Toy Tuesday: Lubricant

Hi guys! For today's Toy Tuesday, I'm going to talk about a product that isn't really considered a toy, but it enhances the sexual experience, and in some cases, is a necessity. I've had a lot of people come in lately clueless looking for the right kind. Apparently, many people don't know the difference between types, which can make it confusing during shopping.

Today's Toy: Lubricant

Lubricants, also known as "personal lubricants" or "lube", are used during sexual activity to decrease friction. People can use them during sex or masturbation, applying them on body parts or toys, to ease penetration or rubbing. I couldn't find when lubes were first used, but I did find this funny video.

Anyone can use lubricants; they are not gender-sensitive, although some variations may appeal more to one sex than the other.

These variations include:

• Water Based: Water based are the most popular kind of lubricant bought because of their "more natural" feel. They don't contain as many chemicals as silicone based ones, and feel more authentic. The pros of using water based are: easy clean up (water and soap), don't stain sheets, less parabens that than silicone based, and safe with all toys and condoms. Cons: Dry up too quickly, contain glycerin so they get sticky. For good water based lubes check out Astroglide, ID Lubricants, Body Action Products, Aqua Lube, Wet Lubricants, Liquid Silk and Honey Lubes.

Here's a hint to make your lube last longer: Just apply water to the lubed area and it'll reactivate. The only reason the lube dries out is the water evaporates from the friction, but the chemicals stay intact until you wash them off.

• Silicone Based: The best way to describe silicone lubes is by saying it's like fucking a silk sleeve/rod.   The pros of silicone based are they last much longer (for every three applications of water based, you use one of silicone) and they don't get sticky. Cons: Harder to remove, stain sheets, can't use with silicone toys, may cause allergies. For high quality lubricant, make sure the first ingredient used is dimethicone. Pjur is a high quality brand from Germany, as most European brands are.

• Oil Based: These also have a slick feel similar to silicone based. Pros: Awesome for hand jobs, has few preservatives/additives. Cons: Increases chances of condom breakage and created holes in latex. K.Y. Jelly and Honey Lubes both produce amazing water and oil based lubricants.

• Fertility: Water based lubricants that are gentle on sperm. Used mostly by couples trying to get pregnant. Here's a list of the best fertility lubes out there.

• Organic: Water based, and low on parabens, organics feel the most like your body's natural lubrication. Aloe Cadabra is an amazing brand that works with your PH balance, doesn't contain parabens or glycerin, and is edible. Sliquid is another good organic brand. Pros and cons are similar to regular water based products.

• Warming: These water based variations have the added feature of heating upon contact. There are no black and white pros or cons to this, it just depends on personal preference.

• Cooling: On the other end of the spectrum, cooling, a.k.a tingling, lubes give the user a chilling feeling. Again, it's all about personal preference.

• Edible: Now these are awesome for head/oral. I don't recommend using them for anything besides that since the excessive amount of glycerin makes them super sticky. Edibles come in a variety of flavors, ranging from fruit, to chocolate, alcoholic beverages, and candy. Honey lube and Sex Tarts are amazing brands. My favorite of the latter is the Green Apple flavor; that shit tastes like liquid candy. A word to the wise: don't go crazy on the application, a little will go a long way. I had to learn the hard way. Oh, and the chocolate flavored edibles, as well as any dark colored ones, taste kind of disgusting. Stick to yellows, greens, and reds.

• Anal-Specific: These come in water based or silicone based mode. They are typically thicker consistency and often include some kind of numbing additive. However, beware of creams that completely numb. Anal hurts for a reason, and if you ever feel any tearing, you should be fully aware. Maximus is an amazing water based product made in London that works for vaginal and anal.

Applying lube depends on what you're comfortable with. Start off with a little bit and then work the amounts up. Applying too much at the beginning might make you feel gooey.

Some lubricants tend to cause allergies, so learn what you can handle and what you can't and shop accordingly. ID Lubricants makes an amazing brand for hyper allergenic skin.

Once you're done getting it on, make sure to wash off any excess lube retained by your body. For the most part water and soap should clean any residue off, but as for your sheets, they might need some extra attention if you used oil or silicone based.

Difficulty to use:

It gets messy, but for the most part usage and clean-up are a cinch!

Versatility:

There's a type of lube for everyone. You just have to know what you are looking or not looking for.

My Rating:

The boyfriend and I both agree on this one: While it does feel good at times, especially when we need it, we like sex better without it. It's more of a, "Hey let's try something different" type of thing.

Boyfriend's Rating: