How to Use a Rose Toy

In this guide: What is a rose toy? | How does clitoral suction work? | How to use a rose solo | How to use a rose with a partner | How to clean a rose toy | What’s the best clitoral suction toy? | How to choose a safe sex toy

Once upon a scroll, a little rose bloomed on TikTok… and suddenly everyone was whispering about that toy. If you’re intrigued, and quietly wondering whether it lives up to the hype, you’re in the right place. These infamous rose toys are cute and compact pieces of clever tech, designed to deliver clitoral pleasure and toe-curling “ohhh!” moments.

Let’s get into how these clit-sucking masterpieces work. In this article, you’ll find out how to use a rose toy solo or with a partner. You’ll also find which clitoral suction toys are top-rated by testers and Lovehoney customers – with tips on picking the right toy for you.

Only got time for a quickie?

Need the rose-toy deets ASAP? Here’s the short and sweet version:

• The rose toy is a clitoral suction sex toy in a very cute package. It’s a playful, sensual way to explore more pleasure when masturbating alone or having sex with a partner.

• Start on the lowest setting. Try different intensity levels on your palm to get to know your toy. You can also trace it over nipples, labia, or even the frenulum on a penis.

• Dab lube on your clitoris and labia. Water-based lubricant helps the toy glide smoothly over your skin and can feel more sensual than playing dry.

• Switch positions. Kneeling over your toy will feel different to lying on your back, for example, so try different positions. For partner play, try Reverse Cowgirl. It puts you in control and leaves plenty of room for toys.

• Keep your toy clean. Your rose toy will look pretty and stay in great condition for a long time if you care for it properly. Wash it with unscented soap and warm water and leave it to dry thoroughly before storage.

• Choose your toy carefully. Always get your toys from a trusted retailer that does thorough compliance testing and uses body safe, quality materials.

A rose toy is a sex toy that uses air pulses rather than vibration to stimulate your erogenous zones. We call this type of toy “clitoral suction” because the fluttery, wave-like sensations feel a whole lot like oral sex. You can get clitoral suction toys in all shapes and sizes, but the rose toy is known for looking like a cute rose bud, with soft petals that press against your vulva while you use it.

At first, there was only the classic bud-shaped rose toy with a clitoral suction head. Now you can get rose toys with a little extra, like the Rose Glow, which has an internal love egg that vibrates your G-spot while the rose works on your clit. Oh, and let’s not forget the Licking Rose, which ditches clitoral suction in favour of flicking tongue!

Most clitoral suction toys don’t actually ‘suck’. Instead, they use a tiny pulsing motor to stimulate the clitoris without touching it directly. Our rose toys use the same Pleasure Air Technology found in premium Womanizer toys, which sends rhythmic air pulses to the clitoral tip, increasing blood flow and gradually building towards your climax.

Clitoral pleasure is often the key to satisfying people with a vulva. As our sex and relationships expert Annabelle Knight explains: “The clitoris is a network of nerve endings designed entirely for pleasure. There’s an external nub, which is easy to stimulate externally. And then there’s an internal part as well.”

Clitoral suction toys target the external nub of the clitoris, teasing this ultra-sensitive spot without the intensity of vibrations. Some people prefer the sensation to a traditional vibrator, as you don’t get that buzzy ‘numb’ feeling. You can add a slick of lube to your rose to make the silicone petals mimic the feeling of lips on the vulva.

Small, sculptural, and surprisingly powerful, rose toys are designed to tease your body into pleasure without rushing. Here’s how to explore what feels good with your toy, find the right pressure and angle, and enjoy more focused, consistent stimulation.

Try before you play

Before you dive in, take a moment to get to know your new friend. Turn your rose toy on and cycle through the intensity levels so you know what to expect – these little toys can be surprisingly powerful. Trying out sensations on your palm or inner arm first can help get used to the intensity before you touch more sensitive erogenous zones!

We recommend starting on the lowest setting, especially if you’re new to clitoral stimulators or suction-style toys, and let your body warm up gradually. A slow build can lead to more intense orgasms.

A little lube goes a long way

Playtime with your rose isn’t complete without a slick of water-based lubricant. Even if you’re already turned on, a few drops can upgrade the whole experience; lube helps your toy to glide effortlessly over your skin and can help every sensation feel more sensual.

Dab lube straight onto the toy, or onto your clitoris and labia. If you’re using a silicone toy (like the Lovehoney Rose), always stick to water-based lube to protect your toy from getting damaged over time.

Get into position

Lying back with your knees open and bent can help you relax into the sensations, while sitting upright or lying on your side offers a little more control if the intensity builds quickly. Try both and see which you prefer.

There’s no ‘right’ way to position a rose toy – it’s all about what feels good for you. Some people love placing it directly over the clitoris, while others prefer hovering it just above, or angling it so it stimulates the inner labia too.

Choose your intensity level

If your clitoris is very sensitive, allow the clitoral hood – or even your underwear – to create a gentle barrier between you and the suction as you get used to the sensation. Otherwise, you can try pressing two fingers either side of your clitoris to push back the skin and leave yourself more exposed to the suction sensation.

