This vibrator is for external use only, so use it on your clit, nipples or anywhere else that feels good! I think that this toy is best suited for females. If a guy out there wants to try it, I think the uses would be greatly limited, you're better off getting something else from Lelo that's more suited for a male. This toy can be used just about anywhere since its pretty small and extremely quiet, but by all means you can't wear it under clothing. Public bathroom, bedroom, bathtub--it's great.

This toy is made from Lelo's exceptionally smooth velvety silicone and a metallic-looking hard plastic. It's so so soft, you can't even imagine it unless you've touched another Lelo toy. Anybody can use this toy, it's a great addition to a collection of the advanced user, or a very high quality first toy for a beginner. It will quickly work its way to the top of your 'first pick favorites' list. It is a hard toy, with a great texture, and only non-porous materials are used. There was no odor involved with the toy, just that mild "new" scent. Very little taste involved as well, again, just the "new plastic" taste, and even that was extremely mild--a balloon as more flavor.

So at first, the design, with the hollow center, is a little bit weird and unusual, but as soon as you stop thinking about the shape, the design becomes very handy. It makes a great gripping point, great leverage and it's just plain pretty. The size is pretty nice, about 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches, the hole in the middle is 1.5 by 1 inch and the width is between 1 inch and 1.5 inches, depending on where you measure the Alia, so it fits pretty easily on the palm. This toy is not really for those who like pinpoint stimulation, the head is too big for that (think the size of the pad of your thumb as the main stimulation point). It's great for travel since it's so quiet and it is lockable. It's pretty easy to hide since its small, but I seriously doubt you could leave it out and say it's something else, something innocent; however it doesn't scream "sex toy" either. To the ignorant, it would just seem like a very odd little thing. To someone knowledgeable, I doubt you would be judged for having such a toy.

So, as always, Lelo's controls are very simple to use and to learn: The plus (+) button turns the toy on and increases intensity, the minus (-) button lowers intensity and turns the toy off, and the center button changes the type of vibration. There are six vibration patterns: the 1st is a constant vibration, the 2nd is a slow pulsation, 3rd is a fast pulse, 4th is an escalating vibration, 5th is a low-high-low sort of vibration, and 6th is a crazy random roller coaster. My only issue with this toy is that the controls are a little too close to the main "head" of pleasure, but really, it's no big deal since the controls are seamless with the body of the toy. So no biggie, seriously. Again, it's super quiet, you can barely hear it under a comforter, and it's nonexistent outside a closed door. It's also waterproof--a fantastic design idea, so its great for "wet" play, in addition, and it's rechargeable. I found the vibrations of this toy to be rumbly with a slightly buzzy edge to it. It gets quite strong, it's probably the second most powerful luxury toy that I have; the power is the same as, if not slightly higher than, the Lelo Siri. Personally, I find the shape of the Alia more stimulating that the Siri, but the Bswish Bcurious I find to be stronger than both, but louder.

This toy is super easy to care for, just some warm water and soap will do, or some water-based toy cleaner and a towel or EdenWipes would be just fine. As always, NEVER use silicone based lubes or toy cleaners and even check the soap you're using. I've seen soaps which contain silicone, I have no idea if it would mess up the texture of a silicone based toy, but I'd suggest no one take the risk. It does come with a storage baggy, so I have no idea why someone wouldn't use it, but I suggest being careful what kinds of toys one stores the Alia with as it may cause damage if it's with silicone based toys.

The packaging is much like any other Lelo or other luxury toys. Eden sends it to you in an average carboard box, inside is a color coordinated box with the Lelo toy description and information on it, under that sleeve is a black box labelled Lelo, and, lifting the top, there's the toy, held in a soft foam or velvet covered plastic molded form. To the right of the toy is a black flap which you lift and underneath is the charger, storage baggy, manual, a lubricant trial packet. Since the Alia is a Lelo Insignia toy, it also comes with a collectable pin/broach. I think, without the sleeve, this could make a great gift, it's very classy. The black box is thick and would be fantastic for storage, I for one did not throw out the box, even if I don't use it everyday.

When I bought this toy I did not think that I would like it as much as I do, but I absolutely love the shape, how quiet it is, everything. It's my absolutely hands-down favorite, especially when discretion is a must.