Lubricant Buying Guide – Choose the right one

Personal lubricant is a substance designed for intimate encounters that reduces genital friction by making surface slippery.

They can increase sexual pleasure both with and without condom, relieve vaginal dryness and prevent condom tearing.

There are 6 categories of lubricants.

Water-based

water based lubricants can be used for all types of intimate encounters including vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, oral sex and masturbation.  They are also latex condom and toy compatible.  Their main feature is that they are smooth and slick but not sticky and messy like silicone and oil based lubes.  Since they are water-soluble, skin and mucous membranes will absorb them, making it a breeze to clean up.  You can easily wash off water based lube with warm water and soap.

This however means that you might have to periodically reapply it or reactivate it with water.  This is one of the chief drawbacks of water based lubes.

One thing to watch out for in many water based lubes is glycerin, which can turn to sugar in the vagina causing yeast infection in sensitive women.

We recommend glycerin free water-based lubricants like Sliquid, Wet Naturals

Other suggestions for water based lubes:

Astroglide: Maybe the most popular water-based lube out there. It’s on the thin side, but nice and slick, and long-lasting. If you’ve never used lube and are just looking to try something out, Astroglide is a great place to start.

Slippery Stuff Gel: It’s thick and very long-lasting, but gets somewhat stringy as it dries

Wet: This one is almost as popular as Astroglide, but Wet is a bit thicker.

Flavored lubricants

Flavored Lubricants are water-based and are designed for oral sex. Most contain sugar or glycerin that turns into sugar in the vagina so we do not recommend them for vaginal intercourse unless it is a sugar free version like Wet Flavored Body Glide or ID Juicy Lubricant.

Silicone-based

Silicone-based lubes are similar to water-based lubes, but are generally greasier and longer lasting despite having a thinner texture. With silicone lubricants, a little goes a long way so your bottle will last longer.  What’s more; you can actually use them in water and they’ll still work. They’re not quite as easy to clean up as water-based lubes, though.

Silicone based lubricants can be used for all types of intimate encounters including vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, masturbation, and massage. They are latex condom compatible and can be used with non-silicone adult toys. Ingesting silicone lubricant is not harmful, but may result in an upset stomach.

Suggestions for silicon-based lubes include:

Wet Platinum: By the makers of Wet, naturally, this is high quality and very long-lasting.

Pjur Eros Bodyglide: A super-concentrated, silicone formula, this is one of the longest lasting, best skin conditioners available

ID Millennium: ID Millennium is a good lube, but not quite as smooth as Eros or Wet Platinum. It’s still a good choice, however. This silicone lubricant works great as an oil-free massage lotion too! ID Millennium Moisturizing Silicone Lubricant will not harm latex or rubber. It also stays slick under water so you can have fun in the bathtub, shower, or hot tub!

Sliquid Silver: The Glycerin and Paraben free formula make it hypoallergenic and non-toxic. The Silicone formula is compatible with latex and plastic. Sliquid is waterproof and ideal for sensual massage. Long lasting.

Oil-based

Oil lubricants are only recommended for male masturbation and non-genital massage because they cause bacteria growth in the vagina and are not condom compatible. They are made out of medical grade mineral oil, petroleum or natural plant oil extracts.  They can also be used as moisturizer.

Products designed specifically as a lube for male masturbation include Happy Penis, Boy Butter.  Just don’t use it for penetration.

Warming and Tingling Lubricants

Warming and cooling lubricants are designed to add excitement to oral sex, massage, and masturbation. When they are blown on or rubbed, they create a warming or cooling feeling depending on the product. They can be used for vaginal intercourse and anal intercourse, but it is possible that some individuals may experience an uncomfortable or excessive warming sensation. If this occurs, wash off immediately. They are also toy and latex condom compatible.

Our suggestion for Warming and Cooling Lubricants are:

ID Sensations Warming Liquid and System jo personal warming

Anals Sex Lubricants

As mentioned above, many lubricants are safe for anal sex, but there are products that are specifically designed to enhance the anal sex experience. Many of the anal lubricants contain benzocaine, a numbing agent that will numb the anal area for a more comfortable experience. Others like Astroglide Shooters do not have a numbing agent, but are conveniently packaged for ease of application.  You may also like using Kinklab lube shooter for easy application of any lube.

Our suggestion for lubes specifically designed for anal use are Pjur analyse me! andSystem jo anal personal lubricant

Male Condoms – Alternative to Latex

Male latex condom was introduced 150 years ago.  There have been modifications to it, including addition of spermicidal lubricants; changes to its shape, size, thickness and texture, yet the underlying material has remained the same.  Male latex condoms are widely used to prevent not only pregnancy, but also to protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Despite latex condoms’ popularity, there are some consumers who finds its use unacceptable.  In addition to complaints about comfort, sensation, and smell latex allergy affect an estimated 1% to 6% of the U.S. population.  Latex allergic reaction is cumulative and risk increases over time after prolonged exposure.  For this reason, latex sensitivity among health care personnel is estimated to be between 10% to 17% due to their increased exposure.

Natural latex is derived from trees.  And condoms made from natural latex are often contaminated with other proteins from the tree.  With most people, it is these proteins that cause allergic reaction, not the latex itself.   Manufacturers have been developing synthetic alternative to latex condoms for several years now and there are currently three alternatives.

