The Best Lube for Every Occasion: A Complete Guide

Why the Right Lube Matters

When it comes to enhancing pleasure, comfort, and safety in intimate moments, lube is your best friend. But did you know different lubes are actually formulated for different acts? The wide variety of types and options can make it tricky to find the perfect one for your needs, but you don’t need to stress. We’re here to walk you through the best types of lubricants and explain which to use and when, along with tips to help you get the most out of each experience.

Whether you’re looking for the best lube for penetrative sex, toy play, anal, a cushy silicone lube, or warming lubricants to add a touch of heat, we have a huge selection.

Water-Based Lubricants: Perfect for Everyday Use

Water-based lubricants are the most versatile option on the market! They’re compatible with all types of toys, safe for use with condoms, super easy to clean, non-staining, and suitable for both solo play and partnered activities.

Starship’s Intimate Care WB Lube is a gentle, water-based option that provides a smooth glide without any sticky residue. It’s designed for everyday use, making it perfect for daily use.

Water-based lubricants won’t degrade materials like silicone, latex, or glass. They’re  great for people with sensitive skin since they’re free from oils, silicone, and other irritants. You can add it directly to a toy, a penis, a vulva, or anywhere you need to slick up really fast. Since water-based lubes can dry out faster than silicone or oil based lubes, be generous and reapply as needed.

Silicone Lubricants: Long-Lasting for Intense Sessions

Silicone-based lubricants are incredibly thick, cushy, slick, and long-lasting. This makes them perfect for extended, intense play. They don’t dry out quickly, so you won’t  need to reapply as often as water based lubes, and since they’re water-resistant, they can be used in the shower, hot tub, pool, or bath without washing away.

Lubes like Swiss Navy’s Silicone Lubricant stay exactly where you put them. They’re great for anal play, as they provide a longer-lasting glide that reduces friction and makes everyone more comfortable. It is important to note, however, that silicone-based lubes are not compatible with silicone toys, as it can create a reaction that degrades the material of your toys. You can, however, use silicone lube options with glass or metal toys! 

Hybrid Lubricants: The Best of Both Worlds

Hybrid lubricants are typically 90% water-based and 10% silicone  and offer the best qualities of each. These lubes provide the easy clean-up of water-based formulas and the longevity of silicone-based formulas, giving you a smooth glide that doesn’t require constant reapplication. They are also less apt to stain your sheets.

Hybrid lubes like Sensuva’s have just enough silicone to give them longer-lasting slickness, while still being safe to use with most toys. They’re ultra versatile, making them a great choice for people looking for more durable lubrication without fully committing to a silicone lube. We recommend them for moderate play sessions.

Warming Lubricants: Adding Heat for Extra Sensation

Warming lubricants are designed to add a gentle, pleasurable heat to intimate activities. These types of lubes can help enhance blood flow, heightening sensitivity and intensifying sensation. They’re great for colder weather or simply when you want to add a new sensory experience.

Wicked Sensual Care’s Aqua Heat is a warming, water-based lube that adds a cozy, heated element to your play. It’s carefully crafted with a unique blend of warming elements that will tickle your erogenous zones and increase moisture for silky sensations. Let the fire build as waves of warmth stimulate and excite. Feel free to indulge in this highly arousing personal lube with a partner or alone. If you’re flying solo, adding a drop of warming lube to your masturbator, vibrator, suction toy, dildo, or any other sex toy can help mimic the heat you’d feel from having a real-life partner there with you. 

With all sensation lubes, moderation is key when you’re first starting. Begin with a small amount, because the warming effect can intensify with friction. 

Special Considerations: Toy Compatibility and Cleaning

Choosing the right lube is just one part of the equation. If you want to keep your toys in tip-top condition, it’s important to keep them clean. You should clean your sex toys before and after every use for longevity.

Starship’s Intimate Care Foaming Toy Cleaner is strong enough to sanitize all your toys, yet gentle enough to avoid buildup that could cause harm. Its advanced formula cleans without harsh chemicals, is non-sticky, and residue free.

Finding the Right Lube for Every Occasion

From versatile water-based lubes to long-lasting silicone options, warming formulas, and hybrid blends, there’s a lube for every need and all occasions. Choosing the right one can make intimate moments more enjoyable, comfortable, and memorable. Take the time to experiment and find what works best for you. Explore Starship’s huge range of lubricants to find your perfect match for every experience.