Top 10 Best Massage Oils for Muscles in 2023
A body massage is an excellent way of getting rid of muscle pain, sore muscles, tight muscles, and muscle knots. In some cases, you can even use it for joint pain. A good body massage goes a very long way in making you pain-free and happy. After a workout, sore muscles are likely to occur. That, however, shouldn’t be allowed to derail your day.
Best Massage Oil for Muscles
Perhaps you have tried over-the-counter pain killers or foam rolling but they don’t seem to be doing the trick. Perhaps you need something more romantic to ease those muscle pains. Get a body massage! However, similar to anything else in this world, for a really good body massage, you will need some tools like massage oil.
Massage oil is used for lubricating the skin during a massage in order to reduce levels of friction. The market has a long list of excellent massage oils that can be used to ease muscle pain easily and reduce any swelling or body tension.
The question that begs an answer is what is the best massage oil? The truth is that picking any random massage oil may not give you the desired or expected results. Not all types of best massage essential oils work best for all situations and types of massages.
We have Picked The 10 Best Massage oils in 2020
Sensual Massage Oil
The hydrating and rich formula not only nourishes your romantic relationship but also the senses and skin. Jojoba and Sweet Almond moisturize your skin deeply. They are Vitamin E r...
Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Lightweight Body Oil
Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Lightweight Body Oil is a uniquely crafted body moisturizer. It uses a light natural oil extracted from white sesame seeds which are great at helping your...
Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil
Coconut oils are among the most versatile oils and Majestic Pure Fractionated ranks high among them. It has been processed in a carefully designed way that eliminates all those lon...
Banyan Botanicals Sunflower Oil
Banyan Botanicals have a long history of commitment to producing the highest quality Ayurvedic products. They use certified organic herbs that are fairly traded and sustainably sou...
Refresh Massage Oil
Whether you are receiving or giving the massage, the all-natural Refresh Therapeutic massage oil is guaranteed to please you. It has been enriched with some of the best essential...
The Jojoba Company Organic HobaCare
This is one of the best massage essential oils as it differs greatly with most commercially available grades of Jojoba oils. The seeds used in its making are first light pressed, e...
Grapeseed Oil by Sky Organics
Rated among the best massage oil products, Grapeseed Oil by Sky Organics comes packed with vitamins A, E, and K to help you fight free radicals. For healthier hair, this oil is l...
Relief Arnica Massage Oil
If you work out, play sports or generally lead an active lifestyle, you are likely to encounter sore and stiff muscles. With Relief Arnica Massage therapeutic oil you get relief fr...
Dulàc - Arnica 35 - Strong Arnica Massage Oil
This is a highly concentrated oil that has Arnica (35%) as well as 11 other different vegetable oils that have been Vitamin E enriched. It’s good when you want to relax those fat...
Liquid Gold Arnica Herbal Oil
Although this product concludes our 10 best massage oils, it doesn’t mean it’s of lesser quality. Liquid Gold Arnica Herbal Oil comes with a long history of successful use in d...
Sensual Massage Oil
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- 100% pure therapeutic-grade oils
- Rich in aromatic compounds
- Suitable for both men and women
- Promotes deep tissue softness
- Sensual & pleasurable experience for intimate moments
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Some users have reported poor sealing
Features
- Perfect blend of ingredients - pure Lavender, Almond Oil & Jojoba Oil
- Natural skin and muscle lubricant.
- Promotes deep tissue softness
- Vitamin E enhanced
- Balanced absorption rate
- No greasy buildup of residue
The hydrating and rich formula not only nourishes your romantic relationship but also the senses and skin. Jojoba and Sweet Almond moisturize your skin deeply. They are Vitamin E rich while Lavender is good at relaxing your body, setting the mood.
Sensual Massage Oil has been created with the perfect combination of carrier oils that ensure balanced absorbency. To apply is non-staining easy and it makes a naturally therapeutic muscle lubricant and body and skin moisturizer.
The unique blend of this oil promotes the deep softness of your muscle tissue while providing you with a natural slip without any greasy buildup of residue. It also has several aromatic compounds that will pique the sensual experience, which makes this product among best massage oils for deep massage and, yes, those romantic, passionate encounters.
