No one pleases me like I do.
Although I've long since graduated from the younger years of strictly relying on my fingers (or a pillow) for self-pleasure, I have always been an advocate for the benefits of masturbation and encouraging women to get to know their bodies. What turns them on, what doesn't. What causes that sharp inhale when you feel pressure on just the right spot. That tingle that curls your toes and prompts you to arch.
There aren't a whole lot of things on this planet that feel as good as clitoral stimulation. That bundle of thousands of nerve endings is the key to unlocking most women's orgasms, but often gets ignored, especially when penetration enters the picture and entices you to let him come in to play. Literally.
It's easy to forget the promise the pads of your fingertips against your clit provides when you've learned what a d*ck can do to you.
I succumbed to that lifestyle and somewhere down the line, I forgot that small act of self-love I discovered in masturbation and began to treat it like a chore, or an action performed out of desperation in between dick appointments with bae. I forgot how to honor prioritizing my pleasure.
Maybe it was partially due to boredom. I had a vibrator, but it was a step up from a Bullet vibrator, had six speeds, but in the grand scheme of things, I would push masturbation to the back of my mind. I valued the personal connection of sexual intimacy, which isn't a bad thing, I just forgot how to balance and do both.
That was, until my self-pleasure game was reenergized. Enter, my new favorite sex toy: the Magic Massager.
Cosmopolitan
I'm thoroughly convinced that it's literally the best vibrator to ever be created.
I didn't believe the sales rep behind the counter as I eyed my options at the nearby Starship one rainy Friday night. Initially, I wanted something cute, petite, and purple that was USB rechargeable. She shook her head and suggested getting the one by Adam & Eve or any wand that requires an outlet to work – those were the most powerful. I had seen them in porn, mostly BDSM videos, and the pleasure it seemed to evoke looked so intoxicating – eyes rolling to the back of your head, squirt-inducing orgasmic convulsions – but I wondered how much of it was an illusion. The cashier swore that she hadn't picked up any of her other toys since – that's how magical the wand was.
And she wasn't lying.
It packs power like no other vibrator I've ever experienced before. And though bulky in size, the intense pleasure it elicits is well worth the effort to plug it into an outlet and go to town on your p*ssy. With its head at my entrance, I can barely keep my eyes open – it feels that damn good. And then, almost instantly, I'm there. Riding that wave of the sometimes-evasive orgasm that seems to find me every single time with that wand. Sometimes I even get multiples. If I can take it. It's absolute magic in that way.
The first time I used it during sex, my partner had it pressed up against me with my legs positioned in spread eagle. He held me down with a firm hand on my belly and I writhed on the vibrator with fervor, like it was an itch I was trying to scratch. In a way, it was. The combination of him holding me so that I wouldn't run and turning the speed up a notch had me arriving in no time at all.
I couldn't even catch my breath before he was calling me to give him another one. My clit was so sensitive, I could barely bite back my cries. I was an ocean by the time he entered me and, of course, the Magic Wand stayed along for the ride as he thrust within me. I clenched around him with every wave that washed over me. It made for the most electrifying, intoxicating lovemaking session we've ever had.
I thought it'd lose its power if penetration was taken out of the picture, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much the wand fulfils me independently of anyone. Through it and its steady pulse, I was reminded of how much I loved masturbation, how much I missed self-pleasure, and how much I love getting myself off. No man necessary. Although, it's even better if you do.
Looking to upgrade the way you do self-pleasure, or to add to your collection? Check out some of our editor-approved favorite vibrators below.
Do you partake in self-pleasure? What's your favorite way to indulge lately?
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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Feature image screenshot/YouTube