Staying Slippery- A Guide to Lube
I can’t stress enough how important it is to have at least one good lube in your arsenal.
Whether your main form of play is solo or with a partner, lube will make all the difference when the action happens. If you haven’t been exposed to lube, or the only exposure you’ve had has been the selection of weird lubes at the drugstore, I’m here guide you through the magical world of lube.
Water based lubes
This is the lube most of us are familiar with.
PROS
- Compatible with everything involved with your sexy bits (condoms, silicone sex toys, etc.)
- Easy clean-up and non-staining
- Clear and slippery
- Most variety; there are flavoured and tingling versions of water based lubes available out there
CONS
- Absorbs easily into the skin, so there’s a constant need to reapply
- Some water-based lubes contain Glycerin which can convert to sugar in some women’s vaginas causing yeast infections. Read your labels carefully if you think this could be a concern for you.
What I Recommend:
If you’re looking for a basic water-based lube, then Sliquid is a really good choice as the majority of their lubes don’t contain any glycerin or paraben. The fact that it feels more smooth and soothing doesn’t hurt either.
If you’re looking for something that will add a little extra pleasure, I highly recommend the Wicked Aqua Mocha Java Lube. This stuff tastes like a really good cappuccino, whether you’re sucking or licking it off your partner. Just get permission first before you bite down, as you will be tempted to do so.
Hybrid Lubes
These types of lubes are the newest evolution of personal lubrication as they typically contain a silicone/water hybrid formula that contains more water than silicone.
PROS
- Feels smooth and creamy
- If it dries a bit during the fun, it can be reactivated with a bit of moisture.
- Ideal for silicone toys and condom safe
- Easy clean-up and non-staining
CONS
- Because this is also primarily water, it can dry out and need to be rehydrated or reapplied
What I Recommend:
Spunk is one of my personal favourites across the lube spectrum. Not only is this lube incredibly smooth against the skin, but it can add a little extra fun to squirting dildos due to its colour and consistency.
Silicone Based Lubes
While there are several silicones lubes, you should learn how to use them correctly.
PROS
- Silicone lubes don’t absorb into the skin as easily as water, which means they last longer
- Preferable to use in pools and water
- Can be used with condoms
- Great for anal sex
CONS
- Do not, I repeat, DO NOT USE SILICONE TOYS WITH SILICONE LUBE! Silicone toys and silicone lube can bond together and make any silicone toy warp and create a porous surface based on the quality and ingredients.
What I Recommend:
While I haven’t had as much experience with silicone lube as I have with water and oil, I do like how Pjur feels against my body. It feels like applying a good moisturizing lotion, except it just stays on the skin and for some reason, I like that feeling.
Oil Based Lubes
These lubes are a bit more specialized in my opinion. They do have their uses, but there are some drawbacks you should be aware of.
PROS
- Any oil lube can double as a really good massage oil
- As they don’t absorb into the skin, these lubes can feel like the Energizer Bunny: just keep going and going and going…
CONS
- Anything made out of oil (Vaseline, baby oils, oil based lubes, coconut oil, etc) will break down latex condoms, so they should not be used for penetrative, protected sex. You have to buy condoms made of made out ofpolyurethane or nitrile if you’re dead set on using condoms with oil based products.
- Oil based lubes cannot be flushed out entirely from the body after penetration because they’re waterproof, which makes you more at risk for infections.
What I Recommend:
If I had to choose one oil lube to recommend, it would be Boy Butter. While it’s not a pure coconut oil like many people seem to like, the fact that it’s infused with coconut oil makes it a lot smoother and lighter than other oil lubes I’ve tried out in the past.
