101 Advice on Lubricants
Bodyjoys’ beginner’s guide to lubricants
At Bodyjoys, we worship lube. Adding lube is simply the easiest way to enhance your sexual experience, both with your partner and in solo sessions. We cannot stress enough the joyful benefits of this sex essential, which is still surprisingly underrated.
Proper lubrication during sex increases comfort, pleasure and sensation, and makes the difference between a ‘good time’ and a mind-blowing, toe-curling orgasm.
What is a personal lubricant?
Technically speaking, personal lubricants are liquids or gels used to reduce friction or to ease penetration during any form of sexual activity, be this sex, masturbation or sex toy play…
…practically and joyfully speaking, lubes add a lot of fun and pleasure to your sex and love life – lube is all about having better sex!
As a rule of thumb, always use plenty of lube, and once you think you have enough, add a little more!
There is a variety of different lubes that can enhance your play and we will tell you all about them:
- Water-based lube
- Silicone-based lube
- Hybrid (a mix of water and silicone)
- Oil-based
- Flavoured, tingling, warming (typically water-based)
What are the pleasures and benefits of using lubricant?
There are many great reasons why couples and individuals choose lube:
- To enjoy yourself and have fun
- To heighten sensation during sex
- To indulge in slippery sex play with your partner
- To make sex more relaxed and pleasurable by reducing the friction of stimulation or penetration
- To counter vaginal dryness caused by low oestrogen levels (whether due to menopause, the contraceptive pill, or other hormonal changes)
- To enhance masturbation
- To enhance your sensual and sexual well-being
Ignore the stigma around using a personal lubricant!
Vaginal discharge and arousal fluctuate throughout your monthly cycle. As such, there is no such thing as a ‘normal’ amount of vaginal fluid and needing lube certainly doesn’t mean a person is not aroused or not interested in their partner. There is no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed about using lube! Many people who produce plenty of bodily lubrication may still find that lube enhances their sexual pleasure.
Having said all of that, there is one caution to bear in mind. If sex feels painful to you, take care to get it checked out. Whilst a certain level of discomfort may simply be due to lack of lubrication, don’t ignore an ongoing pain.
When should I use a personal lubricant?
The benefits are so overwhelming, we would argue that using lube is always a great idea! Hence, our list is pretty extensive:
- Vaginal intercourse – use any type of lube, apart from oil-based lubes
- Anal intercourse – we recommend special anal lube
- (Manual) masturbation – we recommend oil-based lube, perhaps with added aloe vera, but any lube will do the job
- Sex toys – use water-based lube to be safe, otherwise this will depend on what the toy is made of (see below)
- Oral – try a flavoured, water-based lube
- Fisting – definitely opt for anal lube with this one
- Arousal – use an oil-based lube for external stimulation, or any other kind for internal stimulation
- Massage – use an oil-based lube (external) – any other will do, but be careful with silicone lube as it may stain the sheets!
Water-based lube is the most versatile personal lubricant, you can hardly go wrong with this great all-rounder.
Lube is an absolute essential when it comes to anal play as, unlike the vagina, the anus and rectum do not self-lubricate.
How to apply lube correctly
...just kidding…there is no right or wrong way! Just add the glide wherever you want things to be more slippery!
What lubricants can I use with sex toys?
As a rule of thumb, when in doubt, use water-based lube and your toys will be just fine. Please make sure not to use a silicone-based lube with your beloved silicone toys! Here a summary of what lubes to use with the most common sex toy materials:
- Silicone: water-based lube
- Metal and glass: water-based, silicone-based and oil-based lube
- Hard plastic (ABS): water-based and silicone-based lube
- Realistic feel (soft plastic): water-based lube
- Jelly: water-based and silicone-based lube
- Latex: water-based and silicone-based lube
While hybrid lubes are generally a safe bet, you should always do a patch test before using them on your beloved silicone sex toys.
What lubricants can I use with condoms?
This is pretty straightforward as, barring oil-based lubricants, all common condoms are compatible with all types of lube. However, to be totally safe, check the labels as there are some rare exceptions.
Never use oil-based lubes with condoms as they may degrade the latex in condoms and cause them to break.
The most popular types of personal lubricants – overview
Lubido’s water-based natural feel lubricant enhances sensation and makes your sexual experience smoother and more sensual. It is a very versatile glide that improves pleasure and sensation during any type of sexual stimulation, be it vaginal, anal, with sex toys, or during masturbation.
£9.99
Sale price
£7.99
Most popular lubes – Water-Based Lubricant
Water-based lube is the best all-rounder lubricant and a sex essential that should be found in every pleasure box. From large bottles for the bedroom to sachet formats for on-the-go, our lubricants are available in the right sizes for every occasion.
Attributes and benefits of water-based lube:
- The most versatile lube – you can’t go wrong!
- Smooth and gentle on the skin
- Makes any type of sexual stimulation feel better – vaginal, anal, oral, or masturbation play
- Compatible with any sex toy material
- Safe to use with condoms (but check for the odd exception!)
