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Review: Sliquid Organics vs Babelube Natural

I’ve tried a few lubes in my reviewing history, and they’ve mostly come up short. Between uncomfortable nettle extract and smells that just won’t quit, there are a lot of bad lubes out there. Not to mention all the potentially scary ingredients some contain, parabens anyone? That’s why I was so thrilled when Babeland sent me both the Sliquid Organics and Babelube Natural to try.

Sliquid is my favorite brand of lube, they make high quality and safe products, I haven’t tried anything of theirs that I didn’t like! The first thing you should know is that Babelube Natural is manufactured for Babeland by Sliquid, so you know it’s going to be good. You might be wondering why I would compare two similar lubes, made by the same people. Well, in short, because you deserve to know if there is a difference, and if there is a way you can save money while still getting high quality product.

Both come in 4.2 oz plastic bottles. The Babelube is blue, with a blue label, and the Sliquid is in a brown bottle with a white label. They both have standard tops that you push to open, nothing exciting here. Both products are vegan, cruelty-free and contain no parabens or glycerine. They are water-based, making them toy and condom friendly. So what’s the difference? The ingredient lists are as follows:

Babelube Natural: purified water, plant cellulose (from cotton), aloe barbadensis*, natural tocopherols (vitamin E), carrageenan, extracts of hibiscus*, flax*, green tea*, and sunflower seed*, citric acid, potassium sorbate. *Certified Organic

Sliquid Organics: purified water, plant cellulose (from cotton), aloe barbadensis*, natural tocopherols (vitamin E), cyamopsis (guar conditioners), extracts of hibiscus*, flax*, green tea*, and sunflower seed*, citric acid, potassium sorbate. *Certified Organic

The only difference is the inclusion of the cyamopsis in the Sliquid formula, everything else is completely identical. So how does this translate into use.

Both formulas are completely clear and have absolutely no taste. The Sliquid is a bit thicker, which means it is a tad more viscous and less runny. Though the Babelube is will stay where you want it, too. Neither is sticky, nor do they tend to get sticky in use. Plus, you can always reactivate with water or saliva. The only real difference I found is that the Babelube has a slight scent. This perplexes me, as it has all the same ingredients as the, decidedly scentless, Sliquid. It isn’t unpleasant, but it does remind me of a hair product I used to use. You will really have to get in there and sniff if you want to smell it, so I don’t think that most people would notice. But that’s it! One has a tiny bit of scent and the other is slightly more viscous, otherwise you have basically identical lubes!

In conclusion, both the Sliquid Organics and Babelube Natural are great products. They work well with toys, and for sex. They are natural and body safe, silicone compatible and long lasting. Definitely my favorite lubes so far! If you’re sensitive to smells, or prefer slightly thicker lube, then go for the Sliquid Organics. If you want to save a buck, go for the Babelube Natural! Either way, you’ll be getting a fantastic product that I hope you’ll love!

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Review: Fun Factory Toy Fluid

I figured since every Fun Factory toy comes with a sample packet of their Toy Fluid lube, I would do a quick write-up about it for future reference.

Fun Factory Toy Fluid is a water-based lubricant, making it safe for use with all toys, as well as condoms. While it does appear to be free of parabens (which may cause cancer), it does include glycerin (which can cause yeast infections in sensitive individuals).

It claims to be odorless, but there is a slight smell, almost like chemically red wine. However, I only notice it when I stick it right under my nose, I do not notice is during use.  The taste is not great, but it isn’t the worst either. I definitely wouldn’t use this lube if you were planning later oral, but if you accidentally taste it you shouldn’t feel the need to immediately go rinse out your mouth either.

The lube is fairly viscous, without being jelly-like in any way. It isn’t quite as runny as some (Wet Original) but not as thick as others (Wet Gelle). It offers some cushion, though I’d go for something thicker for anal. For vaginal use it is pretty good, even better for people who have some natural moisture, because it tends to dry out quickly. Fortunately, even as it dries it doesn’t get gummy or sticky.

While I don’t think there is anything wrong with Toy Fluid, I do think there are better options out there, like Sliquid. The reality is that Fun Factory’s own silicone, like on the Big Boss, has so much drag that the Toy Fluid can’t stand up to it. I’d suggest keeping the sample handy for travel, but for regular use I would recommend investing in something a little nicer.

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Review: Moist Original

Moist is a lube manufactured by Pipedream. It generally comes in a 4 oz bottle with a pump and is usually reasonable in price. It is water based and does contain glycerin. The consistency is very thin and has a tendency to drip off my fingers or toys before I can get it where it needs to be, it also dries out quickly and becomes sticky. I find that I have to reapply often, and it does nothing to fight drag on a matte silicone toy. I wouldn’t recommend it for anal use as it offers very little cushion.

It smells like silly putty.

Moist has a sickly fake sweet taste, and sometimes gives me an uncomfortable tingle on my vulva. I’m going to guess that has something to do with the nettle, rosemary, balm mint or ginseng extracts. Maybe even the citric acid. None of these are bothersome ingredients, except that this lube isn’t marketed to produce any specific sensations.

The only times it has helped me is when I was experiencing abnormal vaginal dryness and used it to moisten things up a little. This isn’t common for me, and usually once I get started with sex or masturbation my body will catch up and start producing it’s own lubrication again. On rare occasion though, I’ll use something to help me warm up and Moist does a good job of that.

