Kisses are a universal language for expressing emotions. On the lips or in the neck, between lovers or parents… their meanings change and can be interpreted in a thousand ways.
To help you decrypt this body language, we’ve analyzed over thirty different types of kiss. In what context should they be used? What’s the message behind each type of kiss? And how do you reproduce it? We explain everything.
What happens in our bodies when we kiss someone?
When we kiss a loved one, a veritable alchemy takes place in our bodies. Neuroscience has revealed that this simple gesture triggers a cascade of biochemical reactions.
Oxytocin, for example, nicknamed the love hormone, is released in large quantities. It lowers blood pressure and heart rate, giving us a real sense of calm.
Source : journalmetro
At the same time, levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, fall, leading the body to be even more relaxed. If the kiss is voluptuous, it also stimulates the production of dopamine, the neurotransmitter of pleasure and motivation.
We also have endorphins, which are secreted in good quantities. These are natural analgesics, often associated with physical effort. They help reinforce the feeling of well-being. This whole complex process illustrates just how powerful kisses can be for our health and happiness.
What are the benefits of kissing?
More than a simple gesture of affection or romance, kisses also provide numerous benefits for the body and mind:
A stronger immune system
When two people kiss with their tongues, saliva is mixed and small bacteria are exchanged without us knowing it. . Although this may sound unappetizing, these bacteria are actually beneficial to the immune system.
The body identifies these new bacteria and immediately starts producing antibodies to neutralize them. At the end of the process, the body’s natural defenses are strengthened and it develops a better immune response.
Less stress
Kissing is a natural stress reliever. As we’ve seen, when you kiss someone, the body releases endorphins and oxytocin. These are feel-good hormones that make you feel happy and relaxed.
These hormones help reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and contribute to an overall sense of calm and serenity.
Strengthening emotional bonds
Kissing is a powerful way of strengthening the emotional bonds between two people. It promotes the production of oxytocin, often called the “attachment hormone”, which is essential for creating a sense of closeness and connection. In a relationship, regular kissing can therefore enhance the couple’s satisfaction and complicity.
A good mood
Last but not the least, kissing is an excellent remedy for moodiness. The positive emotions and feel-good hormones released during a kiss help improve mood and combat feelings of sadness or anxiety. So a simple kiss can be enough to bring a little cheer to a difficult day.
32 Types of kisses and their meanings
Kissing is an intimate way of communicating and conveying different emotions.
Romantic kisses
Do you Want to be romantic? Here are a few kisses you can try:
The kiss on the lips
The kiss on the lips is a classic. It consists of placing your lips delicately on those of your partner. It often expresses love and affection. To succeed, all you need to do is approach each other gently, lips slightly parted, and touch the other’s lips, before increasing the intensity if the moment allows.
The languorous kiss
This is a deeper kiss and, as the name suggests, usually involves the use of the tongue. The languorous kiss expresses passion and attraction. It expresses an intense desire for the other and can strengthen the bond between partners. To achieve it, it’s important to go slowly, starting with a kiss on the lips, then exploring the other’s mouth gently and progressively. The tongue movement should be fluid and rhythmic, without rushing.
The Eskimo kiss
This special kiss involves rubbing the noses together in a gentle back-and-forth motion. It expresses tenderness, affection and innocent love. It’s a beautiful way to show your partner that you care without using your lips. To achieve this kiss, simply bring your noses together until they touch, then gently rub them from side to side with a smile.
The butterfly kiss
The butterfly kiss is a tender gesture that involves brushing your partner’s face with your eyelashes. To perform it, move closer to the other person’s cheek or forehead, then lightly flutter your eyelids to caress the skin with your lashes. This kiss symbolizes lightness and gentleness, and is often used to express pure, selfless love.
Sensual kisses
Feel like getting a little more sensual than usual? Here are a few embraces to thrill your partner:
The neck kiss
This kiss, generally used to express seduction, is an invitation to desire, to body-to-body contact. It involves gently kissing your partner’s neck, where the skin is thin and sensitive, and is sure to provoke shivers of pleasure.
To achieve this, gently approach your partner’s neck and place your lips lightly on it, varying the intensity according to the reaction. You can also use your breath to add a touch of sensuality. This gesture is synonymous with physical attraction and can awaken a strong erotic sensation.
