The Best Lubes for Irresistibly Slick Sex

You’ve stocked up on candles, changed your bed sheets, charged your vibe, maybe even built a sexy playlist. And then you run into friction. Or maybe just… discomfort. Perhaps things just won’t go where you want them to. Or don’t last as long as you’d like. Lube is often an afterthought, but really it should be the guest of honour - whether you’re flying solo or sharing the ride. I recommend that all of my clients introduce lube to their play because it just makes sex better. Lube ensures smooth and buttery play, transforming good sex into toe-curling, earth-moving greatness. But not all lube is built the same.

Below, I’ve shared what you might want to think about when bringing lube into your play sessions, as well as some of the ones I’ve had on my bedside table lately. But first, I want to bust a few myths. Because I can not overstate how much lube is for every body.

Sticky Myths and Slippery Truths

Only people facing challenges need lube

Lube enhances sexual pleasure for everyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or sexual function. It reduces friction and makes things extra slippery, making intimacy more comfortable, pleasurable, and often longer-lasting. I haven’t met anyone yet who wouldn’t benefit from a little lube from time to time. 

Natural lubrication means you don’t need lube, or my favourite myth, ‘using lube means your partner isn’t turning you on’

Arousal isn’t always linked to natural lubrication. Natural lubrication can fluctuate for so many reasons: stress, hormones, hydration levels, medication... Lube ensures consistent (and extra) glide. It increases comfort, sensation and pleasure for everyone. And that’s what we’re all here for, right

Lube kills the mood or is embarrassing to introduce

Introducing lube can be playful, sexy, and exciting. Framing lube as an enhancer rather than a problem-solver normalises its use and adds a fun dimension to intimacy. Try finding one that adds to your experience; flavour, temperature, relaxer and consider picking it together if you’re playing with partner(s). 

You only need lube for penetrative sex

Do you ‘self’ play? Lube. Do you ‘toy’ play? Lube. Do you partner play? Lube. Do you anal play? (I shouldn’t have to say this but…) Lube. Lube enhances pleasure across all forms of sexual activities—manual stimulation, toy play, massage, and more, not just penetration. It's a versatile, pleasure-boosting tool everyone can benefit from.

All lubes are basically the same

Lubricants are not a one-size-fits-all situation. In fact, they vary dramatically - ingredients, compatibility, textures, smells, how long they last... and are sometimes purpose built for specific kinds of play - oral, anal, toys, condoms etc. Finding the right lube for your personal needs and sexuation is important.

What to Look for in a Lube (Before You Slide It Between the Sheets)

There are a lot of lubes out there, and not all are created equal. The good news? You don’t have to marry the first bottle you meet. Many brands offer mini sizes or sample packs, and if you’re lucky enough to live near a sex-positive shop, you can test some in-store (on your fingers, not your puss/penis - yet).

Here’s what to consider when picking your perfect match:

Compatibility
Using toys? Check the material—silicone toys and silicone lube don’t mix. Condoms? Skip the oil. Oral fun? Make sure it’s body-safe and ideally tasteless or intentionally flavoured for you. Not all lubes are down for every kind of play, so read the label before you start sliding.

Ingredients & Sensitivities
Got allergies? Playing with a vegan or someone with a vulva? Look for pH-balanced formulas and avoid nasties like parabens, glycerin, or strong fragrances. Your most delicious parts deserve the good stuff.

Texture & Thickness
Thick and cushy? Great for anal or marathon sessions. Thin and silky? Closer to the body’s natural feel, but might need a top-up. Some lubes are slick, others a little tacky—it’s all about what feels good to you.

Staying Power
Not all lubes go the distance. Water-based ones may dry out faster (but can be revived with a splash of water). Oil and silicone tend to hang in longer, which is great - unless you’re also hoping for quick cleanup.

Taste & Smell
Want it neutral? Flavoured? Discreetly botanical? Some lubes have a sweet or slightly synthetic scent (think: lab-kissed sugar), while others are barely there. Choose based on how close it’s getting to your mouth or personal preference.

