Intamo Start Me Up Massage Oil

Intamo Start Me Up is a plant-based massage oil for slow, hands-on foreplay. The base is organic hemp-seed oil blended with sesame, avocado and grapeseed oils, scented only with essential oils, and it comes in a glass bottle that looks at home on a nightstand. The maker describes the texture as silky with a subtle warm feel, which suits long strokes across the back, shoulders and legs.

What's in the bottle

Intamo lists five carrier oils: organic hemp-seed, sesame, avocado, grapeseed and vitamin E oil. The scent is a blend of sandalwood, Roman chamomile, lavender, clary sage, lemon and sweet orange essential oils. On paper that's a soft, woody-floral scent with a bright citrus top note, closer to a spa than a perfume counter. There's no synthetic fragrance listed.

How to give a massage with it

• Warm the bottle first by standing it in a cup of warm water for a few minutes, or simply rub the oil between your palms.
• Pour a small amount into your hand, never straight onto your partner's skin, so you control the amount and the temperature.
• Begin with broad, slow strokes along the back to spread the oil, then work into the shoulders and neck with your thumbs.
• Add a few drops at a time as the oil soaks in. Too much just leaves skin slippery and makes it harder to apply pressure.
• Move down to the legs and feet, then swap roles.

Dim the lights and keep the room warm, since oiled skin cools quickly. A slow pace matters more than technique: a massage that lasts twenty unhurried minutes usually feels better than a rushed one with complicated moves. Pair it with the Space Oddity candle if you'd like a fresh scent in the room as well.

A massage oil, not a lubricant

This matters, so Intamo spells it out: Start Me Up is not a personal lubricant and shouldn't be used internally. The essential oils aren't intended for vaginal or anal use, and like any oil it isn't compatible with condoms, since oils weaken latex. Keep it to external massage and wash your hands before moving on to intimate touch. If you want lube from the same brand, Intamo points to its Smooth Operator water-based lubricant and Wild Thing oil-based lubricant.

Who it suits

It's a good fit for couples who want massage to be a proper part of the evening rather than a quick prelude, and for anyone who prefers plant oils to mineral-oil products. If you're sensitive to scented products, or you know you react to any of the essential oils listed, try a patch on the inside of your arm first or choose an unscented oil. Anyone with a sesame allergy should avoid it.

Care and storage

Oils can leave marks on sheets and towels, so lay down an old towel before you start, and wash linens soon after. Wipe the neck of the bottle so oil doesn't run down the glass. Store it closed, at room temperature and out of direct sunlight; natural oils keep longer away from heat.

Specifications

• Brand: Intamo, Start Me Up
• Type: plant-based oil for massage (not a lubricant)
• Carrier oils: organic hemp-seed, sesame, avocado, grapeseed, vitamin E
• Essential oils: sandalwood, Roman chamomile, lavender, clary sage, lemon, sweet orange
• Packaging: glass bottle
• Condom compatibility: not compatible
• Volume: not listed by the maker
• Pairs with: Space Oddity massage candle

Explore more oils for massage or the rest of the Intamo collection.