Our Top 12 Most Frequently Asked Questions - All Answered in One Place

Do you have questions about sex? Luckily we have the answers. It can feel embarrassing to ask for advice about sex, but we hear questions every day and can assure you - it is completely normal. Here are the most frequent questions we get in store, all compiled into one place. Have another question you don't see here? Don't be afraid to get in touch! Our friendly team are always happy to help.

1. What is the difference between water-based, silicone, and oil-based lube?

Lube makes everything better, which is why it is the number one thing we recommend alongside our toys, but it can be confusing choosing the right one for you and your or your partners needs. While we always provide advice in-store, here is the rundown on the most common types on lubes and how to use them. 

Water-based lube is the best go-to all rounder. This is the one you keep in your bedside drawer for impromptu sex and masturbation sessions.  It is light and natural, and is compatible with condoms and sex toys, and washes away with water for easy cleaning. It is perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike, and you can even choose speciality water-based lubes such as a thicker anal gel, warming, cooling, tingling, and flavoured varieties.

Silicone lube lasts longer, is compatible with latex condoms, and doesn't wash away with water, making it perfect for steamy shower sessions. It is our go-to recommendation for anal sex as it doesn't go tacky or dry up like water-based lube, providing comfort throughout. Unfortunately, silicone lube is not suitable for use with silicone, TPE or any realistic feeling toys, as it can degrade the material over time, and it has been known to stain sheets, so be sure to put a protective surface down before getting down! It is best used with metal or glass toys and provides a silky smooth sensation. It can also be used in place of a massage oil or to refresh your latex, so is definitely a recommended staple!

Oil-based lube is less common, but can provide a sensual experience. Best used for massages, oil based lube is not suitable for use with condoms and is not generally recommended for use near the genitals as it can cause infections.

2. What is the best women's toy?

With so many styles, brands, and materials available, it can feel overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right toy for yourself or your partner. While opinions are subjective, we've listed some of our favourites and why we love them, to help you decide. 

Rabbit toys are arguably the most recognisable toy available, and they are popular for a reason. Providing simultaneous g-spot and clitoral stimulation, they are a favourite amongst our customers and a great choice for beginners with their easy to use functionality. Our favourites are the Satisfyer Mono for app controlled couples fun, the Minx Perfection for classic Sex and the City vibes, and the Mina Flutter for multi-function stimulation.

Suction toys provide an alternate sensation for those who don't love vibrations (and for those who do!). They work using air pulse technology to stimulate the clitoris and surrounding areas.  We love the Rose Toy as a sexy gift idea, the Satisfyer Pro To Go 3 for its sleek, portable design, and the Loving Joy 2 in 1 Suction Vibrator for the best of both worlds when you can't decide between suction of vibration!

Bullets are mini vibrators that we recommend to beginners, or to those looking for a smaller, more discrete toy. They are designed to provide external stimulation around the clitoris, but can also be used around the labia and nipples if you're feeling adventurous. Our most popular from the range include the Loving Joy 10 Function Rechargeable Bullet for multi function fun, the Tabooboo Lunch Break which packs a pretty in pink powerful punch, and the Mina Whisper for when you need something quieter.

Dildos come in all shapes and sizes, materials and features, from realistic to vibrating to fantasy, there is something for everyone in this category. They can be used handheld with  a partner, with compatible strap-ons, or hands free in solo sessions. Most dildos have a suction cup base making them compatible with most strap-on harnesses and providing hands-free use. We love the SilexD range for their ultra realistic shape and their thermo-reactive texture. Non realistic options include the Mina Minty and Starlight, and the Loving Joy Smooth Silicone Dildo. Double-ended dildos like the Loving Joy 15 inch Jelly Dildo and glass dildos such as the Spectrum Ribbed can provide a unique addition to you collection, or if you're feeling daring, the Creature Cocks Monstropus can add some adventure and fantasy into your sessions!

