Shunga Arousal Gel

Shunga's Secret Garden Arousal Gel.  One ounce of this pleasurable gel comes nestled in a beautiful box.  The face of a Japanese woman with stunning red lips graces the front of the box.  So far, of all of the Shunga packaging I have seen, this is my favorite.  Inside the box is a small bottle, with a twist/screw top cap.  The bottle reminds me a bit of a few makeup foundation bottles I've seen before.  I will say that the cap is hard to get off if you need to reapply and your hands are already a bit slippery.  Not impossible, but not ideal.  Also included is a paper with instructions, and a history of Shunga.  Both the box and the bottle are tasteful and I would not hesitate to leave them out where they might be seen.  No one would be able to tell what this was unless they already knew, or got close enough to read the tiny white font on the packaging.

As soon as I opened the package, I could smell the peppermint.  This ingredient causes the main effect in this arousal cream/gel.  The consistency is definitely more of a gel than a cream, though the packaging does describe this as a cream.  It is a clear gel that rubs in easily and cleanly.  It is thick enough that it won't immediately run off your fingers when you're about to apply, but it does melt with body heat.  It reminds me a bit of a high quality lube, though I don't think I would want to use this as a lube for penetration, I think it would feel uncomfortable internally.

Ingredients include: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, L-Arginine HCL, L-Ornithine HCL, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Damiana Extract (Tunera Aphrodisiaca Extract), Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Peppermint Oil (Mentha Piperita), Vitamine E (Tocopherol).

The peppermint oil (Mentha Piperita) is responsible for creating the cooling, warming and/or tingling sensations.  Damiana extract (Tunera Aphrodisiaca extract) is a fragrant herb that stimulates blood circulation.  L-Arginine HCL and L-Ornithine HCL are amino acids that are known to work together to increase blood flow.  All of these properties work together to enhance the sexual experience.

When applying, I immediately feel a cool and tingling sensation that eventually turns to more of a warm and almost burning sensation.  It is not uncomfortable, but the heat is there for me.  The effect can be different for everyone depending on your level of sensitivity, and how much you apply.  I like to apply just a small dot to the clitoris.  Any more than that and the sensations become too much for me, though of course I would advise you to play around and see what works for you.  Shunga advises that if you'd like the effect to be more intense, to apply more and wipe off the excess, and if you'd like to build up a tolerance to the cream for a weaker sensation, just use more each session.  Shunga notes that for some women, it could take up to three consecutive days of using the product to experience the heightened orgasmic results. 

A bit of a warning, the Shunga Arousal Gel is not recommended for use by pregnant women or by people with STDs. Those who have genital herpes should not use this, as some of its ingredients can cause outbreaks. This also contains glycerin and parabens, which may cause infection/irritation in some women. Those with sensitive skin should use this product with caution.

If you're interested in heightening sensations in your Secret Garden with the Shunga Arousal Gel, you can purchase it at Babeland for $22! 

Shunga Tenderness and Passion Collection

The Shunga Tenderness and Passion Collection includes an "Intimate Kisses" aphrodisiac oil, "Erotic" massage oil, "Sweet Snow" body powder, and a hand made feather tickler.

The collection comes packaged in a sturdy cardboard box, that displays a beautiful Shunga painting of entwined lovers.  This box would make it ideal for gift giving, and it is sturdy enough to keep the collection inside, or to be reused for another purpose.  Though it is eye catching and not very discreet, I do personally find it to be tasteful.

Upon opening the box, I found that the Shunga painting was also depicted inside.  Nestled securely in a cardboard holder that is fitted into the box, you will find the handmade feather tickler, a black silk pouch that contains the Sweet Snow body powder, a glass bottle with a cork stopper containing the Intimate Kisses aphrodisiac oil, and a bottle of erotic massage oil.  Everything is in a sweet Strawberries and Champagne scent and it is heavenly.  It is sweet and tempting. 

