Before you throw on that perfect shade of red lipstick, you may want to think about how you’ll be perceived.

Although you may not have consciously realized, color has a lot to do with how we feel.  When people see you wearing that red lipstick, red eye shadow, or even red nails, they will feel differently toward you.  They will get an emotional reaction based on that color.  Most of the time, they don’t even realize it.

What we think of when we see the color red:

• Blood
• Danger
• Anger
• Fire
• Heat
• Spice
• Love
• Romance
• Sex

Objects associated with the color red:

• Hearts
• Roses
• Strawberries
• Hot peppers
• Stop signs
• Stop lights
• Police car roof lights

As you can see, there are good and bad associations with the color red.  While it can represent sex, love and romance, it also represents danger, fire and heat.  You should be aware of this when you make it a part of your overall makeup look.

Because there are certain connotations involved with this color, there are some situations that are perfect for this makeup, and others that are not.

You should wear red makeup when…

• You’re on a romantic/sexy date.  Valentine’s Day?  Perfect.  This is especially good for a romantic candlelight dinner for two.
• You want to attract someone. If you’ve had you’re eye on a particular someone for a while, next time you see them, do the red look.  Red lips and nails will add a bit of danger and sex appeal to your look.  Bat your lashes a bit and you’re sure to reel them in.
• For a classy dinner. Red lips are often seen as classy and elegant as well.  If you’re going to a ball, this is appropriate.  Of course, make sure it matches the rest of your outfit first.

You should NOT wear red makeup when…

• You’re going to visit your grandma.  Do you really want to attract your grandma?  Or warn her?  Probably not, so you should pick more neutral colors for this visit.
• On a job interview.  You should be all business.  The interviewer may think you’re coming on to them if you come decked out in your sexiest red makeup.
• To a gynecological exam. While I’m sure you look nice, they’ll only be looking at your lady parts anyway.  And really, this should be furthest from a sexy date as possible.  Eww.

Should you always follow these rules?  No.  Some women can rock the red look so well that they can wear it just about everywhere.  Or maybe it seems more sexy to you to wear blue makeup.

The whole point is that red elicits certain subconcious responses from those who see it. You may even feel this yourself when you’re wearing it.  You might feel more sexy or more daring when your lips are red.

See what color can really do?

Next time you’re about to put on red lipstick, nail polish or eye shadow, think about what it will do to you and those around you.

And when you do wear it, rock it!

Photo credit: francescaderosa

Photo credit: gioischia

Photo credit: erix

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