI diagnoses and partners with unplanned pregnancies than
men who had not engaged in nonconsensual condom removal.”1 In another recent study of
young adult women, “12% reported that they had experienced nonconsensual condom removal
by a male partner, while none of the participants reported engaging in nonconsensual condom
removal themselves”.1

While the majority of stealthing is practiced my men, it needs to also be noted that it is possible
for females to also ‘stealth’ their partners, by removing or damaging the condom without their
partner’s consent.

So, what to do if you are a victim of stealthing?

Many victims report feelings of betrayal and a violation of trust—and most importantly, it is never
the victim’s fault. In 2018, a man was found guilty of sexual assault in Germany’s first conviction
for stealthing; but in neighboring Switzerland, the supreme court disagreed—saying that it was
regretfully, not illegal.

So basically, when it comes to the legal action you can take as a victim, it really depends on the
country you are in. If you want to press charges, go to a nearby police station where they can
collect physical evidence. Even if pressing charges isn’t an option, you can still file a civil case.
Either way, we must take matters into our own hands by getting tested, removing harmful
relationships from our lives, practicing open communication and always expressing boundaries.
Oftentimes the mental health ramifications are the greatest, in which case—try not to withdraw.
Seek guidance from a friend, rape crisis hotline or mental professional.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of stealthing and don’t know where to turn,
contact the sexual violence resource center or sexual assault hotline in your country.

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Lesbian Sex Is Real Sex

24/04/2021
minutes
reading

Virginity is patriarchal, a construct… and totally dumb. As a 26 year old lesbian, it’s kind of funny
for me to think that anyone could question the validity of lesbian sex.. but it’s also true that
young lesbians usually have to define it themselves.

When penetration isn’t the star of the show, and society is telling us something else… we must
decide for ourselves whether we are ‘virgins’ anymore (or if it even matters).

For me, when I had my first orgasm with my partner at 17, I decided that I was no longer a
virgin, and that was that. It didn’t feel revolutionary at the time, but I guess in a way, it was.

In deciding that for myself, I redefined what was important during sex: orgasms,
connection, pleasure, affection, intimacy. And that’s empowering.

Interestingly, as I got older and my first partner and I went separate ways, she eventually slept
with a guy… and in her narrative he was the one who ‘took her virginity’.  That definitely made me
question certain things and feel sort of insignificant in her life, which was shitty. But looking
back, now that I’ve had more experiences with women and some men, it’s even more clear for
me, that she was absolutely the ‘loss of my virginity’.

It’s also kind of cool in a way that there’s not the same momentous significance to first time
lesbian sex. It’s very freeing, because I only considered it to be my ‘virginity’ in retrospect…and
not in the moment. Which allowed both of us to just focus on each other’s pleasure and not
anything else.

from what I’ve learned, sex is so much more rewarding when there isn’t a focus on one thing, like penetration or ‘virginity’—and this is true regardless of who you’re having sex with.

Lesbian sex is the most intimate sex I’ve experienced, and if you’re able to ignore the
external, heteronormative ideals of what sex should be—it’s also the most freeing.

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First Time Gay Sex: Expectation vs Reality

24/04/2021
minutes
reading

Sex is so much more than penetration—and we know this. But this is even more true with first
time gay sex. We interviewed gay men of all ages to talk about their first time expectations
having gay sex vs. the realities that they encountered.

Let’s see what they had to say :

“I didn’t come out to my parents until later in life…long after I started having sex with men. In
the U.S., teens under 18 can’t hide their medical history from their parents, so that’s just
something to keep in mind. We’re the most at-risk for HIV, so it’s important to always wear a
condom and to get routine STI tests every 3-6 months.”
– Max, 36

 

“Sex is emotional. I used to use sex as more of an outlet to vent my frustrations with my ultra
conservative parents, but I didn’t fully realize it at the time. The older I got, the more I
understood what I had been doing, and the more I started truly enjoying sex. It’s good to be in a
good emotional place…that’s something I never expected to be as important as it is.”
– Ope, 27

 

“Like most guys, I watched a lot of porn before actually trying anal sex myself…and porn is
definitely a cleaned-up, edited version of the real thing (as it should be)! Use lubricant…even
more than you think, and buy some wipes for after!”
– Jake, 22

