Smile Makers The French Lover review: does it actually stimulate oral sex?

Price on writing: £35 | Buy now from Smile Makers

My verdict

Looking for a vibrator that mimics oral without needing a live-in Frenchman? The French Lover by Smile Makers might be just the next best thing. 

For £35, The French Lover delivers a playful experience that feels far more premium for its price tag, which is the quality I’ve come to know and love about Smile Makers overall. 

It lacks raw power and the finesse of pricier clitoral suction toys and wand vibrators from the likes of Womanizer and LELO, but it still holds its own for light stimulation and whole-body exploration. With its curved, flicking silicone tip and lightweight, no-fuss design, this external vibrator promises sensual tongue-like stimulation across erogenous zones… All for less than forty quid.

This isn’t the toy for deep, earth-shattering orgasms. But for gentle teasing, warm-up, or body mapping — especially if you’re new to sex toys or find direct pressure too intense — it’s genuinely lovely.

How I tested Smile Makers’ The French Lover

I’ve had The French Lover for a while now and over the last few months, it’s been used solo. While I can appreciate why it’d be a great warm-up toy for couples to use before PIV, I find that its design is more suited for individual masturbation. After all, if your partner is there, why wouldn’t you just use the real thing? 

NB: For review purposes, images in this feature have been taken prior to use. 

Packaging and what's in the box

The toy is aesthetically gorgeous, as you’d expect from Smile Makers. Far from the realistic designs you often see on the market. Like all Smile Makers toys, 

The French Lover comes in pastel-toned packaging that wouldn’t look out of place in your skincare haul from LOOKFANTASTIC, to be honest.

Inside the box you’ll find:

• The French Lover vibrator

• USB charging cable

• User manual + a cute sticker

Related: Best wand vibrators of all time

How easy is it to set up?

As the battery is rechargeable, you need to charge the device up for at least two hours before first use. Once fully charged, you’ll have up to three hours of play to enjoy it. 

I understand that previous models of The French Lover have been battery-powered, but this USB rechargeable version is much better. While it does mean you have to wait a little while before you use it for the first time, it does mean that it’s stronger and more reliable.

How does it look?

Chic, modern and completely non-phallic. It’s more of a tongue sculpture than sex toy. If you left this on your nightstand, it would pass for an arty little desk object. 

The toy’s pastel blue colour and soft silicone finish make it feel very friendly, and not at all frightening. Perfect if you’re a beginner to sex toys. 

You’d be forgiven for mistaking Smile Maker’s The French Lover for a beauty tool

Is The French Lover suitable for sensitive clits?

Yes — and in fact, I’d argue it’s designed for them. It doesn’t deliver overwhelming suction or rumbly intensity, which makes it ideal for anyone who finds most vibrators “too much.” 

You can build up stimulation gradually and use it on a wider surface area if needed. To mimic the sensation of oral, I found brushing myself with the toy was the most effective. Starting off slowly, and gradually building up the speed and strength. As the wide tip is very soft to touch, it wasn’t the greatest at providing pressure (which I usually prefer) but after some time it worked. So, no complaints from me. 

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How noisy is Smile Makers’ The French Lover?

I’ll be honest, it’s surprisingly loud when it’s not pressed against the skin — think buzzing toothbrush. But once in place, the sound is dampened significantly and even more so under the covers, making it a very discreet toy during use. 

How easy is it to clean?

Like all Smile Makers toys, The French Lover is waterproof, meaning fuss-free washing once you’re finished with it. 

Just rinse your toy with warm water and mild soap, or your dedicated sex toy cleaner. In fact, Smile Makers have their own sex toy cleaner that I’d recommend (their lube is pretty great, too). 

What lube should you use with it?

Since the toy is made of silicone, it’s best to use a water-based lubricant to protect the toy and for the best feeling. A drop of lube really elevates the oral simulation and helps reduce friction — and it also makes this toy better suited to full-body exploration.

Related: Best finger vibrators for sex and foreplay

Who is The French Lover most suited for?

After using this toy personally several times over the last few months, I’m confident in saying that Smile Makers’ The French Lover is best suited for: 

• Beginners wanting something non-intimidating

• Anyone who finds direct clitoral suction too intense

• Those looking to map erogenous zones beyond the genitals

• People on a budget who still want a bit of luxury

True to Smile Makers branding, The French Lover is soft, minimalist and non-intimidating

How The French Lover compares to other vibrators

1. LELO Smart Wand 2 (£180)

If you're looking to splurge, the Smart Wand 2 is the go-to for all-over body massages and rumbly clitoral power. With 10 vibration settings, a waterproof body, and a whisper-quiet motor, it’s a high-end option with luxury features. But the price is steep, and the size can be a bit much if subtlety or portability is your thing. The French Lover doesn’t compete on power but wins on affordability, ease of use, and discretion — especially if you’re after something more playful and less overwhelming.

2. Lovehoney Deluxe Extra Powerful Magic Wand (£90)

The Lovehoney Magic Wand is a mains-powered beast — strong, consistent and excellent for both sex and sore shoulders. It’s ideal for those who want big results fast, and don’t mind the bulk. 

However, it’s loud, tethered to a plug, and can get in the way during partnered sex. The French Lover offers a more flexible, featherlight alternative that’s beginner-friendly and body-safe, which is ideal if you're easing into toys or looking for gentler, more sensual exploration.

3. Smile Makers The Whisperer (£35)

The Whisperer is another fantastic entry-level option from Smile Makers, co-designed with Mumsnet users for postnatal pleasure and body confidence. Like The French Lover, it prioritises external, gentle clitoral stimulation and is crafted from soft silicone, but it’s shaped more like a lipstick and uses direct contact vibrations.

The Whisperer is more focused on quiet, discreet re-introduction to intimacy — especially post-birth — while The French Lover leans into teasing, flicking sensations ideal for foreplay and whole-body use. Both are ideal for sensitive clits and for those who want toys that don’t scream “sex toy” when you open the drawer.

My testing criteria

There’s a good range of six intensities, but no patterns. Not as strong as premium toys.

Buzzier than you'd expect — but quietens once it’s pressed on the skin under the covers.

Rechargeable USB is standard for Smile Makers and very easy to manage. 

Body-safe silicone and entirely waterproof. 

Lightweight and intuitive.

No patterns, but six intensities. No attachments. Best used externally.

Waterproof for easy cleaning.

No attachments available.

At £35, it's a budget-friendly alternative to LELO and Womanizer without feeling cheap.

My final verdict

The French Lover might not rock your world if you need powerhouse vibes, but if you want a sensuous, soft, beginner-friendly toy that doubles as a body explorer? It’s a total winner — and at this price, a very French kiss on the budget.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. After birthing and breastfeeding two babies in two years, Rebecca knows first-hand how hard it can be to reignite intimacy. From condoms, to lubricants, to sex toys - she’s on a quest to find the best ones, with the help of Mumsnet user recommendations.

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers. When she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, walking the dog, or hiding from her neighbour as she attempts to buy condoms during her weekly “Big Food Shop”.

About Mumsnet Reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.

All prices correct at time of publication

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