It’s cuffing season! LELO UK reveals how Brits like to be seduced

The study of over 2,000 adults across the UK reveals what first attracts us to a potential partner, how we’re seduced, attitudes towards one night stands and if we believe in the fairytale esque of love at first sight.

Single and thinking it may help the long cold winter pass quickly if you had someone to snuggle up with?

The world’s leading sexual wellness brand, LELO, has some advice to help. LELO surveyed over 2,000 adults* across the UK to find out what they like and dislike when meeting a potential partner, and if they believe in the age old question of love at first sight.

Physical appearance is of course important – but we are looking for someone to make us giggle too.

Physical appearance (58%) is predictably what gets our motor running. But don’t despair if you don’t feel you lucked out in the genes department as humour was the second most alluring quality closely followed by intelligence – maybe we are all sapiosexuals.

What attracts you most to a person? (Top 5)

And what kind of seduction techniques do we like most?

When asked about popular seduction techniques, complimenting the person tickling your fancy and then casually brushing their hand, all the while maintaining steady eye contact seems to be the tried and true way of seducing someone.

Flattery goes a long way. Poor hygiene doesn’t.

We will not waste too many words with this one, except say you cannot be dirty if you want to get down. Well, have a dirty body that is. You would expect that people are most afraid of STDs or getting hurt (in fact, only about 2% of those surveyed have those concerns), but whooping 9 out 10 people find poor hygiene a deal-breaker without any exception. Still, bear in mind that this does not apply to a dirty mind. That one is usually an asset.

Can sex ever just be sex?

Moving on from one night stands and to casual fun. We asked the UK if they could have sex but not catch feelings. Four out of ten Brits (39%) so apparently not.

Love at first sight, it’s 50/50.

The concept of falling in love the very moment you see another person is an age old debate and Brits are pretty equally divided on the subject with 52% believing that it can happen and 48% saying no chance!

To one night stand or not?

According to this latest research six out of ten Brits (66%) have had a one night stand but maybe it’s a sign of the times that 62% said that they seldom had them now. But 8% are having them regularly either weekly or monthly.

Marcella Zanchi, Marketing Manager for LELO UK comments: “It’s not so surprising that sexting is one of the seduction techniques that lure Brits in, especially during the current climate with many couples and singles have to resort to phone or video sex with Covid 19 restrictions. If you’re looking for a cupping buddy this winter, we hope this insight helps you find someone to snuggle with, and if not, you always have a LELO!”

If you are going to continue having more casual sex, LELO has teamed up with sex expert Kate Moyle to show Brits how they can have fun and enjoyable sex with masks on.

Kate Moyle advises, “If you are finding needing to incorporate a mask into your routine is distracting then try and change your environment to take away from that. Dim the lights, or light candles or put on music introducing more sensual cues will also help you to relax and be more in the moment, which is the opposite of what distraction does.” Adding an eye mask or blindfold too, can completely help you get into the moment.

From choosing a mask that brings out the colour of your eyes, to incorporating it into role play there are many ways to have fun with the mask as Kate Moyle explains: “You can use the mask playfully as a part of a theme, outfit or character play and this can incorporate it into the sexual experience rather than it being the standout feature. Kate continues, “Incorporating it into an outfit/role play can make it feel like a funner and more playful way of introducing it into the bedroom space.”

“Anticipation is the most natural aphrodisiac that we have and so building that up will increase desire and arousal. Spend time focusing on the areas of the areas of the body that you wouldn’t usually during sex which can help you to explore erogenous zones and take your attention elsewhere,” adds Kate.

“To achieve kissing-free sex you may find it easier to have sex in positions like the reverse cowgirl, or doggy style where your faces aren’t close together, and you aren’t directly looking at each other so it takes away the attention drawn to the mask,” continues Kate.

This could be the perfect opportunity to dip your toe into the world of tantric sex. Kate comments:  “Try connecting in other ways such as synchronised breathing, or touch and play that is with your eyes closed and lead-by the sensation of touch. The basics of tantric sex are about connection which can be done through breathing and eye contact.”

Introducing a mask into the bedroom is the perfect time to also bring in other sensory props because you can’t use your lips – from feathers and toys to sensual massage as Kate explains: “Novelty is an important factor of sex lives, and use this as an opportunity to get creative and work around the mask. Texture, pressure, speed and temperature are all ways that you can mix it up and explore together. Sex toys such as vibrators can be used all over the body, and for teasing the thighs, and running up and down the spine rather than just focusing on the genitals.”

“You can also use prompts like audio erotica ( e.g Ferly App’s Sensual Stories ), or watching porn together can help to boost your imagination, desire and arousal by adding a different type of sexual stimulation,” continues Kate.