Best Massage Candles for Ambiance

Unlike a decor candle, a massage candle is made from skin-safe oils and butters, often soy and coconut, that melt at a low temperature. After about fifteen minutes there is a pool of warm oil you can pour into your hand or straight onto skin. Kama Sutra's Ignite is the most-reviewed option and a large 6 oz jar. A multi-candle set lets you try several scents.

• Look for soy, coconut, or shea in the ingredients.
• Avoid regular paraffin decor candles on skin.
• A larger jar lasts many evenings.

Kama Sutra

Ignite Massage Candle (Island Passion Berry, 6 oz)

$19.99

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Luxmasa

Massage Oil Candles Set

$21.99

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Warm scents such as vanilla and amber are the easiest to share, and floral scents such as rose feel classically romantic. Drip Co's smoky vanilla is soft and cozy. Shunga's rose mini candle is a low-cost way to try a floral scent or test whether you like massage candles at all. Whatever you pick, skip other scented candles that night.

• Vanilla and amber are the safest shared choices.
• Try a mini size before committing to a large jar.
• Use only one scent source in the room.

Drip Co

Massage Candle (Smokey Vanilla, 4 oz)

$12.99

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Shunga

Aphrodisia Mini Massage Candle (Rose Petals, 1 oz)

$10.43

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Always blow the candle out before pouring, and test a drop on your inner wrist first. Lay a towel down, because oil can mark bedding. If you would rather skip the flame entirely, an electric oil warmer keeps any massage oil at the same comfortable temperature. Remember that oil is not compatible with latex condoms.

• Blow out the flame before you pour.
• Test a drop on your wrist every time.
• Keep candles on a stable surface away from fabric.

AOWOSA

Massage Oil Warmer

$39.99

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American Soft Linen

Turkish Cotton Towel Set (6 Piece)

$39.99

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Flameless candles around the room give the same warm glow without more open flames to watch, and low music fills the quiet. That way the massage candle stays the centerpiece and you can focus on each other.

• Use flameless candles for the rest of the room.
• Keep music low and without lyrics.
• Turn off the overhead light.

Vinkor

Flameless Real-Wax Pillar Candles with Remote

$23.99

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Ultimate Ears

WONDERBOOM 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

$79.99

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Light the candle about fifteen minutes before you want to use it so a pool of oil forms. Blow it out, wait a moment, and test a drop on your wrist. Pour a small amount into your palm, rub your hands together, and start with long, slow strokes on the back and shoulders. Relight between uses if you need more oil.

• Light it 15 minutes ahead.
• Pour into your hand first, not directly onto skin, until you know the temperature.
• Start slowly and ask what feels good.