Lube is a great addition to the bedroom, but many avoid it because they don’t know how to use and apply personal lubricant. But honestly, the possibilities are endless. From an easy relief from vaginal dryness to slick water play, uncover a sensation that makes you feel oh so good. If you’re looking to introduce lubricant to your routine, find a new masturbation method or want to mimic natural vaginal moisture, read on as we guide you through some popular lubricant uses and how to apply lube for the best results.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR) Lube and Condoms
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Lube can be used in a variety of ways by a variety of people. From relief from vaginal dryness to shower sex, lubricant can deliver the added glide you desire.
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When looking for a personal lubricant, make sure to evaluate options that are compatible with the other products you are using. For example, avoid silicone lube when using silicone toys and avoid oil based products when using latex condoms.
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However, there are a range of lubricant formulas that are compatible with latex condoms (including Custom Condoms®) like silicone-based and water-based lubes.
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With all these options, it’s easy to find a lube that matches your vibes and brings you pleasure ;)
What is Personal Lubricant?
Personal lubricant, or lube, is a sexual health product used to enhance wetness and decrease friction during sexual experiences, or whenever you may want to moisturize intimate areas. There are many reasons someone may invite lube into their sex life including vaginal dryness, lifecycle reasons, and just for fun! To discover what’s right for you, you can test out the different styles of lube including silicone lube, water-based lube, and natural lubes. Each one has its own set of benefits, for example silicone lube is long lasting and silky, while water-based lubricants are easy-to-clean and moisturizing.
Ways to Use Lube
Lubricant can be used for all types of sex acts, but that’s not all, there are also non-sexual uses for lubricant. We have listed a few uses for lube below:
Vaginal Sex: Natural vaginal lubrication can vary depending on a lot of factors including, lifecycle reasons, where you are in your menstrual cycle, stress, depression, and other mental health conditions. So, vaginas may not generate the same wetness every time they are aroused. This means adding a bit of extra lubricant may be necessary to improve comfort and confidence during sex. However, lube is not just for people experiencing dryness, lube can enhance sensation for some during vaginal sex, even if they are sufficiently wet.
Anal Sex: Lube is an essential for anal. The anus does not naturally lubricate the same way the vagina does. Lubricant not only makes anal comfortable and pleasureable, but reduces the risk of microscopic tears in the anal lining. This is beneficial because those microscopic tears can increase the risk of STI transmission. We recommend using a silicone lubricant, like ONE® Move®, when engaging in anal sex because it is long-lasting and won’t absorb into your skin in the same way as water-based lubes.
Oral Sex: There are a few reasons people may use lubricant for oral sex. Lube can reduce friction if saliva is drying out, or if teeth, lips, or piercings are causing unintended friction. To make the experience even more enjoyable for both partners, you can test out flavored lubricants to see if that sparks your fancy.
Plus, lube doesn’t only enhance oral sex with a penis, it can improve sensations for vaginal and anal oral sex too! By putting lube between the receiving partner and an oral dam, sensations can be heightened by mimicking the natural feeling of saliva (plus it can help hold the dam in place)!
Shower Play: Lube, specifically silicone lube, is great for water play, because it doesn’t wash away as quickly as natural body fluids or water-based lubricants. It helps your body stay slick, even underwater in the bath, reducing friction for a more pleasurable experience.
Vaginal Moisturization: Some lubricants can also act as vaginal moisturizers for those who experience vaginal dryness. These lubes can be applied to the vagina at any time to reduce discomfort and chafing.
Masturbation: Engaging in some self love? This is the perfect time to experiment with different lube formulas to find a sensation that can bring you there faster or slower, depending on what you’re looking for! Not only can you discover new formulas, but also test out different amounts. The more, the better doesn’t apply to everyone, some people like to apply a drop or two, and others like it really slick. Find out your favorite way to use lube when going solo!
Sex Toy Use: Lubes and adult toys are the perfect pair. Applying personal lubricant to sex toys can ease discomfort during insertion and improve the lifespan of your toys. However, when choosing a lube that will be used with sex toys, make sure that the two are compatible. For example, silicone lube can degrade silicone toys, so opt for a water-based lube when playing with silicone.
How to Apply Personal Lubricant
Applying lubricant is simple and can be done in multiple ways! Start out with a small amount of lube. You can always add more later if you need to reapply or want a little more wetness. Apply it on your hands first, or directly on the condom, sexy toy, penis, vagina, anus, or [insert desired body part here]. Then spread it around the area and you are good to get down! Experiment with different methods to see what feels best for you and your partner(s).
Who Uses Sexual Lubricants?
Anyone and everyone can use personal lubricant! If you’ve ever heard otherwise, that is a myth. Lube can enhance sexual experiences for all no matter what type of sex you’re having, how you identify, or how old you are. Why not give it a try?
Can You Use Lube with Condoms?
Yes! You can and should use lube with condoms. Using personal lubricants in tandem with condoms improves sensation and can reduce condom breakage. By reducing friction between partners, the condom is less likely to get microtears, helping to maintain its effectiveness. Plus, one of our favorite tips is applying a few drops of lube in the tip of a condom before placing it on the penis, not just the outside. This helps to improve sensation and give the condom a more natural feel, mimicking natural moisture.
Reminder: When pairing condoms and lubricants, make sure that the types are compatible. For example, always avoid using oil-based products with latex condoms because they can degrade latex and decrease the condom’s effectiveness.
Best Lubricants for Custom Condoms®
Custom Condoms® are made of natural rubber latex, so the best lubricant would be one that is compatible with latex! All lubricants made by our friends at ONE® Condoms are compatible with latex condoms. ONE® has a range of lubricants with latex compatible formulas including: ONE® Move® Silicone Based Lubricant, ONE® Oasis® Water-Based Lubricant (We offer custom lubricant sachets filled with ONE® Oasis® lube on our website), ONE® Oasis Silk® Hybrid Lubricant, and ONE® True® Natural Lubricant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, personal lubricant is an amazing way to switch up sensations, find added comfort, and experience more pleasure. If you’re looking for a versatile lubricant in a convenient, travel-friendly package, you can customize your own lube sachets with Custom Condoms®. These are great for when you’re on the go, traveling, or just looking for a fun goodie to keep on your bedside table!
FAQs
What is the best lube for anal sex?
Silicone-based lubricant is the best option for anal sex because it doesn’t absorb into the skin and is super silky. We recommend giving ONE® Move® a try - it is seriously smooth, luxurious, long-lasting, and never sticky!
How do I clean up lube?
All you need to do to clean up lubricant is wipe your genitals, on the outside, not the inside, with water and a mild, unscented soap. Water-based lube will absorb into your skin and silicone-based lube will naturally expel from the vagina and anus.
Additionally, water-based lube is non-staining, so you don’t have to worry about messy sheets. Silicone lube, however, can stain, so we recommend putting down a dark towel just in case some drips onto your sheets or blankets.
Does lube expire?
Yes, lube has an expiration date. Check the bottle to make sure that your lube is not out of date to avoid any dryness or irritation.