Polyisoprene

Polyisoprene is a synthetic form of latex created in lab.  Since it is created in lab, it doesn’t contain any of the contaminants that can cause an allergic reaction.  It has all the same characteristics of natural latex condoms.  Polyisoprene condoms are very soft, natural in color, flexible and comfortable to wear.

• Lifestyles skyn non-latex

• Avanti bare polyisoprene non-latex condoms

Polyurethane

Polyurethane condoms are thinner than latex or polyisoprene condoms.  It is able to transmit body heat better, is odorless, clear and compatible with oil or water based lubricants.  But compared to polyisoprene condoms, it doesn’t stretch as well and does not conform well to body.

• Trojan supra ultra-thin polyurethane

Lambskin

This is the original and oldest condom material.  It is made from lamb intestines and compatible with water based lubricants.

But it’s major disadvantage is that, the pores in the natural material are big enough to let STD viruses and bacteria through.  It should only be used to prevent pregnancy.

• Trojan naturalamb condoms

Lifestyles skyn non-latex

Lifestyles SKYN Condoms deliver ultimate sensitivity in a breakthrough polyisoprenenon-latex material. They are the first clinically tested and approved polyisoprene condom in the U.S. market today. Theyre the next best thing to wearing nothing.

New SKYN™ condoms provide a softer, more natural feel and have been clinically proven to enhance sensation.

Combines the strength of premium latex with the sensitivity of an ultra thin condom for the skyn-to skyn sensation

Long lasting, ultra smooth lubricated enhances the experience!

Each condom electronically tested to meet U.S. & Safety & Reliability standards

Lifestyle Skyn

Lifestyle Skyn Review

Introducing Durex Avanti Bare condoms, one of the most technologically advanced condoms ever produced. Made from an ultra refined polyisoprene material, the Durex Avanti Bare Condom is considerably softer and more comfortable to use than its popular predecessor. The high tech material of Avanti Bare is thinner than any latex condom available today and is well suited for those with latex allergies. Please note: Durex Avanti Bare Condoms are not compatible with oil-based lubricants.

Suitable for natural rubber latex sensitive users*.

Soft-as-skin polymer for an exceptional natural feel.

Softer and better feeling than polyurethane.

Specially shaped to be easy to put on and more comfortable to wear.

Our condoms are specially made to smell better.

An excellent alternative for those that are allergic to latex, Trojan Supra condoms are made from polyurethane, a latex alternative. Easily able to transfer body heat for more intimate sensations, they have the added benefit of no latex scent.  Ultra-thin, they offer plenty of sensitivity, while built-in lubrication gives a silky smooth experience. These condoms, unlike latex, can also be used with oil-based lubricants.

The Naturalamb brand condom is different from a latex condom because it is made from a natural membrane, you will find it has its own special feeling of sensitivity. Each Naturalamb brand condom is tested to help ensure reliability and individually packaged for ease of use. The condoms are lubricated with a unique jelly-type lubricant and then rolled for your further comfort and convenience. Naturalamb brand condoms also have the exclusive Kling-Tite band at the top for added safety.

Choosing the Right Vibrator – Part I

Choosing a vibrator can be overwhelming. There are thousands of vibrators out there with difference function, shape and prices. Many times it can be a hit or miss. It’s especially difficult to shop for a vibrator online, since each person has his or her own personal preferences. And getting it wrong means having a vibrator that will sit inside your night stand forever.

When buying a vibrator you should consider number of factors.

• Whether you want to use it for external use, penetration or both.
• What material you want it to be made out of.
• How strong a vibration you want.
• What shape and size you want it to be.
• How much you are willing to spend.

In this series of article, I’ll try to breakdown vibrators into different categories and compare them by size, cost and functions.

First up is the vibrator for external stimulation.

Layaspot by FunFactory is a good example of high quality external vibrator powered by battery.  It has infinitely variable touch control to adjust the intensity of three different vibration patterns.  It uses two 1.5V AAA batteries and is made of ‘Elastomed’ a skin-friendly and odorless material that is hypoallergenic, extremely durable and easy to clean.  It provides a powerful vibration for its size, is relatively quiet and waterproof.  Overall a very solid choice for clitoral stimulation.

Other examples in same category include products by LELO, NEA, SIRI and LILY.  Clearly more expensive, but these have rechargeable battery that will last up to 6-hours, quiet yet strong motor and comes with 1-year warranty

Most of the Plug-in vibrators fall into Magic Wands & Body Massager category.  Plug-in vibrators provide much stronger vibration and can also be used as a muscle massager for soothing and relaxing sore muscles.

One of the all time classic plug-in vibrator/massager is Magic Wand by Hitachi.  This device has been around since 1970’s.  Intended for massaging muscles as well as erogenous zones.  The device features a round soft flexible head measuring 2.5 inches in diameter with a 9 inch handle.

The head is able to accept Attachment & Accessories turning it into a g-spot massager.  One of its short comings is that it only has two settings for vibration.  You can overcome this using a light dimmer to infinitely vary the strength of vibration.  Just plug the vibrator into the dimmer, set the vibrator on high setting and adjust the setting with the slider.

If you prefer models that can be used without power plugs, Berman Aphrodite or Berman Phoebe is a good alternative.

These come with three or four attachments and include a plug in charger so that you can use it with or without a plug.  When on battery, 12 hour charge will typically last about an hour depending on the use.