Are you using the right kind? Lubricants are not all the same

Sometimes they are an extra and sometimes a necessity. Lubricants, aka pleasure gels, are great for so many things, not least reducing friction. But, of course, you need to know which one is right for you.

These days we are ever more aware of our sexuality and all that it entails. We have moved beyond just doing the deed, without sparing a thought for the hows and whys, to paying attention to our needs, what we like and how we can improve and nurture our desire and pleasure. 

To tell you the truth, erotic cosmetics are not just on trend, they are here to stay. Makes like ours, Bijoux Indiscrets, are trailblazing not only because they offer a solution to friction during sex, but also because, through the use of their pleasure gels, they encourage investigation, play, experimentation and have revolutionised sexual relations and masturbation.

But not all pleasure gels serve the same purpose. “After fifteen years in the erotic sector and advising so many people to try us out, we have heard some absolute screamers,” confirms Elsa Viegas, co-founder and designer of Bijoux Indiscrets. “From people who didn’t know what was in the lube they were using, to people who were using Vaseline. It’s important to be informed and have some basic knowledge, not only for the purposes of pleasure, but it can also affect your health,” states Elsa. This is because using the wrong type of product on your genitals can cause fungal flare-ups, infections… and even be counterproductive when it comes to their prime function: eliminating friction. Avoid using Vaseline, vegetable oil or anything that isn’t specifically designed for intimate use.

The three main types of gel

You’re bound to be familiar with these, and if you are not then pay attention, because this will leave you fully qualified in pleasure gels, and that is always, ALWAYS a good thing. The three main types of pleasure gel are: water based, silicone based, and oil based. They don’t all do the same job, in fact some are strictly off limits depending on what you are doing.

Water based

Water-based gel is the one which is most similar to natural lubrication and is perfect for turning to repeatedly if you have lubrication issues. They are easy to clean off, leave no residue and can be used with all manner of toys and with condoms. Oh, yes, and they tend to be edible! Not so you can eat them by the spoonful, but for when you’re giving oral sex. Sounds perfect, right? Well, it has some drawbacks. Being water based, it lasts less time and you’ll most probably have to reapply it a few times during masturbation or sex. If you’re looking for something to last you a whole night of unbridled passion, or something for anal sex, this isn’t suitable. Nor does it work for underwater sex, since it dissolves easily.

Silicone based

Silicone-based gel is much thicker than its water-based counterpart, and so it lasts a whole lot longer. It’s really silky and just a little goes a very long way, so you can keep hard at it all night long, you can have anal sex with much less friction, and you can even have sex under water. And another important thing: you can use a condom with this gel. The downside? This type of lubricant it not recommended for use with silicone toys. Why? Because it can damage them. Silicone and silicone don’t get on too well. It’s also not edible.

Oil based

If you’re looking to lubricate your intimate parts, we don’t recommend oil-based lube, but let us give you a solution just in case you already have some in your bedside drawer and don’t want to chuck it out. Oil-based gels were very common some years back, but they are not recommended for various reasons: they stain clothes and sheets, they break condoms and they also affect vaginal flora potentially leading to infections. So, why are they still produced? Well, they are excellent for massage. Use oil-based gels for erotic massages, as they warm up quickly and are very pleasing against the skin. Also, some massage oils have a built-in warming effect. So, now you know: before heading straight for the genitals, what about a little massage?

Summing up:

And what about you? Which gel do you like the most? Did you know about all of them? Spill the beans, we’ll read it!