How To Use Lube: Solo Or With A Partner During Sex

How To Apply Lube

While the instructions for how to apply lube aren’t exactly the same for all products, the major steps involved tend to be very common and straightforward regardless of gender:

Simply apply the desired amount onto the intended area or item.

Nearly all personal lubricants have easy-to-follow instructions printed right on the product label so you’ll be able to lube up like a pro in no time — even if you’ve never done it before.

There’s no shame in using lube, either.

About 49.9 million Americans use personal lubricants of all types to reduce friction, minimize discomfort, and enhance pleasure.

Think of it this way: Vehicles use oils for proper lubrication; when everything’s all lubed up, they’re good to go and things run smoothly.

The same can also be said for using personal lube during sexual activity — whether solo or with a partner.

It simply makes things better — even if your body produces “enough” of its own lubrication.

Here’s what you need to know about using lube:

• Depending on the type of personal lube you’re using and its formula, you might only need a few drops — while others may call for a generous amount
• If what you’ve applied doesn’t feel like enough, add a little bit more
• Reapplication is common, especially with water-based lubes — so don’t be surprised if you need to be generous in your usage
• When using an anal lube, you should apply more than you think you need to reduce discomfort and friction for a more comfortable experience
• If you’re playing with a clitoral vibrator, however, you might only need a drop or two on your vulva or the toy itself

The best rule of thumb to follow is: Go with the amount that feels good.

What Are The Different Types Of Lube And How Do You Use Them?

All three lubricant types — water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based — are effective, however, each provides specific benefits based on the type of sex you intend to have and the way you plan to use them.

Check out this quick breakdown to see which lube could be the right one for you:

Lube Type:	Water-Based	Silicone-Based	Oil-Based
Oral Sex	Yes	Yes	Not usually
Vaginal Sex	ONLY if pH/Osmolality suitable	Yes	Yes
Anal Sex	ONLY if pH/Osmolality suitable	Yes	Yes
Condom Types	All	All	Polyurethane, nitrile and lambskin only
Sex Toy Types	All	All but silicone	All but latex
Bath/Shower Use	No	Yes	Yes
Does It Stain?	No	Yes	Yes

Lube Type:
Oral Sex
Vaginal Sex
Anal Sex
Condom Types
Sex Toy Types
Bath/Shower Use
Does It Stain?

Creative Ways To Use Lube And Tips For Applying It

Practice makes perfect and even if you’re new to the idea of how to use sex lubes, the following tips will make everything feel like second nature in no time:

• Keep your lube handy — even before sex begins — so it’s within reach the moment you need it.
• One of the fastest ways to enjoy using lube is to pour it onto your fingertips or the palm of your hand to warm it up for a few seconds before applying it to the desired area — this keeps the chill away when things start getting hot!
• Try applying lube to “unexpected” areas including the nipples, perineum, and anywhere a little extra slippage might feel nice.
• If you’re using sex toys, the more lube the better. This may not always be true of clit sucking vibrators, however. Although lubricant will help them to “latch” more easily, too much lube may actually make it more difficult for them to perform well. With clit suckers, it’s best to start with a drop or two and add more only as necessary.
• Try experimenting with flavored edible lubes during oral sex to add a new dimension of fun to the experience.
• Explore sex in the water — such as in the bath or shower — using a waterproof silicone or oil-based lubricant. You might not think you need lube during water play, but wetter can be better — you’ll see.
• Silicone and oil-based lubricants are great for full-body massage — even if sex isn’t on the menu.
• Keep hand towels within easy reach when using lubes that can stain — like silicone and oil-based formulas — or when you’ve applied a little too much lube and need to remove some of it quickly.
• Always read the label before use. This decreases any unpleasant surprises like incompatibility with condoms or sex toys, or ingredients you may be allergic to or sensitive to. When in doubt, do a skin patch test ahead of time to prevent the possibility of an allergic reaction.
• Don’t be tempted to add lube to the inside of a condom. It might increase sensations for the person wearing it, but it can also make it much easier for the condom to slip off, putting you and your partner at risk for STI transmission or unintended pregnancy.

Is Personal Lubricant Safe?

Yes, in the absence of allergies or sensitivities and provided your personal lubricant is compatible with any STI or pregnancy barriers and sex toys you intend to use, lube is safe when made from the right ingredients and used as directed, even during pregnancy.

Many personal lubricants include ingredients that can cause irritation or infection (such as glycerin) or possible endocrine disruption (like parabens), which is why it is important to read a product’s label before purchasing.

The best personal lubricants are those formulated with safe, quality ingredients you can trust.

Lube Alternatives To Consider

If you’re unable to get your hands on a formulated lubricant or you’d rather use something that’s within reach right now, there are a few safe lube alternatives to choose from, including:

• Aloe vera gel (pure)
• Argan oil
• Avocado oil
• CBD oil
• Coconut oil (virgin, unrefined)
• Shea butter
• Vitamin E oil

These lube alternatives are considered safe but they are not equally compatible with all people or sexual situations.

Oil-based lube alternatives cannot be used with latex or polyisoprene condoms, diaphragms, or dental dams, because the oil will degrade their material, putting you and your partners at risk for STI transmission or unintended pregnancy.

Additionally, many oils are derived from sources including nuts, seeds, or flowering plants that are potential allergens for some.

If you’re at all unsure, patch test your lube alternative on an area of non-genital skin (such as your inner elbow) to watch for signs of a reaction before using it as a personal lubricant.

In Conclusion

It doesn’t take long to get the hang of using lube during sex — even if you’re a complete beginner.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and try all three lube types (water, silicone, and oil) to see which ones really work well for you and your partners — you might just be pleasantly surprised.

While the wide product selection can be daunting at first, it’s actually the perfect way to experiment and have fun at the same time.