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There is a lot of information out there about personal lubricants. And there are a lot of lubricants. Finding the lubricant that is best for you can take your whole life to find. Thank god the research is fun. I personally have five bottles of lubricant because I believe I have five kinds of sex. So I am going to go through my slick sex arsenal and show you my way of thinking.

The Daily Grind. For my day to day sexual activities, I have a nice, hoohah friendly, water-based lubricant. I hear the Hustler Sensitive Formula is discontinued, so I have stocked up.[1] However, when it is finally gone, I am seriously sticking to the glycerin-free for all my lubrication. There is no real proof that glycerin causes yeast infections, but why risk it?

The BJ Lube. I love flavored lubricants. They are great for oral sex and they work great for regular sex. And with many of the flavored lubricants, the taste lingers after sex (and wash out during the post-sex shower). Post-sex oral sex happen. And when they do, that lingering cherry flavor can really add to the experience.

Although TLC just came out with a lubricant that tastes like a can of Mountain Dew (it is called Fizz and it is mighty tasty), I am loyal to my Wet sample packets. They are easy to use and taste fruity. I suggest avoiding flavored lubes with sugar as it does do a number on the private area pH.

The Special Occasion. Silicone lube is expensive and does not wash off as easily as the water-based lubes. However, on special occasions, it is the only way to go. I keep a bottle of this type of lube by my jacuzzi tub because silicone lubricant is best for underwater fun. It also comes out for those weekends in bed with a man (or woman with a lot of harness toys). When I ran a marathon, I had a fanny pak of water, protein, and first aid. The same preparation should apply to marathon sex. Hydration, lubrication, bruise balm! Silicone is the slickest and longest lasting by nature of not being water-soluble. [2]

The eco-date. Sometimes I use lubricant to impress my partner. I know it is so shallow and breaks all dating etiquette codes. But when I am dating someone with a veggie car (and it happens a lot in California), I like to show off my world-saving skills, too. Some lubes, like Sylk, is the most “chemical-free” lubricant I have seen on the market a no parabens, no petro-chemicals, uses grapefruit seed extract and kiwivine. Now, I am a green person. I hug a tree on numerous occasions. I find treehuggers terribly sexy. For them, I have the green-lube. If you are not willing to order from Australia, I suggest O’ My Natural lubricant. Very nice stuff.

Up the back area. Never ever, ever be caught without lubricant when doing anal. Just does not do it. Please. Never. And there are lubricants just for the butt. So you have no excuse. Astroglide makes shooters. Now, how is that for genius product development? They are these little pre-filled tubes you just, well, shoot. Easy! Anal lubricants can come with desensitizers, too, so if you are looking for an easier entry, shop around for mild desensitizers in your anal lubricant.

A little chemistry lesson from someone who flunked it in high school: While the ingredient list on my favorite defunct lube says water as its main ingredient, I assume it is thus considered water-based. However, the second ingredient is dimethicone, which is a silicone. Generally, if you see a a cone at the end of an ingredient, it is a silicone. However, since the main ingredient (base) is water, it is water based. I want to reiterate the disclaimer that I flunked chemistry in high school. I might be wrong. I do know a chemist. We tend to talk about gummy bears. I will confirm that with him when I see him again.

Scared of the silicone? Do not be. While it may seem a little too chemical based for al-natural fans, take a look in your bathroom and you’ll find silicones all over, in your hair care and in your face cosmetics. Dimethicone moisturizes which is why you see moisturizing on the ID Millenium bottle. (I talked to the chemist!)

Justina Mathews writes about issues that affect couples and today’s woman concerning relationships and sexuality. She writes for her own blog, as well as special in depth articles that encompassing current issues related to happiness in relationships. She’s also a staff writer for adult love dolls.