24 Mar A Guide to Lube
“Oh yeah, let’s make this sex drier and more chafe-y”
– Nobody, ever
There’s a general rule of thumb that applies to just about every sexual experience – wetter is better. It doesn’t matter how you’re choosing to play (by yourself? With a partner? With a toy? Orally? Anally? Vaginally? Manually? Literally can’t think of a way that doesn’t apply), keeping things lubed up helps make the experience better. A quick trip down the sexual health aisle at your local drug store will back us up on this – there are almost more lubricant options out there than condom varieties.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know what you need and/or want for whichever situation you hope (plan?) to find yourself in. There are different flavors, a variety of base ingredients, and even some that offer extra sensations. It can make your head spin, and not in the way you’d hoped!
Lucky for you, the team here at The Pink Boxxe put together a quick little guide for you to help fill in any gaps in your knowledge and help you feel more equipped for your next foray into the slippery, slidey world of lubricants!
#1 Natural Lubricant
Our bodies are amazing, aren’t they? Those who have a vagina and are turned on will produce their own lubrication as a part of the female response cycle. Even though nature has a system for this, sometimes we don’t produce as much moisture as we would like, for a number of reasons. It could be due to not being turned on, not being turned on quite enough, certain medications, breast-feeding, menopause, low estrogen levels, various medical conditions, or certain hygiene practices. When we need a little extra, there are a few options that we can consider.
#2. Oil-Based
Oil-based lube is definitely a good choice when water is involved. You know what they say about oil and water…they don’t mix, so oil-based lube will hold up in a pool, or in the shower, or wherever you decide to play. It is a slippery lube, it is moisturizing, and it lasts a long time too. A massage could even become a lot more sensual when this lube is used. Oil-based lubes can clog pores or stain fabric so be please aware of this. They also should NOT be used with condoms because the oil degrades the latex and polyurethane/polyisoprene, increasing the risk of breakage.
#3. Silicone-Based
Silicone-based lube is definitely the most slippery of lubes to choose from. They tend to last the longest too, so there will most likely be no need to reapply, even during the longest of marathon sessions. Silicone-based lubrication is great for shower sex as well, it doesn’t wash away quickly at all. This lube is not recommended when using silicone-based toys though, as it will break them down over time. Feel free to use toys made of other materials if using silicone-based lubricant. It is also a bit more effort to clean up after, you will need soap and water. Be careful with your sheets and floors too, it could leave a stain if you are not careful.
#4. Water-Based
Water-based lube is your best bet for most types of sexual activity and is known to be the least irritating of your choices to purchase. It is safe to use with your sex toys, it tends to be the most popular, and it is the least expensive. It does not stain fabrics and can be ingested in small amounts. Water-based lubricant is safe to use with condoms but is not the best choice for anal sex, you will probably want to try a slipperier lube for that activity. Water-based lubricants will not stain fabric and are easy to clean up but they can get a bit sticky and you might need to reapply when needed.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. There are four main types of lubricants available for intimate purposes (please, don’t be the person who thinks that WD-40 should be a viable option), one natural and three available for purchase. Obviously, beyond these general categories, you’ve got a wide variety of customization options, such as scents, flavors, and sensations. Finding the right lube for you will depend largely on what you intend on doing, how you intend on doing it, and what works best for you personally.
Whatever your lubricant needs, the experts here at The Pink Boxxe have a ton of experience and a veritable cornucopia of options available. We’ve literally got display cases FULL of different lubes and we’re thrilled to help consult with you on your needs to make the right recommendation. Come down and see us today and we’ll get your next sexy sesh started off on the right foot!