Cleanup & Staining
Oil-based lubes feel divine but can stain sheets and require soap to wash off. Water-based is your clean queen—quick rinse, no trace. Silicone sits somewhere in the middle. If you're not using your squirt blanket, choose accordingly.

Packaging Matters
Pumps are your best friend mid-session—no fumbling with slippery caps. If you're traveling, single-use packets are discreet and hygienic. Bonus points if it looks cute on your nightstand.

My Bedside Table Recently

Sliquid H2O - Your Everyday MVP for Slippery, Sexy Fun

Type: Water based

Ingredients/Safety: Vegan, hypoallergenic, Chemical Free (DEA, Gluten, Glycerin, Parabens, Sulfites, PEG, Propaline Glycol)

Duration: Moderate+ - may require reapplication during extended use

Compatibility: Safe with all condoms and sex toys

Made In: Dallas, Texas, USA

If you’re looking for a lube you can reach for anytime without a second thought, Sliquid H2O is a total no-brainer. Made by women who clearly understand the assignment, it’s packed with natural, body-safe ingredients and feels deliciously close to the real thing. No weird smells, no funky tastes—just pure, effortless glide.

This lightweight, water-based wonder plays nice with both condoms and toys (thank you, science!) and its clear, unobtrusive consistency makes it perfect for those who want all the slip without any mess or fuss. It's especially fabulous for hand play, thanks to its silky texture that's practically a dead ringer for the vagina’s natural lubrication.

Cleanup? Easy. Just a little water and you’re good to go. Bonus: if things start drying up mid-session, a splash of water will reactivate the magic and keep the good times rolling.

Our testers find it lasts a solid while before needing a top-up—especially impressive for a water-based formula. One tester did report a minor reaction (a good reminder that even the most natural formulas can’t please every body), but overall, this lube was a hands-down favourite.

Sliquid H2O: ready when you are—and then some.

Hathor Original: Plant-Powered Pleasure for the Sensitive & Selective

Type: Water based

Ingredients/Safety: Plant-derived, Organic and natural ingredients, glycerin-free, paraben-free, gluten free, vegan.

Duration: Longer lasting than average water-based lubes, less frequent application needed

Compatibility: Safe with condoms and sex toys

Made In: Vancouver, Canada 

If your puss prefers the finer things in life, Hathor Original might just be her latest obsession. This lush, plant-based lube is pH-balancing, toy and condom friendly, and packed with puss-positive ingredients like lactobacillus ferment for an extra dose of vulva-loving care. Basically, it's like kombucha for your vulva.

The subtle botanical scent gives it a little something extra—like a spa day for your pleasure centre—and while the taste has a slightly bitter edge (thanks, Horny Goat Weed?), the texture makes up for it in full. It’s got a smooth, gel-like glide that cushions just right without ever getting tacky. Great for longer sessions, Hathor hangs in there longer than your average water-based lube, giving you more time to play without constant reapplication.

Cleanup is a breeze (water-based FTW), and it doesn’t leave behind any stains or sticky regrets. Sensitive skin? No problem. Synthetic-phobes? Also covered. And did we mention it’s made in Canada? Naturally.

Bottom line: this one’s a bedside staple. Soft, slick, and vulva-approved.

Yes! Water Based Personal Lube: The Lube You Can Literally Get on Prescription

Type: Water based

Ingredients/Safety: Certified organic, glycerin-free, paraben-free, hypoallergenic

Duration: Moderate, may require reapplication for longer sessions

Compatibility: Condom-safe, sex toy-safe

Made In: Britain

Certified organic, vulva-kind, and proudly British, Yes! Organic is the kind of lube that makes you feel like your puss is in very good hands. Founded by women who clearly get it, this slippery little number is designed for every kind of vulva and every kind of situation, from daily comfort to steamy, no-holds-barred play sessions.

With a slippery, gel-like texture that’s as gentle as it is effective, it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin, dryness, or a desire to keep things clean, natural, and chemical-free. The scent? Practically non-existent—just the faintest whisper of aloe. The taste? Neutral enough that it won’t get in the way of oral explorations. It goes on smooth, lasts a solid while, and when things do start drying up, a quick reapplication keeps the party going.

