Beginner's Guide to Lube

What is lube used for?

There's no end to the ways that lube improves your sex life!

1. Lube reduces friction between the things you're rubbing together, which means less chafing and more pleasuring. No matter what sex act you're doing or what toy you're playing with, reduced friction is a blessing your orgasms will thank you for.

2. Lubes are a safe way to amp things up in the bedroom. Whether that's adding a hint of sweetness to oral sex or bringing a little extra tingle to your touches, lube is designed to be body-friendly, so it can join you in places where whipped cream or chocolate sauce can't.

3. Lube is ready as soon as you are, so you can heat things up at a moment's notice. Perhaps the feel of a condom isn't that appealing to you - lube will help give it a smoother, easier feel for protected sex without interruption.

What can I use as lube?

You should always prioritise using specially-formulated sex lubricant for your erotic escapades, since it'll be safe for your body. There are many different types of lube, each ideal for different types of play.

1. Water-based lube is the best all-rounder and has a light, natural feel which is perfect for both sex and sex toys. It's safe for solo play, vaginal sex and anal sex (but consider using an anal-specific lube instead), and compatible with all sex toy materials. Most water-based lubricants are also condom-safe, but some aren't, so be sure to check the label.

2. Silicone lube is the longest-lasting type of lube you can get and it's also waterproof, so it's perfect for sex in the shower. Silicone lube is excellent for solo sessions, vaginal sex and anal sex, but should never be used with realistic-feel sex toys or silicone sex toys. Just like water-based lube, silicone lube is usually condom-safe, but always check the label to be sure.

3. Oil-based lube tends to include skin-softening ingredients, like aloe vera, vitamin E and almond oil, and that makes it excellent for solo external play. It's not recommended to use oil-based lube internally (in neither the vagina or anus) or with condoms, and in terms of sex toys, it's only compatible with ones made of glass or metal.

4. Flavoured lube is ideal for adding a little something extra to oral sex and foreplay. Available in a range of flavours from fruity fresh to decadently rich, flavoured lube will be compatible with the same sex acts and toys as its base material - most flavoured lubes are water-based, making them brilliantly versatile.

5. Anal lube, like flavoured lube, can have a different base material, though they're most often made from water or silicone bases. Anal lube is set apart by its enhanced thickness, which helps it provide longer-lasting, cushioned glide during anal sex and anal play.

6. Organic lube is becoming more popular all the time, especially for those concerned with the environment and those with sensitive bodies. Since their formulas can vary widely, it's important to always check the label of your organic lube to see if it's suitable for the sex act you're hoping to enjoy.

7. Warming lube and tingling lube both bring additional stimulation to play and are a quick and easy way to spice up your sex life. There's a huge range of stimulating lubes and gels available, all designed to awaken nerve-endings and enhance response to touch. Before using a tingly or warming lube on your most sensitive areas, try a little on the inside of your lip to get a sense of how powerful its stimulation is.