Even if you don’t have trouble getting wet naturally, lube is always a good idea. Lube reduces friction, slicks things up, and can make foreplay and penetration so much better. A strawberry lube applied before you go down on your partner, for instance, can take your oral sex game up several levels, giving them something they will probably never forget… until next time, of course.
Personal lubricants come in two forms: Liquid and gel. One is not better than the other, because it’s just a matter of personal choice. Lubes also come in a wide variety of flavors, for those who like a little tasty treat with their lube. Other types of lubes provide different sensations, too. Some lubes warm up on contact, while others give a little bit of a tingly feeling that can make sex even more enjoyable. Basically, there’s a lube for everyone.
But the thing with lube is that not enough people use it. While people who practice anal sex never have their lube far from reach, other people have yet to really embrace it as something that should just naturally go hand-in-hand with most, if not all sexual activities. Lube is, in many ways, the cherry on the sundae that is sex.
So, since you’re completely excited about the idea of using lube, as I clearly just sold you on it, now you need to know how to use it. Here are the only five steps you’ll ever need to using lube correctly:
1. Decide On Which Lube Is Best For You
If you’re not familiar with lubes, then the first thing you should know is that there are different kinds: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based. While each one will do the job, most people steer clear of oil-based lubes for one major reason: Oil-based lubes do NOT get along with latex condoms. In fact, they destroy the integrity of the latex so severely that it will tear or break. Oil-based lubes also stain clothes and sheets, and can clog pores, which can lead to infections you definitely don’t want.
With that knowledge, you can decide on whether water-based or silicone-based is best for you. It’s mostly a personal choice from that point, as they both react differently with the body and your toys. Although, it should be noted that silicone lube on silicone toys can, over time, can take its toll on the rubber, eventually destroying the toy.
2. Warm It Up
Although it’s at room temperature, lube can feel really cold on the body. So before you put it anywhere, you want to warm it up. All you have to do in this case, is put some in the palm of your hands and give it a nice rub until you know it’s not going to have you and your partner cringing over how chilly it is.
3. Apply The Lube To The Condom
If you’re using a condom, then once it’s on, apply the lube to the outside of it. Although a little lube on the penis inside the condom is good, too, you don't want there being too much. The slippery situation should be going on more so outside the condom than inside the condom.
4. Apply The Lube To The Vagina, Penis, Or Anus
If you’re in a relationship where other forms of birth control are being used so you skip the condoms, then apply the lube directly to the penis or vagina. Lubing these areas is also great for foreplay.
If you’re having anal sex, then focus on lubing up the anus extremely well. In both cases, be liberal with lube, because there’s no such thing as too much lube when you’re having anal sex.
5. Reapply, Reapply, Reapply
Depending on whole long you’re having sex, there’s a good chance you’ll need to reapply, especially if you’re using a water-based lube. You’ll know when it’s time for more lube when things start feeling less slippery and more dry. But don’t forget to warm it up again, before letting it touch your skin. Cold lube, especially this time of year, is the stuff that can briefly kill the mood.
Want more of Bustle's Sex and Relationships coverage? Check out our video on sex positions for small penises:
Images: Andrew Zaeh/Bustle; Giphy (5)
