Fun For Lovers

There are a lot of myths, rumors and questions about sexual lubricants.  The most important thing to remember is that lube is fun!  It’s not just about easing dryness- the right lube can make every type of intimate encounter that much more enjoyable.

Whether you’re flying solo, loving your partner or expanding your sexual frontiers remember: there is no such thing as too much slippery stuff!

If my female partner needs lube, does that mean I’m not doing something right?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about sex in general, and lubricants in particular. Just because she isn’t dripping wet does not mean she isn’t turned on! Vaginal lubrication is not a perfect indicator of a woman’s arousal. Many women do not make enough natural lubrication to make sex as enjoyable as it should be.  Menopause, hysterectomy, stress, birth control pills and many other factors can reduce the amount of natural vaginal lubrication.

Using a water-based or silicone lube will reduce friction and make sex more enjoyable for both of you.  Some lubes like Pink Water, The Natural and Gun Oil H2O even increase natural lubrication over time.

Will lubricants make a mess?

Different lubricants require different clean up.

The easiest lubes to clean up are color-free, unflavored, water-based lubes.  They rinse off the body easily, won’t stain the sheets and are easy to remove from toys.

Flavored lubricants require a little more effort to clean up.  They are stickier than plain water-based lubricants so they can make both your body and sheets a little sticky.  Some edible massage oils contain colors that could stain light colored fabrics.  Use caution with these products, or put down a towel before playing.  If you find flavored lubes to sticky for intercourse, wipe off the area with a warm damp wash cloth and keep playing.  Any stickiness on your clothes or sheets will wash off easily with soap and water.

Silicone lubricant is the slipperiest of all lubricant and it takes a bit more effort to clean up.  It must be washed off external body parts using soap and water.  It will not rinse off with plain water alone.  The body will expel silicone lubricant from the anus and vaginal with in 2 to 48 hours.

What about using lube with toys?  Do I need to use lubricant with toys?

Lube is highly, highly recommended when using any kind of insertable toy.  Toys are usually made of firmer material than human skin so they need a little bit more moisture to make them feel good. Water-based lubricants are compatible with every toy material, and are safe for vaginal and anal play.

Silicone lubricants are also great to use with toys.  They stay slick until you wash them off with soap and water so they’re perfect for extended sessions.  The only drawback to silicone lubricant is that they cannot be used with Platinum Grade Silicone, Cyberskin, or silicone-blend toys.  Silicone lubricant will bond with the molecules in these toys and destroy them.

What kind of lube should I use for anal play, ‘pegging’ or anal sex?

Anal play, ‘pegging’ and anal sex are the fastest-growing categories of sexual play.  Even so, it’s difficult to know where to begin and some people are embarrassed to ask.  There are two different types of lube suited for anal play: thick water-based lubes and silicone lubricants.

Gun Oil and System Jo Original Silicone are excellent anal lubricants.  Silicone is less thick than water-based lubricants but its molecules act like “ball bearings” and silicone is not absorbed by the body.  This mean silicone stays slick until your body expels it and it does not need to be reapplied during play.

What about numbing creams for anal play?

Many people ask about anal numbing creams, like Anal Ease, because they are scared that anal sex will hurt.   The short story is that if anal play is painful, you should stop, relax your muscles and add more lube.  Pain is your body’s way of saying “Stop!”

A tiny dab of Anal Ease can help you feel more relaxed so that you can enjoy the experience.  Start with less than you think you need, and add a little more gradually till you feel comfortable.  Anal Ease is not a lubricant so you will need to a good anal lubricant for your encounter.

The anus has more nerve endings that any other part of the male body.  The only female body part more sensitive than the anus is the clitoris.  The use of a small amount of numbing cream will help you relax and enjoy your anal experience.

What are the varieties of lubricants?  What are the pros and cons of each lube?

Water-Based Lubricants

These are the most common type of sexual lubricant on the market. They are condom safe, safe for toys, and safe for the vagina and anus.

Water-based lubes can range from thin (like saliva) to thick and rich (like an expensive lotion.)

Water-based lubes with a thin consistency include Astroglide or System Jo Women’s Agape.

Liquid Silk is one of our most popular lubes because of it medium consistency and lotion-like texture.  It’s also glycerin-free, which is a great benefit for many women.

AstroGel is a thick water-based lubricant.  It’s great for use with toys, for anal play, and for anyone who wants a little bit more “cushion” in their lube.

Most flavored lubes and warming lubes are water-based as well.

Pros:

• Works well with all types of toys and condoms
• Easy clean-up and no staining

Cons:

• May need reapplication during anal play
• Is not as slick as silicone

Silicone Lubricants

Silicone lubricants are the longest-lasting, slipperiest and most concentrated of all sexual lubricants. They can even be used underwater!

