Lube 101

Finally, folks of all genders and sexual orientations are getting into lube! It was once a highly stigmatized but more and more, people are busting out the lubrication as things start to get sexy. It’s a must for anal sex but don’t forget about it for masturbation (mutual or solo), toy insertion, vaginal penetration, and tactile vulva play. Lube makes everything go smoother (duh!) and it can help get you out of your head and back into your body. Commercially available lubes take the guess work out of wetness, and provide reliable solutions to friction when and where you need it most.

Not All Lubes Are Created Equal

Tips for using Lube

Use lubrication whether you think you need it or not. There’s no shame in enjoying the silky slippiness that artificial lubrication adds!
Don’t forget, lubricant is about safety not just pleasure. Lube eliminates friction and resistance during penetration, making it the difference between safe comfortable sex and painful injuries like vaginal tearing, anal fissures, skin irritation, etc.
Apply lube, vaginally or anally, before things heat up. This will reduce anxiety about whether or not you are wet enough and will make masturbation, touching, and penetration easier and more comfortable.
Play with temperature. pop your favorite Lube into the fridge for 15 minutes before you use it. Likewise, warming up lube before using it can feel like the ultimate luxury. Simply set a tightly closed bottle or tube of lube in a sink full of warm, not hot, water for 5 to 10 minutes before use. Do not ever freeze, boil, or microwave lubricants.
Use more than one kind of loop per session. cater your Lube use to your activities, you may prefer a water-based lube for vaginal play, but also depends on the slippiness of silicone for anal play, for example.
Use more than you think you need and know that you can always add more. Unless you are specifically looking for resistance and friction, lubricant makes for the most comfortable and easy touch and penetration. Use what feels good, and use as much as you need.
Expiry dates can be helpful with lubricants, but common sense is even more useful. Do not use a Lube that is out of date if it has changed in colour, texture, or smell. If a lubricant irritates your skin, wash it off immediately and discontinue use.
Flavored lubes can be a lot of fun but always read the ingredient list before consuming them, and steer clear of products that have sugar in them. Genitals and sugar should never mix, instead opt for flavoured lubes that are sweetened with artificial sweeteners or natural alternatives like stevia.