Kissing tips
Good kissing comes down to three things: soft lips, fresh breath and paying attention to the other person. Here is how to get all three right.
Soft lips
Lips have no oil glands of their own, so they dry out faster than the rest of your skin, especially in wind, sun and cold weather. Licking them makes it worse.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Exfoliate once a week with a lip scrub, or make your own with sugar and a little honey.
- Use a lip balm with SPF in summer.
- Want a hint of colour? A tinted balm gives you colour and moisture in one.
Fresh breath
You cannot smell your own breath by breathing into your hand. Your nose gets used to your own smell, so you need a better test. Try one of these:
- Floss between your back teeth and smell the floss.
- Look at the back of your tongue in the mirror. A white coating can mean bacteria are building up.
- Ask someone you trust. Breath changes through the day, so ask more than once.
Brush twice a day, clean your tongue and drink water. If bad breath does not go away, see your dentist.
Your first kiss
- Make sure they want to kiss you too. If you are not sure, ask. It is less awkward than you think.
- Start slow and gentle. A soft kiss on the lips says more than a rushed one.
- Keep your mouth relaxed, not wide open.
- Pay attention to how they respond and follow their lead.
- If they pull back, stop. There will be other moments.
Moves worth trying
- Cup their face gently in both hands.
- Rest your foreheads together for a moment first.
- Put your arms around them and hold them close.
- Slow down just before the kiss to build a little anticipation.
When not to kiss
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and spread easily through kissing. If you or your partner have one, hold off until it has fully healed. The same goes for when you are ill: a cuddle will do.