By Elizabeth Joseph
BDSM is a really great way to learn more about what your sexual preferences are. By creating a finite set of rules and restrictions, you can empower yourself to sexually explore and push your limits in a safe space (using the traffic-light safe words of red and yellow makes this even easier). It's a great tool for learning more about what makes you tick.
So how exactly do you get started?
BDSM can be broken down the five essential kink tenets — bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, and sadomasochism — along with aftercare and picked out the best BDSM toy for beginners. This way you can experiment without fear and figure out if any (or all of it!) works for you.
Bondage is where BDSM really begins, so we recommend stocking up on this basic to get started. If you're not quite ready to invest in a pair of leather cuffs, bondage tape is a much lower price (but still totally effective) alternative.
Bondage tape only sticks to itself, so it's just as safe to use on a bed frame as it is on your bare skin.
If you're experimenting with punishment for the first time, it is highly recommend grabbing a high-quality leather toy, such as this flogger. Leather is much gentler which means you can warm up slowly (without the risk of hurting yourself!) to find the right level for your tolerance. Once you're ready you can level up to crops, paddles, and whips.
Sensory deprivation is a great way to experience sex in a new way. If you want to explore submitting yourself to someone else's whims, getting rid of your eyesight and handing over the reins is a great way to do that. Plus, without vision, your other senses (mainly touch) are wildly enhanced.
The one thing that cannot be overlooked in beginning your BDSM journey is the importance of aftercare. It's not unusual for emotions to be heightened or for things to become intense and overwhelming during your playtime, so it's essential to have a soothing and comforting routine to transition back to real life with. A massage is a perfect way to come back down to earth after an intense sexual experience with massage oil candles to essential oils.
it's a great way to reconnect and discuss what you enjoyed and didn't enjoy, so you know what works for the next time or just quietly decompress.