Massage Candles

How to use a massage candle

Light the candle and let it burn for 10 to 15 minutes until a pool of melted wax forms. Blow it out, wait a moment and test the temperature on the inside of your wrist. Then pour a little onto your hands or directly onto your partner's back from a low height and massage it in. The oil stays warm for a few minutes and leaves skin soft and scented.

Massage candles vs drip candles

Massage candles are designed to melt at a low temperature into oil for massage. Japanese drip candles are made for wax play: they drip hotter, harden on the skin and are used for sensation play rather than massage. Never use an ordinary household candle on skin, as paraffin wax burns at much higher temperatures.

Pairing scent with mood

Floral scents like rose and jasmine feel romantic and soft, ylang ylang and lavender are calming and sensual, while sandalwood and grapefruit feel warm and energising. Edible candles bring a sweet, playful note and let you move from massage to kissing without stopping.

Making it part of your ritual

Many couples light the same candle every time they want a slow, connected evening, so the scent becomes a signal that it's time to switch off. Add a blindfold, a feather tickler or an erotic game for variety.

Safety first

Never leave a burning candle unattended, keep it away from fabrics and always test the temperature first. Don't pour oil onto the face or genitals, and keep oils away from latex condoms.

What massage candles are made from

Massage candles blend natural waxes such as soy and shea butter with oils like coconut, almond and jojoba, and skin-conditioning ingredients like vitamin E. These melt at a far lower temperature than paraffin, producing a warm oil rather than hot wax. Hemp seed candles add moisturising seed oil, while edible candles use flavourings that are safe to taste.

A simple candle massage routine

Start with your partner lying face down. Pour a small amount of oil along the spine and use long, gliding strokes from the lower back up to the shoulders. Work in slow circles over the shoulder blades, then pour a little more oil onto the backs of the legs and massage upwards towards the heart. Finish with light fingertip strokes to give goosebumps. Ask your partner to roll over, and repeat on the chest, arms and thighs.

Storing your candle

Keep the lid on between uses to protect the scent, and store the candle somewhere cool and away from direct sunlight. Trim the wick if the flame becomes too tall, and stop using it once only a thin layer of wax remains at the bottom.