The biting kiss
The biting kiss requires a slight bite, often on the lower lip. It’s considered a provocative, teasing gesture. It expresses a bold and intense form of desire, often associated with flirtations and romances.
To achieve it, start with a normal kiss, then gently nibble your partner’s lower lip, but be careful not to press too hard for fear of hurting the other. This kiss is a way of spicing things up and expressing uncontrolled desire.
Ear kissing
Ear kissing stimulates the erogenous zones of the ear. It consists in placing gentle kisses around the earlobe or pavilion, sometimes accompanied by a light breath or whisper.
This kiss is very intimate and can arouse desire thanks to the sensitivity of the area. To make it a success, avoid using too much saliva and opt for delicacy to avoid over-stimulating the ear.
The French kiss
The famous French kiss is deep, passionate and involves your partner’s tongue. It symbolizes an intense commitment to love. To get it right, start with a kiss on the lips, then let your tongues meet gently. Let the movement take place naturally, avoiding being too fast or too intense, and adapt to each other’s rhythm to create harmony. It’s an invitation to explore sensations together and express a shared passion.
Affectionate kisses
You Feel like kissing someone, but want to keep it discreet? Here are some discreet kisses to try:
Forehead kiss
The forehead kiss is a mark of affection and protection. It conveys a feeling of comfort and care, often used between parents and children, or in a couple to express loving-kindness.
To achieve it, simply place your lips gently on the other person’s forehead, without exerting strong pressure to ensure delicate contact. This kiss symbolizes security and tenderness, a way of showing the other person that he or she is safe and cherished.
Cheek kiss
This kiss is commonly used as a sign of friendship or affection, without necessarily implying romantic interest. It can be a way of greeting or saying goodbye, depending on the culture, or simply to show attachment to a loved one.
To do it properly, lean slightly towards the other person’s cheek and place a light kiss without too much noise or saliva. This gesture conveys a feeling of warmth and closeness, often shared between friends or family.
Kissing on the nose
A kiss on the nose is tender, playful and expresses a light form of affection. It’s often used to provoke a smile, or to show someone you appreciate them in an innocent, and joyful way.
To perform it, simply bring your face close to the other person’s nose and place a quick, light kiss on it. This type of kiss can evoke a mischievous complicity and is well suited to both friendly and loving relationships.
The hand kiss
The kiss on the hand is a gesture of respect or formal affection with an elegant dimension. It is often used in ceremonial contexts or to show admiration.
To perform it, gently take the person’s hand and bow slightly to place your lips on it, avoiding touching the skin with your tongue or making a kissing sound. This delicate gesture conveys a message of recognition, respect and even gallantry.
Kisses for fun
Do you Want to play around or add a little originality? Here are a couple of ideas for kisses you can try out for fun:
The “wheel of fortune” kiss
The “wheel of fortune” kiss involves kissing your partner in different places, turning around him or her like a wheel. It’s a light, humorous way to explore your partner’s body.
To perform it, start by kissing a part of your partner’s body, then move slowly around him or her, continuing to place kisses on different areas, such as the neck, shoulders, face or back. This type of kiss symbolizes spontaneity and the desire to surprise your partner.
The spider kiss
Inspired by the famous scene from the film “Spider-Man”, the spider kiss is given upside down. The idea is to create an original and different sensation. To achieve it, one person needs to be in an upside-down position, for example, lying on their back with their head hanging down, while the other leans in to kiss them. This kiss plays on the unusual nature of the position and adds a cinematic touch to the relationship.
The surprise kiss
The surprise kiss involves catching your partner off guard with a spontaneous, unexpected kiss. It can be done, for example, during an ordinary moment, when the other person isn’t expecting it at all.
To achieve it, approach your partner subtly and kiss him or her quickly, before he or she can react. It’s a spontaneous expression of affection and shows you’re thinking of each other even at the most unexpected moments.
The chocolate kiss
The chocolate kiss is a delicious and sensual way to share an intimate moment. It involves placing a piece of chocolate between your lips and offering it to your partner before kissing.
To do this, hold a square of chocolate between your lips and move closer to your partner so they can grasp it with their mouth, then let the kiss continue while the chocolate gently melts. This kiss combines gustatory pleasure and sensuality, ideal for strengthening complicity.
Traditional” or “cultural” kisses
In certain regions or customs, there are symbolic kisses that you’ve already seen without necessarily understanding their true meaning.