The unique blending of Jojoba, Lavender, and Almond oils together with vitamin E is designed to give a product you cannot resist. It boasts of a pleasant aroma that comes with a tingling sensation that works together for that special romantic moment.
Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Lightweight Body Oil
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- Quick absorption to nourish the skin
- Glides on easily the skin
- Lightweight body massage oil
- Not too oily
- Dermatologist-tested
- Small bottle size
- After use, it drips down the bottle
- No fragrance
Features
- 5-fl. oz of fragrance-free moisturizing body massage oil
- Moisturizing fragrance-free sesame body oil
- Naturally therapeutic body moisturizer
- Provides instant hydration for a healthy, radiant glow
- Pampers skin as a sheer moisturizer
Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Lightweight Body Oil is a uniquely crafted body moisturizer. It uses a light natural oil extracted from white sesame seeds which are great at helping your skin maintain a natural moisture balance. At the same time, it provides a soothing, subtle, fragrance. No wonder we have rated it among the best massage oil for baby and the adult alike.
This lightweight body oil will pamper the skin as a sheer moisturizer. It vanishes instantly and quickly absorbs into the skin to provide essential hydration guaranteed to leave your skin feeling silky and soft. The skin will feel hydrated with a healthy, radiant-looking glow.
Sesame oil formula supplies vital nourishment if you have dry skin and easily glides on to help in maintaining your skin's essential moisture yet without the heaviness associated with lotions. Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Lightweight Body Oil is so sheer that it vanishes instantly into your shower-damp skin, quickly sealing in the vital moisture.
After taking a bath or shower, smooth on a couple of drops while the skin is still damp. If using in a bath, add some Neutrogena Fragrance body oil to the water to nourish and soften your skin as you bathe.
Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil
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- Excellent moisturizer and tonic
- Hexane, paraben & sulfate-free
- Longer shelf life & more stable
- Odorless and leaves no greasy feeling
- Relatively expensive
- Comes in a plastic container
Features
- Coconut oil in liquid form
- No long-chain fatty acids
- Contains high concentrations of Caprylic & Capric acids
- Stable & longer shelf life
- Doesn’t freeze even in low temperatures
Coconut oils are among the most versatile oils and Majestic Pure Fractionated ranks high among them. It has been processed in a carefully designed way that eliminates all those long-chain fatty acids to leave behind only the medium-chain healthy fatty acids. Although you might have always thought of coconut oil as being a solid, heavy oil, Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil is a light, non-greasy, light, liquid oil and makes a great massage oil.
If you have ever asked what is best massage oil then this coconut oil in liquid form gives a perfect answer for it comes with miraculous benefits for your skin. Fractionated coconut oil contains a high concentration of Caprylic and Capric acids. This gives this product an amazing amount of disinfecting and antioxidant properties. An excellent moisturizer, it’s known to help in soothing skin irritations and rashes. You can also use it to combat acne.
This body oil is also excellent when it comes to soothing and healing chapped lips. It’s more stable, has a longer shelf life, and you generally useless compared to other coconut oil products. Different from most coconut oils, even at low temperatures Majestic Fractionated remains in a liquid state.
Banyan Botanicals Sunflower Oil
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- Semi-refined oil & certified organic
- Nourishes without weighing your skin down
- Is in a liquid form unlike most coconut oils
- Can be used a carrier oil
- Leaves no greasy residue
- You use less amounts
- More stable & longer shelf-life
- No added scents
Features
- Extracted from organic and cheery Sunflower seeds
- Perfect as a massage & hair oil, or skin moisturizer
- Packaged in BPA-free recyclable plastic containers
- No animal products & suitable for vegans
- 3rd party tested for safety and quality
Banyan Botanicals have a long history of commitment to producing the highest quality Ayurvedic products. They use certified organic herbs that are fairly traded and sustainably sourced. Banyan Botanicals Sunflower Oil is expeller-pressed, wholly organic and has been refined through a natural process. In particular, their products have been used for self-massage in Ayurveda since ancient times to balance the Kapha and Pitta Doshas.
