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15 sexual turn-ons to try with your partner

Sexual turn-ons are habits, traits, or actions that get you in the mood.
Try this list of 15 with your partner and experiment with new kinds of
play.
By Quinn · February 16, 2024 · 6 min read

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Arousal is different for everyone — more different than you might think.

Maybe you're an eye contact person, or you shiver when someone says
your name just right. You might love being teased or busting out that fancy
dildo whenever you get the chance.

Sexual turn-ons are just as unique as you are — and we're here for it. But if
you want to try something new, or experiment with a partner to learn what
they like, start checking things off this list.

What are sexual turn-ons?

A sexual turn-on is a subtle or explicit trigger that sparks arousal. Turn-ons

vary significantly between people, and while some are highly individualized,
others are surprisingly common. These range from a specific type of
underwear to your favorite kind of foreplay.

Recognizing and understanding sexual triggers can help you connect with
your partner — and even yourself — more deeply. Non-sexual turn-ons, on
the other hand, are stimuli or actions that are arousing without directly
connecting to sex. These could be anything from someone speaking with
an accent to writing you a handwritten note — whatever gets your heart
pounding. The point is that these turn-ons aren’t traditionally sexual.

What turns a guy on? And what turns women on?

While it's historically been believed that people assigned male at birth
(AMAB) only find visual stimuli and physical gratification arousing, this
viewpoint is evolving (as it should). AMAB people’s turn-ons are just as
varied as anyone else’s. There’s no clear “thing that turns guys on”
because there’s no clear thing that turns everyone on. The same goes for
people assigned female at birth (AFAB) — there’s no cut-and-dry turn-on
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people assigned female at birth (AFAB) — there’s no cut-and-dry turn-on

that applies to every single person.

Some sexual triggers are a bit more universal, like intimacy, affirmation,
and of course, sexual acts. It’s safe to say most people find these things
arousing. But if you’re wondering if someone you like has anything specific
that gets them going, the best thing to do is just ask.

15 sexual turn-ons

Everyone has their own unique sexual turn-ons that get them in the mood,
and figuring out what works for you or a partner can be a fun adventure.
From subtle gestures to bold moves, here’s a list of turn-ons to try:

1. Hair pulling

Hair-pulling adds a touch of dominance to intimacy. A gentle tug — or even

strong pulling — can be incredibly arousing, especially when it's
unexpected or done outside the bedroom, and lends itself well to foreplay
and teasing. Just remember that as with any BDSM-esque play that could
involve pain, boundaries and consent are non-negotiable.

2. Smelling good

Never underestimate the power of fragrance to bring people pleasure. A

sexy smell can evoke memories, emotions, and even arousal, so go ahead
and spray the perfume or cologne you wore on your first date or wedding
night. If you're not into wearing a scent, even just making sure you're fresh
and clean can be a massive turn-on.

3. Lingering touches

Subtle gestures can speak volumes if you're wondering how to turn a girl
on or get someone riled up. Graze a partner with slow, lingering touches
throughout the day or evening. Let your fingers trace their skin to build
excitement and anticipation for what's to come. You could touch their
hands, back, or even lips — whatever they find sexiest.

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4. Making eye contact

They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and research shows eye
contact is proven to be arousing. Make eye contact with your partner during
normal everyday activities or in the bedroom to heighten the intensity of
your connection.

5. Teasing

Teasing is an incredibly powerful turn-on that's all about building tension

and desire, whether it's playful banter, straight-up roasting, or even orgasm
denial. It keeps your partner guessing, and they won't be able to hold back
once you give them what they want.

6. Confidence

High self-esteem feels good for both you and the people attracted to you.
When you're confident, you radiate an aura other people gravitate toward,
making you irresistible. And when you know what you want and go for it,
your partner won't be able to get you to the bed fast enough.

7. Ass smacking

A bit of playful (or rough) spanking can be a huge source of sexual

pleasure. This type of play adds a bit of kink to sex that many people find
sexually exciting — and according to research from SexualAlpha, 70% of
women and 61% of men are aroused by spanking during sex. This sexual
turn-on will show your partner a new side of you. Just make sure you talk
about it first and have a safe word in case things get rough.

8. Partners who are into toys

Bringing sex toys, like a vibrator, into the bedroom can be thrilling
— especially when you can tell you’re both into it. Playing with toys shows
a willingness to explore and a dedication to giving and receiving as much
pleasure as possible. Bonus points if you try a gadget made for couples.

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9. Having to be quiet

If you've ever had a stealthy, silent quickie while guests are in the other
room, you'll understand why having to keep it down is a common sexual
turn-on. Not being able to moan loudly adds an extra layer of excitement to
sex and can make the moment (and resulting orgasm) more intense.

10. Wanting it

Sexual desire is infectious. It might seem obvious, but it can be very, very
sexy when your partner clearly wants you — right now. Be blunt with your
partner about exactly what you want to do to them to turn them on, make
them feel desired, and boost their confidence.

11. Foreplay

Foreplay is so much more than just a lead-up to sex. It's your chance to
explore your partner's erotic desires and body before the main event. Try
different types of foreplay, including dirty talk, watching porn together, and
sensual massage to really heat things up.

12. Revealing clothes

When it comes to sex, what you wear can be just as important as what you
don't. Offer your partner glimpses of their favorite body parts by wearing
revealing clothes like sheer white t-shirts, lingerie, and booty shorts. Bonus
points if you keep a clothing item or two on while doing the deed.

13. Sensory stimulation

Engage your partner's senses of touch, taste, sight, smell, and hearing to
turn them on. Combining a few senses can intensify pleasure. From silk
sheets to a new playlist, a scented candle, and even sexual ASMR,
sensory stimulation is majorly steamy.

14. Nipple play

The nipples are a popular erogenous zone for many people. If your partner
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The nipples are a popular erogenous zone for many people. If your partner
is one of them, you could caress, gently pinch, or use ice or warm oil on
their nipples to make them horny without even going below the belt. This
type of erotic play provides a broad range of physical sensations and can
even lead to orgasm.

15. Anal play

Anal play — often seen as a bit of a sexual taboo — is a pretty common

turn-on. With proper communication, consent, and preparation, anal sex
and prostate stimulation can be intensely erotic, and you can also explore it
during foreplay with your hands and mouth. Just don't forget the lube.

Get turned on with Quinn

Explore your sexual turn-ons with audio erotica. Quinn, an app created by
women, for the world, offers a wide range of ethical sexual content for
learning more about what gets you going behind closed doors.

To access thousands of narrated sex stories, guided masturbation

sessions, and sexy playlists, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.

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