Sex Tip: Choosing The Best Lubricant For The Job (and Video)

Sexual lubricants are great products to use during all kinds of sex, including anal sex, vaginal sex and even masturbation for both men and women. Why do we like lube so much? It makes sex feel great and helps you last longer than if you're relying on your body's own lubricants or - eek! - saliva to do the job for you. Here's the lowdown on the different kinds of lube on the market and how to use them.


Why Do You Need Lube?

If you haven't used lube before, you definitely need to try it! Chances are, you'll never go back to having sex without it. Sexual lubricant makes sex feel better, because it reduces the amount of friction during sex. Sex feels smoother, slicker and lasts longer than if you're just using saliva or not using anything at all.

Water Based Lubricants

Water based lubes are by far the best lubes out there. They're simply made of water and are extremely cost effective. They're easy to use and easy to clean - in fact, you can clean up water based lube with just water, no soap required! It doesn't stain your clothes or your sheets, but it will wear out quickly since it's a thinner style lube that closely mimics a woman's natural lubricant. You can't use water based lube in the water, because it will rinse off quickly, but other than that, water based lube is definitely your go-to lube. Keep it by your bedside and use as necessary.


Silicone Based Lubricants

Silicone based lubes are a little thicker and are much better to use in the water because they don't rinse off as easily. You can still clean up silicone lubricant easily with soap and water (and maybe a little elbow grease) but it's great if you're having sex or masturbating in the shower or pool. It also lasts longer than water based lubricant, so it's a little better for those marathon sex sessions. Silicone based lube is safe for most sex toys, but it cannot be used with toys made from silicone! If you have a silicone toy, you're better off using water based lube. Silicone lube isn't recommended for frequent vaginal use because although the vagina is self cleaning, it's difficult to get the silicone based lube out.


Flavoured And Scented Lubes

Flavoured or scented lubricants can be both silicone or water based (most likely water based) and are excellent to use for oral sex or just simply if you want a lube that smells and tastes good. There's no difference between the effectiveness of a flavoured or scented lube and a plain one, so it's definitely a personal choice. There are many different flavours on the market, including yummy ones like strawberry.

Warming Lubes

Warming lubes can also be silicone or water based, but are most likely water based. A component within the formula of the lube makes the lube warm up during sex, and continue to get warmer during intercourse or masturbation. Warming lubes are great to have on hand if you want something a little different during sex, however, some people aren't fond of just how warm and tingly warming lubricants can get when using them. If a warming lube is too hot for you, try diluting it with some regular lube for just a little extra kick.


All Natural And Sensitive Skin Lubricants

An uncommon yet growing category of sexual lubricants are ones that are made for people with very sensitive skin. These lubes can be made with all natural ingredients and without dyes and perfumes that can be potentially irritating. If you have very sensitive skin and are using "free and clear" detergents and soaps in your home, consider using an all natural or sensitive skin lube during sex too.


By Dan & Jennifer check out their great website. Condensed & Adapted by Astroglide.