Guide · Lubricants · Aug 19, 2020

5 things you should know about Lubes

Lubricants, or lubes, can be used to make sexual acts more pleasurable. They reduce the friction between your skin and the person/object/body part that you are using. Sadly, the amount of people who don't use lubricant or associate it with vaginal dryness only is a damn shame. Let's dive into the world of lubes because when it comes to sex, the wetter the better.

5 things you should know about lubricants:

Why use it?
Who can use it?
What types are there?
What should I consider when shopping?
How to introduce it in your sex life?

Why lubrication is so important?

There are many misconceptions about when and why you should use lubricants. One of the biggest stigmas is that lubes are used for people who don't have natural lubrication and/or for penetration only. Whoever told you that made a big mistake. In fact, you can use lubricants during foreplay and/or sex; with a sex toy; during masturbation; during anal play; for a massage... Anytime, anywhere, with anyone.

There are many types of lubes that you can choose from. There are those that come in different flavours, and can create different sensations such as cooling or warming. There are lubricants that can help delay ejaculation. But it all comes down to this: less friction, smoother skin, and all around better sex. In fact, according to an Indiana University study, 70 percent of the 2,453 women surveyed said that lube made sex more pleasurable and enjoyable.

Ok... but is it for me?

As we mentioned before, lubricants are not just for folks with vaginal dryness, they are for everyone - no matter your gender, age, or walk of life. There are many types of lubricants out there and you can find one that fits your needs perfectly. Everyone, and I mean eveeery one, can take advantage of a good lubricant.

If you have a penis, a vulva and/or an anus, lubricants are for you. If you want to have more pleasurable masturbation, lubricants are for you. If you want to have a better time with your sex toy, lubricants are for you. If you want to have a more slippery sex, you guessed it, lubricants are for you!

I'm ready to try it. What should I get?

There are many types of lubricants available. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to expand your lubes collection, there is one out there for you. Lubes come in a variety of bases: water, silicone, oil, and hybrid.

Water-Based Lubricants

Water-based lubricants are very popular and one of our favourites because they are worry-free lubes. This type of lubricant will not stain your sheets, damage sex toys, nor break a condom. They are really versatile and can be used with pretty much anything. The best part: they are the easiest to clean after you are done.

It is important to consider that Glycerin-free products are less likely to cause vaginal irritation. They also have a longer shelf life. The cons about water-based lubes is that they are not so thick and can wear off quite easily, so you might need to reapply a few times.

Silicone-based Lubricants

Silicone-based lubricants are odourless, tasteless, slippery and smooth. This kind of lube gives a very strong gliding effect. Silicone-based lubricants are perfect for anal sex because they are long-lasting - you probably won't need to reapply for quite some time. Silicone-based lubricants are also safe to use with latex condoms, and if your imagination takes you to a steamy and hot bath this lube will hold up under water.

Some of the pros of silicone-based lubricant are also its cons. This type of lubricant may last longer, but it’s harder to wash off. So you will need more attention, soap, and water to remove the lube. Another drawback of silicone-based lubricants is that they are not recommend for silicone toys, as it can break down the material and damage your toy over time.

Oil-based lubricants

There are two types of oil-based lubricants: natural (coconut oil or butter) and synthetic (mineral oil or Vaseline). Generally, oil-based lubricants are safe to use, economic, and very long lasting. Oil lubricants are perfect for massages and all types of sexual plays.

These lubricants’ formulas often last longer than any other, however beware that they can break down condoms and stain fabrics. Some oil-based lubes may irritate your vagina, anus, or other parts of your body. They are also associated with higher rates for infections, such as bacterial vaginosis.

Hybrid (half & half)

Hybrid lubricants are a combination of any type of lubricant, but most commonly of water + silicone-based. They tend to be great lubricants because they are the perfect blend of water and silicone. Hybrids are long lasting and safe with latex condoms. They are not so thick as silicone-based lubricants which can be an added bonus. A very important con about this product is that, since it has silicone on its composition, it is not recommended to use hybrid lubes along with silicone sex toys.

What should I consider before buying a lube?

There are some important things you gotta keep in mind before purchasing your lube. If you never have tried lubes, you could use different lubes and see which one works best on your body (remember that every body is different and reacts differently). Also, keep in my what kind of sex you are planning on having - are you looking a jack of all trades, or focusing on anal sex for example?

If your need is related to dryness. “Warming” lubricants may not help, as they contain glycerin and can dry quickly. Long-lasting silicone lubricants are your best bet.

If your need is related to yeast infections. No glycerin or oil-based lubricant for you. This compound can irritate your vagina, kill all that good bacteria, and trigger an infection.

If your need is related to trying to conceive. Look for a lubricant that says it’s “sperm friendly” or “fertility friendly” on its packaging. Believe it or not Research Trusted Source shows that there are some lubricants that can have a negative impact on sperm mobility.

If your need is related to the use of a condom. Stay away from oil-based lubricants - oil-based lubes can destroy latex condoms, and cause condom failure.

If your need is related to the use of a sex toy. Stick with a water-based lubricant. Remember that silicone-based lubricants can break down a silicone toy’s rubber over time. If your toys is a different material like glass or metal, you don't have to worry about that.

If your need is related to going to play in the shower. Definitely use a silicone-based or oil-based lubricant. Water-based products will rinse off as soon as you’re under the shower head, leaving you nothing to play with.

How to use lube during sex?

First thing to say is that there isn't a right way to use a lubricant. You can try different types, quantities, where to apply... anything is game. These are some of our suggestions for you to lube up. And no matter your reasons for using lube, remember — it’s a simple and fun way to take your sex life to the next level.

Penetration

The good thing about using lube during penetration is that it reduces friction. So things can happen really smooth and nice. There is no wrong way to use lube during sex with penetration. You can apply in yourself/your partner/your sex toy. And if things get messy, just use a paper towel to ameliorate.

Anal Play

When it comes to anal play, lube is pretty much a necessity for obvious reasons: anuses do not produce their own lubrication. So if you are the receiver of an anal play you should use the adequate equipment to insert lube in your anus. And if you are the giver - whether using your fingers, a sex toy, or your penis - also apply an enormous amount of lube. We don’t want anyone getting hurt, only getting pleasure.

Handjobs

If you thought that spitting on your hand and masturbating your partner will do it, then we have some news for you. A generous help of lube will make even the worst hand job giver look like a bona fide handy expert. So for this play apply lube in your hands and on your partner’s penis or vulva. That will ensure that any movement feels incredibly eye-rolling.

Oral Sex

For oral sex you can use flavoured lubes. The good thing about using lube to do oral sex in folks with vulvas is that it provides enough wetness that your jaw, no matter how strong it is, won’t get as tired. As we mentioned the use of lube can delay ejaculation, so with that in mind if you are gonna do a blowjob on someone with a penis, use some lubricant as well. Your partner will last longer and you will have enough time to create that sexy atmosphere when moving to the next stage.

Massage

You can warm the lube - some types of lube heat up with any body-to-body contact or friction - but before surprising your partner make sure that he or she is okay with this new feature. Also, don’t forget to try on your skin and see if no irritation comes up. After that, feel free and ready for - literally - heat things up!