We know what you’re thinking. A kiss? Big whoop. You’ve had your mouth-to-mouth MO nailed since junior high. But what you might not have realized is that by customizing your lip-locking to the occasion, you can actually take your necking up a notch. "Even the best kissers can add bewildering power," explains Shelley Hess, author of Pucker Power: Great Kissers Make Great Lovers. "The secret is knowing what kind of kiss the situation calls for and then switching your moves accordingly."
Cosmo presents four crucial kisses and the accompanying lip tricks that’ll have him spellbound from the moment you meet to "See ya" … and every second in between.
The Hot Hello
The quick "Hi, honey" peck is no way to rebond with your babe, whether you’ve been missing him since your morning bagel or last Saturday night. Set the tone for your time together with a kiss that makes him think, Oh you are happy to see me. "Greet your guy with enthusiasm and he’ll immediately feel loved and appreciated," explains Linda Olson, Ph.D., host of the syndicated radio show America’s Love Doctor. "A high-energy hello smooch is the ultimate way to communicate that excitement and foreshadow the fun to come." Plus, when he kisses you back with the same degree of desire, you’ll feel that love rush too.
The hot hello actually starts long before your lips meet. Let’s set the scene: You see your guy. Maybe he’s working his way across the bar, maybe he’s standing on your doorstep. You lock eyes, flash him a smile, and slowly begin your approach, maintaining eye contact the whole way. When he’s in close range, utter a husky "Hey there, gorgeous" and press your body up against his. This is key for creating intimacy: You don’t want to strike the disastrous A-frame pose (think lips together, hips miles apart), according to William Cane, kissing coach and author of The Art of Kissing.
Okay, bodies meshed? Roger that. Now it’s time to pucker up, baby. Wrap your hand around the nape of his neck and pull his face gently toward you. When your mouths finally meet, maintain a strong but closed-lip seal for up to 10 sultry seconds.
Tip: Keep your tongue reined in; this kiss should shoot straight from the lip. Hey, there’ll be plenty of time for tongue twisting at the end of the night — keep him in anticipation of what’s to come as you pull away.
The Movie-Star Make-Out
Ever have one of those omigod-we’re-so-in-love-moments with your guy? You know: You’re gazing into each other’s eyes. Time stands still. You swear you hear music building in the background. That’s where we’re going with this Hollywood-style hookup. "When a couple is feeling that paralyzing surge of passion, words just get in the way," says Liz H. Kelly, dating couch and author of Smart Man Hunting. "Instead of trying to explain that you wish you could devour him whole, give him everything you’ve got with an over-the-top doozy of a smooch." Warning: Since you can’t contain chemistry of this magnitude, this make-out sesh can happen anytime, anywhere, but you’ll be too busy luxuriating in the lip-lock to notice the spectators gathering.