Straps, Slings & Swings… Oh my! Onyx Blindfold feat. Tickle & Whip

Sensory deprivation. Sounds scary when it’s anything but. If you want to explore your senses and make each and every touch feel that much more exciting, a blindfold and sensory play accessory are the best place to start. Here are the ins and outs plus ideas that’ll help you decide if sensory play is a go for you. Let’s get to it!

Onyx Blindfold feat. Tickle & Whip

What is it?

This duo is a satin blindfold with dual elastic straps for a more secure fit and a play whip with rubber tassels on one end and oh-so-soft feathers on the other! You can use them separately, of course, but they play well together if it’s your first time. As you gain more experience, incorporate even more sensual accessories, make it an easy go-to for foreplay.

Who should try it?/Why try it?

Anyone who’s sensitive to touch and/or looking to add dimension to the kinky side of their sex life. Since these two can be used separate or together, we’ll look at each vs. the combo, so you get the full scope of all the perks.

Blindfolds are your new must-have if you’d like…

• Trust Building – Giving up sight or any sense is something you do with someone you trust. And doing so from time to time helps build on that bond.
• A Confidence Boost – Whether you’re the wearer or partner, you’ll get a boost. Wearing a blindfold can mean not worrying so much about what your O-face or the rest of you looks like since you’re tuned in to other senses. If your partner’s wearing the blindfold, same thing! Since they can’t see you, you might find yourself feeling bolder and really ready to call the shots.
• Surprises – If moments of anticipation get your heart pounding, it’s a no-brainer. You and your partner can bring just about anything into the mix, like whips, feathers, or even warm or cool objects for temperature play.
• Accessibility Options – “ friend with Asperger’s … often has partners misread his facial expressions during play—they think he’s bored or somehow fake when he’s really fully into the moment with them,” Anton Fulmen explains in his book. “So blindfolding his partner can actually increase their connection. The blindfold removes the misleading visual information, and lets his partner focus on their other senses.” Amazing, right?
• D/s Options – Not being able to see lends itself all too easily to the domination/submission element of BDSM. Wearers rely on partners to guide their actions which can get sexy fast.

Tickle & Whip belongs in your collection if you’re craving and/or want to explore…

• Impact Play – Does spanking spark your curiosity? You might like what’s called “impact play,” which is when one person is struck by another for sexual gratification. Whips are perfect for it.
• Teasing Stimulation – The feathers on this accessory? Omg-worthy soft. Sometimes a brush of silky softness is all it takes to earn a gasp and goosebumps.
• Accessibility Options – Pain can help pain, according to one kinkster who said: “Impact play activities … seem as though they would do a lot of damage to someone who is physically more vulnerable or frequently in pain. But I find that it actually relieves tension and helps work out knots that form in my back and legs. Being able to focus on the pain of a spank or slap makes me feel more in control of my pain because I’m choosing it.”

Note: If there’s anyone with chronic pain and/or a medical condition in your sex scenes, double down on communication and safe practices. Also chat with a medical professional on anything to watch out for before playtime begins.

Where to try it?

At home or away! Vacationing is one thing, but playrooms are another… If you’re feeling extra adventurous, hop online to plan a visit to a local sex playroom (aka sex dungeon). In most cases you can bring your own item or two along for play.

How?

For this section, we’re zeroing in on the how-to for using both these items. And, since impact play may be involved, we’ll break things down so you’re prepped and ready to go.

Before Play

Here are some quick and dirty tips from us before you get to the fun stuff.

1. Choose the safe word. It’s a word any partner can use during sexual play that immediately cues all actions from all partners to stop. Not only is this a practical move, its necessary to ensure everyone’s comfort.
2. Talk areas and impact level. There are spots to avoid (more in the note below) but everyone is different. Is there a favorite area to focus on? Avoid leaving marks or go for it? Any preferred descriptors for areas of the body? Make sure everyone feels good about everything before blindfolds go on.

Note: There are general no-go areas when it comes to bodies and impact play. As Healthline puts it, meaty/fatty areas are typically safer to hit but avoid the stomach, lower back, ears, head, feet, etc.

Playtime

Slip that blindfold on, pick up Tickle & Whip, and play! Our whip and any multi-textured teaser create different sensations so try brushes and slow drags along skin with soft elements and leave the impact for the whip. Things like counting out hits (or making the blindfolded partner do it…) as they’re given can build anticipation, so don’t be afraid to talk dirty.

Remember to start slow and light-handed on impact play. Especially if it’s a new thing, this allows for more communication during play while allowing excitement to build. You might start out thinking full-force smacks are totally a no-go and change your mind during, or vice-versa.

After Playtime

Aftercare is a must especially if one or both partners are new to impact play or anything you might’ve tried. Check in with each other on mental and physical levels and go from there!

Tease All You Please

So sensual already, right? Invite the blindfolded partner to lay on their side with arms up (bound or not is your call) to make room for teasing. With sensory accessories already in-reach, the other partner can join in on the fun now!

Having legs draped over your partner’s hips lets them touch and tease without having to reach too far to do it. Start with feathery softness and move through new textures to surprise, delight, and excite.

Happy Endings

For this position, we’re thinking endgame. Have the blindfolded partner sit or lay down for some teasing with each end of the whip. The key? Don’t go for the obvious. Start with surprise spots like an upper arm, wrist, or hip and explore from there. You also don’t have to smack the whip around right at the start (or at all). Tassels tickle bare skin if you slowly drag them over different spots.

Since senses are heightened, teasing around erogenous zones gets the blindfolded partner squirming and craving even more touch. So, make sure they get plenty, then invite them to get into position and keep the blindfold on for freeing, sensual play.

We hope you’re curious and ready to try out all things sensory now. People sometimes shy away from terms like “sensory deprivation” and “impact play” that might sound scary. You now know how exciting and customizable it can be. So do some online shopping and get ready to make your sex life more sensual than ever.