The 11 types of lube and how to use them

Silicone-based lubes are awesome because they give a very strong gliding effect, and last for ages. They can be used in water and are perfect for anal sex because they're so long-lasting and extra slippery.

However, they should never be used with silicone sex toys. Remember this one if you want to avoid damaging your beloved bedside BFFs. Silicone lube reacts with the surface of silicone toys so only use silicone lube with toys made from materials like metal and glass and keep it away from your silicone toys.

Unless, of course, you're using the world's first silicone lube-compatible toy, which launched earlier this year.

This one's pretty self-explanatory but you might be feeling a little nervous about just hot your junk can get and how comfortable that might feel. Fear not, warming lubes are safe, fun and can be such a good way to dabble with basic temperature play.

Adding heat just intensifies the sensations you'll be feeling when your nerve endings are stimulated – and in colder weather, it's hardly a bad idea to turn the temperature up a notch.

Flavoured lubes are perfect for those who have a bit of an oral fixation, or if you've skipped dessert. They can be used for oral sex and penetrative sex – especially tasty if you're switching between the two!

The only drawback is that they can get pretty sticky and some of the flavours can taste quite synthetic. On the other hand, if you're into the taste of fruit, brown sugar and birthday cake during sex, they're a safe and fun way to take things up a notch.

Always do a patch test first to make sure you're not allergic to any of the sweet and fruity flavour additives.

Anal lubes tend to be thicker and longer-lasting than those made for vaginas. This is because the anus doesn't self-lubricate naturally like the vagina does, so it needs a little help along the way.

Most are silicone but there are water-based anal lubes, depending on your preference. Stick with the rule that more is always more and if you're unsure about lube for the back door, read our handy guide on how to prepare for anal sex.

Similar to warming lubes, cooling lubes make your bits kind of cold. This toys with your nerves in the best possible way and is a great way to experiment with temperature play.

Plus, you don't just have to use this lube down below. Using it on your or your partner's nipples can feel incredible too.

Pro tip: use cooling lube to experiment with glass or metal sex toys and mix up the sensations and temperatures that these kinds of toys provide.

Moisturising gels are less gloopy (technical term) than full-on lubricants. They do an awesome job at restoring any natural vaginal lubricant that may be lost (this is totally normal for women of all ages). This one's odourless, colourless and dermatologically tested.

2-in-1s can be confusing because they say both 'massage' and 'lube' on the packaging. But really, they can be used as both, because let's face it, these lube manufacturers know what we're all like. A well-intended massage *always* ends up getting sexy, doesn't it?

2-in-1 massage lubes are great because they're pH friendly and won't irritate your sensitive skin down below. Ideal if you're planning on getting slippery with an erotic massage and then getting right down to it without skipping a beat.

Oil-based lubes are a brilliant option for anyone who enjoys a little more slide and who might not get on with silicone lubricants. Oil-based lubes are fun and have the added bonus of moisturising and conditioning the skin – unlike water-based lubes which don't absorb or offer skin nourishment in the same way.

The only thing to remember about oil-based lube is that it can't be used with condoms – oil compromises the latex – so stick to water-based lubes if you're using protection.

Oil is really a wonder ingredient, just be sure to do a patch test first and use a body-safe oil-based lube. Do not, we repeat, do not, use an off-the-shelf oil that wasn't created specifically for sex, ever. You could give yourself a nasty infection if you do.

Extra-sensitive lube is usually made with natural ingredients that won't irritate your vulva and vagina. Sadly, even if it's marketed as "natural" a lot of lubes will be made with ingredients that might irritate you.

So if you're dry, sore or easily irritated down there, look for a lube that says "sensitive" on the packaging. These are usually water-based and won't have any synthetic fragrances or flavours.