Jewelyn Butron
If you're an adult in 2019, you could probably use a massage. Between work, bills, and—ugh—the news, life is stressful.
"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, oh yeah, aroused.
To take your massage to the next level, 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. Beider then suggests adding various aromatherapy essential oils—like lavender, rosemary, and ginger—to your carrier oils, depending on the sensation desired. Not sure which oil is best for you? Don't stress (this is supposed to be relaxing, after all), these are the best massage oils you and your partner can use during a sensual massage.
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1 100% Virgin Coconut Body Oil
Shea Moisture amazon.com
$9.95
Beider’s favorite oil is coconut oil, and for good reason. It's hypoallergenic, unscented, and all kinds of incredible on the skin. As an added bonus, coconut oil (in its purest form) can also be used as lube!
2 Sweet Almond Oil
Kate Blanc Cosmetics amazon.com
$19.99
$11.99 (40% off)
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.
3 100% Pure Jojoba Oil
HobaCare amazon.com
$16.87
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 and scalp oil to add shine and hydration (score!).
4 Peppermint Essential Oil
Majestic Pure amazon.com
$11.95
Pro tip: Essential oils **cannot** be used alone. Instead, add a few drops to a carrier oil for their full effect (see previous oil). Avoid getting these oils in your eyes, mouth, or open wounds, and def wash your hands before doing anything sexual.
Otherwise, peppermint oil relieves anxiety and eases pain, so add a few drops to your carrier oil of choice for an even more soothing massage. It offers a wonderful cooling sensation—great for hot summer sensual nights.
5 Spearmint Essential Oil
Cliganic amazon.com
$7.95
If peppermint oil is too strong for you, either in cooling power or scent, then spearmint oil may be your best bet. It also relieves pain, so mix it with your favorite carrier oil for a sensual night of massage.
6 Eucalyptus Essential Oil
NOW Foods amazon.com
$10.97
Perfect for pain relief and opening your sinuses and pores, eucalyptus oil smells and feels incredible. This essential oil is best mixed with jojoba oil, but can also be used in a diffuser to make your bedroom smell beautifully relaxing.
7 Rosemary Essential Oil
ArtNaturals amazon.com
$14.95
Another one for relieving sore muscles, rosemary oil smells woodsy, almost like pine. Add a few drops to your carrier oil whenever you’re craving a more masculine scent.
8 Lavender Essential Oil
Aura Cacia amazon.com
$37.15
$28.05 (24% off)
If you’ve ever had trouble sleeping, somebody has probably told you to try lavender oil. Add it to any carrier oil if you want to follow up your sensual massage with a sweet night of sleep.
9 Chamomile Essential Oil
Hana amazon.com
$14.99
As calming as the tea, add this oil to your night of massage for added coziness. With a grassy, warm scent, chamomile oil relieves tension and helps balance emotions.
10 Ginger Essential Oil
Gya Labs amazon.com
$9.99
If you crave warmth, Beider recommends ginger oil because it heats up through skin to skin contact on cold nights. Plus, this oil offers a spicy scent and is said to have sensual undertones.
11 Rub Me Massage Bar
Pleasure Works babeland.com
$7.50
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~.
12 Flickering Touch Massage Candle
LELO amazon.com
$35.00
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.
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