1. The Basics
Great Breath – This is very important. Make sure you brush your teeth before going out on your date. There is nothing worse than kissing someone with bad breath. If your date consists of having something to eat before the actual kiss, make sure you have a mint on hand to take right after you finish eating. Don’t take the mint just before the kiss or chew on gum. You don’t want to have something in your mouth when you kiss.
Moist Lips - You want your lips to be slightly moist when you kiss. Run your tongue over your lips once before you kiss. Don’t wear lip gloss because that tends to make the kiss too gooey. And don’t wear a lot of lipstick unless you want your partner to wear it too after the kiss. Slightly moist lips makes it easier to move your lips over your partner’s and gives both you and your partner a more pleasant experience.
Positioning – Stand close to your partner. As the two of you move closer together tilt your head slightly to one side. If you don’t, don’t worry about it. Your partner will still tilt their head slightly so your lips meet on a slight angle or they will kiss you straight on. If you can see which way your partner’s head is tilting, tilt your head slightly in the opposite direction.
Close Eyes – Just before your lips meet, close your eyes. Some people prefer to leave their eyes open during the kiss. But until you know what your partner prefers, it is best to close your eyes. Kissing with your eyes open, looking into each other’s eyes while you kiss, can be very erotic and some people find it quite enjoyable. You may want to try kissing this way once you’re more comfortable kissing your partner.
Open Lips – Open your mouth slightly and place your lips over your partner’s lips. Do not hold your breath! Breath through your nose. As your lips meet, press them gently over your partner’s. You may wish to move your lips in a slow, circular motion or just leave them still over your partners.
Closed Lips – This is like the type of kiss you’d give your grandma or aunt. Instead of opening your mouth when your lips meet, keep them closed. This is also a good way of letting your partner know this is as far as it goes. It also makes a great hello/good-bye kiss or a great first time kiss if you’re nervous.
Hands – There are many ways you can use your hands during a kiss. The most popular way is to put one hand on your partner’s waist and the other one against the middle of their back. Other ways to use your hands are to cup your partner’s face in your hands (very romantic!), put them around your partner’s neck, put them around their waist, hold your partner’s upper or lower arms gently, run your finger’s through their hair, or just hold their hands in yours.
Good Prep Work!
Spices & Herbs
Other herbs and spices in your kitchen are natural breath enhancers. Carry a tiny plastic bag of cloves, fennel, or anise seeds to chew after odoriferous meals.
—
Brush your tongue
“Your tongue is covered with little hair-like projections, which under a microscope look like a forest of mushrooms. Under the caps of the ‘mushrooms,’ there’s room to harbor plaque and some of the things we eat. That causes bad breath.”
How-to: While brushing, gently sweep the top of your tongue, too, so that you don’t leave food and bacteria behind to breed bad breath.
—
Certain beverages
Coffee, beer, wine and whiskey are at the top of the list of liquid offenders. Each leaves a residue that can attach to the plaque in your mouth and infiltrate your digestive system. Each breath you take spews traces back into the air.
—
Carry a toothbrush
Some odors can be eliminated—permanently or temporarily—if you brush immediately after a meal. The main culprit in bad breath is a soft, sticky film of living and dead bacteria that clings to your teeth and gums. Brush away the plaque after each meal and get rid of some of the breath problem.
—
Create your own gargle
Mix extracts of sage, calendula, and myrrh gum (all available at health food stores) in equal proportions and gargle with the mixture four times a day. Keep the mouthwash in a tightly sealed jar at room temperature.
Even when you can’t brush, you can rinse. Take a sip of water after meals, swish it around, and wash the smell of food from your mouth
—
Eat your parsley
Parsley adds more than green to your lunch plate; it’s also a breath-saver, because it contains chlorophyll, a known breath deodorizer. So pick up that sprig garnishing your plate and chew it thoroughly. Or toss a few handfuls (even add some watercress to the mix) in a juicer. Sip the juice anytime you need to refresh your breath.
—
Chew a mint or some gum
Like mouthwash, a breath mint or minty gum is just a cover-up, good for a short interview, a short ride in a compact car or a very short date.