Whether you’re in a committed relationship or you’ve just caught that special someone’s eye, setting the perfect mood can be key to romance. Apart from a flattering outfit, perfume or aftershave is one of the main ways we try to appeal to others. Scent acts on the brain’s limbic system, making it a powerful way to directly activate emotions and memory, so it can play a big role in attraction.
Aromatherapy using essential oils focuses on the mental and physical benefits of scent, and so it can be a powerful tool when we want to set a romantic mood. Here are some great ways you can use aromatherapy to prep for the perfect romantic evening.
Romantic Bath
Before you can set the mood for someone else, you have to feel good about yourself. An indulgent soak is a great way to unwind and get ready for a night of romance and passion. Sandalwood essential oil makes for a luxurious experience which will get you in the mood for romance. Try a sandalwood face mask with your bath to exfoliate the skin and leave you with a beautiful, attractive glow.
Romantic massage
Apart from smell, sight, touch, sound, and taste all contribute to our mood and how sexy we feel. Combining multiple senses can be a great way to set a romantic mood. Create a visually peaceful space, light some candles, play soft music and try offering your partner an aromatherapy massage. Add a couple drops of ylang ylang essential oil to your massage oil to heighten romance.
The exotic scent of ylang ylang has long been used as an aphrodisiac. Ylang ylang is a powerful scent, so just a couple of drops will raise your sexual energy and get you in the mood for love. Of course, everyone responds differently to scents, so check with your partner before getting started. Jasmine is another scent reknowned for its aphrodisiac properties.
Essential Oil Candles
Visuals are an important element to setting a mood, and lighting plays a huge role. Not only do candles evoke romantic images, they cast a beautiful warm glow that will enhance the appearance of your face and body.
Make candles a multisensory experience by adding your favorite essential oil! To add essential oils to a candle, light it, allow it to burn until there is a pool of wax, blow out the candle, add a few drops, then relight the candle. But remember: essential oils are flammable, so don’t try to add them to a burning candle!
Pre-date Anxiety
Before enjoying a night of romance, it’s important to feel relaxed. A glass of wine or two can help, but essential oils are a great option, too. A drop or two of lavenderapplied to the wrists or neck can help to soothe pre-date nerves and set the mood for a perfect romantic night. If you don’t want to spoil the scent of your perfume, you can carry a handkerchief with some lavender in your bag and have a sniff when you head to the bathroom
Raise Energy
Feeling worn out is the opposite of sexy. If you’re feeling tired and you need a pick me up before a romantic evening, citrus scents like orange and bergamot can give you the boost you need. Try spritzing your room with a little bergamot floral water, or add orange oil to your diffuser.
Remember that it’s the little details that make all the difference when it comes to romance. Essential oils can be a great tool, not only with a partner, but also to help us feel youthful, awake, and sexy in our daily lives.