It’s probably no surprise that the French make some of the best massage candles around – they’re just better at these things. Yesforlov make versions in two scents, bewitching (sweeter) and titillating (spicier). They both come in pourable jars with ceramic lids and Yesforlov claims that the wax will wash out of your bedsheets – helpful because massage candles are rather less sexy if you have to put an old towel down before you start. It also arrived with a variety of lubricant samples, which was a nice touch.

When it comes to sex toys, Lelo is well-versed. But, happily, the brand is also clearly very astute when it comes to skincare. The flickering touch candle strikes a perfect balance between sexy and functional. The wax burns at just the right temperature, so it feels safe but sharp when poured close to the skin, or luxuriously warm from higher up.

The scent is rich and sweet without being sickly, and it has a 36-hour burn time. It rivals its more expensive competitors easily. The only thing missing is a spout, which can make handling the wax a little easier, but it’s also perfectly possible to pour without one.

The Oskia candle is more on the skincare end of the massage candle spectrum, with a clean, classic design and a rich rose smell. But not all massage candles need to be heady in their fragrance or overtly sexy in their design. The pouring spout makes using the candle a doddle, and it’s probably the best body oil of all the products we tried. The scent lasts for hours and really promotes soft, supple skin. Oskia is a perfect choice for anyone who would really like to be spending Valentine’s weekend at a spa.

The Neom massage candle is branded more for skincare than sex. But, happily, it’s equally great for both. The formula is designed with parched skin in mind, using six nourishing oils, including baobab and jojoba, to give your body a big drink. But it’s still perfect for a couple’s massage. It’s got a pourable spout, making life easy, while the oil is rich and burns on the cooler side. It’s also an innocuous-looking candle that could be displayed in plain sight without embarrassing even the most prudish of visitors.

Admittedly, this isn’t actually a candle. But, if the idea of pouring warm oils on each other is a bit nerve-wracking, this is a lovely way to bring warmth into the massage experience without the risk of pouring wax on your sheets. The scent is light and fresh – more classic than heady – and it comes in a generously sized tube that should see you through several very generous applications.

Coco de Mer are the first and last word in luxury sex and sensuality. The roseravished candle certainly isn’t cheap, but the rose and sandalwood scent is heady and romantic, and the quality of the massage oil is delicious. It comes with a little glass spoon, so if you’re nervous about starting out, you can pour from the spoon rather than directly from the candle. You can also use it to rearrange the wax after usage to keep the level even, which seems to make the candle itself last longer. As with all things Coco, the packaging is elegant enough to sit on your bedside table.

Proving that sensual products can be light and pretty, rather than always having to be black, red and dungeon-esque, is the Love candle. It’s a collaboration between Temperley London and Oskia, who make some of the loveliest skincare on the market. The scent is so pretty that you might well find people asking what perfume you’re wearing, and it’s wonderfully nourishing on the skin. It’s a very feminine scent, so arguably not the most gender neutral of options, but it’s 2024, so who really minds about that? The pourable spout makes using the candle wonderfully easy.