The base of every good massage oil is vegetable oil, preferably a variety that is light and nourishing. While virtually any vegetable oil you have on hand that is liquid at room temperature will suffice, certain oils offer cosmetic benefits that make them especially desirable for massage use. One of the most nourishing and common of these is olive oil. It is a rich oil that penetrates the skin to provide a heavy dose of moisture. However, it can have a powerful scent and overly thick consistency on its own, so you may wish to blend it with another lighter oil. One of my personal favorites is hazelnut oil. Although hard to find and slightly pricey, hazelnut oil's benefits make it well worth it. It absorbs very quickly into the skin but does not leave an oily residue behind. It also hydrates and offers an SPF of ten, not that you are likely to need it right after a massage.
Certain herbal extracts called essential oils are reputed to have aphrodisiac powers. Among the most popular of these are cinnamon, orange, and ylang ylang. When combined, the aromatherapeutic power of these oils is said to magnify. Whether or not you believe these claims, you will definitely enjoy the romantic blend of spice, citrus, and floral notes these oils create. You can find essential oils at natural health shops and over the internet. Choose those that are bottled in dark glass, as they will last longer.
Recipe
To make your massage oil, mix together a half-cup of olive oil and a half-cup of hazelnut oil in a clean glass bowl. To this, add ten drops of cinnamon oil, ten drops of orange oil, and twenty drops of ylang ylang oil. Bottle the mixture immediately after blended, as essential oils evaporate quickly when exposed to the air. Store your massage oil in a glass container since the essential oils tend to break down plastic over time. Also, keep it away from heat and direct sunlight. All vegetable can go bad over time, but heat will make them go rancid rapidly.
