Whether you’re on the receiving end, or giving your partner an at-home massage, the right environment and a quality oil can take the experience from ineffective and boring to supremely blissful and pain relieving. To make your space feel more spa-like, place a heating pad under your sheet, says Stephanie Ivonne, a licensed esthetician. You can also add candles and a little background music, like nature sounds, for a full mind and body escape. Then, warm up your hands and lather them up with a great massage oil. The best contain essential oils and scents to help you relax, as well as nourishing ingredients like jojoba and vitamin E to soften and smooth skin. Here, top choices, according to massage therapists and skincare experts.
