Ah, Maximus. After falling in love with Liquid Silk, also by Bodywise, I knew I had to test this stuff out. I mean, it's reputation alone is reason enough to order a bottle! I wasn't sure that it was possible to find a lube I liked more than Liquid Silk, but I was wrong. While there will always be a place in my heart for Liquid Silk, Maximus has taken center stage.

A truly water-based lube, (meaning there isn't a small bit of dimethicone in it, unlike Liquid Silk) Maximus can be used for anything. The convenient pump bottle stays next to the bed at all times. In the mood for some back door play? Grab the Maximus. It's thick, long lasting texture is perfect for heavy application needs. Looking for a killer hand job? You guessed it, hand me that bottle of Maximus! Need some extra lubrication for vaginal sex? Maximus will outlast most lubes in that department, too. And of course, you can't forget the fact that since it's water-based, it is compatible with any toy material you can throw at it- just please refrain from actually throwing the toy at it.

Of course, there's always the couple of downers. But, no one's perfect, right? Maximus does contain parabens, so there is a possibility it will cause irritation. Stay away if you know you're allergic! If you're unsure whether you react, it will likely cause a rash to appear if you're allergic. Also, because it's water based, it isn't suited for use in the shower. Trust me, you don't want to waste your precious Maximus trying to re-apply in the shower 17 times, so spare yourself the frustration and use silicone based lube when indulging in some water play.

In case you're curious, here is the list of ingredients:
Highly Purified Water, Propylene Glycol, Cellulose Polymer Di Sodium EDTA Phenoxyethanol, Methyl Paraben, Butyl Paraben, Ethyl Paraben.

Maximus has an incredibly thick, almost gel-like consistency. Quite literally, when I placed a small dab of it on my finger and shook it, it wouldn't move! This stuff is impressive. Unlike most thick lubes, it isn't sticky at all. Once it's thinned out a bit it feels incredibly smooth and silky, but doesn't disappear like many water-based lubes often do. Because of it's viscosity, I find myself squirting too much in my hand and having a bit of excess more often than not, so I have to get myself used to using less lube. I think I can deal with that! In my opinion, Maximus is the Holy Grail of lubes- it's thick, but not stringy, feels natural, and lasts a long time. I really couldn't ask for more.

For the sake of science, I tasted Maximus, and it is an experience I don't wish to relive. While it's not absolutely terrible, you certainly don't want to be licking this stuff off of your partner. It's bitter, and that's not sexy at all to me. But, I don't hold it against Maximus, because that's not what it's meant for. If you want a lube that tastes good, this is not for you. I didn't notice any scent, however. I literally stuck my Maximus-coated finger up to my nostril and couldn't place any scent whatsoever.

In case you couldn't tell already, I really love this lube! Like I've already mentioned, this stuff is pretty darn thick. Despite it's viscosity, it feels incredibly natural and silky. A little goes a long way, so don't go crazy, or you'll find yourself searching for a towel so you can wipe off the excess. And honestly, you won't want to waste it, even though it has incredible stamina.

It has outperformed any lube I own in every area of application. I thought I might not like it for vaginal use being that it is a thicker lube, but I was terribly mistaken. Like Liquid Silk, it feels like the real thing, but it's texture allows for it to last a lot longer than it's much thinner sibling. Maximus truly shines in anal play. Because of it's thickness AND slickness, it makes inserting and thrusting with a toy, or a penis, so much more comfortable. Since lots of lube is incredibly important when any type of anal stimulation is involved, you won't feel like you're wasting half a bottle of lube for one booty session. I swear, it's almost too good for hand jobs. A little dab of this lube, and it seems like just moments later, my man is convulsing in sheer pleasure. And don't even get me started on how awesome it is for use with toys. It's texture is perfectly suited for reducing unwanted friction in even the most draggy toys, without having to use massive amounts. Most importantly, I don't have to worry about any compatibility issues with certain toy materials.

The only time I've ever seen a need for any reapplication with Maximus is when playing with our Fleshlight. But, in Maximus' defense, Superskin is pretty porous, so it practically drinks lube. While I don't like to waste it, my man says it's the perfect lube, so I let it slide when we have to reach for the bottle numerous times because of the thirsty Fleshlight sleeve. But, in any other situation I've encountered, Maximus is in for the long haul!

I generally don't have to wash it off, but because it is thicker than most water-based lubes, it may be necessary if a lot is used. It tends to absorb nicely, and even my boyfriend (who has incredibly sensitive skin) generally just has to wipe any excess off with a towel. If you do find that you prefer washing it off after use, simply use warm water and a mild soap.

I personally do not react to parabens, so I can't attest to that. But please don't try to use this lube if you are allergic! As good as it is, it's not worth putting yourself in an such an uncomfortable position.

If you already own Liquid Silk, then you pretty much know what the packing for Maximus looks like. It comes in a 8.45 fl. oz. pump-top bottle, which allows for more precise application and ease of use. The bottle is clear, so you can easily keep an eye on how much you have left inside. While it doesn't scream sex, the bottle does boast that it is "A Water-Based Sensual Lubricant," so if you're worried about prying eyes, don't put it on display.

The top can be closed for travel usage, but I would recommend removing the pump tube first, and squirting the lube back into the bottle while doing so, in order to avoid wasting it. While it hasn't failed on me yet, I recommend putting it in a plastic bag during travel, just in case the top doesn't stay in the closed position.

To put the icing on the cake, the packaging is recyclable, so you'll feel good about this purchase even when you're done with it.

This picture was taken literally 5-10 seconds after I held my finger up, and it wasn't exactly a tiny dab. Just goes to show just how thick this stuff really is!

Just a few months ago, I was gushing about Liquid Silk. Don't get me wrong, I still think it's a very high-quality lube, but Maximus just makes it seem inferior to me. In the areas where Liquid Silk was so-so, Maximus really performs. I thought Liquid Silk was thick, but it seems like water compared to Maximus now. Plus, Maximus is a lot more visually appealing because it's clear instead of a slightly milky color that resembles jizz. To put it bluntly, my man said, "Liquid Silk makes it look like I'm fucking you after five guys came inside of you." I never really thought about just how milky Liquid Silk remained during sex because I generally don't get as good of a view as my man does, but now that he mentioned it, I do have to agree. Another reason I like Maximus more is because I don't have to worry about it reacting with my silicone toys. I haven't found it to be a huge issue with Liquid Silk, but it is one of those worries that lurks over my head. No silicone in this water-based lube, baby!