The first time I had sex without lube I felt uncomfortable. The second time I has sex without lube I felt awkward, and the third time is when I finally learned my lesson. I know a lot of people will just pick up whatever they find on the shelves at their local XXX store, but I’m not one of those folks. My selection of personal lubricants is a very diligent process because, quite frankly, I’m still in therapy for that chaffing incident right after I graduated from college (just kidding). But whether you’re someone who takes lube shopping seriously or someone who takes a more casual approach to the whole ordeal, there’s one thing that everyone can agree one: flavored lubes are the bee’s knees.
I’ve been a huge fan of flavored lubes for many years, but that doesn’t mean I’ve liked using them all. Deliciousness is important, but if the product isn’t slick enough then it defeats the purpose. It’s one thing to enjoy a personal lubricant because of its silky-smooth texture, but it’s another to appreciate it for the taste. Put simply, all of the features need to work together in unison or else the product is basically worthless. I always keep those things in the back of my mind when I’m shopping for lube, which means people are always giving me their recommendations or offering up suggestions about the products I should try. One such product is from the well-known Astroglide brand and it’s a flavored lube called Sensual Strawberry. So, did this one end up being worthy of my attention or was it dud like the ones before it? Well, let me start out by explaining the subject matter so we’re all on the same page.
What Is Astroglide Sensual Strawberry Lube?
The Astroglide name is often synonymous with anal sex, but their impressive lineup of lubricants is ideal for almost any erotic activity you can think of. The brand offers high-end lubes for all types of lovemaking and their Sensual Strawberry is one of them. This stuff is made to taste like crisp, fresh fruit off the vine, and although it’s obviously designed to enhance oral sex, it’s also perfect for vaginal penetration, anal stimulation, play with sex toys, and pretty much everything in between. It does not, however, possess any extra features like warming, cooling, or tingling sensations which reminds me: Let’s take a look at the features it does have, shall we?
The Main Features
It’s difficult to describe the “features” of a personal lubrication product because it really doesn’t have features, per say. Still, Astroglide’s Sensual Strawberry lube possesses a couple characteristics that set it apart from the rest. First of all, it’s one of the lightest lubricants on the market, meaning it goes on smooth and enhances the sensations of oral play and penetration. It also features a light and crisp fragrance that has a strong hint of fresh strawberries – a scent known to many people as a powerful aphrodisiac. And while it has a terrific aroma and an even better flavor, it still features a non-staining formula that never leaves behind a residue. This hormone-free personal lubrication product is water-based, making it perfect for all skin types and sex toy materials. Furthermore, it’s water soluble which means it’s super easy to wash off when you’re done. It comes in a small, ergonomically shaped bottle with a standard flip-top lid too, plus the product is made to last and features a texture that requires only a droplet for maximum noticeable slickness.
What Comes in the Box?
Lubes don’t usually come with anything in the box and Astroglide’s Sensual Strawberry flavored lubricant is no exception. You only get the bottle itself and, depending on where you buy it, perhaps a small instructional leaflet with usage tips and warnings. In rare cases, you might be able to buy this stuff in packs of two or three and if you’re lucky you can find coupons for it through the right affiliate marketer. That’s about as good as it gets with this kind of product, especially since we’re dealing with one of the most trusted names in the industry. Put simply: Every single dime went into the production of a high-end lube and that’s very obvious here.
The Experience
I’ve always heard that you shouldn’t kiss and tell, but that never stopped me from voicing my opinion about a personal pleasure product. Someone has to keep these manufacturers on their toes, and I take pride in being that person. With that said, I have pretty much the same basic criteria with which I judge all flavored lubricants. Here they are and my experiences with them:
- The Taste
It wasn’t exactly the most delicious lube I’ve ever put in my mouth, but it wasn’t outright disgusting or anything either. In my opinion, the Sensual Strawberry lube by Astroglide tasted a little bit like candy – artificially sweet but mysteriously addictive. A little goes a long way but I ended up speeding through my stash pretty quickly because I wanted to use it all the time. Knowing my obsession with flavored lubrication before this shindig began, I went ahead and bought the two pack just in case.
- The Texture
This has got to be the smoothest, thinnest and longest-lasting lubricant I’ve ever put on. I seriously only needed three drops for the entirety of my first round and we screwed for over an hour. I did notice, however, that once the lube started to dry it became a little tacky and sticky. I think that’s because of the glycerin in it, but without that ingredient the product wouldn’t have been so smooth. It’s a double-edged sword, so choose wisely.
- The Sensation
Because the lube was so thin and luxurious, and because it had such a pleasant aroma, using it was like a wet dream of epic proportions. When a person only has five senses that they regularly use and a lube manipulates three of them (taste, touch, smell), it automatically creates a shift in perception. And when that shift is a positive and unique one, you know the sex is bound to be good. Well, that’s exactly what happened to me when I was using this lube.
- The Container
For such a small bottle of lubricant this stuff is really potent. Not only is the smell powerful but the container itself is attractive as well. On top of that, it’s curved in such a way that makes it easier to hold onto than most cylindrical bottles. I had a few qualms with the flip-open lid because my bottle always seemed to leak all over the place. However, I found that if I kept my container in an upright position I didn’t have that problem too much. It’s just not the lube I’d bring with me on a long-distance trip somewhere, that’s all.
- The Ingredients
Water-based lubes are the best because they’re the most versatile. They’re usually long-lasting and smooth too. This one did not disappoint. And while it’s not made from all natural ingredients and contains a few potential allergens, the formula is a non-latex one which means it’s not likely to cause allergic reactions even in people who have sensitivities to things like glycerin and cellulose.
The Ups and Downs
I have never once found a lubricant that was perfect. Many have come close, but none have ever won my good graces 100%. And as any frugal shopper knows, that’s usually how it goes. Most personal pleasure products aren’t capable of being ideal for every single user, but that doesn’t mean a flawed product can’t still rock your world. When it comes to the Sensual Strawberry lube by Astroglide, it has a few of its own unique ups and downs that everyone considering it should examine. So, here are the things I think you need to know before spending any money on it:
PROS
- Great tasting for an artificially flavored product
- Extremely long-lasting
- Ideal for oral sex and/or anal stimulation
- Water-based for improved versatility
- Compatible with all sex toy materials and skin types
- Does not stain fabrics
CONS
- Flavor may taste too artificial for some users
- Contains glycerin which may cause an allergic reaction
- Bottle has a tendency to leak
The Takeaway
You’ll probably never find a perfect lube, but at least you can find one that’s perfect for you. The Astroglide brand is well-known, highly respected, and even favored over others by some consumers. However, that popularity it’s not because they’ve got a corner on anal lubrication. It’s because of their commitment to creating luxury-grade products like the Sensual Strawberry lube. And while it’s not without a few design and/or execution flaws (like its very synthetic taste and those few drops of glycerin), this product is ideal for almost anyone who enjoys adding a little flavor to their already delicious sex life. Overall, it’s a savvy addition to your growing lube collection as long as you aren’t looking for gourmet tastes or added sensations like warming, cooling or tingling.
