The 5 Best Massage Oils For Having Your Most Sensual Night In
Hate to remind you, but life is indeed stressful. Between work, bills, and—ugh—the news, it’s no wonder your body ends up feeling like one big, achy knot. Just guessing, but that probably doesn't make you feel your sexiest. That's where massage oils come in.
Not only is massage itself a solution for soothing sore muscles (duh), but it's also clutch for boosting intimacy, strengthening your relationship, and sparking some sexy time.
There are tons of studies out there linking touch and intimacy, but the biggest takeaway from all of them is that "the language of touch is universal," says Rachel Wright, MA, LMFT, a marriage counselor, licensed psychotherapist, and cofounder of the Wright Wellness Center. When your partner (versus, say, a stranger at a crowded concert) touches you, they’re communicating and showing that they care and love you. Massage is like the next level of that. “It is something that you need to be comfortable receiving, so it's inherently communicating intimacy,” Wright explains.
That's the emo side. Physically speaking, "massage relaxes the body by bringing awareness, circulation, and pain relief to different areas," says Rachel Beider, licensed massage therapist and owner of Massage Outpost in Brooklyn. "You might be holding tension and not even knowing it—massage helps focus awareness on each body part." And because everyday stress and anxiety can be an unwelcome distraction during sex, allowing your partner to relieve tension during foreplay helps you feel comfortable and actually aroused.
To take your massage even further, Beider recommends using massage oils, such as coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil. These three popular massage oils are called "carrier oils" because they are unscented and work to lubricate the skin. She then suggests adding various aromatherapy essential oils—like lavender, rosemary, and ginger—to your carrier oils, depending on the sensation desired.
Not digging the DIY? Don’t stress (this is supposed to be relaxing, after all). The carrier oils can be used solo, and there are plenty of products on the market that come ready-to-use. Added bonus: Some of the liquids can also be used as lube, making the transition from massage to sex even more seamless.
Ready to shop? These are the best massage oils for you and your partner—so slick!
Virgin Coconut Body Oil
Beider’s favorite oil is coconut oil, and for good reason. It's hypoallergenic, unscented, and all kinds of incredible (read: soft and moisturizing) on the skin. As an added bonus, coconut oil (in its purest form) can also be used as lube!
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil absorbs quickly into the skin, so it won't leave a residue when you’re ready to move on to sexual play. You probs already know this, but, uh, avoid this oil if you or your partner are allergic to nuts.
Pure Jojoba Oil
One of the oldest massage carrier oils, jojoba oil gives the body a slick lubrication that will leave your skin glowing. Jojoba oil can also double as a hair oil to add shine and hydration, so ask bae for a scalp massage, too (score!).
Rub Me Massage Bar
If massage oils are too liquidy for you (fair), try this massage bar. Rub the shea and cocoa butter bar along your partner’s back before slowly digging into their tension. Available in multiple scents, this massage bar also comes unscented if aromatherapy isn’t your ~thing~.
Flickering Touch Massage Candle
Get fancy with this candle that doubles as heated massage oil. Light the candle to set the mood, and then, when you’re ready for massage, blow the candle out. Let it cool for a minute before gently pouring the warmed liquid onto your partner’s back and begin massaging. A mixture of shea butter and apricot kernel oil, this lightly scented candle will take your night to the next level.
