DORÉ

You can’t talk about nourishment without sex. I don’t think that’s a personal opinion, I think it’s just a fact!

As someone who’s been in a long term relationship, I fully appreciate and understand the need for things like masturbation, incorporating toys into the mix and the importance of setting the mood. We had a real laugh with the team in the studio when I bought myself a vibrator and lube kit from Maude as a gift to myself before my wedding, and the team had bought me the same exact kit as a pre-wedding send off. There’s nothing to be shy about when it comes to what I like to call sexual accoutrements.

And let me tell you, that vibrator has come in quite handy—both alone and with my husband. And we both have a bottle of (chic) lube on our bedside tables (the beauty of getting two kits). So you can imagine my excitement when Eva, one of the founders of Maude, shared with me that they were launching a massage candle. Josh can attest to the fact that I am constantly begging for a massage. And more often than not I can get him to comply. But this holiday season, in the spirit of sexual nourishment, touch and elevating our massage experience, we’ll be incorporating these new candles into the mix. It smells sexy (amber, cedar, lemongrass…) and once melted it can be poured on the skin. They come in two sizes—one that’s tiny and travel friendly (nothing better than hotel sex! Come on, you can’t deny it!)—making it easy for setting the mood and getting your massage on both at home and when you’re visiting your in-laws for Thanksgiving (ahhh I know! GROSS! But how else are you able to get through it?!).

And there’s a lot to be said for setting the mood: according to a study conducted last year by the Journal of Sex Research, setting the mood is the number one thing people do to keep their sex lives active, creating a higher level of satisfaction and happiness. And let’s be honest pleasure.

Maude is giving Atelier Doré readers early access to buy the candle here. New York readers, you are also invited to visit Maude’s new Williamsburg store for a special winter preview on Friday! You can RSVP here. Get a vibrator too, trust me!