Use Banyan Botanicals Sunflower Oil daily as a body nourishing and massage oil for vibrant, healthy skin. The golden oil has been extracted from the cheery and vibrant sunflower plant seeds. It forms the lightest of the product’s base oils—in scent color and texture. Because it has no scent and is light, it’s among the best massage oil for baby.
Sunflower Oil is a good product to keep nearby, particularly if you have a Kapha or Pitta imbalance or constitution. And this is an excellent team player that can be combined with many other items. For a smooth, healthy and radiant skin, add some of your favorite essential or aromatherapy oils. You can, however, use Banyan Botanicals Sunflower Oil on its own.
Refresh Massage Oil
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- All-natural US ingredients
- Enriched with best massage essential oils
- Relaxes achy & tired muscles
- Reduces body stress
- Great Professional Users-
- No greasy feeling
- Cruelty-free
- No scents/aroma
Features
- Features Coconut, Apricot Kernel, Jojoba, & Grapeseed Oils
- Has Eucalyptus for mind relaxing
- Smoothly glides over the body without oily residue
- Good for Chiropractors/Chiropractic Massage Professionals
- Compatible with diverse massage tools
- Never tested on animals making it cruelty-free
- Both Paraben and Phthalate free
Whether you are receiving or giving the massage, the all-natural Refresh Therapeutic massage oil is guaranteed to please you. It has been enriched with some of the best essential oils for massage. It has Eucalyptus to rejuvenate your mind while the body gets calmed by Peppermint. This oil has been formulated to make the user feel like they are at the spa while they are getting the massage treatment in the comfort of their own houses
Refresh Therapeutic massage oil has been formulated to offer the perfect glide and leave your skin feeling smooth and silky with no greasiness. Works great with diverse massage tools, including massage roller, hot stone massage, handheld massagers, deep tissue, foot massager, or even your hands.
The “Nut Free” formula used in making Refresh Massage Oil features Coconut, Apricot Kernel, Jojoba and Grapeseed Oils which are great at nourishing and hydrating the skin. Peppermint and Eucalyptus essential oils come with unique aromatherapy benefits and help in restoring and refreshing your body and mind.
Peppermint provides effective relief from muscle pain while naturally relaxing muscles. Eucalyptus boasts anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties; good if you have joint discomfort or achy tired muscles. If you are asking what is best massage oil for re-energizing your body and mind while at the same time reducing stress levels look no further than this Eucalyptus containing product.
The Jojoba Company Organic HobaCare
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- Suitable for all skin types
- Excellent for baby care
- Has many applications
- Non-greasy & non-staining
- Doesn’t clog your pores
- Non-allergenic
- No pour spout
Features
- 100% USDA Certified.
- Suitable for all types of skins including baby care management
- Has multiple uses besides being a massage oil
- Recommended for aromatherapy purposes
- Doesn’t clog the pores upon application
- Indefinite shelf life, no refrigeration
This is one of the best massage essential oils as it differs greatly with most commercially available grades of Jojoba oils. The seeds used in its making are first light pressed, emphasizing the aspect of quality over quantity. This ensures that only the best is available.
This is an excellent product for babies making it the best massage oil for babies. The 100% pure unrefined golden Jojoba oil can be used for massage, aromatherapy, skin conditioning, the face, beards, scalp, and your hair. It moisturizes cracked and chapped hands, soothing sore skin, helps in shaving and makeup removal.
Jojoba Company Organic HobaCare doesn’t clog your pores and is also non-allergenic. The best part is that this product comes with an indefinite shelf life and requires no refrigeration.
Grapeseed Oil by Sky Organics
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- Pure grapeseed, nothing added or removed
- Lightweight & non-greasy
- Can be blended with other lotions and oils
- Odorless, colorless & flavorless
- Can also be used in cooking
- May stain clothes slightly
Features
- Pure Grapeseed massage oil
- Packed with phytosterols & monounsaturated fatty acids for healthier hair
- Contains Vitamins A, E & K for immunity
- Free from artificial ingredients, chemicals & fillers
Rated among the best massage oil products, Grapeseed Oil by Sky Organics comes packed with vitamins A, E, and K to help you fight free radicals. For healthier hair, this oil is loaded with phytosterols and monounsaturated fatty acids.
