My sister and I have a fabulous tradition of treating each other to massages on our birthdays. We go together, which means I get to enjoy a massage even on her birthday. It’s self-care that’s easy to get addicted to, and now I’m certain that twice a year is not enough.
Massage has many benefits, including improving circulation, easing tension and stimulating the body to release toxins. And when massage is combined with aromatherapy, a happy synergy happens. The mind and body benefits of essential oils help to enhance the benefits of massage.
Here’s a general DIY massage oil recipe to follow, along with 6 essential oil blends and uses. And just in time for Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing a recipe for you and your partner to share!
Basic DIY Massage Oil Recipe

Supplies needed
- 1 ounce of a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, apricot kernel, sesame and grapeseed oil.
- 10-12 drops essential oils. Select oils that will complement the goals of your massage. Read all safety information before choosing and using your essential oils.
- Dark glass container
I find it’s easier to measure out the carrier oil in a separate container, like a measuring cup. Then slowly add in the appropriate essential oils. Pour the massage oil into a dark bottle and shake well to combine.
Don’t forget to label your creation! You think you’ll never forget, but trust me, it’s harder to remember than you think!
Shake well before each use. Pour about 1 teaspoon into hands and gently massage into skin. This recipe can be doubled or tripled for a larger batch.
6 Massage Oil Blends + Uses
It’s easy to make your own massage oils. My dilemma is always how to use them! It’s not like there’s a folding table just sitting around the house. Much less an extra 60 minutes and a masseuse at my beck and call.
Good news: we’ve got a lot of different massage ideas for you. Need help studying? Try a head massage. Can’t sleep? Foot massage is the way to go. Entering ‘mature’ skin territory? A face massage can tone loose skin.
Valentine’s Day is around the corner so we couldn’t miss the opportunity to create a romantic blend!
1. Love Potion Massage Oil

- 8 drops sandalwood essential oil (I’m using Aura Cacia Precious Essentials, which are essential oils blended with jojoba oil. You can use 100 percent pure essential oils as well.)
- 3 drops jasmine essential oil
- 2 drops vanilla essential oil
Add the essential oils to the base recipe above. Use ½ to 1 teaspoon to massage your partner.
2. Relaxing Hand Massage
Give your hardworking hands a little TLC with this blend that will soothe and nourish your skin.
- 3 drops neroli essential oil
- 2 drops frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops bergamot essential oil
- 2 drops sweet orange essential oil
- 1 drop sandalwood essential oil
3. In the Zone Head Massage
A head massage is my very favorite thing. I could have my kids brush and play with my hair for hours! It does wonders for tension, and this essential oil blend will keep you focused and alert.

- 6 drops peppermint essential oil
- 4 drops rosemary essential oil
Add the essential oils to the base recipe above. Massage ½ teaspoon into temples and at base of neck to invigorate and enhance concentration.
4. Calming Nighttime Foot Massage
I’ve talked about the relaxing magic of nightly foot massages. If an herb-infused balm is too much work, try this massage oil that takes less than a minute to make (for real).
- 10 drops Roman chamomile or lavender essential oil
Pour a small amount into hands and massage into feet.
5. Soothing Face Massage
Add a short massage to your nightly skincare ritual and your face will thank you.

- 3 drops frankincense essential oil
- 3 drops rose absolute essential oil
- 2 drops geranium essential oil
- 2 drops carrot seed essential oil
Add essential oils to a carrier oil like jojoba or rosehip and shake well. After washing your face apply a few drops of oil to your fingertips. Gently massage into skin with small circles, starting at the chin and working upward.
6. Activating Leg Massage
Stimulate the lymphatic system with massage in combination with dry brushing.
- 4 drops juniper berry essential oil
- 2 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 1 drop cypress essential oil
- 1 drop lemon essential oil
- 1 drop sweet orange essential oil
Massage into skin with upward-circular movements, focusing on areas with cellulite. Can be applied before or after dry brushing.

What’s your favorite kind of massage?
This post is sponsored by Aura Cacia. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this site possible!
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Omg, I made your Love Potion Massage oil blend and fell in love with it, absolutely, fell in love..
What is the sad part of the story? I forgot to save this blog post or to write down the recipe.. And I couldn’t remember where I found it, I only remembered the ingredients, but not the proportions.. I was trying to find this recipe again for two days… Fortunately, I was blessed and I found your post again. Thank you, thank you. It’s my go to scent, I enjoy it and every time I apply this massage oil I feel like Goddess and happiness takes over me.. Thank you! 🌸❤️
Can you mix a bigger amount and just keep it closed for future use? Or do you have to remix it every time?
Hi – Are these massage oils safe to ingest?
You mention using 1 ounce of carrier oil but your image shows 4 ounces in the measuring cup. Which is it please? Thank you :)
I really love your In-The-Zone blend, I’m going to do it as a roller ball so that it can go with me to work – thanks for putting it out there.
can someone with experience answer a question for me. I want to make a massage oil with Apricot kernel seed oil and Magnesium oil. Is there anything I should guard against such as a negative health reaction to the skin fro the combination or quantities of each I should be useing
https://wellnessmama.com/5804/make-your-own-magnesium-oil/
Such a sweet idea! I would have never thought to make my own! I know what I am doing for Valentine’s day for my man!
xx Annie
http://www.somethingswellblog.com/
These massage oils sound so relaxing and I love that you can make all of these yourself! <3 I remember purchasing some almond oil before hoping to make some of my own massage oil but never ended up making it for some reason. I will definitely pick up the DIY again after reading this post <3
Jacqueline | Sail Away to Neverland ♡
I’m a flower grower so I work with my hands a lot They really take a beating as a result of working in the soil.
My favorite message would be the hand massage. I’m in need of one right now, so this post is right on time. Thanks for posting.
I love essential oils, I use lavender to fall asleep a lot and I also add it to my showers on stressful days. I think this would be awesome as a hand massage. Thanks for sharing, i’ve pinned it.