“I was all psyched up for my first time—I decided in my head that I was ready, but when it came
to that moment, I wasn’t able to have anal sex immediately. And looking back, I’m so happy that
was the case, anal requires a lot of patience and trust…especially your first time, so don’t worry.
Foreplay is awesome, and taking it slow made me appreciate everything even more.”
– Enrico, 18

 

“I think everyone should experience being a top and a bottom. When I would fantasize about sex,
I was always a top…but when I tried bottoming in real life, I ended up loving it just as much. You
don’t have to have everything figured out before you start.”
– Leo, 40

 

“Not everyone douches before anal…there’s a whole specific way to do that, but I’d recommend
reading up on it further if it’s something that you’re interested in. But whatever you choose, just
know that sex is messy, and it’s impossible to avoid that. I guess I didn’t really know what to
expect in regard to that, but now I’ve discovered that eating a healthy, fiber-rich diet eliminates
the need to douche, for me at least.”
– Gus, 21

“Go slow! I mean, maybe this goes without saying for some, but for me, I was just so excited to
get to the main event, that I was a little too enthusiastic at the beginning. Reeeally taking it slow
is not something I necessarily expected, but it is essential to having a good first time experience.”
– Kyle, 20

 

“I didn’t start really loving anal until I was in my mid-to-late 20s. I had no idea how frustrating
my earlier years would be. But try not to get discouraged, you’re just going to get more confident
in your skills and the reality is, it’s always going to get better.”
– Alessandro, 37

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20 Questions That Make Consent Sexy.

24/04/2021
minutes
reading

There’s nothing hotter than enthusiastic consent— and it definitely doesn’t have to kill the
mood, despite what some may think.

Here are 20 questions that prove just how sexy consent can be…

1. Can I kiss you?
2. I’ve been wanting to kiss you the whole night, can I?
3. You can kiss me if you want…
4. Is this the part when we kiss?
5. Is this ok?
6. Is it ok if I touch you there?
7. Is it ok if I put my hand there?
8. Would you like it if I kissed you there?
9. Do you want me to use my mouth?
10. Nod if you want me to keep going…
11. Smile if you want me to keep going…
12. I love this bra…can I take it off?
13. What do you want me to do to you?
14. Tell me what you were thinking about when we first talked about having sex…is that what
you want me to do?
15. Where do you want me to touch you?
16. I love *insert activity* would that feel good?
17. What is your fantasy…do you want to try that?
18. Do you like when I do this to you *insert body part*?
19. Do you like this position?
20. (This one isn’t really a question) But make them beg for it! Turn any question into affirmative
consent by withholding whatever pleasurable activity is happening and then have your
partner beg for it to continue.

And remember, if your partner isn’t enjoying things as much as you are, stop and find out why—
“No” is a full sentence…and anything other than a “hell yes” means ‘no’.

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Welcome Sex-plorers!

26/08/2020
minutes
reading

For so many reasons, this year 2021 is about embracing authenticity. It’s about being open in our sexual exploration and unapologetic in our actions. It is a collective rejection of whatever’s holding us back.

More than ever, we are less-defined by our age, gender or sexual orientation than ever before. Instead, we are defined by our state of mind: a common quest for truth, a desire for experience and a thirst for pleasure.

As a society, we are coming to terms with the idea that pleasure is an endless exploration. Intimacy is not a caricature — like porn, or movies, or brands would have us think. Real intimacy is poorly-timed, awkward, messy and imperfect… and it’s these imperfections that make it so incredibly exciting.

For the first time we are learning… without judgement, shame, or shyness — to become comfortable with the idea of embracing what we like and exploring it. And becoming less hesitant to say “no” to what we don’t.

In 2021, I vow to

Be honest with myself.
Be honest with my partner.
Feel comfortable exploring porn.
Masturbate more.
Be open to trying new things.
Endlessly explore my sexuality.

Don’t fall into the trap of performative sex
Erica Garza

Author Erica Garza perfectly sums it up: Get a vibrator, explore your body, see what you like, don’t be afraid of fantasy, explore your mind, be honest in the bedroom, and don’t fall into the trap of ‘performative sex.’ We might think sex looks a certain way, or a guy will like certain things, but it’s important to be real and honest and not be afraid of being vulnerable about your desires.”

