The Lowdown On Lubricant

The very idea of using lube can seem a little awkward or unsettling. There's a myth out there that store-bought lubricant is a 'crutch' for people with faulty machinery, sexperts Em & Lo say. But reaching for the wet stuff doesn’t mean you’re 'not into it,' 'frigid' or 'kinky.' (Visit EMandLO.com for their lubricant tips.)BEST LONG-LASTING: WET Platinum, $15

If you're looking for a way to spice things up in bed, or you're feeling unfullfilled with your sex life, lube can help. Lubricants are one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to enhance sexual pleasure, says Dr. Charlie Glickman of GoodVibrations.com.BEST TEXTURE: Astroglide X, $19

A woman's natural lubrication doesn't always indicate arousal, or lack thereof. Medications can affect this, or you may just need a little help now and then. Bodies sometimes change slowly and you may not notice how much less you’re producing until you try a lubricant, Glickman says. BEST LUXURY BRAND: Coco De Mer Spill, $27

More pleasure? Yes, please! Lubricant creates less friction, which may translate to more vascular flow and increased sensation, says Beverly Hills-based gynecologist Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz. It makes a gentle touch even gentler — tender attention always increases satisfaction. Try a duo tailored for his and her sensations. BEST DUO: WET Synergy, $10 each

Read the label. Water-based lubes are easy to clean up, but they dry out after a while, Glickman says. Silicone ones never dry out and they're hypoallergenic. But, they're also harder to clean up. If you spill some on the floor, be sure to wipe it all up or you might slip on it.BEST DRUGSTORE BRAND: KY Intrigue, $25

Some lubes enhance sex in specific ways. You could try a heating lube for more sensation or a tingly lube for extra clitoral and penile stimulation, says Dr. Natasha Janina Valdez, author of A Little Bit Kinky. Just make sure you read the labels before you put them where they don't belong.BEST WARMING: WET Warming, $13

Certain lubes can create problems. Anything fancy (scented, warming, cooling) shouldn't be used on a regular basis, says Gilberg-Lenz, as these types of lubricant can irritate. And spermicidal lubes may also cause irritation. Also, if you're sensitive to yeast infections, it's best to stick with natural products. BEST NATURAL: Astroglide Natural, $15

If the idea of using an unnatural substance deters you from trying lubricant, Gilberg-Lenz says that organic cooking oils (coconut, almond, safflower and olive) make great alternatives. However, these substances interact poorly with latex, so they are a no-no for condom-wearers.BEST ALTERNATIVE: Olive Oil, prices vary

As with any sex product, the fun lies in trying new things with your guy. And lube is an ideal product for testing. “Since everyone is a bit different, you may need to experiment with a few. It's sort of like finding the perfect moisturizer. Some people find that they need to change brands every so often, just like shampoo,” Glickman says. BEST FLAVOR: WET Pouch, $13 (for 12)