Silicone is great for vaginal and anal sex because it does not irritate sensitive skin.  It does not interfere with oral sex because it has no taste.  Silicone is an inert substance: it is almost impossible to have an allergic reaction to it.

It is generally made up of three different silicone molecules: dimethicone, dimethiconal, and cyclomenthicone.  Silicone is hypo-allergenic and is not absorbed by the body.  It is odorless, tasteless and stays slick half way to forever!

Some silicone lubricants, like Gun Oil and Pink have Vitamin E and Aloe in them to soften the skin.  Silicone is also great for massage.  System Jo Massage Glide unscented formula is the ultimate lube and massage oil in one.

Pros:

• Stays slick for extended periods of time
• Little or no need to reapply
• Great for vaginal and anal sex
• Works in the hot tub, shower or bath
• Extremely concentrated- a little goes along way
• Need less than if using a water-based lube

Cons:

• Often more expensive than water-based lubricants
• Can’t be used with silicone, platinum-grade silicone, or Cyberskin toys
• Requires soap and water to wash off the body

Flavored Lubricants

Most flavored lubes taste great because they’re meant for oral sex. Flavored lubes are usually water-based, and use glycerin and/ or aspartame to add sweetness.  We only carry sugar-free flavored lubricant.  If you are looking for a flavored lube that will take you from oral sex to intercourse, try System Jo H2O Flavored or KY Yours + Mine Kissable Sensations.

Pros:

• Makes oral sex delicious
• Provide extra moisture to make oral more fun
• Some do double duty, making oral sex and penetration feel great

Cons:

• Most don’t give the “slip” you need for penetration.
• Most are best for oral sex only
• Can be sticky on the skin and on fabrics

Warming Lubricants

Warming lubes are usually water-based and great for foreplay.  The warming sensation stimulates the nerve endings in the penis, nipples and clitoris.  You can control the “heat” by rubbing or blowing on the lubricant.

Some great ones to try are System Jo H2O Warming lube and Hot Pink, which has the added benefit of being hypoallergenic.

Pros:

• A two-in-one product: it stimulates and lubricates
• Water-based versions work with all toys and condoms
• Can also be used for sensual massage
• Stops warming when you stop rubbing or blowing on it

Cons:

• Some varieties contain peppermint oil and can irritate very sensitive skin
• Experiment with these lubes during foreplay before using them for intercourse
• Not everyone feels the warming sensations: this is normal

Anal Lubricants

There are two different types of lube suited for anal play: thick water-based lubes and silicone lubricants.

Gun Oil and System Jo Original Silicone excellent anal lubricants.  Silicone is less thick than water-based lubricants but its molecules act like “ball bearings” that protect delicate tissue and provide excellent glide.  As an added benefit, silicone is not absorbed by the body so it will be expelled naturally.  This mean silicone stays slick and it does not need to be reapplied during play.

Pros:

• Protect your delicate skin while playing
• Silicones are easy to put where you want them and they stay slick for a very long time
• Thick water-based lubes are compatible with all toys and feel “cushy”
• You can use glycerin lubes without fear of yeast infections

Cons:

• You will need a lot of  lube for anal play
• Be prepared and go for the bigger size of the lube you want to try.
• Silicone lubricants will not work with silicone anal toys, like silicone strap-ons
• Water-based anal lubes will need to reapplied frequently
• What goes in must come out- be prepared to clean up later

Massage Lubricants aka Massage Oils

The skin is our largest organ and should never be neglected as a source of pleasure!  In order to make the most of erotic and sensual massage, one must use plenty of the right products for the job.

You can split massage lubricants into three main groups: aromatherapy massage oils like Shunga Massage Oil, edible oils like Making Love Oil and warming massage lubricants like System Jo Warming Massage Glide.

Most massage oils are for topical use only and are not meant to be used as sexual lubricants.  There are two exceptions: Hot Pink and System Jo Massage Glide unscented formula.  Both of these products do “double duty” as massage products and sexual lubricants.

Pros:

• Everyone loves a nice massage and oils make them more enjoyable
• Massage oils come in many options- one is sure to fit your needs
• There are several 2-in-1 massage oil/ lubricants to choose from
• Edible massage oils are great for foreplay
• Warming oils help relive muscle tension

Cons:

• Edible massage oils should not be used in the vagina
• Aromatherapy oils should not be used internally.  Be sure to wash them off the hands before touching genitals
• Some oils can leave marks on fabric (see FAQ for removal tips)
• Most massage oils cannot be used as lube