The Eskimo kiss (nose to nose)
Eskimo kissing, also known as “kunik”, is a custom in certain Inuit cultures. It consists of gently rubbing the nose against the other’s, often with a slight back-and-forth movement. This gesture expresses tenderness, affection and respect, especially in these areas where the skin of the face is covered by cold.
To perform it, slowly bring your noses together until they touch, then gently rub them together. The Eskimo kiss is a warm way of greeting or showing love without necessarily using your lips.
The greeting kiss (cheek to cheek)
Popular in many European countries, the greeting kiss is a social gesture commonly used to say hello or goodbye. It consists of resting one’s cheek against the other’s while making a light sound with the lips, often on both cheeks and sometimes on three or four, depending on the region.
It’s a sign of friendliness, friendship or respect. To do it correctly, lean slightly towards the person, touch their cheeks with yours, and make the sound of a light kiss without placing your lips on their skin.
The kiss of peace
Historically, the kiss of peace was used to reconcile people or mark the end of a conflict. It was practiced in medieval and religious societies to symbolize reconciliation, forgiveness or renewed unity.
To perform a kiss of peace, simply place a light kiss on the cheek or lips of a person with whom you wish to reconcile. The gesture marks the willingness to turn the page on past differences and restore peace.
The sacred kiss
The sacred kiss is a gesture used in some religious cultures to express respect, devotion or reverence for a sacred person or object. It can be performed by kissing a religious object, such as an icon, cross or bishop’s ring, or by touching the other’s lips in a ritual context.
To perform this kiss, approach the lips of the object or person with an attitude of recollection and place a discreet, and respectful kiss. This peck embodies piety and humility, often in a ceremonial setting.
Passionate kisses
When love mixes with passion, energy overflows and desire becomes more ardent:
The ardent kiss
The ardent kiss is characterized by palpable intensity, often marked by a certain urgency. It expresses irrepressible desire and immediate need. It’s the best kiss for expressing passion at its most intense.
To achieve it, approach your partner with determination and press your lips against hers with controlled force. The head movements are more pronounced and the grip firmer to express an urge that’s hard to contain. It symbolizes a burning flame, a love that can’t be suppressed.
The deep kiss
The deep kiss is longer and more intense, with a strong emotional connection. This is also a kiss that lasts, allowing partners to fully immerse themselves and savor every moment.
To perform it, start with a slow movement on the lips, then gradually intensify contact. With a gentle, contained rhythm, use your tongue to explore your partner’s mouth. This type of kiss evokes the fusion of souls and a deep sense of belonging.
The vampiric kiss
The vampiric kiss is characterized by a slight suction on the skin, often on the neck. The idea is to give the impression of wanting to “drink” the other person’s blood. It combines sensuality and passion, with a slightly provocative touch.
To perform it, place your lips on a sensitive area, such as the neck or the collarbone, and apply gentle suction. Avoid pressing too hard to avoid hurting your partner. This kiss expresses a desire to “feed” on each other, an almost irresistible attraction.
The wild kiss
The wild kiss is marked by its intense, slightly messy character, bursting with energy. This kiss is passionate, spontaneous, with unpredictable movements of the head, hands in the hair or even light biting.
To execute it, let your emotions guide you. Let the passion flow freely, while making sure the other person is comfortable with this more spirited style.
Comforting kisses
During those difficult moments when words are no longer enough to soothe the heart, there’s nothing like a comforting kiss to tell him/her you love him/her and will always be there.
The kiss on the temple
The kiss on the temple is a tender gesture that brings comfort and shows deep affection. It’s often used to soothe someone or to express silent support.
To perform it, gently lean towards your partner and place a light kiss on one of their temples. This kiss evokes presence and understanding. It’s a beautiful way of telling the other person that they can count on you in times of doubt or sadness.
The forehead kiss
The forehead kiss is a demonstration of gentleness and emotional support. It symbolizes a protective love, like the one you would give to a loved one to convey a sense of security.
To perform it properly, all you have to do is place your lips gently on the other person’s forehead, with gentle pressure, ensuring that the contact is soothing. This type of kiss is perfect for showing someone that you care for them, that they’re loved and protected.
Eyelid kiss
A kiss on the eyelids is a gesture that expresses protection, comfort and a form of pure love. It’s often given when the other person’s eyes are closed, adding a touch of vulnerability and mutual trust. To perform it, gently approach your partner’s face and place a soft kiss on his or her closed eyelids. It conveys a message of care and peace, as if to say “I’m watching over you” or “you’re safe with me”.
