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It boasts more flavours than an organic grocer does kombucha. But what is it and why do you need it in your bedside drawer?
Bacon, mint chocolate chip, toasted nuts, root beer, bubble gum. You’d be forgiven for thinking these were simply the flavours of the week in your local ice-cream shop – they most likely are bar the root beer, yuck. But they also serve to satiate those who like to combine two of life's greatest pleasures: food and sex. Albeit in this case there's no crumbs or cutlery necessary. Just lube, glorious lube.
Lube has existed for decades, but somewhere along the way an urban myth was sprouted and left it reeling in the past. Gone were the days where lube stood proud on the bedside table, willing the bodies entwined in the bed sheets to reach up for a dollop of goodness.
Instead, it was merely left on the shelf of sex shops and emptied from online shopping carts. A belief grew that, were you good in bed and able to please a partner, lube was unnecessary.
It’s 2019 and we’re calling it: Lube is making a comeback. For those who still shake their heads in objection, know that lube makes sex (any and all sexual acts, that is) easier, more pleasurable, and safer.
Why You Need It
For those who do use lube, often it’s only during masturbation or solo play. But lube holds a purpose for couples and those singles mindlessly shagging at all hours of the day.
Ariana Grande may have made a hit out of the phrase “side to side,” but that doesn’t have to be the outcome for those emerging post-coitus. Intercourse is made smoother and more enjoyable, oral sex can be made tastier and with a more enjoyable scent, and it also facilitates safer and more pleasurable anal play as the anus doesn’t self-lubricate.
UFC Women’s champion Ronda Rousey sparked outrage when she told Maxim, “You should never need lube in your life. If you need lube, then you’re being lazy…and you’re not taking your time.”
The fact is, all bodies are different and for women, where they are at during their cycle will certainly impact how much natural lubrication they can produce, not to mention other factors like age, illness, history of sexual trauma, and medication including hormonal birth control.
The idea of “need” may have your nether regions shrivel to the size of peanuts as you conflate masculinity to your sexual prowess, but hey now, let’s not be that way.
The necessary use of lube is not a reflection of your sexual prowess but something that, when incorporated into your bedroom activities, will go a long way to enhance pleasure for all involved.
It certainly doesn’t mean that those involved in the sexual acts aren’t aroused, it just helps to eliminate friction caused from condoms and the vigorous rubbing of human flesh.
Types Of Lube
Water-Based Lube
Water-based lube is the most popular, being the cheaper alternative as well as easiest to find. Water-based lubes absorb into the body quicker than other varieties which means that if you’re inclined to marathon-style shagging, you will need to reapply.
If engaging in sex in the shower, water-based lube isn’t the best option as it rinses away easily. Adversely, this quality does make for easy clean up with little mess and no stains.
Water-based lube is often more favourable as it is safe to use with latex condoms or gloves, with the cream and gel varieties serving as great alternatives for anal play as they tend to have a thicker consistency.
Be wary of flavoured lube as they tend to use a host of ingredients like sugar alcohol glycerine, which can increase the risk of yeast infections and irritate your partner meaning those gates are closed for maintenance.
Silicon-Based Lube
Whereas water-based lube can dry out and become sticky, silicone-based lube lasts a long, long time. It’s become something of a staple for those who engage in anal play due to its staying power, but silicon-based lube is also safe for use with condoms and is waterproof, hypoallergenic and flavourless.
Oil-Based Lube
Who even knew oil-based lubes exist? They do, FYI but granted they don’t get nearly as much attention. Like full-cream milk left on the shelf, playing second fiddle to almond and various other nut varieties, oil-based lube doesn’t get much love.
This lube degrades latex and can’t be used with safe-sex methods like condoms and gloves. Oils like coconut and vegetable have been incorporated into the bedroom for their “natural” properties, but many will preach to steer clear from them as putting something like that near your genitals doesn’t always end well.
The Verdict?
Water-based lube is easier to clean up, doesn’t stain, and also washes off your hands easily. With silicone lube however, should it spill onto clothes, furniture or bedding, there will be scrubbing involved to get it out which often involves a high-strength soap. That said, the silicone-based lube is slippery and stays that way which makes it a better option when using toys or having anal sex where you won’t have that natural lubricant.
Still confused? Go with this rule of thumb: water-based for vaginal, silicone-based for anal.
You don’t need to break out the fanfare and trumpet quintet when introducing lube in the bedroom. Be confident and know that lube is a considerate gesture, one people don’t do enough. With pump bottles and small to-go packets available, breaking out the lube doesn’t have to be a big production but something that you reach for swiftly, before being on your merry way to Pleasure Town.
Where To Buy
The real question is where can’t you buy lube? Widely accessible from most drugstores, pharmacies, grocery stores, online and most definitely in sex shops, you should be in no shortage of lubes of all varieties.
Some places will allow you to test the lube with a free sample, and it should be tested. With such a plethora of options, it’s important to try a few and find which one works best for you.
Take the opportunity to see how it feels on your hands, how they smell and taste. Once you’ve mastered this, think of what you’ll be using the lube for – oral, anal, vaginal sex?
Ultimately, whether you’re using it on your own, with a partner, or simply forgot the olive oil and are in need of a simple dressing, lube is an easy and effective way to improve your sexual experiences and enhance pleasure.
[ Via GQ Australia]
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