The Durex Lube Buying Guide

What is lube?

Lube is a specially formulated gel or liquid that can be applied to intimate areas to increase pleasure and ease discomfort during sex. During the build-up to sex, your natural moisture usually increases due to heightening sexual excitement. However, for a variety of reasons, you may need a little extra help to achieve enough lubrication so that sex is more pleasurable and to help make it comfortable for both you and your partner.

While natural lubrication can decrease at different points of your life due to stress, medication, health and hormonal changes, using lube can be very effective during these periods.

Even if you don’t have a problem with dryness, lube can be used to help stimulate and enhance sexual experiences, increasing sensations felt during sex between you and your partner, making it more pleasurable in many ways that you can ever imagine.

What is lube used for?

Lube is a specially formulated gel or liquid that can be used on the penis, vagina, and anywhere on your body if you want more “slipperiness” or to increase the pleasure when you get it on. It gives you something fun to experiment with during sensual play and helps make penetration more pleasurable and comfortable for all involved.

Lube is also particularly important when it comes to anal sex. Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn’t provide any natural form of lubrication, meaning that having some lubricant on hand for anal sex is a must.

Why should I use lube?

There are many reasons why we think everyone should use lube. In some cases, you may find it as a necessity (for example in anal sex) but there are several other reasons why you should use lube:

• It can help make the build up to sex more exciting and intense
• It can make the transition from sensual touch to penetration more seamless
• Lubricant can make sex more comfortable, especially for those who suffer from vaginal dryness
• Lube can also be used with sex toys to make masturbation or sensual play more pleasurable

We think sex feels better with lube, but remember, do your research, explore your options and use a lube that is right for you and use it according to the pack instructions.

What type of lube should I use?

There are lots of specialised lubes out there, including anal lube, flavoured lube and some that help you feel slightly different sensations, however, most of them fall into one of two main types:

• Water-based lube
• Silicone-based lube

Water-based lube

Durex water-based lubes are super light and won’t stain the sheets or your clothes. Most of our formulations are suitable for sensitive skin, and because they’re non-sticky, they’re easy to wash off when you’re done. For first timers, you can try Durex Play Classic for a smoother sexual experience, and if you want to add some flavor in bed, there’s always our strawberry flavored lube.

Silicone-based lube

Silicone-based lube is thicker and glossier than water-based lubricant. Because it doesn’t easily get absorbed into your skin, it lasts much longer. This means you won’t need to interrupt your activities just to put on more lube.

Condoms and lube: can they be used together?

Durex Play Feel Lube and Durex Saucy Strawberry are suitable to use with condoms. But you should always read the label on the bottle just to make sure. If the label does say you’re good to go, then simply add the lube to the outside of the condom once it’s on.

Watch out for oil-based lubricants not made by Durex; these are generally not safe to use with condoms as the oil can cause the latex to fail.

Lubricant Q&A

Got more burning questions when it comes to lube or the use of lubricants. Check out our answers to some of the most commonly ask lube questions:

Is lube safe to swallow?

Durex Play Feel Lube and Durex Saucy Strawberry are suitable for oral sex and the good news is that our flavoured lubricants are completely sugar-free. Lubes such as Durex Saucy Strawberry lubricant make a fun and tasty addition to oral sex.

How much lubricant should I use?

As much as you like. If you’re trying a new lubricant, or this is the first time you’ve used lube, start with a small amount, gently applying it with your fingertips. Then, feel free to add more as and when the mood takes you. Some lubes also double up as massage gel, so why not add a back (and anything else) rub to your sexual repertoire to give your partner an extra treat?

How long can you use that bottle of lube after opening?

As a rule, lube should be used within three months of opening the bottle. The best place to store it is in a drawer or cupboard, away from direct heat or sunlight and well away from pets and children.

Can I use lube for masturbation?

A big ‘Yes’ to that one. Lube can be a perfect playmate when it comes to masturbation. 

Hopefully, this has inspired you to dive in and enjoy the wonderful world of lube. Want to know more about all things sex? Head over and check out our Explore Sex blog now. Ready to shop for your perfect lube? Check out our range of lubricants here.