Hair kiss
A kiss on the hair is a simple, natural way of showing affection while providing a sense of calm. It’s often used to comfort someone at times of strong emotion, sadness or simply to show that you care.
To perform it, lean towards the other person’s hair, place a light kiss on the crown of the head or near the hairline, and stay a moment to enjoy the warmth of the moment. This kiss expresses a gentle, reassuring form of protection.
Special kisses
Special kisses add a unique touch, often marked by the context or spontaneity of the gesture.
The stolen kiss
The stolen kiss is a quick, spontaneous gesture, given without warning, often on the lips or cheek. It expresses a sudden desire for affection, or a playful desire to surprise the other person.
This kiss, often associated with flirting, can trigger smiles and knowing laughter. To achieve it, simply approach your partner unexpectedly and place a quick kiss before withdrawing. The gesture symbolizes playfulness, daring and sincere attraction.
The kiss in the wind
A kiss in the wind is a romantic gesture that consists in “sending” a kiss from a distance, often accompanied by a hand movement to mimic the gesture. It’s used to show affection to someone who’s far away, or to bid a fond farewell.
To do so, form a kiss with your lips, then blow lightly while gesturing with your hand, as if you were sending the kiss to the other person. This kiss embodies gentleness and connection, even at distance.
The farewell kiss
The farewell kiss is emotionally charged and symbolizes a separation or farewell. It’s given when people have to say goodbye, whether for a short time or for good.
To perform it, it’s important to take your time, and place your lips gently on the cheek or lips of the other person. This is the moment to express all the affection and feelings you wish to convey. This gesture is often imbued with nostalgia and sadness, but also with love and respect.
The movie kiss
The cinema kiss is inspired by dramatic or romantic scenes from the movies, often exaggerated in its staging to create a spectacular effect. It’s used to recreate passionate or romantic moments worthy of a cult scene.
To achieve it, it can be interesting to play with the context: a theatrical gesture, a dramatic head movement or a kiss in the rain. This type of kiss symbolizes the ideal romance with a touch of cinematic magic.
The art of kissing: 07 tips on how to kiss well
Kissing is a universal expression of affection and love. Although they may seem natural, they require a certain amount of skill if they are to be appreciated by both partners:
Take your time
With the exception of ardent kisses, it’s important not to rush. Taking the time to create a moment of complicity before approaching the other’s lips is often advisable to make the moment more emotional. Make eye contact, smile slightly, and slowly move closer. This increases the intensity and makes the kiss more delicious.
Adapting the intensity
A successful kiss also takes into account the context and emotions of the moment. It’s important to know how to balance the intensity of your gestures. For a good start, we prefer gentleness: light caresses of the lips, without abruptness.
But if the moment lends itself and the chemistry becomes palpable, you can gradually intensify your movements to express more passion.
Use your hands
Hands play an important role in the art of kissing. They reinforce the feeling of closeness. Place them gently on your partner’s face, neck or waist. But don’t be too insistent: delicacy and attention to your partner are just as important.
Varying techniques
Kissing isn’t just a question of fixed technique; you can explore different ways of doing it to make the experience more interesting. Alternate, play with the tongue without overdoing it, and change the angle slightly to surprise your partner.
Pay attention to reactions
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to kissing. Pay attention to your partner’s reactions to improve yourself and give him or her real pleasure.
Sighs, body movements or little gestures are all signs that show whether the kiss is appreciated or whether it’s necessary to change technique.
The importance of hygiene
Perfect oral hygiene is essential for a good kiss. Make sure you have fresh breath and moisturized lips. Paying special attention to hygiene shows that you respect your partner and want the experience to be pleasant for both parties.
Sincerity above all
Finally, the best advice for a good kiss is to be genuine. A successful kiss shouldn’t be forced or faked. It’s a sincere moment of shared emotion. If you are truly present and feel the moment, your partner will perceive this sincerity and appreciate it.
Conclusion
Kissing is much more than a simple gesture of affection; it’s a true art. Whether passionate or platonic, each type of kiss conveys very different messages.
As well as being a way of expressing our emotions, kissing also has many benefits for our bodies and minds. Learning to master this art and understanding its many forms strengthens the bonds with those we love. So don’t miss another opportunity to kiss someone you care about.