Cupcake Vibrator

The world of high end, design-centric sex toys is relatively new and mostly populated with one-off products by designers who were challenged, titillated (or possibly both) by the idea of turning their creative attentions to products designed for sexual pleasure. More often than not the very real challenges of sexual stigma and finding enough people willing to pay for quality sex toys mean that designers try it once and then move on to the next toothbrush or running shoe waiting to be designed. A very few companies, most notably Jimmyjane, have managed to create a complete product line that is both focused on good design and popular products that can be mass manufactured.

And then there is Shiri Zinn. Zinn has been creating what she calls erotic couture for over 10 years. She began with high end floggers and vibrators (often accented with Swarovski Crystals). Then she moved on to harnesses and dildos of glass and crystal. And finally, late in 2012 she introduced her first product that is meant for a larger market; Cupcake.

Cupcake is an adorable and functional external vibrator that may be incognito, but could hardly be described as discreet. Some products can be frustrating if they are over designed or the designers intentions are so far away from the users desire. Other products, and I would put Cupcake among them, disrupt a users expectations in ways that allow for new kinds of sex play. Sex shouldn't always be serious, and it's hard to take it seriously when the object you are using to produce pleasure looks like a delicious pink cupcake.

The vibrator has a 100% silicone exterior, the top has a hard plastic core but the exterior (the icing) is a soft silicone that drips over the edges, offering an interesting edge to use for stimulation and a variety of sensations depending on which part of the cupcake top you have touching the body. A silicone sleeve that is molded to look and feel like a paper cupcake liner (complete with ridges) covers a five speed motor in the base. At the bottom of the cupcake is a single button that cycles through two intensity and three pulsation settings.

There is a single button on the base of the cupcake that controls the speed. Push once to cycle through the settings. Push and hold for two seconds and the vibrator will turn off. The motor is powered by two AAA batteries (included with purchase).

Cupcake comes in a bright red and polka dot tin.

Pros

• There are, of course, more practical shapes for a vibrator. So the most compelling reason to choose Cupcake has to do with the design which is approachable and playful, and may encourage more lateral thinking during use.
• The single button controller is easy to use and at it's highest speed the power is likely to be enough for most people who enjoy vibration.
• The materials and design make the toy feel like something substantial, even if on the outside it looks pure novelty.

Cons

• Like many battery powered vibrators, Cupcake makes some noise. A noticeable buzz comes even at the lowest speed, making this a bad choice for anyone who needs silence or privacy to enjoy their sex toys.
• The shape requires some experimentation and imagination, and for anyone looking to get down to business and get the job done, the lack of a large flat surface on Cupcake could end up being more annoying than charming.

Designed primarily for external, clitoral stimulation, what makes the Cupcake so interesting is the different surface textures it offers. Explore the feel of the base with it's ridges, the edge of the icing, the smooth flat top, and finally the cherry, for the most focused vibration. Also note how different surfaces allow for different kinds of pressure to be applied. If positioned just so, the edge of the icing can feel as if it is fluttering, whereas the base provides a firm, flat, and powerful buzz.

Because of where the motor is positioned, the vibration can feel strongest on the flat bottom of the cupcake. This is also where the switch is, so you need to pay some attention to avoid turning the vibrator off as you press the toy against your body (it can happen at the absolutely wrong moment!)

Cupcake is not water proof or splash proof, but the top can be removed for easy cleaning (just be sure you dry it completely before closing the lid. While doing so may void the warranty, I noticed that the bottom sleeve can be removed completely for easy cleaning. The instructions from the manufacturer suggest using a damp cloth.

Always take the batteries out when the vibrator is not in use. This avoids the possibility of battery corrosion damaging the connections.

The exterior the vibrator is silicone. Never use silicone based lubricants with the Cupcake vibrator

Disclosure: A review sample of this product was provided by Shiri Zinn. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.