Because nothing is more sexy, than being real

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Let’s Talk About Lube: All You Need To Know

26/08/2020
minutes
reading

Sensuality is how in tune you are with your senses — sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. It opens up a powerful passageway to experience raw emotions. Accessing our sensual nature, allows us to feel more deeply connected to others and ourselves.

SKYN Lubricants — Range

While sensuality and sexuality may be used interchangeably, the two are very different. Sensual experiences do not necessarily have to lead to sexual ones. However, being in tune with your sensuality can heighten your sexual encounters.

Using personal lubricants in the bedroom can present some seriously exciting ways to explore your sensual side. Not only can lube make certain things possible (i.e. anal), it can also offer a huge range of sensations that can bring sexual play to the next level. About 70% of people have already tried incorporating lube into their love life. But before you become one of them — it’s important to have a basic understanding of how it works, when it can come in handy and what different formulas can do.

To start — lube isn’t just a natural lubrication replacement — but rather, a vessel for endless exploration. Men of course, don’t produce any lubrication, and while most females are capable of doing so, it’s not always the case. In addition to making anal sex more comfortable and extending the longevity of marathon sessions, lube can be used in a variety of ways… a true sensuality enhancer.

Here are the most basic types of lube and great ways to use them.

Water-based lube is the most common type of lube.

Water-based lubricants

Water-based lube is the most common type of lube. It can be used for pretty much all of your sexual needs: penetration, masturbation and with toys. Water-based lubes are also ideal for sensitive skin and vaginal irritation and it’s the best option to use with condoms.

Pro tip* the fact that it’s water-based makes it the easiest to clean out of sheets and clothes.

“My boyfriend got me a bottle of SKYN Aqua Feel while on a road trip once, so now we just keep it in the car. Anytime we drive somewhere especially beautiful, we both usually feel compelled to use it. It’s a nice way to experience our surroundings in a new way and to create memories together that are just for us” says Jake, 33.

“WOW… It’s incredible”
Mila, 25

SKYN Excite is more than a water-based lubricant — it’s an orgasmic gel for her. It was specially designed and tested by women to maximize the female sexual experience. “Using SKYN Excite with my girlfriend was so intense…in a good way! You just have to gently massage it onto your clit… it takes a minute to kick in and then WOW… it’s incredible” says Mila, 25.

Silicone-based

Silicone-based lube is slippery, long-lasting, and the best for longer sessions. “At gay play parties, there really aren’t many toys” says James, 22… “there’s lube, there are condoms, there are wipes, but generally, there’s just bodies. What you see is what you get. SKYN All Night Long is the only lube I bring.”

The ingredients in silicone-based lube require less to be applied and less reapplication. It’s also #1 for shower sex and shower masturbating, as the silicone is resistant to water.

Just remember, silicone-based lube shouldn’t be used on silicone sex toys, as it can break down the rubber over time. However, there are many toys that are made from other materials, like hard plastic, glass and steel, so this lube is still great for that!

“We use our favorite oil-based lube as massage oil and then what’s left for personal lubricant”
Camille, 29

Oil-based

Oil-based lube provides a slippery feel that stays on longer than water-based lubricant. Oil-based lubes are ideal for masturbation, penetrative unprotected sex and water play. “The best is when my boyfriend starts by giving me a luxurious massage and then eventually it turns into something more. We use our favorite oil-based lube as massage oil and then what’s left for personal lubricant… it’s super convenient” says Camilla, 29.

Oil-based lubricants (or other oil-based products, like coconut oil) should not be used with latex condoms. The oil dissolves the latex of the condom and can cause them to break.

  • Always better with Lube!

    Adding extra lubrication is a simple and easy way to make sex comfier and more pleasurable for everyone.

    Our favourite lubes

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3 Sex Toys That Do Very Different Things

26/08/2020
minutes
reading

Sex toys are empowering… and can improve intimacy exponentially. For starters, toys offer entirely new ways to learn exactly what you like, as well as close the orgasm gap with your partner. In fact, 49% percent of couples who use vibrators report communicating often, whether it be about sex or other subjects. In contrast, of those who don’t use vibrators, only 29% could report the same level of openness and communication.

And the beauty of toys is, each shape and size serves an entirely different purpose…

Here is a sneak peak at three toys and what you can do with them.

