The lube guide: water-based vs silicone lube, and when to use each

Lube is the difference between “ow” and “oh yes”. Your ass doesn’t make its own, so for anal, lube isn’t optional, and more is almost always better. Here’s how to choose the right one.

Water-based lube

The all-rounder. Water-based lube is safe with latex condoms and every toy material, washes off easily and doesn’t stain your sheets. It can dry out during a long session, so keep the bottle close and top up, or add a splash of water to bring it back.

Silicone lube

Silicone lube lasts much longer than water-based, stays slippery in the shower and is safe with latex condoms, which makes it the pick for long, hard sessions. Two things to know: it can damage silicone toys, and it needs soap and water to wash off.

Oil-based lube

Coconut oil and other oils feel great for massage and hand jobs, but oil breaks down latex condoms, so never use it with them.

Flavoured lube

Flavoured water-based lubes, like banana, strawberry and blueberry, make blowjobs and body play taste better. Save them for oral and foreplay; for anal, a plain water-based or silicone lube is the better choice.

Which lube for what?

• Anal with condoms: water-based or silicone.
• Silicone toys: water-based.
• Glass and steel toys: any lube.
• Shower sex: silicone.
• Oral: flavoured water-based.
• Massage: silicone or oil, never with latex.

How much to use

More than you think. Coat the toy or cock and your hole, and add more as soon as things start to drag. Keep the bottle within reach so you can top up without stopping.

Tip: Skip numbing lubes for anal. Pain is how your body tells you to slow down, and you want to hear it.