One of the biggest perks? If you’re in the UK, you can get this lube prescribed through the NHS. That’s right—prescribed pleasure. We also love the fact that it’s easy to find both in the UK and the US, and the price point won’t make you wince. That accessibility, combined with its gentle, no-nonsense formula, makes it a total bedside table staple.

For organic lovers, sensitive skin havers, and anyone who wants their lube to be as wholesome as their oat milk latte—we found ourselves saying YES. Repeatedly.

Yes! OB Plant Oil: The Lush, Long-Lasting Lube Your Puss Will Thank You For

Type: Oil-based

Ingredients/Safety:  Organic plant-based oils (cocoa butter, shea butter, almond oil), no synthetics or preservatives

Duration: Extremely long-lasting, rarely needs reapplication

Compatibility: Not compatible with latex condoms but is sex toy safe

Made In: Britain

This rich, luxurious, and wildly hydrating oil-based beauty is so much more than lube. Yes! OB Plant Oil is like a spa day in a bottle—for your puss. With ingredients like shea butter and natural plant oils, it doubles as a daily vulva moisturiser, an indulgent massage oil, and a go-to for sensual temperature play. Pro tip? Warm the bottle in hot water before use. You’re welcome.

This one is thick, decadent, and long-lasting AF, making it perfect for extended play, marathon sessions, or just luxuriating in your own damn pleasure. It’s ideal for anyone skipping condoms (it’s oil-based, so not latex-friendly) and plays beautifully with silicone toys. It also brings major comfort to anal play—especially when you’re going long.

It’s not as crystal-clear as some water-based lubes, and yes, it might leave a mark on your sheets—so lay down a squirt blanket or towel first and thank yourself later. Cleanup takes a little more effort (soap is your friend), but the silky payoff is more than worth it.

Bonus for UK babes: this beauty is available on NHS prescription, which just proves that taking care of your pleasure is healthcare. With nourishing, body-loving ingredients and serious staying power, this lube isn’t just a bedroom essential - it’s a self-care ritual.

Bottom line? Your puss will purr.

SH! Women’s Lube: Thick, Slippery, and Ready for Action

Type: Water-based

Ingredients/Safety: Free from parabens

Duration: Moderate, may need reapplication for longer play

Compatibility: Safe for use with condoms and toys

Made In: Europe

Looking for a lube that’s thick enough to stay put but still slippery enough to get down and dirty? SH! Women’s Lube is your bedside ride-or-die. It’s got a slightly sweet taste, a tiny bit of artificial scent on the nose, and a deliciously cushioned texture that’s perfect when you need a little extra comfort—or control.

This one’s a bit tacky (in the best way), which makes it a dream for strap and pegging play. It’s thick, it’s grippy, and it comes in a larger pump format so it can live bedside, at the ready, for smooth reapplication without breaking your rhythm. No fiddly caps, no interruptions—just grab, pump, and go.

Oh, and yes—it’s vegan and woman-owned, which we absolutely love. SH! Women’s transitioned online after losing their physical storefront during the pandemic, and honestly? They've come back swinging. Their curated starter kits (hello, pegging sets, strap sets, and more) make exploring new territory feel fun, safe, and sexy - not overwhelming. Their toy cleaner is another standout - easy to use, effective, and an absolute MUST HAVE to keep things fresh between sessions.

It doesn’t hang around quite as long as some others—but when it’s on, it’s on, and with that thick, comfy glide and easy cleanup (no staining, no drama), we’re more than happy to top up as needed.

For women (and anyone with a vulva) who want extra cushion, thoughtful design, and total play-readiness - this one earns its place on the nightstand.

Whether you’re sliding into some solo time, spicing things up with a partner(s), or exploring new kinks in your toybox, the right lube can make everything smoother, sexier, and way more satisfying. It’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s a pleasure essential. So go ahead, lube up your love life. Your honey-pot, lingam (and your bedsheets) will thank you.

I’ll be adding more lube as it hits my bedside table. Want that no-BS sex advice, other product reviews, and juicy tips in your inbox?

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Xoxo

Cherish Amber