SKYN Toys — Range

1. The ‘rabbit-style’ vibe

A rabbit vibrator is a combination of an external vibrator and a G-spot toy. Rabbit-style vibrators have an external piece that provides vibration to the clitoris, while a second deeper attachment can go inside for G-spot stimulation. What makes this toy perfect is its versatility. It’s designed to provide maximum pleasure and blended orgasms, but can also be used one way or the other.

The SKYN Vibes Personal Pleasure Vibrating Massager is a great rabbit-style option. This vibe has multiple settings and is perfect for solo-quarantine-play, to safely explore what you like… and then together with a partner.

“The day I taught my boyfriend how I like to use my vibrator was definitely a turning point in our relationship”, says Liana, 32.

You can put on an incredibly sexy show by masturbating with the vibe in front of your partner, while describing what you’re doing. You can also try placing the vibrator in your partner’s hand and then guiding them with yours.

2. The male masturbator

Male masturbators or ‘strokers’ often feature a soft, tube-like space to masturbate into. With all of them pretty much mimicking the feeling of oral/vaginal/anal sex.

The best toys are designed to blend in. The SKYN Stroke Male Self-Pleasure Egg, checks all of these boxes. The egg design is super discrete and can come in handy anytime. It truly couldn’t look less suspicious.

3. Bullet vibes

The beauty of bullet massagers is that they resemble slim tubes of lipstick and are discrete enough that you can bring them and use them anywhere. They’re perhaps the easiest and smallest type of vibrator you can use, and feature one easy on/off switch.

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Wipes To Make After-Sex Cleanup Simple

26/08/2020
minutes
reading
Gril hand reaching over SKYN Get Fresh wipes

Perhaps the least-documented of all sexual acts, is the post-sex cleanup.

It’s strange. We’re all in agreement that sex gets messy… pretty much every time. But we really don’t talk about it, not even a little bit. And without any how-to guides leading the way… really all bets are off. People have been left to their own devices for far too long in this sector, and the feedback we’re getting is extremely varied. We interviewed a range of people, and their after-sex responses ranged from unhygienic to haunting.

Cleanup consisted of answers like, “dick in the sink” to “t-shirt” to “cum towel” and “baby wipes”. But overall, it really feels like we’re all sort of winging it…

Basically, however you’re confronting this post-sex sitch, SKYN wants you to know: there’s a better way!

Man with SKYN Get Fresh Pocket wipes in his back pocket
Man with SKYN Get Fresh Pocket wipes in his back pocket

SKYN’s Get Fresh Intimate Cleansing Wipes are super gentle, moisturizing with shea butter and provitamin B5, and can be found on the same shelf as condoms and lube.

All SKYN products are designed using the very latest technology to give couples the most intimate sexual experience. From condoms, to lube, to toys, to delay spray for men… SKYN products are simple and natural.

And whatever you like to do right after sex, we promise that Get Fresh wipes will have a place, and may just be your favorite new habit ❤

“It’s the gentlemanly thing to do”
Emma

Blogger, Emma A. writes, “I don’t think my partner and I have ever had a discussion about who should clean me off after sex. He’s just always taken care of it. And that makes sense to me. As far as I see it, it’s the gentlemanly thing to do… I also invested in a baby wipe warmer, which has been great!”

Tattooed hands cleaned by a SKYN Get Fresh wipe

A pre-pee wipe is perfect… and this is the biggest post-sex advice. Always pee after sex! It will protect against dreaded urinary tract infections (UTIs) and will flush out any bacteria in the urethra from penetrative sex. Condoms can help reduce the spread of bacteria, but it’s still always a good idea to pee asap regardless.

Sperm has been known to throw off the pH balance of vaginas, so these wipes are the perfect tool to wash away any bacteria and quickly re-balance your pH. Healthy vaginas “have a pH between 3.8 and 4.5, which makes them slightly acidic. Semen, on the other hand, is between 7.1 and 8 — making it slightly alkaline. As a result, semen can potentially disrupt the delicate balance that’s ideal for vaginal flora” states Dr. Susie Gronski. Vaginal canals on the other hand, will clean themselves (vaginas are good like that) — so never douche or attempt to clean the inside.

