Have you heard of massage candles? Gaining in popularity, massage candles take the ambiance of a candle – and mix it with the sensuality of an extra-warm massage.
Essentially, massage candles look like a standard candle – but they have a lovely secret. When the wax of a “massage” candle burns down, it melts into massage oil. Since the fire has been creating it this whole time, the massage oil is warm, and this warm, sensual massage oil can easily be drizzled onto the skin and used for a massage.
Now that you know what a massage candle is, let’s talk about how to use massage candles:
How to Use Massage Candles?
If you’ve never used a massage candle before, you’re in for a treat. Essentially, think of a massage candle like it’s solidified massage oil. To “get at” that massage oil, you need to warm it up first so it turns into its liquified state again.
It’s important to realize that a massage candle is VERY different from a standard candle you burn for decoration or scents. Massage oil candles burn turn at temperatures that are safe for the skin – and are made from ingredients that are safe for the skin. Do NOT attempt to use random candles for massage oil purposes to learn how to use massage candles. You’ll be very, very sad (and likely burned).
So, if you’re wondering how to use massage candles, here’s how:
- Put the candle on a safe, sturdy surface. It’s going to be lit on fire, so make sure that the surface is safe for flame and away from anything that will catch on fire.
- Trim the wick to 1/4th of an inch – or whatever wick length the massage candle manufacturer recommends for you.
- Set the candle wick on fire using the fire-producing methods you prefer. Stick lighters have always been my candle burning tool of choice.
- Wait 15-25 minutes. It will depend on the size of your candle, how chilled the wax was, and other factors. Essentially, you’re looking for a small puddle of wax to have accumulated in the bottom of the candle. Since this IS a candle designed for sensual enjoyment, I recommend letting this burn while enjoying other forms of foreplay – or a gentle massage without massage oil.
- When you have a nice puddle of wax accumulated in the bottom of the candle, take the candle to where the two of you are playing. Ensure that any location you’ve chosen can take oil getting on it – or put down protective blankets and towels. Oil CAN stain fabrics (though that doesn’t necessarily mean it will), so protect things like it might.
- When you’re ready to apply the massage candle wax to your partner’s skin, blow out the fire. Wait about 20 seconds.
- Then pour the candle wax onto your partner’s skin from 8″ to 12″ away from the skin. Do not wait too long or the wax will begin to solidify again – but don’t jump the gun because it might be too hot. If you’re concerned, consider placing your palm, face-up, a few inches above your partner’s skin, then pouring the candle into your own palm with the same distance and time waited. This will let you judge how the pouring of the wax feels – temperature-wise – before directly going onto your partner’s skin.
- Start rubbing the massage candle oil into your partner’s skin. If you’re using the Honey Play Box candle, you’re likely getting some serious scents right about now (like we were). The melted massage oil will feel exactly like a super-warm massage oil with a slightly thicker consistency. Go ahead and start in on that massage, rubbing the massage oil into your partner’s skin while your hands glide over their body.
- If you’re planning on needing more massage oil, take a break from your massage, and use one hand to relight the candle on a sturdy surface to let it start forming another round of massage oil. (To stay present in the massage, if possible, I’d recommend keeping one hand at least touching your partner’s skin)
- When you want/need more massage oil, blow out the candle and repeat the process once the candle has accumulated another puddle of massage oil. Since the candle is already warm, it should take much less time for this second time around (and for subsequent times). Probably less than ten minutes.
- Once your partner is used to the sensation of the candle wax for massage and you’re used to how it gets poured, you can experiment with the height – and time waited after blowing out the wick – to find the ideal temperature for the two of you. Pouring it closer to the skin will result in a hotter sensation. Waiting less time after the wick is blown out will als make the wax warmer.
- When you’re done, ensure the massage candle is blown out and clean up accordingly. That’s it!
Safety Cautions with Massage Candles
Honestly, learning how to use massage candles is relatively safe (especially when you start comparing it to other kink activities or even athletic sex positions), but there are still some things you should be aware of:
- A massage candle is still a candle. Take proper fire precautions.
- Unless you really, really, really know what you’re doing and are familiar with the brand of massage candle you’re using, you shouldn’t pour the massage candle’s oil onto your partner’s skin while the candle is still lit. This puts the person’s skin at much higher risk for burns.
- And yes, you can burn someone with the massage oil wax if you aren’t careful.
- Do NOT leave the candle burning like a decorative candle. Keep a close eye on it. This isn’t as much of a safety issue as it is a functionality issue. If you let the candle burn down, you’ll “lose” a lot of the massage oil – and massage oil candles can be expensive to just burn like standard tealights!
- Massage candle oil is still oil. Oils can stain some fabrics. Protect your playing surfaces – or clothes – accordingly.
- Massage candles have a lower burning point than many decorative, scented candles. This means they can melt in a hot closet – or hot car. Take care to keep them at room temperature and away from direct sunlight – or prepare to clean up melted wax.
- Do NOT use massage candle wax as lube for intercourse. I know it can be tempting, but nope. There’s a lot of stuff that really shouldn’t go in the vagina or butt – especially fragrance ingredients. Instead, keep a water-based lube nearby, and if the massage candle oil has somehow gotten onto genitals, do a quick soap and water bath before trying to have intercourse.
