Color Psychology

When infuriated, we see red. When sickened, we feel blue. When jealous, we are green with envy. Clearly, different colors evoke different emotions; they also send different messages to different people.

Associations and Assumptions

Like the vernacular we speak, the meanings behind colors vary enormously from culture to culture, person to person. We have been programmed, on a symbolical level and on an emotional level, to see more than just colors. This explains why we tend to place labels, like sexy and daring, on women we see wearing red lipstick; we naturally deem them to be the confident, seductive type. Similarly, it is easy for us to make the assumption that women tend to wear dark lipsticks when they want to reveal their mysterious and rebellious side.

With colors carrying a sea of both positive and negative connotations, it makes sense that the color of the lipstick, or makeup, you wear can influence your mood, behavior and emotions. Let’s take the American flag for example: Just seeing the colors red, white and blue alone is enough to make some individuals feel extremely proud and hopeful. The color of makeup evokes emotions within us in the same way.

We wear what we wear because of how we feel and because of how we want others to perceive us. When we feel sexy and desirous of attention, we often put on red lipstick to complement our look.

No color is excluded as even the most subtle tones can elicit an emotional response from us and change our mood instantly. Lipstick — whether dark, plain or bright — will point out your personality, so choosing hot pink over a soft red flavor will call attention to your playful side. It will also show that you are in a flirty, spunky mood. There is no end to the number of emotions a single color can make us feel, so every color can potentially alter the mood in a room in some way.

With that said, be aware that your choice of lipstick can send all the right or all the wrong signals. Fun, cute colors — like pink, mild purple or green — will make you appear more friendly and approachable. Conversely, dark shades of lipsticks can give the impression that you are unfriendly, unapproachable and serious. Take this into consideration when you are out shopping for lip makeup.