Much to the surprise of many, lube isn’t something just reserved for anal sex or for ageing women who have trouble with natural lubrication. It can be just as necessary for men as it is for women.
Whether you’re curious to the benefits and the use of personal lubricant or are a slicked-up pro looking for more information to maximise your enjoyment when using lube, this guide should help you get wet and wild.
What is lube?
Lube or lubricant is one of the best ways to enhance your sexual experience by making it smoother and more comfortable for you and your partner.
It works to reduce friction between your skin and the orifice you are having sex with.
Women naturally produce ‘lube’ by becoming wet when sexual excitement is heightened, but there are several reasons why she might need a little help to achieve the ultimate lubrication. Natural wetness can change due to factors like hormones, stress, and medication.
But lube shouldn’t only be used in cases of dryness issues; lube can be used as a stimulant to increase pleasure during sexual activity for both men and women and can even help you last longer in bed.
When do I use it?
You can use lube for masturbation, when using sex toys, hand jobs/fingering, cunnilingus, penetrative sex, anal play, massages – the possibilities are limitless.
How to lube up:
A good place to start is during foreplay. You or your partner could coat your fingers in a warming lube and rub them over your partner’s nipples, then down their stomach, then down towards their private region and vice versa.
A rule to remember for lube application is to put some on each of the two meeting surfaces, so you’d lube up point A (protected or unprotected penis, fingers, vibrator, etc.) and then also put some onto point B (vagina, Fleshlight, anus, etc.).
If using a condom during sex, apply lube to the outside of the condom once it’s on as well as inside the vagina for extra lubrication. If you’re looking for ways to increase feeling while having protected sex, adding a drop or two of lube onto the penis before putting the condom on can create a much more heavenly experience. Do take care as too much lube inside may cause the condom to slip off.
If you’re on your own or are engaging in mutual masturbation, just a tiny dollop of lube before touching yourself will create a smoother and silkier feel.
What kind of lube is right for me?
Water-based:
The all-rounder of lubes is your best bet if you’re a bit of a lube novice. It can be used for every one of your sexual needs: masturbation, sex toy play, and penetrative sex.
It’s also the easiest type of personal lubricant to wash off clothes and sheets so you don’t have to worry about making a mess.
The only con about washing off easily means water-based lube has to be reapplied often and is no good for shower sex.
Our Fleshlube Water lubricant is the perfect pleasure companion, which can be used during sex with your partner or when using your favourite Fleshlight. Dermatologically formulated and suitable for sensitive skin, this premium water-based lube is one of the best lubes for use in any situation.
If you want something reliable, Astroglide is one of the best-selling lubes on the market and for very good reason. The water-based liquid means both your silicone sex toys and condoms are safe from any potential wreckage.
Silicone-based:
Slippery and long lasting, a silicone-based lube is perfect for marathon-long sex and sex/masturbation in shower.
As it is not easily absorbed into the skin, you don’t need to use a lot of product and will not have to reapply as frequently as a water-based lube so you can get it on for longer.
Silicone-based lubes should not be used in conjunction with silicon sex toys as it will break down the rubber. There are silicone lube-friendly sex toys made from hard plastic, steel, or glass.
Pjur Backdoor Relaxing Anal Glide was made to take the edge off knowing butt sex can be some of the best sex. GQ named this thick and long-lasting silicone-based lube the best lube for anal sex.
Oil-based:
Ideal for masturbation, unprotected penetrative sex, and water play, oil-based personal lubricants are often a favourite for massage.
Keep oil-based lubes away from latex condoms as they can dissolve the latex causing breakage.
Can you use too much lube?
The short answer: no. When it comes to using lube, less is definitely not more so feel free to apply it liberally.
There is no right or wrong amount of lube but best way to gauge whether you’re using the ‘right’ amount is to just experiment and see how you feel.
If you’re trying something new, start off with a small amount and keep adding more until you’re really enjoying the sensation of it.
Is lube safe to swallow?
Many water-based lubes are safe to swallow and are appropriate for use during oral sex, however, large quantities should not be consumed.
If you crave for something sweet, try one of the JO Gelato lubes and enjoy guilt-free pleasure that is free from sugar, parabens and propylene glycol.
Note: You should always read the label of your personal lubricant before use to know whether it’s suitable for use in your desired form of intimacy.