After a long day, few things hit quite like your partner asking, “Want a massage?”

But a sensual massage? That’s a whole different kind of treat. Unlike a regular massage, a sensual one taps into closeness and chemistry, using touch not just to relax muscles but to spark desire.

Slow, intimate, and deliciously teasing, a sensual massage is one of the easiest ways for any partner to ease into intimacy – and let’s be honest, ladies: Isn’t a massage one of our favorite ways to destress and shift our energy from running-the-world to ready-to-be-ravished? If switching out of mom-mode often feels impossible, this kind of touch creates a natural, gentle bridge into something sexier.

With the right vibe, the right touch, and maybe a little lingerie to set the tone, a sensual massage can transform an ordinary night into a “When can we do this again?” moment. 

Ready to warm up those hands and turn up the connection? Let’s get those fingers busy!

Creating the Perfect Atmosphere For A Sensual Massage

Before the hands-on part even begins, the mood you create for a sensual massage is half the magic. The right lighting, sound, temperature, and textures can instantly take the vibe from everyday chaos to an intimate, slow-burning connection. 

Set the space with intention, and we promise you’ll both feel the shift almost immediately.

Here’s how to craft a sensual massage atmosphere that invites relaxation and a little anticipation:

1. Start with a warm soak: Have your partner (or both of you) enjoy a bath or warm shower first – it melts away tension, relaxes the body, and gets the muscles perfectly prepped for some hands-on love.
2. Create a clean backdrop: Clear away clutter to make the room feel fresh, relaxing, and spa-level soothing.
3. Mood lighting: Soft, warm lighting or candles to create a cozy and inviting space (a little shadow = a lot of allure).
4. Curate the vibe: Choose sultry, chill, or slow R&B music; keep the room warm to relax muscles and mind.
5. Sensual tools & essentials: Pick the right massage oil or lotion; for more fun, try an optional add-on like body-safe warm oil candles, soft blankets, or a heated neck wrap.
6. Check in with your partner first: Talk through expectations ahead of time – any no-go zones, what feels good, and whether you’re keeping things to just a massage or open to letting it lead somewhere more intimate.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: Engage all the senses! Soft candlelight, silky textures under your hands, smooth tunes in the background, and even a little chocolate or fruit within reach can make the sensual massage feel indulgent, intimate, and next-level steamy.

How to Give a Sensual Massage (Step-by-Step)

Giving a sensual massage can feel intimidating – maybe you worry about technique, tired hands, or missing the “perfect touch.”

 The secret?

It’s not about being a pro; it’s about leaning into your playful, giving side and diving in to make it all about your partner. Whether you’re giving or receiving, we’ll show you how to turn a simple massage into a slow-build, skin-to-skin experience full of connection, relaxation, sensation, and sparks of desire.

Try these fool-proof steps, and you’ll be giving a sensual massage that feels pro-level while your partner wonders where you learned those moves:

1. Start slow and soft: Choose your position – straddle at the hips or sit by their head, facing their feet. Warm your hands, then smooth on some massage oil or lotion. Begin with long, light gliding strokes to ease your partner into relaxation – think “relax first, tease later.” 
2. Sync your breathing: Matching your pace and breath with your partner’s helps the body unwind and strengthens the connection.
3. Work the hot spots: Focus on the neck and shoulders (tension melters), the lower back (where stress loves to hide), the hips and thighs (super sensitive with slow, medium pressure – no tickles), and even the hands and feet (a surprisingly intimate, grounding, and seriously underrated erogenous zone).
4. Pressure 101: Use light pressure for sensual teasing, medium pressure to release tension, and check in as you go – a simple “Does this feel good?” keeps everything sexy and comfortable. A great way to begin is by pressing downward and outward with both thumbs. (Can you hear the ahhh’s already?)
5. Use your whole body: Hands, forearms, chest, and gentle shifts in body weight add depth to your touch. Slow kisses, little licks, or gentle nibbles between strokes can take the sensual massage from relaxing to absolutely spine-tingling.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: Stay smooth and fluid – any sudden, jerky move can totally throw off the groove (and the mood).

Sensual Massage Tips That Make All the Difference

A sensual massage isn’t just about the strokes you make – it’s about intention, timing, and knowing how to tease the senses in just the right way. These insider tips can help you make every touch feel deliberate, intimate, and undeniably arousing, whether you’re giving or receiving.

