Choosing a Lube
Lube's been a preferred method of increasing sexual pleasure since the Ancient Greeks starting using olive oil to lube up in 350 B.C. Whether you're performing solo, experimenting with anal, or pleasuring your partner orally, there's a lube for that.
You Can Use Lube To
Increase penis sensation while using condoms by adding a drop of lubricant to the inside of a condom before placing it on a penis. It’ll up the sensitivity the user experiences.
Be more orgasmic because wetter is better. Women who use lubricant report being more easily orgasmic, having higher levels of sexual satisfaction and pleasure, and experiencing less pain during intercourse than those who don’t.
Prevent chafing while engaging in athletic activities like long distance running by applying silicone-based lubricants to chafe-prone body parts.
Accommodate natural (common, nothing to be embarrassed about or apologise for) changes in vaginal self-lubrication. It’s a common belief that a woman’s wetness depends on her level of arousal. The fact is that changes in hormone levels, pregnancy, and menopause often affect wetness, regardless of how turned on someone is. Medications like antihistamines and antidepressants can impact self-lubrication as well.
Prevent tearing during anal sex. The tissues of the rectum are surprisingly fragile. Always use lube for anal sex.
Add new (and improved) sensations to foreplay by using lube while giving a hand job or stimulating a clit. It’ll reduce friction and make it easier to maintain a constant rhythm. Using an edible lube is also a good way of keeping blowjobs nice and wet.
Reduce the risk of condom failure by reducing friction and preventing condom tears.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Lube
Stain Potential
Some formulations will stain fabrics.
We try to note in the product description whether a product is likely to stain. Unfortunately these are just guidelines, and we can’t guarantee a product won’t interact negatively with the materials of your bedding and/or clothing. You may want to lay a towel down or test the product on an inconspicuous area first if you’re worried.
The Impact of Body Chemistry
While we happily give recommendations on what lubes work best for what activities, we can’t definitively say what the best lube for you will be.
Much like shampoos and skin lotions, some formulations just work better with your unique body chemistry than others. And just like regular care products can lose their effectiveness over time, you may also need to change your brand of lubricant periodically. We offer many of our lubes in small sizes so you can test compatibility before committing to a whole bottle.
Whether you’re Using it Primarily for Vaginal or Anal Sex
Many people prefer thinner lubricants for vaginal sex because it reduces friction without eliminating the sensation of skin to skin contact.
For anal sex, thicker products often provide better cushioning and enhanced comfort. Some manufacturers even make anal specific lubes that use plant extracts to create a more gel like consistency.
If you’re Trying to Get Pregnant
There is some research showing that certain lubricants impede sperm motility, amongst other factors important to conception. Unfortunately none of the products at The Nookie have been tested specifically for their effect on sperm. If you have reservations, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor. You can also try using Pre-Seed, the only lubricant specifically manufactured for couples trying to conceive.
Types of Lubricants
At The Nookie, we only sell silicone or water-based lubricants. Both are body safe and effective with all types of condoms, but only water based is compatible with silicone sex toys (we address lube compatibility under the product features for each of our toys).
Silicone
Silicone-based lubricants are incredibly slick, don’t dry out or get sticky, have no scent or flavour, and are waterproof. Silicone is our recommended lube for anal sex and is safe for use with all types of condoms.
Two important considerations with silicone are that 1) it can be harder to clean up than water based lubricants and 2) it should not be used with silicone toys because it can cause them to melt.
Water Based
Water-based lubricants come in a wide variety of formulations. Regardless of their particular composition, all of them lose slipperiness and require reapplication with prolonged activity (most regain their slipperiness if you add water or saliva to the area). Water-based lube is safe for use with all types of condoms.
Water-based lubricants are not waterproof. If you want a waterproof lube for sex play in the shower, bath, pool, etc., you may want to consider silicone based products.
Flavoured water-based lubes are a great way to make oral sex more fun.
Warming water-based lubes can boost arousal by increasing blood flow to the clitoris. (The products themselves don’t heat up in temperature, they just provide the sensation of warming using additives like menthol.) Warming lubes can also add a level of novelty to your sex routine. Pro-tip: try rubbing warming lube on your nipples. A word of caution, however. If you’re experiencing any vaginal irritation, a warming lubricant can make it feel like your genitals are on fire.