Slippery When Wet! Ododi’s Guide to Lubricants

It is extremely important to use the right lubricant. Some lubricants are not compatible with certain toys – silicone lubricants with silicone toys – and some lubricants can’t be used for safe sex – petroleum based lubricants with latex condoms for example.

Try and Always Use A Sex Lubricant
Every sex toy could use a little lubrication as it aids the comfort factor when using toys and it is always a good idea to use a sex lubricant during intercourse. Whether you’re rubbing against it, putting it into you, or putting you into it, you should be using a lubricant.

Lubricants make sex toys not only feel better, but also more safe to use. The principle when having sex is that the woman naturally secretes lubrication so that you or your partner do not cause any damage due to the friction caused when having sex. The same principle applies to using toys, either with your partner or during solo play. There’s no such thing as using too much lubrication. Even if you lubricate naturally, a dab of extra lubricant on your sex toy is a highly recommended addition. It’s better to be safe and slippery than sorry and sore!

How To Pick The Right Lubricant
Lubricants come in three basic formulations: water-based lubricant, which is the most common and most versatile, silicone-based lubricant, which is similar to water-based lube but waterproof, and petroleum-based lubricant, which is suitable for anal play. If you want to know more about each type of lubricant, refer to the detailed pages of each topic.

Using Sex Lubricant
So what is the best way to apply your sex lubricant?. This is down to preference but the following is a short guide to help you along.

* Pour a small blob onto your fingers or into the palm of your hand and spread it onto your toy and and your genitals.
* If you are using a vibrator rub the lubricant around the head and down the shaft. Be sure to lube any other clitoral or anal stimulators on your toy, as well.
* Don’t rub too much lubricant so that it is absorbed in your hand – you wwill want to keep your hands dry!
* If you are using a masturbation sleeve, you’ll want to apply lube to your fingers and then slide them around the entrance and down the inside of the sleeve. Since most sleeves have a small hole in the other end, you probably don’t want to just pour the lube into it — you can always add more if you need to.
* If you or your toy become dry during use, simply add more lube.

How Much is Enough?
You also don’t want to “over apply” or “over rub” the lubricant, particularly on a toy. The amount of lube you use is a personal preference. The general rule of thumb is that if it doesn’t slide in comfortably, you probably need more lubricant! Some people like their toys as lubricated as possible, while others enjoy only enough lubrication to reduce friction to a point of comfort. We recommend that if you’re experimenting with a toy or lubricant for the first time, try starting with a small amount and keep adding the lubricant until you’re happy. You’ll figure out how much you like soon enough!

On the Body
Much like massage oils, if you’re lubing yourself or a lover’s body part, do not pour the lube directly from the bottle onto bare skin! Pour the lubricant into the palm of your hand and warm it to body temperature before applying it to warm skin. This rule also applies using lubricant on your toys. After all, you wouldn’t want to get a chill because you applied a cold lubricant to your favorite dildo!

Sharing Toys
If you’re sharing a sex toy with your partner, such as a vibrating erection ring, just lube everything! Well, actually, be sure to lubricate the penis it will be on, any stimulating pieces on the ring (bullet, animal-shaped head, what have you) and the person receiving the action. Of course, you don’t need to lubricate the entire person, just the receiving sexual organ!

Now Go Out There and Lube Up!
Lubes are manufactured in many, many different consistencies, colors, even flavors — it’s best to experiment and find the right one for you. Think about what you want most in a lubricant, if you have any sensitivities(flavored lube can sometimes cause yeast infections), and what you’ll mainly be using it for — solo sex, toy fun, a combination of sex toys and your partner, water shenanigans? If you’re intrigued by something, try a sample (if possible) or buy the smallest bottle that’s offered, so you can discover your favorite without spending a ton of money.

Now grab your erotic assistant of choice and be secure in the knowledge that you’re using the perfect lubricant for you and your sex toy!