Wands can be a great toy for both solo and partnered play. Plug in options from premium brands such as Le Wand and Doxy offer intense power and durability, while rechargeable options like the Loving Joy Magic Wand can be perfect for on the go. We also love the unique Mylo 3-in-1 Body Wand, tripling as a rabbit, g-spot vibrator and a wand all in one nifty little toy!

3. What is the best men's toy?

There are a huge variety of men's toys out there, and we constantly get asked our recommendations and which toys are best. Here is a quick summary of some of our most popular categories.

Masturbators and strokers are probably our most popular collection of men's toys, with a huge range to choose from there is something for everyone. Perfect for solo masturbation or for spicing up partnered play, you can choose from something small and simple like the Tenga Spinner, or powerful vibrating options like the REV Thrusting and Vibrating Male Masturbator. Some toys even use suction technology to emulate the sensation of a blowjob, our favourites for this are the Zolo Hawk Tuah and the Enhancer Blow Job Masturbator. If you'd prefer a more realistic option you can go for the Doc Johnson Ultraskyn Endurance Trainer, with squeezable plates and adjustable suction, or the Crazy Bull Double Pleasure Vibrating Masturbator, which includes vibrating bullets and dual entrances. We recommend using a warming water-based lube for maximum realistic sensations, along with a good toy cleaner and some renew powder to keep the realistic skin supple and soft.

Cock rings can be used to enhance erections, extend stamina and provide extra sensations during solo or partnered play. They can be simple and stretchy, vibrating or even metal for intense BDSM vibes. Most are meant to be worn around the base of the penis, but some can be stretched over the balls or sit nicely at the head, so it can be worth trying a few different styles until you learn which feels best for you. Starter kits like the Joyrings Doughnut Set or the Luxe Textured Cock Ring Set can be perfect for beginners, and you can mix and match where you put them so you can find which feels best. Vibrating rings such as the Svakom Benedict and the Rev-Rings Adjustable Ring can provide extra hands-free sensations to you and your partner simultaneously.

Prostate massagers are perfect for those seeking a little extra stimulation. Their unique shape provides stimulation at the p-spot, also known as the male g-spot, which can enhance orgasms and add an extra edge into your sex life. Couple's can explore prostate stimulation together with remote controlled options like the Rev-Pro Remote Controlled Silicone Prostate Massager (which also has an attached cock ring making it a perfect 2-in-1 toy!) or the Rev-Pro 10 Function Remote Controlled Prostate Massager. 

4. How to prepare for anal?

First time anal sex can be daunting - so it's no wonder this is one of our most asked questions - luckily we have a range of handy products and advice to help it run as smoothly as possible. The first thing we recommend for anal sex is a douche, these are simple bulbs that you fill with lukewarm water to give everything a good clean. It's best to stay close to a bathroom for a few hours after use, and be sure to lube up the nozzle with a good quality water-based anal lube.

If you've never done anal before, it's a good idea to start with an anal training kit or some different sized butt plugs, so you can gently get used to the sensation before diving in to the real thing.

It is also important to use a good anal lube, either water-based if using silicone or TPE toys, or silicone based is an excellent option for metal toys or skin to skin contact due to its non drying properties. Always clean any anal toys thoroughly before an after use with a good toy cleaner and warm soapy water, and never go from anal to vaginal sex without cleaning in between, as this can introduce harmful bacteria into the delicate pH of the vagina and cause infections.

5. What sized condom do I need?

It can be confusing trying to decide on which condom size is right foy you, but the solution is actually very simple. Condoms are sized are based on width, or girth, and the common names usually match up to the following measurements:

Snug fit condoms are usually 49mm, although this can vary between brands from 45mm-52mm.

Regular condoms are around 52mm-54mm. These are the "average" sized and are designed to fit most erections.

Magnum condoms are usually 60mm

Jumbo condoms are typically the largest you can get at around 69mm. 

The best way to figure out your girth size is to wrap a piece of string around the base pf the penis, mark off where it meets at the middle, then straighten the string out on a flat surface and measure with a ruler. If you're still unsure or are between sizes, a good rule of thumb is to size down rather than up for maximum comfort and safety. You can also mix and match several different sizes from our EXS Singles range to get a feel of what's right for you.

