In 2026, a passionate, well-executed kiss is back in vogue as a top romantic priority, according to a growing social media movement. Creator Tilly Ferrari recently championed the cause, calling for more consequence-free snogging that "just stops at snogging." With the average person spending roughly two weeks of their life locking lips, the pressure is on to up your game.
The Five Hallmarks of a Phenomenal Kisser
To decode what makes a kiss unforgettable, Metro consulted certified sex and relationships psychotherapist Gigi Engle, author of Kink Curious. She provided five definitive signs that you've mastered the art of tonsil tennis.
1. You Adapt and Respond
Great kissers don't follow a rigid script. According to Engle, the key is adaptability. "They adjust pressure, pace, and intensity based on what the other person is doing," she explains. This responsive attunement, rather than performing a preconceived idea of a good kiss, reads as confidence and makes the experience feel mutual and uniquely tailored.
2. Your Whole Body is Involved
A truly mind-blowing kiss isn't just about the mouth. Engle emphasises that it involves "the whole body." Subtle touches, pulling your partner closer, and other forms of grounding physical contact make the kiss feel more embodied and passionate. When your body's actions communicate desire in sync with your lips, the kiss becomes far more intentional.
3. You Master the Pause
Knowing how to handle a natural break for breath is a mark of an experienced kisser. "Knowing when to pull back slightly, breathe together, or make eye contact mid-kiss is a major skill," says Engle. These micro-pauses should build tension and intimacy, not create awkwardness. If your partner leans back in immediately, you're likely doing something right.
4. You Make Them Feel Chosen
Skill is important, but the emotional component is crucial. "If your partner feels focused on, desired, and un-rushed, the kiss lands differently," Engle notes. Feeling wanted is often what people remember most. Great kissers communicate this desire through their full presence—leaning in with intention, maintaining focus, and using eye contact and subtle touch to signal "I want you," not just the act itself.
5. People Want a Repeat Performance
The most obvious feedback loop is also the most reliable. If someone seeks out more kisses from you, you're on the right track. "If someone leans in twice, initiates future kisses, or mentions it afterward, that's feedback worth noting," Engle states. A good kiss leaves people curious, energised, and eager to repeat the experience.
The Bottom Line
As kissing enjoys a renaissance in 2026, the expert advice is clear: move beyond technique alone. The most memorable snogs are a blend of responsive skill, full-body engagement, emotional presence, and the simple, undeniable feedback of a partner who can't get enough. The call to action is simple: get out there, keep practising, and prioritise the pure, passionate connection of a great kiss.
