According to research, 65% of us find it much, much easier to orgasm when lube is in the picture. That’s incentive enough to use it. But don’t stop at intercourse: there are all kinds of creative ways to use lube during sex.
Your erogenous zones, including your genitals, nipples, inner thighs and anus are rich in nerve endings. By using lube strategically on these areas (and more), you can expand your sexual menu, reduce contact friction, and increase sensation and pleasure – sometimes in surprising ways.
Here are 10 creative ways to incorporate lube into your sexual play, with my top product selections for each activity. Vetted for pleasure, these are the lubricants to put on your nightstand.
1. For Erotic Massage
Exsens Of Paris Massage Oil
We love a full-body massage that touches all the right spots. What we don’t love is massage oil that stains the bed, or oils that irritate vaginas, like mineral oil. So look for one that’s body and bed-safe. This one is made with clean, vegan ingredients, it’s non-staining, and when applied to intimate areas it’s warming to the touch. Did I mention it’s lickable?
2. For Handjobs + Foreplay
Playground Love Sesh Unscented Lubricant
Ever used spit as lube? (Us too.) We’ve all been in a pinch, but the drawbacks are obvious: spit doesn’t last very long, and it can lowkey spread infection. So when you’re using your hands between their legs, here’s a better option: an unscented lube that contains nourishing ingredients they’ll want on their body anyway. This one’s got vitamin E and hyaluronic acid: sexy slip, no spit.
3. To Make Oral Sex Delicious
System JO Tri-Me Triple Pack: Neapolitan
Some of the best oral sex advice is also classic advice: treat it like the most delicious ice cream cone. But if you actually want it to taste like ice cream, try a water-based, flavored lube that won’t leave your mouth or their genitals sticky. We love this three-pack from System Jo, which meets this criteria and gives you fun flavor variety.
4. To Explore With Fingers While Giving Oral
Exsens of Paris Crystal Massage Oil
It’s easy to focus on their genitals and nothing but the genitals during oral sex. But a skilled lover knows when to add a finger (for vaginal penetration), or where to apply gentle pressure (like on their perineum). A drop of genital-safe massage oil, like this one from Exsense, will make your finger perfectly slick while your mouth works its magic.
5. For Wetter Toy Play
Pjur Infinity Water Based Lubricant
These days, more people are incorporating toys into sex – and that’s fantastic. But the vibrations transmit differently with lube applied, making it easier to activate more sexual nerve endings lying just underneath the skin. This formula is compatible with all toys, and as a bonus, looks beautiful on your bathroom counter.
6. Inside a Condom
Sliquid H2O Water Based Lubricant
Placing a drop or two of water-based lube in the tip of a condom can feel kind of amazing. That’s because the lube helps bring more sensation to the head of the penis, especially when you use a condom with a large pouch at the tip. With lube added, the pouch rolls along the head: the most sensitive spot of the penis itself. Look for a clean, water-based formula safe for sensitive skin, like this one from Sliquid.
7. For Marathon Sex
Pjur Original Silicone Lubricant
All-night-long sex is incredible sex. But it’s decidedly less incredible when your sensitive genital skin gets sore, or experiences micro-tears. This is an ideal scenario for silicone-based lubes, which have a longer “run-time” than water-based formulas. We like this solid option to keep in your lube collection, when sex hits repeat mode.
8. For Anal Play + Penetration
Morgasm CBD Arousal Gel
Unlike the genitals, the anus is not self-lubricating. That’s why lube is an absolute must for anal play, whether you’re using fingers, a penis, or toys. Look for a formula with ingredients that love you back, and keeps things super slick in the process. This water-based formula contains CBD, known to reduce pain or anxiety associated with sex. It also promotes blood flow, muscle relaxation and arousal, making it a big YES for anal play…and really, any other sexual play.
9. To Nibble Their Nipples
System JO Flavored Lube
Fun fact: nipple-play activates the same region of the brain as the genital-play. It’s one reason why nipplegasms happen…your brain starts prepping for orgasm when nipples are licked, nibbled or sucked. If you’re doing the licking, why not make it delicious? This pack of water-based, flavored lubes turns their nipples into dessert.
10. To Slick Their Chest
Playground Mini Escape Coconut & Sandalwood Lubricant
There isn’t a no-fly zone for lube. Try massaging it on breasts or chest to wake up your partner’s nerve endings, or get in the spooning position and let them feel your slick nipples on their back. We recommend a water-based lube with a sensual scent, like this one from Playground. It’ll leave skin feeling moisturized and soft (not sticky), with a beachy scent that’s still subtle.
1 comment
Love this article!