Once stashed in bedside table drawers, only to be brought out during those drier-than-Chardonnay sex sessions, lube is emerging from the shadows. We’ve not only detailed the best lubes around, but the different ways to use them – who knew?
“Many women struggle to get wet, particularly if there is not enough foreplay,” says Dr Elna Rudolph, founder and clinical head of My Sexual Health. “Couples can use it to take away this pressure or to enhance the sex they’re already having.” A note: if you’re not trying to fall pregnant, avoid oil-based lubes as they can damage condoms, warns Rudolph. All of the lubes below are either water or silicone-based.
Not only does lube let both partners move more easily but it also helps conduct sensations, which increases the odds of climax. Follow these tips – with the best lubes around – to reach new heights of pleasure:
1. Get A Grip
Lube allows for easier thrusting, which helps build momentum. Also, the extra slipperiness makes you feel more excited because it mimics the moisture caused by arousal. There’s just one problem: all that moisture can cause slippage.
Here’s the solve: get into missionary and throw one leg – or both – over their shoulder. This angle will tilt and tighten your vaginal canal, allowing you to maintain a good grip.
READ MORE: The 9 Best Natural Lubes For A Happy Vagina
2. Body Heat
Cold lube on a hot body heightens sensitivity. Pop a tube in the fridge, then trace chilly trails over each other’s stomachs, backs and legs or drizzle the cold liquid over your hot spots. Unlike ice (which leaves you cold and wet), these warm to your body’s temperature, so you can transition right to sex. “Use it as foreplay,” suggests Rudolph.
You could also heat things up with warming lube. Blow on it to enhance the warmth and get things steamy. Here, our top picks for warming lubes that get the sensations rolling.
Best warming lubes

This silky lube brings a welcome tingly sensation to the action: they cool and tingle where applied, while being gentle enough for all-areas action.

Water-based, warming and scented, this lube ticks all the boxes and is not sticky, staining or containing nasties.

Cinnamon doesn’t just give you that relaxing, warming feeling; it’s also a sensory experience with this warming lube.
3. Aquatic Action
A sexy romp in the bath is never quite what it’s cracked up to be. That’s because water washes away your body’s natural moisture and increases friction. So, as ironic as it sounds, you can end up feeling dry even though you’re dripping wet. Yikes.
To make shower action more pleasurable, rub a silicone lubricant on your partner’s parts before getting wet. It sits on top of the skin and doesn’t get absorbed, so it’s long-lasting and waterproof. Fair warning, though: never use a silicone lube on a silicone toy; the material will be degraded.
Best lubes with silicone

This long-lasting lube is smooth and silky, making for max pleasure in the water.

This conditioning product has a silky feeling for that extra glide action.

Use this delicious coconut-scented lube as massage oil, then continue the action down low…
READ MORE: Add ‘Prone Bone’ To Your List Of Hottest Sex Positions To Try Out Soon
4. Make Blowjobs Sweeter
Let’s be honest: performing oral sex can be a lot of work. That’s where flavoured lube comes in. The taste makes it sweeter for you, and the extra moisture keeps things slippery well beyond the point when you’d usually be getting a dry mouth.
Just remember: some sugary stuff isn’t recommended for intercourse, so make sure your partner washes it off before penetrative sex or you’ll risk developing a yeast infection, says sexuality educator Lou Paget, author of Hot Mamas. Or, just pick one that’s sex-safe, like some of these.
Best flavoured lubes

This sugar-free lube is rich in taste and smell, making the whole ordeal so much tastier. Sex-safe.

Along with being tasty, these drops feature tingling sensations to make it yummy for both of you. Not sex-safe, though.

Apply this tasty gloss to yours or your partner’s lips and get down there with pleasure.
5. Smooth Conception
Not all lubes are recommended for baby-making, since it can harm sperm or slow down its progress into the uterus (this doesn’t mean it can be used as a contraceptive). And unfortunately, the planned nature of baby-making sex means you might need a little lube.
Enter fertility lubes. It won’t harm the little chaps or hinder the fertilisation process. In some cases, these lubes actually help speed his swimmers along!
Best lubes for conception

With a pH that’s sperm-friendly and fructose, this lube cheers on those swimmers to get moving.

This sperm-friendly formula includes fertility-safe ingredients and relieves vaginal dryness for optimal action.

This clever formula mimics natural fertile fluids to support sperm while relieving vaginal dryness.
READ MORE: The 38 Best Foreplay Ideas You Need To Try Tonight, According To Sex Experts
6. Sensitive Skin
If you are allergic to some make-up products or fragranced creams, you might want to stay away from some novelty lubes. “Avoid oil-based or flavoured lubricants and stick to a standard water-based lube,” says Rudolph. Although, newer formulations are being made with sensitivity in mind, but not all could agree with your skin type.
Check the ingredients to make sure it doesn’t have anything that could irritate your skin. These typically include glycerin, synthetic fragrances and some preservatives. Even natural ingredients could irritate your skin, so do a scan before checking out.
Best lubes for sensitive skin

Organic aloe and prebiotics offer natural support and it’s gentle on delicate skin as well as pH-balanced.

This plant-based lube, with MCT oil and full-spectrum cannabis, enhances sexual pleasure and eases discomfort.

This water-based lube includes CBD to calm skin, creating a relaxing, soothing sensation.
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