Facials: Why does he like to finish on my face?

In this article, the LOVE Team will be exploring the motivations behind this practice, its origins, the stakes it has within relationships and the best way to approach the subject in a respectful way.

The term “facial” or “facial ejaculation” refers to the act of a person who has a penis ejaculating onto their partner’s face. This fantasy has become more well known thanks to pornography, where its usage is often seen as a symbol of ‘power’ or visual climax. For certain couples, it’s an example of an erotic game where each player benefits from the sensations felt, whereas for others, it is often seen as being overly dominated by the pornographic imagination or even a tad degrading.

There are many reasons why people are interested in such a thing. The idea of power and domination is often cited: ejaculating on someone else’s face can reinforce this idea of controlling or ‘marking’ their partner. The intensity of the pleasure experienced is also very often mentioned: the male orgasm can be heightened by the visual stimulation offered by facials.

For certain couples, it can be a real show of trust: accepting to be on the receiving end of a facial can be a reflection of a strong bond and reciprocated abandon, which is far from the purely aggressive vision we sometimes have of it.

A lot of its success can be explained by the way pornography has popularised and normalised facial ejaculation. Easy access to this kind of content has turned facials into what people consider to be common practice, even completely normal, sometimes pushing people to try and recreate what is on their screens.

Alongside this, the way in which sexual norms have evolved means people are now able to speak more freely about their fantasies. Facials are not necessarily considered taboo anymore: they’ve made it onto the list of erotic games that a couple can try out, regardless of the lack of mutual enjoyment.

If you decide to give it a go, you can impose ‘rules’ (like having a towel at the ready or being in a specific position) to make the experience more comfortable. Afterwards, a debrief (and after care) will enable you to figure out if the experience was a satisfying one or whether adjustments need to be made.

To avoid any unpleasantness, always make sure to have things on hand to clean your face with (a towel, baby wipes). Opt for a position that reduces the risk of anything going in the eyes, or pick a safe word so that you know when to stop if someone is uneasy.

Make sure also that it is taking place in a safe environment, where someone can say “stop” or “I’d rather not do this” at any moment they need to. Finally, if you’re worried about irritation or allergic reactions, make sure to protect yourself or educate yourself on the best way to minimise these types of risks.

Facials can reinforce the bond between you and your partner under the condition that it is a consensual act taking place in a secure environment. By daring to explore certain fantasies together, you’ll be opening a channel of deeper communication around your sex life and your respective desires. However, there is no obligation whatsoever to take part in facial ejaculation, each individual is free to find enjoyment (or not) in this practice. What’s important is listening to your partner and their feelings, without pressure or guilt.

Facial ejaculation is as fascinating as it is questioned as it involves both visual pleasure, the idea of domination and also a show of trust in erotic situations. It has been popularised through pornography but the practice of facial ejaculation varies from couple to couple, according to their motivations and personal limits. Open communication, respecting consent, considering what precautions to take and taking it step by step are the keys to living out this fantasy without problems, if you choose to integrate it into your sex life.