Overall, there are lubes out there that can do the same thing only better, and can be used to play with toys. Besides, I don’t want my vagina smelling like silly putty, sorry.

If you are interested, Moist lube can be purchased through various retailers.

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Oh, HELL No: Baconlube

I may love bacon, I do, really.

But I don’t want my lady parts to smell like bacon, and I don’t want my partners parts to taste like bacon either.

And don’t even get me started on using it as a massage oil.

Besides, I could never pull that nose off.

01

Review: Wet Flavored Kiwi Strawberry

I’ve always avoided flavored lubes. For one, I haven’t really heard anything encouraging me that I really needed to try them. But that aside, I guess I just don’t mind the taste of sex. Unless someone is unclean (which is an entirely separate problem), they probably shouldn’t have bad tastes in the first place. However, there are people who find oral sex unpleasant, or possibly just boring, and those are valid opinions too. Whatever your reason for choosing a flavored lube, I’m trying one with you.

Many lubes contain Glycerin, and the majority of flavored lubes do, this one is no exception. Glycerin is believed to cause yeast infections in women who are at high risk. This is not because it is sugar, but because the body metabolizes it the same way as sugar. Some gynecologists believe that this may then feed yeast infections. There is some debate, however, as many women use lubes like KY Jelly with no problem and it contains glycerin as well. Either way, it is generally advised that flavored lubes are not great for use in the vagina.

That being the case, I decided it would be best to test it out using it on my partner for oral sex. I drizzled it on and went to work. The main things I rain into:

-It got EVERYWHERE. I don’t know if this has to do with my technique, or what. But there was stickiness ALL OVER. It was on him, it was on me, and this is usually a cleaner activity for us. Unless you are barely using any of the stuff, expect to need a wipe down with a wash cloth, at minimum.

-Despite their claims that it is “Always Silky,” everything was sticky. This can be a problem with using water-based lubricant in dry situations, but I felt like everything was gummy and sticky, very shortly after starting. The only areas that weren’t, were the places where I’d pretty well licked it all off.

-It wasn’t enjoyable. I don’t think it did anything for him, and it was entirely distracting for me. It definitely took away from the experience.

Now for the main question: What does it taste like? Well. Artificial Sweetener. That’s about it. For me, it was like the sweetest lip gloss (like the liquid lip smackers kind) on crack. There was no definite flavor, just over-powering, over-bearing sweetness. My hands still smell sweet, and I showered. No kidding. When I had him taste it, he thought it was a little like overly sweet Kool-Aid, only faker. If you don’t like artificial sweeteners, stay away. Seriously. The good news is I didn’t notice any aftertaste.

Some other stats for you. It did start out fairly smooth and silky, pretty standard to be honest. It is definitely liquid, and not a jelly, but on par with other liquid, water-based products. The bottle is the the type with the domed flip-top, it does it’s job, but it’s never been my personal favorite. I find that it isn’t that simple to open, especially not it your hands are lubey and you need to re-apply. Plus, when it’s getting low, you couldn’t turn it upside down to aid in finishing it off.

The  packaging claims it is easy to clean and non-staining, both are true, in my experience. It also claims to be odorless. Umm… I DID mention that my hand still smells after showering, right?

Instructions suggest that you can use it to relieve personal dryness (I’d suggest not) or enhance intimacy (it may).

As with all water-based lubes, it is latex friendly as well as toy compatible, should you choose to use it that way.

Overall, this was not a product I’d use again. Even though I’d never gone for flavored lubes before, I was open to the idea of enjoying it, and having something new to throw in the mix. But if I do, this isn’t the answer. The flavor didn’t work for me, and as a lube it sucked.

If you’re still interested in giving this one a whirl, you can pick it up here along with several other flavors.

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Review: Wet Gellee

I don’t often use lube, I’m fortunate that I make enough of my own, but I do make exceptions for certain activities or products. I received the Wet brand Gellee lube in a mixed sampler and was intrigued. I’ve been on the hunt for a decent water-based anal lube, since my favorite plug of the moment (Tantus Ryder) is silicone. The problem I have with most lubes is that they run all over the place and generally refuse to stay on my toy. Gellee is much thicker and, for lack of a more appealing word, gloppier. What this means is that it tends to stay where I put it, in a most glorious manner. This is now my current go-to lube for all things anal. It did not get sticky, or runny and I did not feel any need to re-apply, even when wearing my plug for long periods of time. I also decided to give it a run on a dildo with a matte silicone finish, which can often cause a lot of drag. It performed well, better than many lubes I’ve tried, but that finish tends to be a lube eater and I found myself re-applying.

I sometimes have not so fun reactions to cheap lubes where my labia and vagina feel slightly inflamed and irritated, nothing serious, but noticeable. I did not have any problems with Wet Gellee in this arena, no irritation and it cleans up easily. Overall, I was very pleased, and will continue to keep it on hand for anal, and when I need something a little heavier duty for certain toys.

As with all water-based lubes, it is condom and toy safe, as well as easy to clean up. You can pick it up here, it also comes in a flavored variety (which I never recommend for vaginal use). If you’re looking for a reasonable jelly lubricant, Wet Gellee might be worth a try!