by @sleepycelia, 25 Apr 2014
Julian Snelling Rosebud Light Aluminium Large Jewelled Butt Plug
A real princess plug
I already own both the large and small Julian Snelling steel Rosebud plugs, so when I found out I was getting this as a tester I was ridiculously overexcited - thank you, Lovehoney!
The packaging for this plug isn’t over the top like it can be with other luxury products, it simply comes in a small blue drawstring bag with the Rosebuds logo on, which would be ideal for gift-giving.
First impressions: this plug is absolutely beautiful. I couldn’t find a single flaw anywhere on it! It’s the exact same size as the large steel version - I checked! - but with a slightly different finish. The steel versions have a mirror shine to them, but these have a shimmery satin finish that’s just as smooth as the steel version and twice as lovely.
The silver Rosebud logo printed on the stem leads to the real focal point of the plug: the crystal.
I’ve been hankering over the clear crystal for months and it didn’t disappoint; like the rest of the gems in the Rosebuds range, it reflects fragments of light into what looks like a mini nebula effect under dim lighting, which is not only pretty but also a little humorous… What’s not funny about being able to cast dancing kaleidoscope lights on the wall by wiggling your butt?
The real difference between the steel plugs and these ones are the weight - the large steel version weighs a hefty 170g, while the large aluminium plug weighs in at a positively diminutive 70g, which is 20g LESS than the small steel plug. I’m not 100% sure as I haven’t done any science-y tests involving temperature gauges and a white lab coat, but I think that the aluminium absorbs heat much quicker than the steel does, which is a nice bonus if you’re into temperature play and it makes warming up the plug before use less of a faff than it is with the steel, which can take a while to warm through properly.
The lollipop-esque shape of this plug makes it simple to insert, plus it’s compatible with any kind of lubricant; I like using an oil-based one from Yes. I’d recommend warming up with a slimmer toy before trying to use this one, as metal toys often feel larger than their silicone counterparts due to the firmness and lack of squish - what measurements feel small in silicone might not feel quite as petite in metal!
I actually prefer using this plug during penetration than either of my steel ones, as it’s much lighter and feels less like there’s additional pressure there, just a gentle, faint fullness. It actually stays put too, so if you’re into that whole ‘remove a plug at the point of orgasm’ thing, you’ll have to do it yourself, but if you’re like me and like your plugs to stay where you put them, you’re in luck!
Getting a spanking with this plug in is a really fun experience, too, and using a vibrator against the base while it’s inserted makes for some interesting sensations. Unfortunately, though, like with my other two steel plugs, using firmer toys - like glass dildos, for example - in conjunction with this is a no-go zone. Ow. No.
The one thing this plug doesn’t do that my large steel one does is give me additional G-spot stimulation. Thanks to the weight of the steel, it pushes against my G-spot indirectly when I sit, lie, or get moved into certain positions - it’s difficult to describe but it’s an amazing sensation that gives me goosebumps all over! As this is much lighter, it doesn’t move around in the same way - however, this one’s considerably easier to wear out and about due to the reduced weight and, like I said earlier, I prefer using this during penetration than either of my steel ones. Swings and roundabouts, right?
Overall? I love it. It’s a beautiful, durable plug that gives me a sparkly galactic princess butt! If someone asked me to choose between the steel and the aluminium, I just wouldn’t be able to, but they both have their uses and they’re both beautiful, luxurious investments that I’ll keep safe for years to come - plus this one’s earned me the pet name ‘princess sparklebutt’ from my girlfriend. A real gem of a toy.
Overall Rating: 10 out of 10 stars
Pros: Colour, crystal quality, well-made and durable, gives a full feeling without being too weighty.
Cons: Nothing. Maybe I’d like a velvet storage bag better. That’s it.
Bottom Line: As great as the steel version - just less weighty and more affordable!