Doit-on appliquer le lubrifiant sur le sextoy ou dans le vagin de la dame ?
How to choose your lube? The ultimate guide to never getting it wrong again
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It's a simple question but one worth dwelling on for a moment. First and foremost, I'd like to point out that lube is life!
It lets you upgrade any sexual practice: masturbation, caressing, massage, penetration… Lube adds glide and helps avoid friction that can be uncomfortable.
3 main families of lubes exist: water-based, silicone-based and oil-based. Depending on your practice, and whether or not you use a condom or a sex toy, there are a few simple rules to follow.
Let's take a world tour of lubes and their particularities!
Why lube is (truly) your pleasure's best friend
First of all, let's break the taboo: lube is not just for vaginal dryness! It's a sensation booster for everyone — whether you're solo, with a partner, or in a group!
A good intimate lube helps reduce friction, increase comfort and intensify sensations during sex or when using sex toys.
If you haven't already, check out our article to find out why using lube regularly can change everything.
Water-based, oil-based or silicone-based lube: the comparison
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages / Contraindications |
Ideal for... |
|
| Water-based |
Natural, does not stain, 100% compatible with all sex toys and condoms. |
Dries out a little faster (requires reapplication). |
Silicone sex toys, everyday use, latex. |
|
| Silicone-based |
Ultra-slippery texture, does not dry out, works in the shower / in the bath. |
Stains sheets, not to be used with silicone sex toys (alters the material). |
Extended sessions, water play. |
|
| Oil-based |
Natural, nourishes skin and mucous membranes, slippery texture, compatible with sex toys. | Stains sheets, do not use with a condom as it makes latex porous (which encourages it to tear!). | Full-body massages, everyday use. |
Which lube to choose based on your practice?
To spice up foreplay: heating or flavoured lubes
Intimate lube is far from being a boring product as one might think — on the contrary, it can be playful and fun!
There are, for example, lubes with different tastes and aromas that are also edible — perfect for oral pleasure! Others come with warming or cooling effects… To be used according to your mood and desires.
For use with sex toys: water first and foremost
Yes, not all lubes are compatible with sex toys — not by a long shot! You could even damage them irreversibly if you use a silicone-based lube... Why? Because the friction between silicone materials will create micro-abrasions on the surface of your sex toy, which could eventually damage it and encourage the growth of germs.
If your use of lube will primarily be with your sex toys, we strongly recommend using water-based lubes!
For sensitive skin: go natural or organic
Vaginal and anal mucous membranes are very sensitive areas. For people prone to irritation and/or yeast infections, it is advisable to avoid parabens, glycerine, and fragrances.
We recommend opting for water- or oil-based lubes, with the most natural composition possible. And if it's organic, even better.
Take care of your flora and it will reward you with even more pleasurable sensations!
For anal pleasure: go for long-lasting glide
Anal lubes can be water-based (and therefore compatible with sex toys) with a thick texture, or silicone-based.
The anal area is very sensitive and does not self-lubricate, so it needs a little helping hand to be perfectly prepared for sex. This is why anal lubes are thicker than others and often contain plant extracts to soothe and relax the area.
Condoms and lubes: mistakes to absolutely avoid
As we mentioned in our comparison table above (I hope you're keeping up!), caution is required when using lube with a condom.
This is a genuine matter of safety and health: the risk of transmitting Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, as well as that of unwanted pregnancy, is increased if the lube used is not suitable for latex.
Indeed, fatty substances, and therefore oil-based lubes, massage oils, coconut oil, and even butter are porous and render latex condoms ineffective. They can split. This is a risk to be aware of before diving in!
In summary: how to make your choice?
To summarise, you should choose your lube based on how you intend to use it. You can of course have several lubes to use according to your needs and desires!
- If you choose a water-based lube, it will be compatible with your sex toys and will suit all your uses. Its only downside is that it dries out faster than the others.
- If you opt for a silicone-based lube, it will offer long-lasting sensations and can be used in water. Be careful not to use it with a silicone sex toy as you risk damaging it!
- If you prefer an oil-based lube, you'll enjoy a silky sensation and a coating texture, ideal for massages. Be careful — never use it with a latex condom as it risks tearing!
I hope this little guide will be useful as you explore new sensations with lube — our best ally for a great time between the sheets!
See you very soon,
Sophie
Hi, I'm Sophie! I've been writing articles about sexuality and relationships for 4 years, and I'm also a consultant for YesForLov. I hope this knowledge will help me answer the questions you have about sexuality!
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