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Lube may or may not be the single most important thing to have in your bedside drawer (condoms, vibrators, and massage oils come in close second). And unfort, 68 percent of you admit to “rarely or never” using lube, which is. a. travesty!
I’m sure the reasoning has something to do with its bad rep—dubbed as something that is “just for old ladies” or for people who “can’t get horny”—but whatever you think you know about lube seriously needs to end right now. The liquid-y goodness enhances literally every feeling, sensation, and ups your orgasm odds during your masturbation sessions and partner sex—plus, flavored lubes can be used to make oral sex more enjoyable.
Sure, you may argue you might not “need” lube, and that’s fair. But do you need bacon on a cheeseburger? No... but, like, yes.
Here’s the thing, though: Not all lubes are created equal. There are water-based lubes, which like the name suggests, contain water—and are best for any kind of sex really (just maybs not in the shower because the water will inadvertently wash it away).
There are silicone-based lubes, which are super slippery and last a lonnnnng time (great for anal!), but shouldn’t be used with silicone sex-toys because silicone + silicone = a broken plaything.
And then there’s things like coconut oil, which can also be used during sex sans condoms (The other non-sex related benefits? An epic hair mask, cooking oil, and a grade-A moisturizer for your skin).
So pick what’s best for you and explore these 15 lube options. Trust, there’s something in here that fits perfectly snug in your bedside drawer.
This water-based lube is paraben and glycerin free, hypoallergenic, and even vegan. It’s also fragrance-free and flavorless. So yeah, it's low-key the best option if you're careful about everything going in and around your bod.
This CBD-infused lube is made with botanical and aromatic oils formulated specifically to heighten female pleasure and sensation. The organically grown CBD and organic coconut oil mix has a light chocolaty, minty aroma, and comes in a spray bottle that lasts for 30 to 50 uses.
This water-based lube from Pjur and We-Vibe is one of the most highly reviewed products on Ella Paradis. The formula means it's safe to use with condoms and toys, and the handy pump feature means you don't have to worry about sticky-icky getting everywhere.
If clear lubes are so blah to you, this silky white formula might be up your alley. It's water-based, vegan-friendly, and comes in a mess-free pump bottle. Safe for use with condoms and toys.
If you like your lube a bit thicker rather than runny (your bedsheets might thank you), look no further than established mainstay Astroglide—the gel version, obvi.
Your sleek vibe need a lube to match? Here’s your go-to. Falling somewhere between a gel and a lotion—but clear rather than white—this lube has a nice moisturizing quality. Not to mention, the black packaging keeps things sleek and sophisticated. Bonus: It’s fortified with aloe vera.
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10
Hathor Aphrodisia Hathor Aphrodisia Lubricant Pure
Meet the Herbal Essences of lube. This herbal potion contains horny goat weed, Siberian ginseng, and other pure botanicals, boasting a lotion-like consistency and a cult following.
Made in Chicago, this silicone-based number is an all-time favorite. The elegant packaging makes it easy to leave on the bedside table. Made with medical-grade silicone and vitamin E, it has a great viscosity and falls mid-range in terms of heaviness.
Vacation-sex alert: This medium-weight silicone-based lube comes in a plastic bottle, so you can take it on the road when you’re feeling randy. Plus, the see-through packaging allows you to see when you’re running low!
This glycerin and paraben free formula is also botanically infused to soothe your skin after sex. It's also water and aloe-based, meaning it's good to go with condoms and sex toys.
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14
Sliquid Sliquid Swirl Green Apple Flavored Lubricant 4.2 fl oz
They’re flavored with aspartame (fake sugar), which isn’t something you’d want to put down there daily. But used for oral sex, the Sliquid flavored lubes are actually tasty. Translation: He can go down for dessert. Best bets are green apple, blue raspberry, pink lemonade, and piña colada.
The cutest teeny, tiny tube of lube you ever did see. This water-based formula comes in a handy container which makes it perfect for tossing in your bag and going.
Carina Hsieh lives in NYC with her French Bulldog Bao Bao — follow her on Instagram and Twitter • Candace Bushnell once called her the Samantha Jones of Tinder • She enjoys hanging out in the candle aisle of TJ Maxx and getting lost in Amazon spirals.