My favorite item in the kit would have to be the Sweet Snow body powder.  This fine white powder (invisible on your skin when lightly dusted) is lightly scented, and it is edible, tastes slightly sweet, without being overpowering.  Very kissable, and almost like a strawberry powdered sugar.  I like to dust a little on my collar bone when I am getting ready for the day, or a little on my inner thighs if I am getting ready for the night.  A little goes a long way with this powder.  I was worried it might feel sticky but that has not been my experience at all, in fact quite the opposite, it helps to keep your skin dry (I love this with the summer heat we're having right now).  The Sweet Snow body powder comes in a black silk drawstring pouch, and inside the pouch you will find that the powder is contained in a plastic bag that has no closure of it's own.  You can use a twist tie if you like, or just close the drawstring pouch tight enough.  I would not recommend pouring the powder directly into the pouch as it will just sift through the silk and you'll have a huge mess.  I am actually not a fan of keeping the powder in the pouch, and I think I would like a more sturdy container for it.  I do find I waste a bit of powder upon pulling the feather tickler out of the bag, it just flies everywhere if I am not extremely careful.  I have only used the feather tickler with this powder and not on it's own as a tickler for play, though that is also an option if that is something that you like.

Ingredients for Sweet Snow include: Modified starch, Corn starch, Aspartame, Natural and/or artificial flavor. 

The Intimate Kisses aphrodisiac oil is a glycerin containing massage aid, that is edible, warming, and of course is meant to increase sexual desire.  I found this to be a bit intimidating because it is thicker than other massage oils I have used and almost appears to be a slightly thin strawberry pancake syrup.  I was afraid it would not be absorbed into the skin and would create a sticky mess that would leave me wanting to run to the shower rather than relax, and well, that just doesn't sound sexy to me, at least when we're talking about massage oils.  I was pleasantly surprised however that it does absorb into the skin nicely. 

The warming is wonderful, and is enhanced by blowing on the oil.  It does not get too hot for me at all, it's just pleasant.  I adore the scent, which is of course Strawberries and Champagne, and is just the perfect combination of scents that make this oil not too sweet and not too overpowering, and it tastes wonderful.  Much like the sweet snow, slightly sweet and with a hint of strawberry.  It can be used as a lubricant and for oral, though if you are sensitive to oil or glycerin you obviously should not.  As well, be sure if you are using a toy with this, that is compatible with oil based lubricants.  I love the glass bottle and the cork stopper (which does come tightly sealed with plastic over it to prevent leakage, but when that seal is removed you do need to be careful because without it, and only using the cork as a stopper the oil can leak out if the bottle is tipped).  It is beautiful and I have it displayed on a bedroom shelf.  You could easily remove the label if that keeps you from leaving it out on display, but I happen to think Shunga's labels are beautiful. 

Ingredients include: Glycerin U.S.P., Propylene glycol, Aroma, Sodium Saccharine.

The collection also includes a bottle of Shunga's Exotic Massage Oil.  I knew I would love this oil as I already had a bottle of it in Vanilla and it is amazing.  I actually enjoy using both the Strawberries and Champagne and the Vanilla together to create my own special scent, and I often use this massage oil as a lotion after I get out of the shower (of course giving my self a mini massage in the process).  A little goes a long way, and it is amazing for dry skin and I don't find it to be sticky...it just absorbs right into my skin leaving me moisturized and smelling great.  The Exotic Massage Oil comes in a plastic bottle with a flip cap top, and it is very easy to dispense. The smooth oil is just thick enough that it doesn't all run out of the bottle at once and I find it easy to pour just the amount I need.  I would recommend storing the bottle upright.  As with the other products, the Strawberries and Champagne scent is amazing.  Slightly sweet, definitely more strawberry than champagne, but the champagne balances it out perfectly to make it not at all overpowering and to even out the sweetness.  I love the way the oil feels on my skin and I enjoy using it to give massages because it helps my hand glide over the skin and it enhances the massage.  I feel that using a massage oil ensures that you massage more evenly because you need to be sure to work the oil into the skin and at least for myself, I pay more attention to the areas I am massaging with oils.

Ingredients are: Cold pressed oils (almond, grape seed, sesame, avocado and sofflower), Vitamin E, Ylang-Ylang and Fragrance.

Overall, I love this collection.  I think it would make a fabulous gift for a bridal shower or as something special for yourself or your lover.  All of these items work well with each other and it is wonderful for a sensual evening.  Currently, you can purchase this collection at EdenFantasys for $47.99. 

I purchased this product myself and was not compensated in any way for this review.