It used to be thought that lubricants were for people who weren’t able to get wet enough themselves. Often, they were viewed with embarrassment by couples who felt they meant they weren’t turning each other on properly.
The truth is, regardless of how naturally juicy we get, a good lubricant can make great sex terrific.
What do I need a lubricant for?
Strictly speaking, our own natural lube is restricted to the genitals, and any other places we like to lick. Great fun, but it’s a limited resource. A well applied lubricant however, can completely change the sensations we get from sex. Wet, well lubricated vaginal sex can be blissful, completely changing the sensation of the natural ripples in your pussy. Likewise with anal sex, where good lubrication can make for a delightful experience.
Lubricants also open up other areas of pleasure. Simply rubbing a silicone or oil based lube all over your bodies makes exploring each other, and finding new ways and places to take your pleasure from each other, is an adventure in itself.
One of the last things lovers think of is using lubes in oral sex. Try wetting your lips and tongue with a nice water based lube before going down on your lover. Blow jobs become more than just sucking a head when the full length of the shaft glistens with lube which you gently stroke around his balls. Likewise, having your pussy pleasured is so much better when your lover’s tongue and lips are slick and wet to start with. Lying there as they lap away and feeling all that lovely warm wetness running down between the cheeks of your bum is just…oooh!
Temperature can make lube play even better. Try warming your favourite lube up, and then drip it all over your lover. It’s a bit like hot wax play but without wax caking everything up. (Tip: no hotter that the hand can bear.) Take a mouthful of warm lube, slither down your lover’s body and shoot it into her pussy. Then do it with some that you’ve had in the fridge for a couple of hours.
So which lubes are best for what?
Basically lubes fall into three categories: water based, silicone based and oil based.
Water based lubes, such as Eros Aqua are great for just about everything including oral sex. They can be used with all types of sex toy, and they’re easy to clean up afterwards. Don’t expect too much if you’re using them underwater, though, as they do wash away easily.
Oil based lubes are based on mineral oil and are similar in principle to things like Vaseline and baby oil. They are favourites for male masturbation and in particular anal play. They have a somewhat thicker texture than water based lubricants which can increase the sensation during sex. Because they are mineral based they will degrade latex toys and condoms, often causing the latter to split. Also care should be taken when using these vaginally as they can exacerbate yeast infections.
Silicone based lubes are a very good alternative to both of the above. They are waterproof so you can have plenty of fun in the bath (be careful not to spill any particularly if you’re using it in the shower as silicone lubes become amazingly slippy when mixed with water), and they go a very long way, so you can be quite sparing in their use and still get a lot of pleasure. Silicone lubes are latex, vinyl, rubber and condom safe. Many silicone lubricants are NOT suitable to use with silicone toys. But the newer silicone lubes such as Bodyglide for Toys are also safe to use with silicone toys.
Anal Lubes
Anal play in particular is becoming more popular, among women as well as men, and it’s worth mentioning that there are a number of lubricants and additional products specifically for anyone interested in exploring anal pleasure. As well as lubricants such as Bodyglide Anal Lube for women and Eros Anal Silicone for men, we have anal sprays. These have a cooling effect similar to an anaesthetic, allowing easy penetration and therefore relaxed, passionate anal play whether that be with your favourite anal dildo, a butt plug or your lover’s penis. In our range we have Relax Anal Spray for women, and Explorer Anal Spray for men. If you’d like more information, take a look at our Introduction to Anal Play
Whatever you’re into, taking a little time to choose the right lube for you and your partner can make a wonderful experience exquisite!