This is an excellent massage oil that can be mixed with other oils and lotions because it has no scent. Besides, it relaxes your body and provides deep tissue moisturizing. A great plus point about this Sky Organics product is that you can blend it with other lotions and oils which makes it an excellent choice when giving or receiving a massage
Grapeseed Oil is free from fillers, dyes, chemicals, hexane, and other types of artificial ingredients. This product ranks among top contenders for best massage oil for baby as it’s risk-free and safe. Nothing has been removed or added from the grapeseed to ensure that all the natural nutrients are preserved.
Besides being good for external use, this versatile grapeseed oil is also fit for human consumption. It’s odorless, flavorless and has a neutral color which makes it perfect for healthy cooking.
Relief Arnica Massage Oil
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- Highest-quality, all-natural ingredients
- Good for active lifestyles like athletes
- Good for home or professional use
- Not sticky or greasy
- Clean smell & not overpowering
- Not tested on animals
- Paraben-free
- Cannot be used on broken skin
- Some people may be allergic to Arnica
Features
- It contains Arnica Montana, Jojoba, Sweet Almond, &Grapeseed Oils.
- Arnica treats bruises and eases pain
- Perfect massage for active sportspeople
- Provides relief from sore and stiff muscles
- Smoothly glides to leave skin refreshed and healthy
- Leaves your skin well-hydrated & healthy
If you work out, play sports or generally lead an active lifestyle, you are likely to encounter sore and stiff muscles. With Relief Arnica Massage therapeutic oil you get relief from such body aches as it’s designed with athletes in mind. This massage oil has been made for you. This is an expert blend of texture and consistency giving a perfect body massage that will leave your skin hydrated and healthy.
A worthy contender for best massage essential oils, Relief Arnica Massage Oil has been carefully crafted with all-natural, highest quality ingredients. This has culminated in a top-quality massage oil for stiff and tired muscles. It contains a unique blend of Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Grapeseed, and Arnica Montana Oils. These ingredients have been enriched with Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lemongrass, and other essential oils to give you one of the best massage essential oils.
The composition of Relief Arnica Massage Oil allows smooth gliding of the hands and leaves your skin feeling smooth, soft and refreshed. This is what you need after a strenuous workout or busy day. It rejuvenates your tired and aching muscles. Relief Arnica Massage Oil can also be used as your routine skin softener.
Dulàc - Arnica 35 - Strong Arnica Massage Oil
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- Good for muscle aches & bruises
- Vitamin E enriched
- Cannot be used on wounds or open skin
Features
- 100% natural ingredients
- Highly concentrated with Arnica & 11 vegetable oils
- Contains Eucalyptus & Peppermint Essential Oils
- Free from parabens, silicones & mineral oils
- Ideal for pre/post sport & rehabilitation massages
- Can be used for diverse needs
This is a highly concentrated oil that has Arnica (35%) as well as 11 other different vegetable oils that have been Vitamin E enriched. It’s good when you want to relax those fatigued parts of your body. It’s also suitable for rehabilitation after injury or surgery as well as for and pre-sport and post-sports massages.
Besides Organic Arnica Montana, Dulàc - Arnica 35 - Strong Arnica Massage Oil has been formulated with unique Phytoextracts designed to strengthen its soothing and pain-relieving properties. These Phytoextracts include Black Currant, Hypericum, Devil's Claw, Calendula, and Chamomile.
Peppermint and Eucalyptus essential oils boost the action of this highly potent oil to refresh any treated area as well as offer a pleasant aromatic note for those private moments.
An innovative and clean technique of extraction that facilitates the obtaining of high-quality plant extracts has been employed. It doesn’t alter the principles originally found in the plants. It allows for the extraction of pure phytoextracts which would otherwise be impossible with other processes of mechanical extraction.
Thanks to the diverse compositions in making Dulàc - Arnica 35 - Strong Arnica Massage Oil, it can be used for nearly used every need.
