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The 11 Best Massage Oils to Help Set the Mood
Take date night to new heights with these relaxing, expert-loved favorites
There are a number of thoughtful Valentine's beauty gifts to surprise a partner with on the 14th. Still, unboxing one of the best massage oils makes it easy to give your beau a cheeky preview of the ultimate destination of your holiday date night. We're all in on a heart-shaped box of chocolates or a stunning bouquet, but these expert-loved body oils can quickly take your date night to the next level.
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"Sex starts with the mood, and touch is a huge part of feeling connected and close," Maude founder and creative director Éva Goicochea tells Bazaar. "In fact, studies have found that it raises oxytocin levels and in turn, is helpful to overall health and bonding." She notes that along with the scalp and different sections of the torso and legs, the brain is one of the largest erogenous zones in the body.
As the brain helps move the needle when it comes to arousal, mood-setting, fragrance, and other sensory experiences are major factors in how we view intimacy. "Get creative!," adds Vivi Garcia-Tunon, senior vice president of development and operations at The Well in New York City. "Set up a small relaxation area with snacks and a drink of choice to inspire togetherness, love, and affection. As a bonus, use some of author and psychotherapist Esther Perel's couples cards featuring sensual prompts to further deepen your connection." Another pro-tip? Professionals advise not eating too much or too heavily before a massage.
For the perfect Valentine's nightcap, we've rounded up some of the best massage oils editors and experts agree are worth the buy, with bonus points for their supreme hydration benefits.
Pros
- Hydrating
- Formula quickly absorbs into skin
Cons
- May not be ideal for those who prefer fragrance-free oils
This playful favorite from Goop starts as jelly and later transforms into oil once it's massaged into the skin. Along with a mood-boosting functional fragrance blend of bergamot, clove, and ginger notes, the squalane-infused oil also contains a blend of aphrodisiacs saffron and goji seed oil.
One satisfied customer writes: "I love this oil. It’s clean. It smells amazing. It feels super soft and luxurious. Worth it!" —Kalyani
Pros
- Doubles as an intimacy oil
- Deeply hydrating
Cons
- May not be ideal for those looking for a traditional massage oil
Bazaar editors are big fans of just about all of Kate McLeod's moisturizing body stones, including this bedroom-approved version that doubles as a massage bar and intimacy oil. The stone seamlessly glides over skin as it warms with your or your partner's body heat.
Pros
- Great for vanilla lovers
- Can also be used on the ends of the hair
Cons
- Over $200
Chanel's gourmand L’Huile Vanille Body Massage Oil uses a blend of vanilla planifolia and helianthus annuus flower oil to keep skin soft. Plus, the oil features notes of vanilla, sweet musk, lily of the valley, and more.
SheaMoisture Lavender & Wild Orchid Calming Bath, Body, & Massage Oil
Pros
- Nongreasy
Cons
- Some reviewers say its scent isn't powerful enough
Few things are more calming than the scent of lavender during a massage, and this budget-friendly oil has it in spades. It's also infused with wild orchid extract, shea butter, and other moisture-rich oils to leave skin glowy and hydrated.
One satisfied customer writes: "Love this scent and love that it's made with natural ingredients." —MP
Le Labo Santal 33 Massage and Bath Perfuming Oil
Pros
- Features moisturizing vitamin E and jojoba oil
- Great for baths
Cons
- May not be ideal for those who prefer fragrance-free oils
We consider Santal 33 one of the sexiest scents ever, so it's no surprise that it's also available as a massage oil. Its intoxicating blend of cardamom, iris, violet, and chypre notes can instantly elevate your next at-home partner's massage.
"For years leading up to launching Oil No. 0, our company had been asked to create a line of body care products. When we finally decided to launch these offerings, we wanted essentials that both complemented our existing collection and were for either self- and partner-use," Goicochea says of Maude's versatile bath and body collection.
"In developing this oil, we considered things like its texture, fragrance, and overall ingredients. Its extracted oils are cold-pressed, featuring vitamins B and E along with omegas-6 and 9. All Maude body care products have dual-functionality, and this one is intended for use as an intimate massage oil in addition to a full-body moisturizer."
