10 kissing positions to take your foreplay to a whole new level

“First of all, kissing is sex. It is one of the many ways we express ourselves sexually,” says Suzanne Rapley, Ph.D., AASECT-certified sex therapist.

Not to mention, the lips and mouth are "loaded with nerve endings," says Emily deAyala, AASECT-certified sex therapist, "which makes the sensation of kissing so pleasurable."

She adds that: "Many people are guilty of jumping into intercourse too quickly, but spending more time making out can do wonders to stimulate sexual pleasure and improve intimacy in the relationship."

If you’re ready to take your kissing game to a whole new level, there are some hot, expert-recommended kissing positions you need to try.

1.

How it works: Sit next to each other on the couch, a bench, or bed. Tilt your neck and head to face each other and slowly lean in. Your partner can take one hand and cup the side of your face, or vice versa.

Why it’s great: This is the makeout position that probably started it all back in your teenaged days. It’s innocent enough, but with not-so-subtle undertones of further exploration. It’s the perfect position to throw a little fuel on the fire.

How to do it: This is one of the most basic, but passionate stances for a solid makeout sesh. Stand facing each other, with your arms around your partner's neck and their hands around your waist.

Why it’s great: With your chests touching, you will not only become exceptionally close physically, but the connection will be crazy-intimate.

How to do it: Going full hickey might not be the most age appropriate (or fun, tbh). That said, a gentle sucking and nibbling of the neck from below the ear to the clavicle is a hot compromise.

Why it’s great: This makeout position stimulate the erogenous zones in the neck, along with the nerve endings in the lips, sending sexy chills down both of your spines and setting the mood for what comes next.

How to do it: Have your partner lie flat on their back while you straddle their waist with your legs. Lean your weight into your partner's chest and kiss from above.

Why it’s great: You’re already in a highly sexual position, which will send both your brain (and genitals) into overdrive. The fact that you’re leaving it at kissing is incredibly erotic-and makes for excellent foreplay.

How it works: Simple enough. Touch tongues with each other and see how long you can leave the lips out of it.

Why it’s great: This is one of the most intimate kissing positions. It might take some getting used to, but it’s a fun and sexy way to play with your partner as you test your comfort zones together.

How it works: This is a passionate throwdown-whether it's up against a wall, sweeping items off the desk, or falling into bed together. It’s fast, bold, and full of fire.

Why it’s great: So much of romance is about spontaneity and seizing the moment. This makeout position is full of energy and surprises, leaving the hands open to wander freely.

How it works: Both of you lie on your sides facing each other, with your arms wrapped around each other and your pelvises touching. It’s similar to chest to chest, only horizontal.

Why it’s great: This a great kissing position for the end of the evening, or first thing in the morning. It is a comfortable, relaxed position, but intimate enough where all the right parts are touching, without it necessarily leading to sex (although, hey, no one’s stopping you).

How it works: Similar to woman on top, except you're facing the opposite way, with your chin aligned to your partner's nose, upside down. Travel your way down to their neck and chest, if the mood strikes.

Why it’s great: This is a great kissing position to give you a feeling of control while you smooch. Plus, it places your breasts strategically for your partner to do some exploring of their own.

How it works: The face and neck have so many erogenous zones, and it's fun to tease a little leading up to a full-on mouth kiss. Start with the neck, earlobes, clavicle, corners of the lips, ear lobes...get creative.

Why it’s great: It’s the ultimate buildup to the ultimate buildup. If you thought kissing was amazing foreplay, you’ll love the foreplay to kissing.

How it works: Use your two lips to focus on your partner's lower lip. Lick it softly with your tongue, gently nibble it, or suck softly on it using your lips.

Why it’s great: It is incredibly erotic, and such a tease. You’ll leave your partner begging for the full effect.