Double up

Want more? Pair your rose toy with your hands, or another toy. While the rose focuses on external pleasure, you can add internal stimulation with fingers or a dildo for a blended orgasm. (PSA: blended orgasms come from stimulating your clitoris and G‑spot at the same time, creating more intense sensations.)

Take it on a trip

Have toy, will travel. Rose toys are compact, and power up with a magnetic USB charger, making them ideal for solo play on the go. If you’re on a weekend away or grabbing a few saucy minutes alone, a travel-friendly toy makes it easy to enjoy pleasure anywhere.

Try it in the bath

If your rose toy is waterproof, try it out in the bath or shower. Warm water helps to relax your body, gently increases blood flow, and can heighten sensitivity – making every touch feel even better.

Solo play should feel playful and indulgent – and knowing how to masturbate with a rose toy lets you tease yourself silly whenever you feel like it.

“Many women don’t reach orgasm through penetration alone,” says Annabelle. “Targeting the G-spot through penetration while also stimulating the clitoris is much more likely to take you all the way to climax.” It can feel incredible to use a rose toy while having sex with your partner.

While your internal hotspots get stimulated by their hands or a penis, your rose toy will make sure the clitoris is included too. You might even find that letting your partner tease you with a toy makes pleasure feel more fun – and takes the pressure off them to ‘perform’.

Anticipation

“Another way to intensify your orgasm is to look forward to your sexual experience,” says Annabelle. When you anticipate something and then get it, this triggers your brain’s reward system, which might make sex feel even more satisfying.

So, think of the rose as a little secret between you two; something to explore together, rather than brought in to replace anyone or anything. Tease the idea outside the bedroom first; maybe asking “Would you enjoy watching me come using a toy?” If they're into the idea, let your partner hold the rose or guide their hand over your body – passing the toy back and forth can build anticipation and intimacy.

Erogenous zones

If you’ve never used sex toys with a partner before, it can be a sexy, cheeky way to explore your erogenous zones together and discover new sensations. The rose toy is cute and easy to use, so it feels totally unintimidating for beginners.

Glide it over nipples, inner thighs, the labia – or the head of the penis and frenulum. Using it this way during foreplay or alongside sex keeps the tension sizzling, can tease out more satisfying climaxes – and might even inspire some new favourite moves.

Sex positions

The rose toy is nice and compact, which means it’s pretty easy to incorporate into sex. That said, you do need a bit of room between your bodies, so try a position like Doggy Style or Reverse Cowgirl, where you’re facing away from each other. Spooning can be pure bliss, too; skin-on-skin closeness, whispering to each other while the toy does the work.

Regularly cleaning your rose toy will prevent bacteria and dust from building up, keeping your toy looking and feeling brand new. “I’d recommend cleaning your rose toy right away after every use with a mild soap or sex toy cleaner,” says Annabelle. Do it sooner rather than later, as it’ll be much easier to rinse off any fluids before they dry and harden into the petals of your rose.

“If your toy is waterproof and has a removable clitoral suction head, you're in luck because it's really easy to remove the head and rinse it thoroughly under warm water,” Annabelle continues. “Otherwise, you can use sex toy cleaner on a cotton bud or clean cloth to get into tricky spots.”

When your toy is completely dry, store it carefully. Annabelle adds: “To avoid unexpected chemical reactions, discolouration, or scratches, always keep your toys in separate bags or boxes, and keep them away from direct sunlight.”

A little care goes a long way, keeping your toy soft, pretty, and ready for play whenever the mood strikes. Find out how to care for different toys in our handy guide: How to Clean Sex Toys

Rose toys are just one type of clitoral suction toy, albeit one of the most popular. To help you compare, we’ve picked a selection of the best clitoral stimulators based on hundreds of reviews by Lovehoney testers and real customers. Which one do you fancy taking for a spin?

You can get rose toys from all over the internet; just be sure the one you choose is from a trusted retailer. “All Lovehoney toys are carefully tested in our lab to ensure they're perfectly safe to use, and the rose is no exception,” says Annabelle. “The Lovehoney Rose is made from body-safe silicone, which is one of the softest and most hygienic sex toy materials out there.”

When choosing your rose, keep these tips in mind:

• Consider design and ergonomics: Some people prefer a longer handle or a different shape for easier positioning – the rose isn’t quite as ergonomic as some Womanizer toys, for example.

• Know how you like to be touched: If you’re into fingering or other kinds of penetration, some rose toys can with attached love eggs or a flexible arm to stimulate your G-spot.

• Look out for expert-backed brands: Do any experts endorse the brand? Trusted toy retailers are backed by genuine sex therapists, sex educators, and sexual health experts. You’ll probably see their products widely reviewed in online articles too.

• Choose body-safe materials: Your chosen toy retailer should be able to tell you exactly what your toy is made of and how to care for it. For a rose toy, silicone is the best option, because it’s gentle on your skin and easy to clean.

• Check the customer reviews: Positive ratings are always a good sign, but it’s the detail that matters. Look out for thoughtful reviews that cover different pros and cons about the toy, as they’ll help you visualise whether its features are going to work for you.