Cookie Policy

Last updated: 18 June 2025

LustMonster ("we", "us", "our") uses cookies and related technologies to enhance your browsing experience, deliver essential functionality, perform analytics, and support lawful advertising practices.

This Cookie Policy explains how and why cookies are used on our website, what types of data they collect, and what your rights are as a user.

We are committed to full transparency regarding your digital privacy and data autonomy.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website.

They serve various purposes, such as keeping you logged in, remembering your preferences, or collecting analytics on how users navigate the site.

Some cookies are first-party (set by LustMonster), while others are third-party (set by trusted external providers).

2. Legal Basis for Cookie Use

Under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and related frameworks (e.g., UK GDPR, ePrivacy Directive, CCPA/CPRA), we must obtain informed consent for any non-essential cookies.

Cookies that are strictly necessary for the technical functioning of the site do not require consent but must still be disclosed.

All other cookies – including analytics, functional enhancements, and marketing scripts – are deployed only with explicit opt-in via our consent manager.

3. Categories of Cookies We Use

3.1. Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies enable core website functionality such as security, session continuity, shopping cart logic, and fraud prevention.

They cannot be disabled via consent tools, but can be blocked via your browser.

Examples:

Session ID
Cart token
User authentication hash
CSRF protection token
Payment verification nonce

These cookies do not store personally identifiable information (PII) and are retained only for the duration of the session or a limited technical window (max 12 months).

3.2. Functional Cookies

These enhance user experience by storing language settings, wishlist items, or remembering login preferences across sessions.

Examples:

Language preference
Auto-login tokens
Display mode settings (e.g., dark mode)
Geolocation cache (for shipping estimator)

These cookies are optional and expire after 1–12 months, depending on the feature.

3.3. Performance & Analytics Cookies

These help us understand how users interact with our website. Data is anonymized or pseudonymized and used to optimize navigation, loading speed, and overall user flow.

Examples:

Google Analytics (_ga, _gid, _gat)
Heatmap tools (e.g., Hotjar, Clarity)
Error reporting scripts

These cookies are only deployed if you consent and are managed per data protection standards.

3.4. Marketing & Retargeting Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver personalized ads across platforms like Google Ads or Meta (Facebook/Instagram). They may track your behavior across sites.

Examples:

_fbp (Facebook)
_gads, IDE (Google Ads)
Twitter conversion pixel
TikTok pixel

Marketing cookies are strictly opt-in and may involve data transfers outside the EEA under Standard Contractual Clauses.

4. Duration and Expiry

Cookie Type	Duration
Strictly Necessary	Session or up to 12 months
Functional	1 to 12 months
Analytics	1 to 24 months
Marketing	1 to 180 days

All expiry dates are reviewed quarterly and optimized to retain only what is legally and operationally justified.

5. Cookie Consent and Your Choices

When you first visit our website, you are presented with a cookie banner that allows you to:

Accept all cookies
Reject non-essential cookies
Customize preferences per category

You can also adjust or withdraw your consent at any time using the [Cookie Settings Panel] located at the bottom of each page.

Consent is stored for 12 months, after which it is re-requested.

6. How to Manage or Disable Cookies

You can delete or block cookies at any time via your browser settings. However, doing so may impair certain website functionalities.

Browser-specific controls:

Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
Safari: Preferences > Privacy
Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions

We do not override user browser-level settings and fully respect Do Not Track (DNT) signals where technically feasible.

7. Third Parties and Data Sharing

Some cookies involve external data processors. These vendors are selected based on their GDPR/CCPA compliance and are bound by data processing agreements (DPAs). They do not gain ownership of your data.

Data may be stored in jurisdictions such as the US, subject to standard contractual safeguards and encryption protocols.

We do not sell or lease cookie data under any circumstance.

8. Children’s Data

We do not knowingly use cookies to track or profile users under the age of 18. If such data is discovered, it is erased immediately.

9. Updates to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Cookie Policy in order to reflect changes in law, technology, or business needs.

The date of the latest revision is always posted at the top of the page.

In case of significant changes, users will be prompted to review and re-confirm their cookie preferences.

10. Contact

For any questions or concerns related to cookies or this policy, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@lustmonster.com
Subject line: Cookie Policy Inquiry
Jurisdiction: United Kingdom (UK GDPR applies)