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Choosing The Right Condom

26/08/2020
minutes
reading

Choosing the right condom can take some trial and error, but most men will agree that their favorite is “the one that’s readily available”. SKYN also has an excellent assortment in their Selection pack, so you can test out what feels best for you and your partner. Male condoms offer 98% effectiveness against unwanted pregnancy and STIs — and nothing’s sexier than safe sex…

There are three main materials condoms are made from: natural rubber latex, synthetic materials and lambskin (with latex being the most widely-used by producers). However, an increasing number of women and men are turning to non-latex options, as latex can be to blame for rashes and allergic reactions. It all comes down to using what feels right for you. Try out an assorted Selection pack and find what works!

SKYN condoms are the world’s most-sold non-latex condom. This cult status comes down to SKYNFEEL® — a revolutionary material that is noticeably softer and more natural-feeling than regular condoms. SKYN condoms offer the same protection against pregnancy and STIs and they’re manufactured in a facility that doesn’t process latex at all.

Users report SKYN condoms as feeling ‘barely noticeable’ and ‘full of sensitivity’, while remaining safe and suitable for people with an allergy to latex. The brand offers a ton of latex-free options too—from extra lube, larger sizes and flavored.

 

Here are 6 types of condoms, so you can see what sounds best for you.

SKYN Natural Feel Original Non Latex Condoms

This is a new generation of condom and loved by many. Made from SKYNFEEL®, a technologically advanced, non-latex material, proven to enhance stimulation. It feels so soft and comfortable that you’ll barely notice wearing it, allowing you and your partner to really feel everything.

It offers a straight fit with ultra smooth lubricant not spermicidal, a smooth texture and 53 mm size with reservoir tip.

SKYN Elite Non Latex Condoms

This is our thinnest and softest condom, offering everything of the original design, except 20% thinner than SKYN Original. Offering the most ultimate natural feeling.

The SKYN Elite is incredibly 20% thinner than SKYN Original! With the same straight fit, ultra smooth lubricant not spermicidal, smooth texture and 53 mm size with reservoir tip.

SKYN Extra Lube Condoms

Lubricant allows you and your partner to extend play. SKYN Extra Lube condoms contain 40% more long-lasting lubricant compared to SKYN Original condoms. These condoms offer the maximum amount of comfort, enhancing your experience. All SKYN condoms are made from SKYNFEEL® material.

 

SKYN Intense Feel Condoms

Instead of *just* protecting against unwanted pregnancy and STIs, condoms can play more of an active role in offering up interesting sensations. SKYN Intense Feel condoms have a wave design texture with raised dots in all the right places. The dots are placed in the most sensitive areas to maximize stimulation and enhance pleasure.

SKYN Large Non Latex Condoms

This is the same much-loved condom, made from SKYNFEEL® only larger. It feels so soft and comfortable that you’ll barely notice wearing it, allowing you and your partner to really feel everything.

It offers a straight fit with ultra smooth lubricant not spermicidal, a smooth texture and 56 mm size with reservoir tip.

 

SKYN Cocktail Flavored Condoms

SKYN Cocktail Club condoms are new non-latex “flavored and scented” condoms, inspired by cocktails. Flavors include Piña Colada, Cherry Sunrise and Passion Daiquiri. The SKYNFEEL® material in this condom lets these fruity flavors really shine—as there is no latex smell to hide.

SKYN Cocktail Club condoms are consistently voted the “Best Flavored Condoms” and they are the only non-latex flavored condoms.

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Oral Sex Positions To Make Up Lost Time

25/08/2020
minutes
reading

“During quarantine, you’re either alone or together…there’s no in between”, says Charlie Halston, a 28-year-old comedian from London.

With borders closed and travel at a stand still, a huge number of couples have been separated for months. It’s only recently that some of us are seeing our partners again, after all this time.

We have to make up for lost time — and time is of the essence.

Here are some playful ways to restore intimacy after months of being apart.

A naked girl laying in gray bedsheets
A naked girl laying in gray bedsheets
Deliver-o

The next time you click ‘place order’ on this week’s take-out, get ready. This is a race against time — and whoever comes first, wins.

Yes — that means, either you and your parter, or the person delivering your food.
No — we are not suggesting that you sleep with your delivery driver.

BUT what we are suggesting, is that you and your partner should both try and come, before your food arrives. Have your cake… and eat it too.

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