Liquid Gold Arnica Herbal Oil
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- Boosts healing and circulation
- Relaxes tense muscles
- Has inflammatory skin healing properties
- Has other uses like dandruff management
- Ingredients not listed on the bottle
- Arnica is not good for open skin or wounds
Features
- The oil is infused with Arnica
- Enhances healing bacterial activity & increased circulation
- Reduces bruises and relaxes your tense muscles.
- May be used as the carrier with additional emollients when diluted
- Has a broad range of applications such as sore muscles, pain relief, and dandruff treatment
Although this product concludes our 10 best massage oils, it doesn’t mean it’s of lesser quality. Liquid Gold Arnica Herbal Oil comes with a long history of successful use in damaged and inflammatory skin conditions. It has improved healing through anti-bacterial activity and increased circulation.
The oil is infused with Arnica. This is beneficial for your injured or achy muscles. It’s also good for sprains, dislocations, bruises, soft tissue trauma, rheumatic pain, swelling due to fractures, and inflammation because of insect bites. This is an excellent massage product for not just sore muscles but also for sports-related injuries because it helps in reducing bruises and relaxing your tense muscles.
This is a great plant-based keep in your medicine chest as it has multiple uses. You can even use it as a herbal treatment for facial hair dandruff. You may use Liquid Gold Arnica Herbal Oil as the carrier with additional emollients when diluted 3.0-10.0%.
Bonus Picks!
Here is a list of all the massage oils I have used over the years, all of which left me feeling rejuvenated and light! Take a look:
This wonder oil helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars, and other marks related to acne, injury, aging and skin damage. What makes the oil bets for massages are its ingredients that contain vitamins A, and E, with calendula and lavender oils. The combination also contains purecellin oil as its base with chamomile oil that has a calming effect on the body and mind.
The rosemary oil in the massage oil can soothe muscle soreness, pain, arthritis and rheumatism.
What works best for this oil is its effectiveness with just a little quantity. If you scroll down to the description and miscellaneous information, you will find that the dosage of this oil is kept at one teaspoon.
The light texture of the oil makes it great for massages that leave your skin feeling light as well. The aroma of the oil is herbaceous with woody and warm citrus notes accompanying it. Take a small quantity of the oil and massage it into freshly cleansed skin, especially in the dry areas of your body.
What I love about this oil is the way it makes me relaxed, letting me enjoy the time for myself. The massage oil also works well to leave my skin silky and supple. I specifically picked this oil for the aroma which has no hint of synthetic-ness giving it a natural scent.
The concoction contains a mix of almond, sunflower seed, and castor oils which are supported by orange peel oil and lavender oil. The soothing and calming effect is also spread by the vitamin E, bergamot fruit oil and the citrus note that is prominently present.
This harmonizing body oil is a blend of rosewood, geranium, rosemary, chamomile, lavender, and marjoram. These keep the mind tension free and give you a completely relaxing experience that is deeply nourishing.
With the goodness of chamomile, lavender and sweet almond oil, I loved the way this oil left my skin feeling calm and pain-free. The moisturizing effect of the oils accompany the skin-softening and scar-preventing effects.
The first of its kind massage oil slash candle I had used was from Maude. I remember picking it up because it is a candle and finding out that the melted “wax” doubles as a massage oil- trust me, my mind was blown!
The skin-softening and moisturizing blend of oils used in this massage candle also provide a soothing effect. You can choose from the other scents available which have their own unique notes. I love this one because of the rosy yet soothing notes of lemon, cedarwood, balsam and pink pepper.10 Best Massage oils (Buying Guide)
Buying the best massage oil need not be a very stressful process. However, although they are not all that expensive, it would a big disappointment if you bought a massage oil that doesn’t deliver as you expected. As you look into the different options when buying a massage oil, it’s equally important to know how these powerful oils are used safely and for maximum benefits.
Knowing how they are used will guide you to buy the best massage essential oils. Unless clearly stated, massage oils are generally designed for external application. Ingestion might have adverse effects as some of the ingredients may be harmful.
