For guys, give yourself a good, close shave beforehand. Stubble often feels rough and uncomfortable to women and could take away from the pleasure of the kiss. [1] X Research source A dab of cologne can also be a good idea, but don’t bathe yourself in it. For women, applying an appealing scent can also be a powerful tool. Focus mostly on lotions since these make your skin look smoother while providing a more subtle hint of fragrance. Add a hint of body spray or perfume on top of that. [2] X Research source
Lip balm can be used by men and women alike. Men with an aversion to lip care products should at least consider using an unscented, matte balm to maintain a certain degree of moisture. Women can wear glosses, lip stains, and lipsticks, as well, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Avoid sticky glosses or lip products that contain glitter. Something will a little sheen can make your lips seem more kissable, but you don’t want your lips to look unnaturally wet, either. [3] X Research source If you don’t have time to moisten your lips before the kiss, quickly run your tongue over your lips to add a little more moisture.
Brush your teeth and your tongue shortly before the kiss, if possible. A quick swish of mouthwash could also help in a pinch. Avoid eating foods with strong odors before the kiss: garlic, curry, and so on. Suck on a mint before the kiss when all else fails. Even better, cleanse the palette by sipping on green tea before the kiss. Some studies suggest that an odor-free kiss leaves a stronger impression than a minty one, and green tea can help freshen breath without imparting its own odor or taste. [4] X Research source
Aside from privacy, location can also influence the mood between you. There’s a reason that candlelight dinners, rain storms, and starlit camping trips can be so romantic. Location isn’t the only distraction you might deal with, of course. Cell phones are one of the most common sources of distractions nowadays, so turn yours off before you try setting the mood. [5] X Research source
Look for signs that indicate your partner’s eagerness to be kissed: a gaze that frequently drops to your mouth, a tendency to lick his or her own lips, seemingly casual touches, and a dip in his or her tone of voice. Also watch out for signs that your partner isn’t interested being kissed: eyes that dart in every direction but yours, pursed lips, tense or “closed off” body language, and a lack of interest in personal topics of conversation.
A kiss that follows an embrace can be powerful if performed while your upper halves are still touching. Even if you don’t kiss following a hug, your body language should be prepped as though an embrace would be both natural and welcome.
An effective way to build desire is to plant small, soft kisses on the face, just outside of the mouth. Gentle caresses along your partner’s face have a similarly strong impact. You could even brush your fingertips along your partner’s lips. Eye contact is of vital importance during this step. Gazing into your partner’s eyes will make him or her feel more bonded to you, which will give the kiss a greater sense of intimacy when it finally does happen.
Research suggests that tilting your head to the right makes a kiss seem more caring and more meaningful. It’s not a strictly vital move, but it can make a difference in your partner’s interpretation of the kiss.
Taking your time lets your partner know that you value the moment just as much as you value the sense of physical pleasure derived from the kiss. This sort of emotional intimacy is what strengthens the intensity of the kiss.
The simplest thing to remember is this: if your partner moves into your kiss, you’re in good shape. If your partner tries to back away from your kiss, he or she is trying to put an end to it.
When you first move into an open mouth kiss, do so in the middle of a closed mouth kiss. Bring your closed lips to your partner’s, then slowly part your lips while they’re still locked with his or hers. For every open mouth kiss—including French kisses—you should keep your lips soft and slightly open. You need to create a seal between your mouth and your partner’s mouth. Opening your mouth too wide can cause saliva to gather and drip in very unappealing ways. There are exceptions, of course, but this is a general rule of thumb worth following as you try to get to know your partner’s kissing style.
While there is no set time limit, this exploratory stage should usually last around 30 seconds. If your partner doesn’t like the sensation of your tongue, then by that point, you’ll likely know it.
As with French kissing, less is more when it comes to nibbling and sucking. Be gentle about it. The idea is to cause a small enough amount of pain to release more endorphins or feel-good hormones, but you probably don’t want to leave a mark when you’re done.
Use your hands to caress your partner’s neck, sides, or back. You could also run your fingers through your partner’s hair. If you have trouble keeping your hands in motion, you should at least settle for a tight, secure embrace. [12] X Research source
Try zeroing in on the area between your partner’s throat and chin. The skin is thinner there, which means that the nerves are closer together. As a result, the sensory receptors respond more favorably to a kiss planted in that area.