6. How to get started with BDSM/bondage? 

Thinking about bondage or BDSM as a beginner can feel daunting, but our friendly team are always here to help. We recommend starting slow with some beginner friendly toys and kits like the Bound To Play 11-Piece Bondage Kit, so that you can safely explore your personal limits and enjoyments. 

A good starter kit could include some comfortable handcuffs, a length of rope or tape, a blindfold and an impact toy such as a crop or flogger. If you're looking to explore ball gags, we would recommend starting with a breathable ball gag rather than a solid one.

Remember to always decide on a safe word before hand with your partner, and to use and respect it whenever you need to during your BDSM sessions. 

7. How to increase sex drive?

First and foremost, realise that your sex drive doesn't have to be any higher than you want it to be. If you're happy with the frequency of sex that you're having, then that is all that matters and you don't need to change anything. However, if you think you could use a little extra boost (and a lot of people do, hence it being one of our most asked questions!), then we're here to help. 

The most important thing to having a healthy sex drive is to ensure you're getting enough sleep, adequate hydration, a balanced diet and regular exercise, If you aren't, then the following tips won't be as affective and you may end up disappointed. Stress, medication, vitamin deficiency and underlying medical issues can also affect sex drive, so be sure to talk to a doctor if the issue persists. 

You can help boost your sex drive by adding in regular masturbation sessions into your routine, setting the mood and exploring what you like and don't like. You can also consider adding toys to add novelty and excitement to sex if you feel as though it has gotten boring or if you and your partner have had the same routines for a while. 

We also stock several herbal enhancement products, which can help give an extra boost. Our favourite option for men is our Vextra tablets, and for women we love Spanish Fly drops or Passion8. If you're looking to explore herbal options with a partner, we recommend Dynamite, a unisex herbal tablet, or if you'd prefer a non-tablet date night option, we also stock a range of sex chocolates and gummies.

8. How to clean sex toys?

Cleaning sex toys is simple! If your toy is fully waterproof, simply rinse it in some warm soapy water, spray it with toy cleaner, give it a wipe with a cloth or tissue, and leave to dry. If the toy is not fully waterproof, just wipe it down with a damp cloth, then give it a spray and wipe with toy cleaner, and leave to dry. 

9. Do you offer discreet shipping?

Yes! When you order from our website, or in store for delivery, all of our packages are safely wrapped and sent in plain, discreet packaging, without any mention of Scandals or it's contents. 

10. What will show up on my bank statement when I make a purchase?

The transaction on your bank statement will also remain discreet, showing up as 'MF Trading LTD', without any mention of Scandals, or the nature of the store or the purchase. 

If you'd still prefer not to have anything show up on your bank statement, we also accept cash payments for purchases made in store or online for collection.

11. Will you judge me?

The short answer to this is NO, absolutely not! We understand that every individual has their own unique sexual tastes, kinks, likes and dislikes, and we will never judge any adult for what they choose to purchase from us, or for what they do in their own spare time. 

Being in the business for over 20 years, we have heard stories from all walks of life, and we treat every interaction with the respect and care it deserves. We want our stores to be a safe place where people won't feel judged or humiliated, so you can feel free to be open with us and walk into the store with confidence. 

12. Where are the stores located?

We have 3 stores across the Merseyside area: in Birkenhead, Bootle, and Liverpool City Centre. You can find the addresses and contact details for each store below:

Birkenhead

📍 4 Marion Street, CH41 6LT
📞 0151 647 6669

Bootle 
📍 304 Derby Road, Bootle, L20 8LN
📞 0151 922 1234

Liverpool City Centre

📍 69 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DY
📞 0151 709 2164

Don't worry if you can't make it to one of our physical stores, as we offer worldwide shipping when you order through our website. 

You can also drop us an email at info@scandals.love with any queries you have and our team will be happy to help!