Lube Matters

When people ask us for advice about sex, one of the first things we say is “use good lube”, as in lubricant. And while spontaneous sex is great, taking a minute to grab the lube (and condoms) is the right thing to do.

One perk to producing lifestyle events is that we often get sample packs of all kinds of condoms, lubes, and toys. Over the years, our staff has tried a variety of lubricants, so we took a poll and we are going to include a selection of brands and types of lubricants that we have tested or have tried over the years.

Lubricants help improve moisture and reduce friction which in turn, enables you to achieve orgasm easier.

There are three main types of lubricants: oil-based, water-based, and silicone-based. Which one is best for you depends on several different factors.

If you grab the cheapest lubricant or resort to KY (yuck), here are some things to consider when buying lube:

Water-Based Lube

Water-based lubricants are the most widely used and versatile lubricants. They are better when used with toys because it doesn’t deteriorate silicone like lubricants made with an oil can. Water lubricants also do not last as long as silicone or oil-based lubricants, but they are safe for use with condoms and silicone toys.

Pros: Water-based lubricants won’t stain your sheets and washes off easily. Works with condoms.

Cons: They don’t last as long, you may have to reapply. Can become sticky.

Astroglide is probably the most well-known and solid choice for a water-based lubricant because it is cheap and can be found almost everywhere.

Other good water-based brands are Promescent P2L Lube,  Shine Organic, and LubeLife Water-Based Anal Lubricant. If you want something great with toys, Lelo makes a Personal moisture water-based lube that is super silky and since Lelo makes some of the best toys, they really know the best solution for toy lubricant.

Silicone-Based Lube

These are very popular with people that have sensitive skin because they are hypoallergenic. If you are looking for marathon sex or sex in the shower, then silicone lube will last longer than water-based lubes.

Pros: They are hypoallergenic and last longer than water-based lubricants. Works with condoms. Silicone lube could stain sheets.

Cons: You cannot use with silicone toys, they will deteriorate the silicone.

UberLube is one of our favorite brands, and so is Gun Oil; geared toward men, but they have a woman’s line as well. Promescent is a strong brand that is our office pick for best lube samples over the past 5 or 6 years. Their Silicone lubricant is awesome.

Oil-based lube

These make up some of the slipperiest lubricants and are great for masturbating and unprotected sex when you are with your partner or someone who recently tested negative (with proof).

Warning: Do not use oil-based lubricants with condoms, as they could cause them to fail.

Pros: Super slippery.

Cons: Might stain sheets, cannot be used with condoms or latex-based toys

We like the Coconu Hemp-Infused Body Oil, but as lovers of coconut oil, a few of us really like Woo Love Oil.

Aloe-Based Lube

Another option is an aloe-based lube without parabens that is glycerin free. We like Promescent’s Organic Aloe-Based Lubricant.

Anal Sex: Water-based lubricants are the best choices for anal sex. It is very important to use lubricant with anal sex, because, unlike the vagina, the anus does not naturally produce lubrication, and not using a lubricant, or the use of saliva or an oil-based lubricant can actually increase the chances of condom breakage.

Important to consider: Try to avoid any lubricant that contains any artificial flavors, colors, sugars, essential oils, additional additives, or glycerin (a LOT of lubricants contain glycerin, so check the package) because these things could increase the possibility of vaginal infections.

Sex shouldn’t hurt. If it does, you may not be using enough lube or you have an infection or tear. If so, stop and don’t resume sex until checked out and cleared to have sex by your doctor.

Do you like it hot?

A trend in the lube industry a few years ago was lubricants that created warming sensations. They even made two-part lubricants that reacted to the other when having sex to create heat. Our advice is to be careful with these products, as many people had had very unpleasant experiences and even burning sensations.

We recommend lubricants that are odor/perfume free, without additives for color, taste, and any type of heating. Keep it simple, but keep it wet and slippers.

In the end, it’s a personal choice. Try a few and figure out what works best for you. You may want an oil-based lube for when you masturbate and a silicone or water-based lube for sex. No matter what you choose, sex is always better with lube.