Add in a few of these “extras” into your sensual massage to make your partner melt: 

• Less Speed, More Intention: Slow really is sexy. A rushed sensual massage might just feel like a regular rubdown – take your time and let each stroke linger.
• Mix Up Sensations: Alternate between warm hands, cool fingertips, and smooth massage oil. The variety keeps the senses alert and heightens anticipation.
• Build the Anticipation: Tease the edges of the body – inner thighs, the curve of the waist, and the back of the knees – to make every touch feel deliciously electric.
• Know When to Pause: Lingering moments, gentle rests between strokes, or a soft pause at a sensitive spot? Now that’s pure bliss.
• Let Your Partner Fully Relax: Some people need a few minutes for their minds to catch up with their bodies (especially those with responsive desire). Giving space to unwind often unlocks deeper connection, passion, and responsiveness.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: Do it as the pros do –  two hands always on the body, relaxed fingers, no tension. We want your calm touch to transfer pleasure, not stress.

Turning the Sensual Massage Into Foreplay

Ready to make your partner’s toes curl in delight? 

A sensual massage can start out relaxing and then easily shift into something deeply arousing. If you’re hoping a sensual massage leads naturally into more intimate play, the key is to stay present, pay attention to your partner’s subtle cues, and let the moment guide you. With a bit of playful exploration and the right timing, touch can evolve from soothing to temptingly teasing.

Take your touch from relaxing to tantalizing with these simple sensual massage tips:

• Read the cues: Notice soft breathing shifts, little body arches, or light sounds – all signs that your partner is getting more turned on.
• Add a little more skin-to-skin: Get closer, perch at the hips, lean in chest-to-back for a beat, or let your lips trail along the neck to heighten closeness and desire.
• Up the ante with sensation boosters: Introduce massage balls, textured rollers, feathers, or even a vibrator to dial up the sensations. And if you want more toy recommendations, check out our post here for our top picks. For intimate areas, a tingling or warming lube can make touch even more electrifying.
• Let your partner take over (if they want): Sometimes the sensual massage becomes a playful role swap – letting your partner guide some of the touch can unlock even deeper pleasure, for you both.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: Before moving from massage oil to more intimate touches, give those hands a quick wash. Safe, clean hands mean you can keep it sexy, teasing, and worry-free – no pesky infections, just pure fun (particularly for women).

What to Wear for a Sensual Massage (Some Classy Lingerie Perhaps?)

What you wear (or don’t wear) can set the tone for a sensual massage. The right “outfit” helps you feel confident, comfortable, and effortlessly sexy, letting you fully enjoy the experience whether you’re giving or receiving. Think soft fabrics, stretchy pieces, and classy lingerie that makes you feel sexy while still being easy to move in. 

Here’s some flirty inspo to help you pick the perfect look for your sensual massage (or go au naturel): 

• For her: Choose classy lingerie that feels good while lying down, like soft lace sets, stretchy bodysuits, rompers, or slip dresses. Pieces without wires or padding offer total comfort while maintaining an effortlessly sexy look.
• For him: Silky satin boxers, soft lounge shorts, or a tee work great here. 
• Or nothing at all: Sometimes going au naturel is the ultimate intimacy upgrade – for both comfort and connection. If you want skin-to-skin but not necessarily fully exposed, wear a soft robe and leave the front undone or loosely tied. 

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: Think skin-on-skin meets luxury – the right classy lingerie doesn’t just look sexy, it makes every glide, brush, and tease feel divine.

Keep the Connection Glowing After A Sensual Massage

So the sensual massage might be done, but that doesn’t mean the sparks have to end. A sensual massage isn’t just about the moments of touch – the connection can linger long after the last stroke. Aftercare turns the experience into a shared ritual of intimacy, helping both partners feel relaxed, cherished, and even more connected. 

Here are some simple ways to keep the glow going after a sensual massage:

• Cuddle time: Snuggle up together, enjoy lingering touches, and bask in the closeness you’ve created.
• Warm towel, blanket, or robe: Wrap up in something soft and cozy to keep the body warm and relaxed.
• Shared shower or bath: Rinse off together to prolong the sensual, intimate vibe while staying connected. Or take intimacy to the shower and use our best tips for shower sex here.
• Soft conversation or whispered words: Share what felt good, tease each other playfully, or just enjoy quiet, intimate moments.
• Keep the mood alive: Dim lights, soft music, or lingering skin-to-skin contact can deepen intimacy and connection.

MENTIONABLES PROTIP: After all that loving touch, both your bodies will be extra sensitive – keep the sparks flying by gently tracing each other’s arms, back, or legs. Even the tiniest touches can ignite desire after a sensual massage

Make Your Sensual Massage Even Steamier

At the end of the day, a sensual massage isn’t just for relaxation or foreplay – it’s a love language, a slow-build tease, and a ridiculously easy way to turn an ordinary night into a ritual you’ll crave on repeat. 

And if you want to dial things up even more? 

Slip into something soft, romantic, and oh-so-touchable. Mentionables’ Valentine’s lingerie collection is full of dreamy pieces that practically beg to be adored, caressed, and absolutely shown off.

Your turn: Do you prefer giving the sensual massage, getting it, or a little bit of both? Let us know – no judgment, only curiosity.