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From weighted and warming designs to vibrating and glass creations, butt plugs are just one of the many sex toys on the market that are clearly having a moment. But before we take an up-close look at all the different choices you can buy, let's start with the butt-plug basics, shall we? What exactly is a butt plug? Butt plugs are penetrative products designed to stimulate the anal region, says Cécile Gasnault, brand director of sex toy and accessories brand Smile Makers. "For male-bodied people, [butt plugs] can help to massage the highly erogenous prostate. For female-bodied people, [butt plugs] can come and titillate nerves that also interact with the clitoral region and can be an indirect way to exert pressure on the G-spot region by pushing against the vagina." She adds that "some female-bodied people also like to use it as a way to create a tighter feel in the vagina." Deciding you want to add a butt plug to your sex routine is the easy part, though. The hard part? Choosing which butt plug to use. When choosing a butt plug, it's important to consider the materials it's made of and its shape and size. "Material-wise, it's important to make sure that it's body-safe and that the surface is nonporous to be easy to wash," Gasnault says. "Glass or silicone toys can both feel great, but beginners might feel more comfortable starting with silicone, which has a very soft touch." Likewise, Gasnault recommends that those easing into anal play "start small." In other words, look for toys that "present a rounded and narrow tip for easier insertion," she says. "Make sure that your toy also has a flare at the base for safety" (aka, so it doesn't get stuck). To give you some options, we've rounded up the best butt plugs of 2023, with insight from experts on why they love them. Once you've picked out your favorites though, don't forget to read up on our guide on how to use a butt plug before jumping right into play. You'll thank us later. Related: How to Actually Orgasm During Vaginal Sex, According to an Expert

From weighted and warming designs to vibrating and glass creations, butt plugs are just one of the many sex toys on the market that are clearly having a moment. But before we take an up-close look at all the different choices you can buy, let's start with the butt-plug basics, shall we? What exactly is a butt plug? Butt plugs are penetrative products designed to stimulate the anal region, says Cécile Gasnault, brand director of sex toy and accessories brand Smile Makers. "For male-bodied people, [butt plugs] can help to massage the highly erogenous prostate. For female-bodied people, [butt plugs] can come and titillate nerves that also interact with the clitoral region and can be an indirect way to exert pressure on the G-spot region by pushing against the vagina." She adds that "some female-bodied people also like to use it as a way to create a tighter feel in the vagina." Deciding you want to add a butt plug to your sex routine is the easy part, though. The hard part? Choosing which butt plug to use. When choosing a butt plug, it's important to consider the materials it's made of and its shape and size. "Material-wise, it's important to make sure that it's body-safe and that the surface is nonporous to be easy to wash," Gasnault says. "Glass or silicone toys can both feel great, but beginners might feel more comfortable starting with silicone, which has a very soft touch." Likewise, Gasnault recommends that those easing into anal play "start small." In other words, look for toys that "present a rounded and narrow tip for easier insertion," she says. "Make sure that your toy also has a flare at the base for safety" (aka, so it doesn't get stuck). To give you some options, we've rounded up the best butt plugs of 2023, with insight from experts on why they love them. Once you've picked out your favorites though, don't forget to read up on our guide on how to use a butt plug before jumping right into play. You'll thank us later. Related: How to Actually Orgasm During Vaginal Sex, According to an Expert

When I moved into my own apartment almost a year ago after a breakup, the first thing I bought was a vacuum. No, I wasn't expecting to find myself dealing with copious amounts of dust or animal dander (I don't even own a fish) - I was expecting to be constantly battling human hair everywhere. My hair, to be precise. You see, I shed - a lot. Past roommates and boyfriends have complained about it and I get it. At any given point in time, my hair can be found in the shower, on top of the bed sheets, stuck in the bath mats, and even on the kitchen floor. David Adams, a consulting trichologist for Thicker Fuller Hair, previously told POPSUGAR, "It is normal to lose around 50 to 100 strands per day." I have to admit, I've never counted how many fall from my head each day, but I do know that it's a lot closer to 100 than 50, and probably even more than that, which at times has concerned me. In an effort to get my shedding under control, I started using a product that has made a world of difference: the Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Serum For Hair and Scalp ($47, originally $58). Not only has it cut down on my shedding immensely, but it's also a product that I actually enjoy using and never feels like a chore to apply. Keep reading to see my full review of the serum and find out why it's going to be a forever repurchase for me. About the Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Serum This scalp and hair serum is formulated for all hair types and textures. The key ingredients include ginger root to stimulate scalp circulation, caffeine to protect the hair from environmental damage, and arginine to decrease hair breakage. It promises to address damage from brushing and using hot tools, split ends, hair fall, and hair thinning. It has a floral bergamot scent. It's made without silicones. What I Like About the Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Serum I've tested other scalp serums in the past, and my biggest complaint is always that they leave behind a greasy residue. I only wash my hair once or twice a week, so I was in need of a product I could apply that wouldn't make it look dirty or weighed down. The first time I tested out the Kérastase Genesis serum, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. It smelled amazing, the formula was lightweight, and it didn't weigh my hair down whatsoever. In fact, I actually noticed more volume at the roots after blow-drying my hair post-application. I'm now on my second bottle, and I've found that my shedding is finally in the normal range, and my hair looks healthier than ever. Although my hair fall isn't completely gone, I've noticed the amount of hair I lose has decreased greatly since using this product, which makes it a winner in my book. How to Use the Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Serum The brand recommends using this product daily on damp, towel-dried hair, after shampooing and conditioning. The instructions say to apply four doses (a full dose is marked by a line on the pipette included with the product) to your scalp section by section. The doses should be applied to areas of your hair where you notice less density or where you experience hair fall. From there, massage the product into your scalp using your fingers, and don't rinse. Personally, I use just two pipettes (doses) for my entire head every day. I don't wash my hair every day, so I apply this to my scalp whether my hair has been freshly washed or not. I use the pipette to evenly distribute the product down my scalp - I focus a lot of it on my center part - and then I massage everything through using either my fingers or if it's a hair washing day, a scalp massager. What to Consider Before Trying the Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Serum Something to consider before purchasing this product is that it takes time to see results. I'm on my second bottle, and I've noticed a huge difference in how my hair feels and how much shedding I have on a daily basis, but it took about a full month for me to see those results. Also, it does have a light floral scent, so if you're sensitive to fragrance I would recommend trying a sample or smelling it in-store prior to purchasing just to make sure you don't find it too overpowering. Where the Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Serum is Available The Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Serum is available from Kérastase, Sephora, and Amazon. Rating:

There's something special about kids, of any age, on Christmas morning. Whether you have a pre-schooler who believes in all the magic and is genuinely surprised by what Santa brought or an older kid who knows what's coming but is oh-so-thrilled, the early moments of the holiday can be some of the most special. For some broods, these moments are spent in matching family Christmas pajamas. Though, of course, not required, having everyone sport matching pajamas can make for a fun family tradition. These days, people have plenty of options beyond cartoon Santas, reindeer, and red-and-white striped tops and bottoms when scouring the marketplace for matching family pajamas. Instead, families can find sets that play into favorite hobbies and inside jokes or offer whimsical personalizations. Some sets even have bandanas and outfits to include the family pet. In other words, if you're looking for cohesion while celebrating your family's unique character this season, trust that there's a set of matching family holiday pajamas for you. These made our nice lists.