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- May not be ideal for those who
You might feel like you've been transported to the spa after using a few pumps of this silky floral and citrus-noted oil from L'Occitane. Plus, its non-greasy formula is lightweight enough to allow you to perfect your muscle-loosening expertise.
One satisfied customer writes: "I used this to massage my husband's back tonight. It smells so relaxing that I lost track of time. I ended up using it all over my arms just before bed. I am going to sleep like a baby tonight!" —Julia
Here's a warming oil that creates a satisfying tingling effect from head to toe, thanks to the inclusion of edible sweet almond oil. Plus, a little goes a long way when it comes to massaging yourself or a partner. "One to two pumps should be adequate," Kimberley Holmes-Cardona, lead massage therapist at Chillhouse, says of how much oil to use for each body part during a massage. "Any more might make things too slippery. But don't be afraid to grab a little more if you feel stuck or dry."
Kiki De Montparnasse Lotus No. 9 Large Massage Oil Candle
Pros
- Candle melts at just above body temperature
- Features spout for easy pouring
Cons
- May not be ideal for those looking for a traditional massage oil
If you've always wanted to re-enact that famous scene from Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca" video, using this candle from Kiki De Montparnasse is the answer. After lighting it to set the mood, its wax can be poured and massaged over your partner's body (and never gets too hot).
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Doesn't include pump like other massage oils
The name of this woody yet citrus-scented massage oil from Aesop perfectly describes how you'll likely leave your partner after using it on their neck, back, and shoulders. It has a medium-weight formula that's lightweight enough to absorb quickly, and thick enough for your beau to reap the benefits of a quality shoulder rub.
This antioxidant- and essential oil-rich oil from Flamingo Estate is called Euphoria for a reason. "From its dreamy consistency as it melts into your skin, to its smell, it's now my favorite body oil," one satisfied customer writes of the plant-based favorite. And when you're not playing masseuse, add the brand's corresponding lotion on top of the oil to really lock in moisture for dry skin.
Meet the experts
- Éva Goicochea is the founder and creative director of Maude.
- Vivi Garcia-Tunon is the senior vice president of development and operations at The Well in New York City.
- Kimberley Holmes-Cardona is the lead massage therapist at Chillhouse in New York City.
What are some key components to consider when selecting a massage oil or candle?
Ultimately, the best conductor for a great body massage comes down to your preference in moisturizer, as well as the products you're most comfortable using on yourself or someone else.
"We recommend using high-quality ingredients that are easily absorbed by the skin, like jojoba and almond oil. If available, add a few drops of orange blossom essential oil and jasmine for extra hydration and relaxation," senior vice president development and operations at The Well Vivi Garcia-Tunon says. "If using a massage candle, ensure your partner likes warm products applied to the skin, and try a bit of product on your hand before using it on them. I would avoid any candles with petroleum-based ingredients in favor of natural beeswax or soy wax."
Aside from a series of karate chops, what are some easy massage techniques to use with body oils?
According to Holmes-Cardona, whether your partner is sitting or standing, starting with an open palm is key. "Leaning firmly into a stroke, go from the lower- or mid-back, up to the shoulders. Next, glide out from the neck and back," she explains of the tension relieving process. "Go up toward the neck at the base of the skull, then down the back again. You can do this one side at a time, or both sides at once." Holmes-Cardona also notes that moving slowly and using applied pressure can help make your hard work that much more enjoyable.
How can one best set the mood for a massage?
To prepare your space ahead of a massage, professionals advise keeping its temperature no warmer than 78 degrees Farenheit, turning off all electric lights, and lighting candles instead. As for the right soundtrack? Opt for a calming instrumental playlist to quiet the mind (Maude also has a few great options to choose from here).
An expert-approved romantic roll-out goes like this: Let your partner know your plans for the evening to help build anticipation. Later, kick off the experience by drawing them an aromatic bath, and massaging their scalp while in the tub. While they're soaking, verbally walk your partner through the step-by-step process of what they'll experience during their special treatment. It's also helpful to consider what other body parts you can use—other than your hands—to massage your partner with.
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