- Easy to clean and will not stain your bed sheets
- Good option for people with sensitive skin or vaginal irritation
Shop our full range of water-based lubes.
If you need a recommendation, then we suggest the Lubido Water-Based Paraben-Free Lubricant (see picture).
Anal exploration has never been more comfortable than with this slick and thick Anal Ease Lube from Lubido. This high-quality paraben-free, water-based lube is not only long-lasting and non-sticky, it is also aloe vera infused. Aloe vera has a soothing effect, antifungal properties warn against harmful bacteria and a special ingredient enhances pleasure.
£10.99
Sale price
£9.89
Most popular lubes – Anal Lubricant
Anal lube is especially formulated for all forms of backdoor play. The rectum does not self-lubricate, so slick lube is essential for eliminating friction during anal play. Silicone-based anal lube is the longest lasting, but is not compatible with silicone toys. Water-based anal lube is a good option under any scenarios – pick the right type for your play!
Attributes and benefits of anal lube:
- Thick and slippery to ensure maximum pleasure and avert potential discomfort
- Using lube reduces the chance of condom breakage or slippage during anal sex
Browse our whole range of anal lubes for the most relaxed and pleasurable backdoor play.
Looking for a good all-rounder anal lube option? Check out the Anal Water-Based Paraben-Free Lubricant from Lubido (see picture).
The ID Millennium silicone lubricant is based on an extremely potent and powerful formula. The slip is so strong and long-lasting that only a few drops will last for hours and the lube will even stay slippery when you play under water. ID states that this lube is never sticky, never dries and never loses slip!
Sale price
£18.99
Most popular lubes – Silicone-Based Lubricant
Silicone-based lube has a large and enthusiastic following. This super slippery lube is perfect for long lasting sessions and if you like sex in the shower, then you’ve found your match!
Attributes and benefits of silicone-based lube:
- Typically longer-lasting than other lubes and doesn’t become sticky
- Slippery, silky, smooth, velvety feel
- Waterproof, hence the best choice for sex and masturbation in the shower
- Great option for solo play, vaginal sex, anal sex, and play with non-silicone sex-toys
- Generally somewhat more expensive than other lubes, however it is typically used in smaller quantities
Shop our full range of silicone-based lubes for long-lasting pleasure.
If you are in a hurry and want us to choose for you, we recommend the Millennium Silicone Lubricant from ID (see picture).
Most popular lubes – Hybrid Lubricant
The hybrids combine the versatility of water-based lubricants with the staying power of silicone-based lubes, covering your needs for long-lasting, slippery pleasure. Despite this combination of best characteristics, hybrid lubes are still somewhat underrated and a niche for the connoisseurs.
Attributes and benefits of hybrid lube:
- Silky smooth, moderately thick texture
- Long-lasting experience with less need to reapply than water-based lubes
- Typically works well with your silicone sex toys, however we recommend that you always conduct a patch test to ensure it won’t damage your toy
Browse our range of hybrid lubes to enjoy the best of both worlds.
If you want to follow our recommendation, check out the Lubido Hybrid Paraben-Free Lubricant (see picture).
This sampler pack of delectable fruit-flavoured personal lubricants by ID Frutopia will heighten your lust levels and make your lovemaking even more exciting. Use the flavoured lubes for sensual foreplay and oral sex – drizzle the luscious juice onto your partner’s hot spots and find yourself in ever more yummy situations.
Sale price
£13.99
Most popular lubes – Flavoured Lubricant
Fruity, minty, chocolatey, or just sweet — flavoured lubricants add another dimension to sensual foreplay and oral sex, while also bringing extra moisture. There is something for every palate…
Attributes and benefits of flavoured lube:
- These flirty lubes can be used in a playful and fun way to heighten your and your partner’s lust levels and add pleasure
- Many people enjoy and are turned on by the edible aspect of flavoured lubricant
- Simply trickle these delicious flavours onto your partner’s hot spots and get ready to make oral sex even more enjoyable for both of you
- A slightly less messy alternative to a food fight!
Shop our range of tasty flavoured lubes and sweeten up your play routine.
If you find the options overwhelming, we recommend the ID Frutopia Assorted Flavoured Lube Sampler with five different flavours (see picture)?
The Durex Tingling lube is specially formulated to enhance sensitivity and to stimulate with tingling sensations – cheeky & fun! The tingle lube contains a unique mix of ingredients that warm, cool and tingle – apply it on hot spots like your G-spot, clitoris, shaft or glans for an extra juicy, stimulating and arousing build-up, and a hotter climax. Tingling lube is great for foreplay, sex, solo and sex toys.
£15.99
Sale price
£14.39
Most popular lubes – Tingling & Warming Lubricant
Tingling and warming lubes allow you to take things up a notch and make sex more sensual for you and your partner. These lubes increase blood flow to your erogenous zones and tickle the nerve endings in the area, thereby enhancing your sensitivity to touch.
Attributes and benefits of tingling and warming lube:
- Apply on your most intimate hot spots – G-spot, clitoris, shaft or glans – to experience a particularly stimulating and thrilling build-up and probably a faster climax than usual
- Great for foreplay, sex and masturbation
Take a look at our full range of tingling and warming lubes designed to help enhance arousal.
