Insignia Alia - discreet vibrator by LELO - review by Doorbell

This vibrator is best used as a solo masturbation toy--though you could also use it on a partner if you wish. The vibrations aren't really strong enough for alternative use (body massage and the like), but this vibrator should work just fine for those who enjoy a lighter vibration or like playing with many vibration settings. Sorry men, but this one's really for the girls. Alia is designed for clitoral stimulation and that's really all I can imagine it being good for. The point of vibration is the pointed end of the egg-shaped toy, and though the entire toy transfers vibration, the best pulses really comes from that one spot. However, I have debated about whether or not men could alternatively use this as a cock ring, but the hole is just much too small and not round enough to be penetrated.

I'd say this toy's best use will come as a discreet, quiet, portable vibrator. Try it in the shower, try it on vacation, try it stuck in that tiny bed at your grandmother's house over the holiday break! This toy's selling point is really its ability to be used ANYWHERE.

The texture and silkiness of Alia is actually quite amazing. The colored part of the vibrator is made of a silicone-plastic composite that is %100 non-porous (though still requires thorough cleaning), yet it feels velvety-soft like CyberSkin.

It should be noted that because Alia is not pure silicone, it requires careful cleaning before and after use and should be used with lubricant (as suggested in the "directions" as well as my own experience). Also, while I don't find it bothersome in the least, there is a slight "plasticy" smell to the vibe that you don't usually get with silicone--but it will fade over time.

The composition of this vibe really is great for any level of user as it is a safe enough material for any user. But you can also get creative with how you use it--lube free, with lube, in the shower, over the undies and more.

Lastly, I'd like to mention that despite what it looks like, and what I felt was implied, Alia is NOT a solid metal vibe. The shiny, metallic area on the inside of the hole in the vibe is made of a lightweight plastic. It is not dense and, though it is smooth like metal, is actually quite fragile feeling.

The design of Alia is very aesthetically pleasing. It's quite lovely to look at and definitely screams "classy vibrator." However, the majority of Alia's stunning visual design is for looks only and adds nothing to the actual use of the toy.

The cutout hole in the vibe is intended to be used as a place to grip onto. However, I found it uncomfortable to hold through the hole and resorted to holding the entire vibe like a large egg instead.

For a lightweight, low-pulse vibe, Alia is actually really great. My only complaint is that the highest vibration setting is not very high--it feels to me more like a slightly stronger generic bullet than an actual vibrator comparable to something like the Hitachi or AcuVibe.

However, if you are looking for a vibrator with a little less "vroom," Alia may be the one for you. There are 6 different vibration settings ranging from single pulses, to graduated waves of vibration, to random pulsations. The array of vibration settings is more than enough to please everyone. In addition to the settings, something I LOVE about Alia is the gradient vibration levels. Rather than having set settings like high and low, or even numbered settings like 1-10, Alia increases and decreases vibration strength at a gradient--meaning everyone can find the perfect strength for themselves! I would say this gradient strength is one of Alia'a best attributes.

This toy requires medium care. You must be sure to clean it before and after use because it is not %100 silicone, but at the same time you don't have to worry about it drying out or losing its softness because it is non-porous. Alia comes with a silk pouch for storing that is very discreet, so once you wash it up, you can simply put it in it's pouch on your shelf and no one will think twice about it.

Most importantly, because Alia is %80 silicon, it should be used with water-based lubricants only. Though it FEELS like CyberSkin, you cannot use harsh oil- or silicone-based lubes with it, or you will risk ruining it's texture (silicone-based lubes especially will cause friction and begin to break down the material of the vibe).