The 10 Best Massage Oils to Help Set the Mood

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Sending a partner a heart-shaped box of Valentine's Day chocolates or stunning bouquet never goes out of style, but we know something that can really take your date night to the next level: Putting one of the best massage oils to good use. And while we're more than confident in your ability to play masseuse, these staples can quickly elevate the entire experience.

"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 a major factors in how we view intimacy. "Get creative!," adds Vivi Garcia-Tunon, senior vice president 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 an extra bonus, use some of author and psychotherapist Esther Perel's couples cards featuring sensual prompts to further deepen your connection." While I'm usually among the first to indulge in a charcuterie board, or delectable assortment of chocolate covered strawberries, our experts advise not eating too much or too heavily before a massage.

For the perfect night cap to your Valentine's date night, 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.

Related: The Best Sex Toys for Solo & Partnered Play, According to Reviews

Oil No. 0

"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."

L’Huile Vanille Body Massage Oil

Chanel's gourmand L’Huile Vanille Body Massage Oil uses a blend of vanilla planifolia and helianthus annuus flower oil to keep skin soft, and features notes of vanilla, sweet musk, lily of the valley, and more.

Large Massage Oil Candle

This is no ordinary candle: Not only is Kiki De Montparnasse's Massage Oil candle available in three different scents, but it also can be poured over the body (it never gets too hot).

Breathless

The name of this top-rated massage oil perfectly describes how you'll likely leave your partner after using it on their neck, back, and shoulders.

Arousal Serum for Women Massage Oil

Your massage might get cut short, thanks to this lickable oil that uses cinnamon bark oil extract to leave a tingly sensation behind anywhere it's applied.

Kaya Jungle Firming Body Oil

We consider Costa Brazil's Kaya Jungle Firming Oil one of our favorites for dry, winter skin, and we're betting your partner will too. And since it brighten and firms in addition to hydrating, consider the staple your skin's secret weapon.

Euphoria Body Oil

This plant-based essential 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 this antioxidant- and essential oil-rich favorite from Flamingo Estate. And when you're not playing masseuse, add the brand's corresponding lotion on top of the oil to really lock in moisture.

Have a Chill Night Body Oil

"One to two pumps should be adequate," Kimberley Holmes-Cardona, lead massage therapist at Chillhouse, notes 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." This nightly option from Chillhouse uses blue tansy, plus sweet almond and calendula oils, to help increase oxygen and blood flow.

Cocon de Sérénité Relaxing Massage Oil

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.

Marvelous Massage & Body Oil

Bazaar editors are super fans of Ellis Brooklyn fragrances, and this woody, French maritime pine bark-scented oil from the brand also happens to include CBD for optimal relaxation.

Meet the Experts

• Éva Goicochea is the founder and creative director of Maude.

• Vivi Garcia-Tunon is the senior vice president 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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