Helloooo...
When the esteemed GAYVN folks approached us to write a column detailing our experiences in running our adult store, we didn't hesitate for one gay second; of course we'd participate! However, where to start?
Intro. We are a couple who run an adult store in West Los Angeles called Freddy and Eddy. We started as a website six years ago, evolving backward to open a "brick and mortar" location three years in. We've experienced moderate growth and discovered the joys, headaches, and frustrations of not only fighting preconceptions in our industry, but also the same emotional roller coaster one will encounter in any small business. Between constant battles to keep our doors open through the summer slowdown, distributors and manufacturers churning out a steady stream of lousy products, neighbors unsure whether to come in and shop or call the local churches to protest our existence, we've managed to keep the products rolling out to customers throughout Southern California without killing each other or said patrons.
Lube, lubes, lubes.
This being GAYVN's lube issue, it's only logical we start there. At our store, we take personal lubrication very seriously, eschewing easy profits found in cheaper brands by stocking only those we've personally tested from manufacturers we know and trust. Whether greasing up the anus, vagina, or both, we feel customers should be educated before popping the cap on the slippery stuff. As such, we tend to stick with brands such as Pjur, Sliquid, Pjur Eros, and Gun Oil, companies whose reputations have been solidified over the years for their attention to quality.
Water or Silicone
When it comes to anal play, especially, there's much debate on which lubrication is best. 100% silicone lubes, such as Sliquid Silver and Ride, Pjur, Frixion, Swiss Navy, and Wet Platinum are known to last long, resist water (during shower or spa play), and provide the slickest feel possible. The downside, however, is that cleanup takes a little effort, as silicone can stain sheets and clothing.
Silicone lubes are also not recommended for use with silicone toys (unless you are absolutely positive that the toy is 100-percent platinum medical-grade silicone with few impurities, but that's a discussion for another article) as impurities in lower-quality silicone toys or lube can cause chemical bonding between the two, making the surface of your (expensive!) toy permanently gummy.
In the water-based realm, since water is a natural substance, it cleans up easily, is condom-safe, will expel itself from or absorb into the anus relatively quickly (and problem-free), and doesn't tend to stain fabrics. On the downside, it is not the best solution for shower/bath play, must be used in copious amounts in comparison to silicone (its slippery properties aren't nearly equal to silicone), and when used vaginally the presence of glycerin can mimic sugar, helping to cause yeast infections in some women. There are other ingredients consumers should take into account, such as parabens, estrogenic substances that some women are sensitive to.
That said, water-based lubricants offer a good alternative to silicone if one is looking to more naturally mimic the human body's own vaginal or reduce cleanup after play is completed. There are now silicone/water blends available, such as Silk from Sliquid, which combine just a touch of silicone to the water-based mixture to improve slickness.
What About Flavors?
Flavored lubes have been gaining in popularity, especially due to the substitution of man-made sweeteners that don't change the pH balance in women, don't get sticky, and still taste good. One unique example is Fizz Soda Flavored lube, which tastes just like your favorite pop, with flavors such as Kissin' Cola, Gropin' Grape, and Rockin' Rootbeer. Climax Fruit Bombs take it a step further and offer such delectable treats as Orange Dreamsicle and Kiwi Lime. We once put Sliquid's Green Apple Tart on vanilla ice cream and were shocked at how good it tasted!
Sell What You Believe In
Our main mantra when it comes to lubes is simple: We sell what we like. There are certain brands we use repeatedly and we don't necessarily believe in stocking 1,200 different brands for something as basic as lubricating our anuses or otherwise. Try a few yourself, or have your employees take a few sample bottles home (almost all lube manufacturers have some sort of sample packs that they'll happily send for little to no cost). It's easier to sell products you believe in, right?
Tying Up
In leaving you this month, we look forward to sharing our adventures, tribulations, triumphs (however few they may be) as smut purveyors and please feel free to share a few of your own with us.
