I've had my fair share of kisses over the years. Some, I admit, were horrible, and included things like braces, corn-chip breath, and games of tonsil hockey. But there have been some pretty sweep-me-off-my-feet kisses too, like: kissing under a sky illuminated with fireworks, a grown-up-game of spin-the-bottle (please land on green eyes—yes!), and scandalous kisses that never should have happened but felt so good. It's no wonder, of course, that my girlfriends and I want more of the latter than the former. So listen up, guys, for some advice. Here, eight women kiss and tell…

First off, does the date merit a kiss? Are we engaged in conversation with you? Are we smiling? If things seem like a go, a first kiss should be very soft. Please, no tongue! Just kiss our lips with yours. Nip at my bottom lip—just slightly tug it. Don't be like my last first date, who licked my teeth and got my hair caught in his college ring (come to think of it—never wear a college ring on a date).

Hygiene is key. Before you attempt to kiss a woman ask yourself: Does your breath smell like pepperoni pizza? We don't care if we just dined in garlic heaven—a pack of gum or tin of Altoids cost around a buck. Both fit in your pocket. Puh-lease, have fresh breath. I keep Tic-Tacs on me at all times (hint, hint)! If we go back to your place to cuddle and watch a DVD, there is nothing sexier than a guy that excuses himself to the bathroom and emerges smelling like Crest. I once kissed a guy that tasted like tuna fish. We did not go on another date.

A little goes a long way, boys! A little lip, a little tongue, a little caressing of our cheekbone. For starters, give us a quick, sexy sweep. Then retreat—do not shove your tongue into our mouth. What we want now are your lips. We want long, solid smooches. Next, pull away and hold the back of our head in your palm. Look into our eyes. We'll reciprocate—trust me.

When just getting to know a guy, I like it when he goes in but doesn't make it to my lips and rather dots my cheek and lip with a long, sweet, I-know-I-like-you peck. Then he pulls away and I likely blush, which is a good sign. On our next formal date, I expect full lip-on-lip contact.

Take me to the movies and kiss us (just sweet pecks) at really touching moments, like when the main guy and gal realize they're meant to be or the puppy gets saved from a burning building. It shows us you're sensitive and totally tuned into our girly feelings. We'll kiss you when your team scores a basket—promise. ;)

Do not take our hands and put them in inappropriate places on your body while we are sharing a kiss. If we like you, our hands will be caressing your brow or tucked under your collar. And we love it if your hands are resting on our hips, holding the back of our head, sweeping our cheek with a soft, open palm, or holding our hands (personal favorite). It ruins a kiss if you take your hands and go rushing to different places. If we like you…we'll get there.

We love Hollywood kisses. Completely, over-the-top, theatrical kisses. Hold us, dip us, kiss us. It shows us you love to have fun (like me!), and it's so romantic. Hollywood kisses are also a great distraction from petty arguments, by the way.

My best advice is so simple: Go for it. If you get that urge, and we don't seem that into it, who cares? Maybe we're just zoned out for some reason, or maybe we are into you and you just aren't picking up on our very subtle vibes. I've been sneak-attacked a lot with a kiss, and nine times out of ten, it turns me on!

The other side of this story -from men point of view by Matt Christensen Men Point-Of-View: How To Be A Better Kisser

You might also be interested in reading 5 Signs She's Into You

And 5 Women Every Guys' Gotta Date