Beginner's Guide to Lube

You heard it here first, lube is the most underrated item in your bedside table... at least we hope you've got some in your bedside table! You might think you only need lube for anal sex — or for a health issue like vaginismus. But it can make any sex more pleasurable, even if you think your body mostly does OK without it.

If you've never tried lube before, we'll talk you through it. On this page, you'll find out what lube is, why you need it, and how to use lube for even more sensational sex and masturbation.

Here's why you need lube (yes, you)

Lubricant (that's lube to its friends), is used to reduce friction during sex. But that doesn't sound very sexy. So, what if I told you that the best lube makes sex wetter, better, and longer-lasting? You can use lube to make any kind of penetration slicker and more pleasurable, whether that's vaginal sex, anal sex, using a strap-on, or playing with a vibrator.

Even if you get wet when you're aroused, the vagina's natural lubrication actually dies out pretty fast. A slather of lube will make sure you don't get any uncomfortable friction and can play for longer. Some women even find that using lube helps prevent cystitis which, you'll know if you've had it, is worth avoiding. Likewise, if you have a penis, lube protects you (and that delicate banjo string) from painful friction.

Here's why lube is life:

• It supports safe sex. If you're a condom-user, lube might be your new best friend. "It actually makes using condoms even safer," says sex and relationships expert Annabelle Knight. "It prevents friction, meaning they're less likely to tear, rip, split, or be damaged in any way."
• It's ready as soon as you are. With lube, you can heat things up at a moment's notice. Game-changer if you usually take a while to get warmed up.
• It makes oral sex even more fun. Flavoured lubes (like this peppermint one) make oral sex more tantalising. It may even make the giver salivate more, if you like it sloppy.
• It can amp up the good sensations. Lube enhances pleasure by reducing friction and introducing a silky, slippery, or even tingly sensation. More on the different types of lube later!

How to use lubricant

There are two things you need to know when using lube. Firstly, use it generously every time you have penetrative sex — or any time you insert a sex toy like a dildo or anal beads. That said, you can also use lube for masturbation. It'll enhance any play session by reducing friction and potentially even adding a little flavour or sensation to the mix.

Secondly, be sure to choose a lube that's safe for whatever you're getting up to. There are lots of different types of lube and they're not all made equal. For example, did you know that silicone lubes will degrade silicone sex toys over time? That's right, there really are different strokes for different folks. We'll get into choosing your lube below.

How to choose the right lube

If you're a lube newbie, Annabelle Knight recommends getting your hands on some sample sachets or travel-sized lube. That way, you can try it out without the commitment. Here's what you need to know about the different types of lube.

Water-based lube

This is your go-to lube. "It's the one I'd go to every single time," says Annabelle.

Water-based lube is the best all-rounder and has a light, natural feel which is perfect for both sex and sex toys. It's safe for solo play, vaginal sex and anal sex (but consider using an anal-specific lube instead), and it’s compatible with all sex toy materials. In most cases, water-based lube is safe to use with condoms too. However, some aren't, so be sure to check the label.

Choose water-based lube if:

You want a versatile lube that you can use with silicone toys as well penetrative sex and masturbation. A great lube for beginners.

Silicone lube

Silicone lube is the longest-lasting type of lube you can get and it's also waterproof, so it's perfect for sex in the shower. You can use it for solo sessions as well as vaginal and anal sex, an it'll keep its smooth texture throughout — silicone lube doesn't go tacky like some water-based lubes might.

The only downside is silicone lube isn't safe to use with realistic-feel sex toys or silicone sex toys, as it can degrade the material. It's also known to stain some sheets, so be careful when you play!

Top tip: Our customers recommend Lovehoney's silicone lube, Indulge, for shining latex clothing. We love to hear it.

Choose silicone lube if:

You love shower sex and already have water-based lube for your sex toys.

What other types of lube are there?

There are two main types of lube — water-based and silicone.

Technically, you can also get oil-based lube, but it only has specific uses. "In my professional opinion, oil-based lube should just be used for massage," says Annabelle Knight. "Don't put it near sex toys, and I don't think it works very well down there for sex. So, just avoid that."

Apart from that, you can get water-based or silicone lubes for pretty much any scenario or sensation. Here are the top types:

Anal lube

If there's one thing you take away from this guide it's this: lube is essential for anal sex, because your anus isn't self-lubricating (unlike a vagina).

While you can use a good water-based lube for anal sex, Annabelle recommends using a specific anal lube. She says, "Anal lube is specially formulated to be thicker than normal lube, giving you that extra bit of cushioning."

And because anal lube is thicker, it's also more long-lasting, which means you won't have to keep reapplying. In fact, our anal lube, Discover, is so long-lasting that our customers say they love it as their all-round lube. (Check out the Lube thread on the Lovehoney Forum for more recommendations).

You can also get specialist fisting lube for adventurous anal play.

Flavoured lube

Both silicone and water-based lubes can be flavoured for any palette, from fresh and minty to sweet and fruity. Flavoured lubes will have you licking your partner all over — plus it's body-safe so you're not risking a yeast infection (be careful where you put that whipped cream, please).

Warming or tingling lube

Warming lube or tingling lube use new sensations to spice up your sex life. There's a huge range of stimulating lubes and gels available, all designed to awaken nerve-endings and to enhance your response to touch. Before using a tingly or warming lube on your most sensitive areas, try a little on your wrist or the inside of your lip to get a sense of how it feels.

Is there anything else you can use as lube in a pinch?

If anyone ever approaches you with a block of butter and hopeful look in their eye, walk the other way. There are some lube alternatives, like olive oil or coconut oil, that are popular for anal sex. But many of these aren't suitable for vaginal sex as they can upset the natural pH balance or increase your risk of bacterial infections. They often erode condoms too.

We'd always recommend using specially-formulated lube for sex because it's designed to be body safe (and condom safe, in some cases). But if you are tempted to use a household item as lube, please do some research first to make sure it's safe for the kind of sex you're having.