Answering all the questions you may have had about lubes (and what to buy)
LOVE YOUR LUBE
The small but mighty lube: bringer of more sensational sex. It comes in many shapes, colours, and sizes, and can help with everything from enhancing pleasure, to help make sex longer lasting. This product really can go a long way towards making sex better. But, when it comes to finding the right one for you, knowing where to start can be confusing.
Whether you are a total lube novice, or you’ve been using it for some time but are looking for new tips on how to get more enjoyment out of it; our lubricant buying guide should help you find the lube for you. So, let’s get into it.
Lubes can help with everything from enhancing pleasure, to help make sex last longer.
WHAT IS LUBE?
Lube is a specially formulated gel or liquid that can be applied to intimate areas, to increase pleasure and/or to make sex nice and smooth. During the build-up to sex, a female's natural moisture usually increases due to heightening sexual excitement. For a mix of reasons, a female may want more lubrication to help make sex more pleasurable and comfortable for both the woman and their partner(s).
Bring some lubes into your life to help enhance sexual experiences and to help make sex more pleasurable in oh so many ways!
There are days during a females cycle when they may feel a little drier. There are also times in life when natural lubrication may drop due to several reasons, including stress, medication, overall health, and hormonal changes, so lube can help alleviate dryness and can help make sex feel better.
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
This specially formulated gel or liquid can be used on areas like the penis and the vagina, and some lubes (like the Durex Massage 2 in 1) can be used on your body to help give you an arousing experience. It can give you something fun to experiment with during sensual play and helps make penetration more pleasurable and smoother for all involved.
Lube is also particularly important when it comes to anal sex. Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn’t produce any natural lubrication, meaning that having some lubricant on hand for anal sex is important. Want to learn more about anal lubes? Check out our article on the best lubes for anal sex.
WHY SHOULD I USE LUBE?
There are many reasons why we think everyone should use lube. In some cases, you may find it’s a necessity (for example, in anal sex) but there are several other reasons why you can benefit from using lube. It can:
- Help make the build-up to sex more arousing.
- Help give a more seamless transition from sensual touching through to penetration.
- Be used with sex toys, to make masturbation or sensual play more pleasurable. (Always check the pack instructions to make sure your lube is compatible with the toy of your choice!)
- Make sex feel more comfortable8 for those who experience vaginal dryness.
Remember, do your research, explore your options, and choose a lube that is right for you and your partner(s), and use it according to the pack instructions.
WHAT TYPE SHOULD I USE?
There are lots of different lubes out there, including anal lubes, flavoured lubes, and some that help you feel different sensations. However, most of them fall into one of two main types: water-based lube and silicone-based lube.
Water-based lube
Water-based lubes can be applied everywhere from toys to your pleasure parts – and can help a female if they’re experiencing a little dryness.
Lubes like Durex Naturals are made with 100% natural ingredients, our Naturals Intimate range is safe to use with Natural Rubber Latex and polyisoprene Durex condoms as well as Durex Sex toys.
Lubes like Durex Naturals are made with 100% natural ingredients
Silicone-based lube
Silicone-based lube is slicker and more slippery than water-based lubricants. It’s also longer lasting than water-based lube, which means less interruptions – unless you want to!
At Durex, we have special lube for long-lasting and silky-smooth pleasure, try our Durex Perfect Glide Silicone Based Gel Lube.
CAN CONDOMS AND LUBES BE USED TOGETHER?
Most Durex lubes are suitable to use with condoms, but you should always read the instructions on the pack just to make sure. If the instructions do say you’re good to go, then simply add the lube to the outside of the condom once it’s on.
Watch out for oil-based lubricants. These are generally not safe to use with condoms, as the oil can cause the latex to break or fail.
LUBE Q&A
Got more questions in the back of your mind about lube or the use of lubricants? We’ve put together some of the most common questions we’ve been asked when it comes to the smooth stuff:
Is lube safe to swallow?
Most water-based lubes are suitable for oral sex. They are not foods but are safe to consume in small amounts during sexual activity. They can bring a new experience to your sex life. Lubes such as Durex Play Cheeky Cherry and Durex Strawberry can make a fun addition to your oral play.
How much lubricant should I use?
As much as you need. If you’re trying a new lubricant, or this is the first time you’ve used lube, start with a small amount, gently applying it with your fingertips. Then, feel free to add more – as and when the mood takes you. Some lubes also double up as massage gel, so why not add a back (and anything else) rub to your sexual repertoire to give your partner an extra treat?
How long can you use that bottle of lube after opening it?
Most lubes expire within one to three years, depending on its ingredients. It’s also a good idea to use your lube within one year of opening the bottle – after it’s tightly sealed after use of course!
Can I use lube for masturbation?
A big ‘yes’ to that one. Lube can be a perfect playmate when it comes to masturbation. If you would like to enhance your pleasure while you masturbate, use our zingy Durex Play Tingling Water Based Gel Lube.
Hopefully, this has inspired you to dive in and enjoy the wonderful world of lube. Ready to shop for your perfect lube? Check out our range of lubricants here.
