Christina Aguilera can be credited for empowering many girls to be comfortable and confident in their sexuality, a task she’s been doing since the leather chaps of the “Dirrty” music video that launched a thousand Halloween costumes. Now, as a 43-year-old mother, she’s still pushing the boundaries in the name of open, honest, shame-free discourse around sex.
It seems fitting Aguilera would create a sexual wellness brand that features a recently released lubricant inspired by her signature essence. To celebrate the launch of the aforementioned Pillow Talk Lube ($20), her brand, Playground, hosted a sex hotline campaign, which featured the star herself giving some spicy tips. Plus, part of the proceeds from the product go to the Center for Intimacy Justice.
We caught up with Aguilera ahead of the launch for some girl talk about the thing that’s on everyone’s mind—sex.
Why are you so passionate about getting rid of the stigma around discussing sex and sexuality? Has this always been something you cared about?
“I’ve always believed in the power of open conversations, especially when it comes to sex and sexuality. This has been a part of my music and career since my first solo album. It is important for everyone, especially women, to feel empowered and confident in their sexuality. Sex is a natural part of life and should be celebrated, not shamed. By openly discussing it, we can create a healthier and more accepting environment for everyone. It’s all about owning your body and your experiences without fear or guilt.”
You grew up as somewhat of a sex symbol from a young age. How has that impacted your relationship with sex and your own self-confidence?
“Being labeled a sex symbol at a young age shaped me into who I am today. I was very proud to own my sexuality and empower other girls to be proud of their bodies and sexuality without stigma or shame. Embracing my sensuality has been incredibly empowering for me as well. It allowed me to build a strong sense of self-confidence that I now bring into many aspects of my life.”
I love the idea of a female-driven sex hotline. I know you’ll be giving some advice there, but can you give us a little taste? What is some of the best advice you’ve received or given about sex?
“The sex hotline is something I’m so excited about. We wanted to create a safe space where women could feel comfortable seeking advice and exploring their sexuality without judgment, which ties into our whole purpose of creating Playground.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is to always communicate openly with your partner—honest communication is key to a fulfilling sex life. It’s not just about the act itself but the emotional connection and understanding that comes with it.
Another important tip is to prioritize self-care and self-love. Feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin can significantly enhance your sexual experiences. This can mean anything like taking the time to set the mood with candles, music or whatever makes you feel most relaxed and sexy. Never underestimate the power of exploration. Trying new things can keep things exciting and help you discover more about what you and your partner enjoy. We often get too serious about sex, but it should be an enjoyable and fun experience. This hotline is all about empowering women to take control of their sexual health and happiness, and I’m happy people are calling in and having these important conversations.”
Sex education in America is clearly lacking, and the stigmas around it are abundant. What do you hope will change so your kids and other generations feel more educated about and comfortable with the topic?
“Sex education needs a revamp. As a mother, I believe that conversations around sexual wellness and education need to start early and be approached with openness and honesty. I hope that there will be a shift towards comprehensive and inclusive sex education that not only covers the biological aspects of sex but also addresses topics like pleasure and healthy relationships. I want my kids to feel empowered and comfortable to ask questions without feeling any shame. Removing stigmas surrounding sexuality and creating a safe space for open dialogue is crucial in ensuring that young people have the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships.”
Tell us about the signature essence/scent of the Pillow Talk Lube. How did it come about?
“Creating the signature scent for Pillow Talk was an exciting and thoughtful process. Scents play a powerful role in my life—I’m obsessed with smells that bring me joy and remind me of special moments—so we knew it had to be just right. We chose wild rose as the top note for Pillow Talk because it’s sexy, feminine, beautiful and a bit rebellious. It’s warm and romantic and creates an inviting atmosphere. We added other notes like heliotrope, peony and amber to give the fragrance depth and a dreamy, seductive quality. We went through so many rounds of testing and refining to make sure the scent was perfect and safe for all of the intimate parts of the body. The result is a product that’s clean, silky, long-lasting, and smells amazing.”
