1. Love Is in the Air
Candlelight and music set the scene, but scent changes the atmosphere. Our sense of smell is deeply tied to emotion, memory, and attraction—so a few drops of the right essential oil in a diffuser can gently set the stage for romance.
Our Favorite Valentine’s Day Essential Oils
- Jasmine. Lush, emotionally warming, and uplifting—jasmine is famously associated with romance and is often considered an aphrodisiac.
- Sandalwood. Warm, resinous, and sweetly woody—sandalwood creates a grounded, sensual atmosphere.
- Ylang Ylang. Soft, floral, and exotic, ylang ylang is traditionally used to encourage connection and sensual ease.
- Lavender . Historically called the “herb of love,” lavender is beloved for helping the body unwind and the senses open.
- Rose. Tender and timeless—rose has been intertwined with love rituals throughout history.
Recipe for Romance (Diffuser)
Add a few drops of your favorite oil (or a blend of favorites) to an aromatherapy diffuser. Keep it subtle—just enough to soften the room and invite closeness.
2. Perfume
Natural perfume oils are an intimate ritual. A few dabs on pulse points can help you feel grounded, relaxed, and open—perfect for Valentine’s Day essential oil blends at home. Blend, shake, and apply to wrists, neck, and behind the ears.
Romance Blend Perfume
- 10 drops rose essential oil
- 10 drops ylang ylang essential oil
- 10 drops jasmine essential oil
- 1 ounce jojoba oil or any carrier oil
Add all to a small glass bottle or roll on bottle, shake well, and apply to pulse points.
Valentine’s Night Perfume
- 8 drops neroli essential oil
- 8 drops ginger essential oil
- 8 drops frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops black pepper essential oil
- 8 drops orange essential oil
- 1 ounce jojoba oil or any carrier oil
Add all to a small glass bottle or roll on bottle, shake well, and apply to pulse points.
Aromatherapy Seduction Perfume
- 8 drops rose essential oil
- 4 drops sandalwood essential oil
- 1 ounce jojoba oil or any carrier oil
Add all to a small glass bottle or roll on bottle, shake well, and apply to pulse points.
3. Bath Time
Time for some good, clean fun. A bath ritual—shared or solo—invites the body to soften and the mind to slow down. Add combinations of the following essential oils to simple homemade bath recipes.
Here are a few recipes for incorporating these essential oils into your Valentine’s Day at home this year:
Bath Milk
For a luxurious milk bath that leaves your skin soft and lightly scented, add five drops of any three essential oils from the list above to one cup of whole milk. Pour into the bath as the tub fills and swirl gently.
Bath Salts
Add a total of about 15 drops of your chosen essential oil blend to one cup of sea salt. Stir to distribute the oils. For best results, mix ahead and let the salts rest for a couple of days in an airtight container before using.
4. Sensual Massage
A slow, sensual massage is a beautiful way to relax and reconnect. The essential oils in the recipes below have been chosen for their traditional association with romance, warmth, and sensuality.
Massage Butter
The warm, chocolate aroma of cocoa butter paired with rose creates an indulgent massage butter. You’ll need:
2 ounces cocoa butter
2 ounces coconut oil
10 drops rose essential oil
Melt the cocoa butter and coconut oil gently (microwave or double boiler) until liquified. Add the rose essential oil, stir well, then pour into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator. Warm a small amount between your hands before use.
Massage Oil
For a deeper massage, use massage oils instead of butter. You can purchase aphrodisiac massage oils here (female) and here (male).
And remember: it doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to use aromatherapy for a beautifully scented, deeply connected night in.