Don’t let the fragrance or aesthetics of the massage oil labeling or bottle design mislead you. Understand the ingredients, terminologies, properties, and precautions that come with the product. If in doubt, contact the makers of the massage oil for clarification.
Having noted that, are several important factors to bear in your mind when shopping for the best massage oils. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for an essential oil for sore muscle pain and massage or the best massage oil for baby, these factors will guide your buying.
Effectiveness
The best massage essential oils not only penetrate deep below your skin to relieve tension, pain, and swelling but also help in quickly working out knots to release tension. That is why you need to know the effectiveness of the massage oil in terms of what you aim to achieve.
Another good way of gauging the effectiveness of the massage oil is to read online reviews from past or current users. Follow the product’s dilution directions as the best massage essential oils are typically highly concentrated and could irritate the skin if they are not diluted properly.
For more effect, consider getting from a massage from a therapist supplier if you intend to use the massage oil often. You may also want to look at the cost per ounce because in some cases, getting a larger size could prove to be more economical.
Side Effects
Being non-invasive, essential massage oils are generally safe to use. However, excess application could trigger skin rashes or other potential side effects. The safest option is to pick pure essential oils. The best massage oils should ideally not contain preservatives or additives as they may dilute the potential benefits of using the product. For this reason, it’s best to buy essential massage oils from verified and high-quality sources to minimize any potential side effects and risks.
Best Massage Oil for Muscles
An important aspect to consider when buying a massage oil is the scent. There are lots of scents or fragrances in the market and you need to choose one that excites your senses and not irritate them due to allergies.
In addition to scent allergies, some people could also be allergic to certain flower extracts or nuts used in the essential oil. For example, if you are allergic to tree nuts, then avoid products that contain Almond oil. If you are allergic to ragweed, avoid oils that contain chamomile.
To avoid side effects associated with allergies, buy oils labeled hypoallergenic. Doing a patch test before using a massage oil may be a good way of checking for allergic reactions.
Body Compatibility
Before picking any essential oil for massage, make sure it’s compatible with your body otherwise, it could trigger serious skin issues. The chosen oil should smoothly glide on your skin. The best massage oils don’t feel greasy or sticky and greasy yet should allow easy movements of the hand on the body.
There are several massage oils out there formulated to help in getting rid of cellulite, wrinkles, and at the same time hydrate and nourish your skin. If you can identify a massage oil that carries such skincare benefits plus pain relief benefits, it would be wise to get it.
Skin Support
When looking for the best massage essential oils, it’s important to consider your skin requirements. Ensure that the massage oil you buy doesn’t contain anything that your skin is allergic to. Rarely do essential oils used in massage have a strong or unpleasant scent unless for some medical reason.
Skin experts recommend getting a low-viscosity massage oil as it easily flows on your skin yet it doesn’t stick to the skin. This enables you or your partner to spread the massage oil without having to exert too much effort.
Besides, a low-viscosity massage oil easily absorbs (and smoothly) in the skin. As you buy, ensure the quantity is adequate to last during the whole massage as that enhances the overall soothing effect. It should be just enough, lest it ends up being a greasy mess on your skin.
Conclusion
Whether you are giving your partner a massage in a home setting or on the receiving end, the quality of the oil and right environment can literally transform the experience from boring and ineffective to a pain-relieving and supremely blissful one. A good quality oil helps the hands glide smoothly and relaxes your aching or tired muscles thus enhancing the experience.
Whether you are getting the massage treatment from a massage therapist or at home, massage oil is necessary for the best outcomes. The market has plenty of oils to choose from, but it’s important to realize that not all can deliver. Some can end up making your skin feel greasy and sticky while others quickly go rancid, taking on a rather unpleasant smell.
That’s why choosing the best massage essential oils can make all the difference. A good choice of oil used correctly helps you relax and ingredients like Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E nourish the skin leaving it healthy and smooth. With our choice of 10 best massage oils, we are sure you will find one that meets your personal needs.
Go ahead and make your pick and don’t be afraid to experiment for you cannot go wrong with any of the above 10 choices.