Or if you don’t have time to browse, head straight for the Tingling Lubricant from Durex (see picture).
Most popular lubes – Organic Lubricant
Organic lubes contain many organically produced and body-friendly ingredients to ensure a natural sexual experience that won’t irritate your body with chemicals or artificial additives. Since organic lubes vary greatly in their ingredients, always make sure that the lube in question is suitable for the desired sex play. Organic lubes are either water- or oil-based.
Attributes and benefits of organic lube:
- Good choice for anyone with sensitive skin
- Environmentally friendly
- Provide a wonderful glide and a silky soft feel
- Oil-based lubes tend to include skin-softening ingredients, such as aloe vera, which makes them excellent for external solo play and can be used for massages too
- Note that oil-based lubes are not compatible with latex condoms and we don’t recommend using oil-based lubes internally
Shop our full range of exciting organic lubes.
Not sure which organic lube to buy? We recommend the O Organic Oil Blend from Astroglide (see picture).
The Durex Aloe Vera 2-in-1 soothing massage oil and sex lube is a wonderful choice for long-lasting foreplay, masturbation as well as anal and vaginal intercourse. The silky smooth all-rounder gel is soft and gentle on the skin and can be used all over your body as well as your intimate hot spots. The lube’s extra-thick water-based formula is infused with aloe vera and vitamin E to nourish and moisturise your skin.
Sale price
£14.99
Most popular lubes – Masturbation Lubricant
Lube makes any type of sexual stimulation feel better so why don’t you spoil yourself with an extra splash of lube designed especially for masturbation? Solo sessions feel so much better when you are slipping and sliding – add glide for enhanced sensations and turn an ordinary session into something truly sensational.
Attributes and benefits of masturbation lube:
- Our water-based lubes are the best all-rounders for slippery but non-greasy self-pleasure
- Masturbation lubes are often (partly) oil-based and include skin-softening ingredients, such as aloe vera, which makes them excellent for solo external play and massages
- For anal play you can also opt for thicker, silicone-based lubes (unless using them in combination with a silicone toy, in which case make sure you use a water-based lube)
Browse our whole range of masturbation lubes, or simply opt for the Durex Massage Lube Aloe Vera Soothing (see picture).
The Prowler Red Fisting Gel is a personal lubricant specially formulated for anal or penile use. The gel is designed to lubricate and moisturise to increase the ease and comfort of intimate sexual activity and to complement your body’s natural lubrication.
Sale price
£19.99
Most popular lubes – Fisting Lubricant
Fisting lubricants were specifically designed for vaginal and anal fisting as well as large dildo play. You can experience this extreme penetration more comfortably with extra thick and long-lasting lubricants that are either water- or oil-based. Just apply a generous layer of this slippery lube to your partner before coating your hand (and wrist, and possibly fisting glove) with it.
Attributes and benefits of fisting lube:
- Fisting lubes have a thicker and more slippery composition than ordinary lubricants
- With a well-lubricated and slippery fist, the rectum experiences heightened sensation and pleasure
Browse our full range of fisting lubes and find the best one for your session.
If you’re looking to buy a fisting lube that you can also use with a silicone toy, check out the Red Fisting Gel from Prowler (see picture).
Jizz by the Master Series is a cum-scented, water-based lubricant, specially formulated to mimic the aroma, feel, and look of real spunk. Jizz’ texture is so extremely life-like, you’ll be surprised it’s not the real thing. The lube is white and creamy and has this unmistakable musky scent.
Sale price
£29.99
Most popular lubes – Cum Lubricant
Cum lubricants are specially formulated to mimic the feel, aroma, and look of the real thing. The texture of the jizz lube is so extremely lifelike that you will be surprised that it is not real spunk.
Attributes and benefits of cum lube:
- The lube is white and creamy and a lot of fun to use
- As ordinary lubes, cum lubes are designed to increase the ease and comfort of sexual activities, and to complement your body’s natural lubrication
Take a look at our range of cum lubes. For a lube that perfectly mimics real cum, check out the Master Series Jizz Cum Scented Lubricant (see picture).
Load it and shoot with precision. The XL One Shot lubricant launcher makes it easier than ever to apply your favourite lube with precision and coat those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies so you can enjoy that slippery ride you’ve ever dreamed of. The lube shooter s designed for internal lubrication during sex or solo play, but you can use it for any messy or kinky pursuits.
Sale price
£11.99
Most popular lubes – Lubricant Applicators
Lube applicators (also known as lube shooters) allow you to apply your favourite lubricant exactly where you want it. This is a fast and effective way to prepare your hot spots for maximum satisfaction, whether from your partner, or from your favourite sex toy.
Attributes and benefits of a lube applicator:
- Incredibly easy to use
- Designed to lubricate your internal hot spots for enhanced sexual pleasure
- Some like to use applicators as a doctor’s utensil in medical fetish role-play
Check out our full range of lube applicators.
If you are in a hurry, why not shop the XL Lubricant Launcher (see picture)?
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