The waxplay, or wax play, is one of the most performed practices within the BDSM scene. It is perhaps not the best known outside the community (when talking about BDSM, people think of spanking or bondage before they think of candles), but it is one of the most colorful. One person chooses a candle, holds it close to a naked body that trembles with anticipation and expertly drips or drops of wax. The other person shudders from the heat and slight pain, but soon the wax solidifies and leaves a visible trace. This whole ritual, as well as the image of the streaks of wax on the skin, can be very erotic.
If you feel like playing with wax, you’re in the right place. Here you will find several tips to get you started in this stimulating practice.
Choose the right candles
Candles are the material you are going to play with. The good thing is that you spend a little time choosing them. The problem is that, not being a food or health product, the manufacturer does not have to inform about its composition, so it is possible that two similar candles burn at very different temperatures. In MyBDSMStore we have wexplay candles that melt at low temperature, but whether you choose ours or others there are some ideas you should consider:
- Candles can be wax, soy or kerosene. Wax candles are strongly discouraged because they burn at a much higher temperature than the other two types. The soy and kerosene ones melt at similar temperatures, but the soy ones cool down earlier and are easier to clean. However, the easiest to find in stores and bazaars are the kerosene ones.
- The composition of the candle is never pure, but may contain oils, perfumes and all kinds of elements that change the melting point.
- Despite what is often said, it is not true that colored candles burn hotter than white candles, but that each candle is different.
Test the wax before playing with other people.
Try the wax on your own body first.
We will always give this advice when we talk about BDSM practices: whatever you want to do to someone else, try it on yourself first. So, once you’ve bought the candles, light one and pour some wax on your arm. How does it feel? Is it too hot? Or, on the contrary, is it not hot enough? Don’t just pour a few drops; experiment; what if you pour a drip, or pour the wax from a little higher up? Do you find it hard to wipe it off your skin afterwards? If you take all these things into account, the session will go much better and your partner will have a much more pleasurable experience.
Where and how to wax
In general, human skin resists hot wax well, so it can be applied almost anywhere on the body. However, not all areas have the same sensitivity: some areas have thinner skin than others. Arms and legs are good places to start, while other areas (chest, buttocks, etc.) may be more sensitive.
Wax play can become very complex.
As for the how, the ideal is to light the candle and leave it like that for a few minutes, so that enough wax is generated. Many candles form a kind of dipper around the wick, where the liquid wax accumulates: it is this wax that you have to pour. When you start the game protect your hands, especially if you play with smooth candles, because the wax slides down the body of the candle and you could burn your fingers. Finally, keep in mind that the wax will be hotter the shorter the distance between the candle and the skin, so you can play with the heights. But don’t pour the wax from too high or it will splatter!
Never forget that the candle is lit, i.e. there is a flame present in the room. Take all the usual precautions with candles (place them on a stable and fireproof surface, do not place them near books or papers, always keep an eye on the flame, etc.) and make sure that they are observed throughout the session. It may be convenient to have a glass of water or a wet cloth near the candles, just in case. When you finish playing with a candle, put it back in its place; when you finish with the candle, put it back in its place. waxplay, blow out all candles before moving on to the next step.
Little by little
If this is the first time you and your partner are facing this experience, take it slow. Okay, you’ve tried the wax on your own body, but heat tolerance is not the same for everyone. Start with a few drops on the arm and see how your partner feels. Is he or she liking it? Does he or she feel pleasure? Is he or she comfortable? If all goes well, you can continue, and maybe start doing other things; try closer drops, or make a short trail between two spots, or use another candle that you know is warmer, or pour on a more sensitive area. The idea in this kind of games is always that the pain and sensations are increasing, so you know: start softly and go from less to more.
Of course, always listen to your partner and stop the moment they feel uncomfortable or don’t like something.
After the session
After every session comes always the aftercare. If you have played with candles, now is the time to remove the dried wax from the skin and any tissues to which it may have adhered. To remove the wax it is usually necessary to insert something under the wax and lift: you can do it with your fingernail, with a plastic card or with a non-sharp knife. Once the wax has been removed, a shower and some moisturizing cream are great for the skin to return to its normal state.
And you, have you ever played with wax? Are you attracted to this practice? What other tips would you give?