No, it’s not a duet between Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. We’re giving the details on a sexnique that doesn’t get proper recognition… but gives orgasmic sensation. Shallowing is going to be one of the top trends of the year and once you read more, you’ll know why.

What is it?

Shallow penetration. That’s it. It’s easy to explain but the results are ah-mazing. This sexnique is when someone or something enters just inside the vagina (about an inch). What you use can be anything: penis, finger, toy, or tongue. This is perfect for any situation, if you’re in a relationship or not. 

It makes for an unforgettable sensation because 90% of the nerve endings in the vagina are at its opening, making it extremely sensitive. In fact, almost 84% of women orgasm more often or increase pleasure through shallowing. 

While it is fun for the person experiencing the shallowing, the anticipation is one thing you and a partner can enjoy. Let’s get into how you can enjoy this ethereal experience.

How to do it?

The most important thing to keep in mind is its versatility. Want to try it with a partner with a penis? Great. What about a partner without a penis? Also works. What if you want to fly solo? Yes, please!

With a partner

This is the most important tip (because it really is about just the tips) we have: GO SLOW. Let the anticipation build. Women need time to warm up before going in an all out sprint. Plus, men will enjoy this because they have more nerve endings in the tip of their penis.

Shallowing can be done in most positions with just your partner or you can add a toy. We recommend missionary or doggie style. Add some foreplay into the fun. Rub the penis, toy, or fingers on the clitoris and then travel down to the vulva before attempting shallowing (that’s what we call a hot tip). 

Solo

You can enjoy shallowing whether you’re with your partner or alone. Your options are limited to using a toy or finger, but everything else is the same. Go slow and gentle and explore to edge up to climax. 

Recommended Toys

We love that this sexnique can be used multiple ways, but we would be remiss to not mention our favorite toys. Build your toy chest with these shallowing essentials.

Adventurer Curve

This g-spot toy with a curved shape makes it easy to hold and find the right angle. Use the insertable portion for seven speeds and pulsing patterns. Or you can remove the hood for five pulsing speeds. You have the option to use clitoral stimulation if you like or just enjoy the tantalizing temptation of shallowing.

Hard to Handle

Another toy that gives you plenty of options. The flexible curve is designed to hit the right spots. Use dual stimulation on your clitoris and vagina or fit both inside for a fuller feeling. Plus, the handle makes it easy for you to keep a grip on the toy while you lose your grip on the world.

Just the Way I Lilac It

We love a silky soft toy and this takes that feeling to the next level. Just The Way I Lilac It combines double the amount of silicone as traditional toys and an angled design that gives rumbly vibrations through your hotspots. 

Butterfly Effect

The perfect toy for shallowing, Butterfly Effect is textured to tease and please the vaginal opening. You can use the remote by yourself or hand it to someone else to let desire take flight with twelve different vibrating speeds and pulsing patterns.

Use shallowing as a form of foreplay or make it the end goal. We hope you’ll broaden your horizons and enjoy the new sensations you discover along the way.

Tori Tromblay

Tori Tromblay

Special Projects Producer
Tori Tromblay (she/her/hers) is a book enthuisiast, cat lover, and Cincinnati native. She graduated from Ohio University with a degree in journalism. After traveling to New York, D.C., London, and Tulsa, she settled back home, where she lives with her husband and two cats. She has worked for Pure Romance for two years and loves to learn and teach about sex education.