Colour affects people on the gut level. Colour communicates unconscious and conscious messages. Sometimes these messages can be hard to put into specific words, since they float underneath the level of everyday thinking. Nevertheless, the impact colour has on people's assumptions and judgments can be profound.
The effect colour has on perception is very pronounced when it comes to clothing and makeup. Lipstick in particular is a highly symbolic colour communicator, probably because the mouth and lips are prominently displayed facial features. This makes lipstick colour choices more impactful than, say, the colour of your latest pedicure polish.
Lipstick Colour Meanings: Red
Vivid red lips send a strong sexual message, particularly if the finish on the lipstick is very glossy or shiny. Matte red lips are exceptionally dramatic and attention-getting. Be mindful that in some fashion seasons, red matte lips can be too over-the-top theatrical and may even seem cartoonish compared to the makeup colours of the women around you. A creamy textured red lipstick may be the happiest medium between glossy and matte, particularly if you are unused to wearing ‘statement’ red lipstick. Red is often associated with passion, sexuality, sophistication, drama, excitement, and charisma. Wear red lipstick when those are the messages you wish to send.
Lipstick Colour Meanings: Pink
Pink is often associated with love, gentleness, girlishness, femininity, and romance. Vivid hot pinks will probably trend more toward love and romance. They may even be interpreted with some of the dramatic messages of red lipstick, if the colour is bright and strong. Soft pinks will be viewed through the lens of the softer, more soothing associations like femininity and gentleness. Some women find that pale pinks may be a better choice for a “neutral” lipstick, but this depends on your skin tone and the natural colour of your lips. (See Brown and Nude, below)
Lipstick Colour Meanings: Peach
Peach-toned lipsticks have some of the soft femininity of pink, but peach is generally understood to be more down-to-earth and less “girly-girl”. Peach communicates a certain decorum and lady-like attitude that may be a better fit for women who are uncomfortable with the girlishness of pink. As with pink lipstick, some women find that peach may be a better choice for a “neutral” lipstick, but this depends on your skin tone and the natural colour of your lips. (See Brown and Nude, below)
Lipstick Colour Meanings: Orange and Coral
Orange and coral are jolly colours that release emotions, and communicate youthfulness, energy, and excitement. Many people find the colours in the orange- coral range extremely stimulating, making it a good choice for anyone who needs to speak to people and hold their attention. Orange and coral may be particularly appropriate for professional settings, since they do not carry the Not-Safe-For-Work associations of pink and red. Keep in mind that orange and coral lipsticks that are too glossy or too bright communicate “beach”, not “business”. Sadly, the fashion cycle is often unkind to orange- and coral- hued lipstick, so during periods they are unfashionable, they are best avoided unless you enjoy setting yourself apart from the crowd and blazing your own trail.
Lipstick Colour Meanings: Purple and Burgundy
Purple and burgundy lipsticks are regal; they convey a sense of magic, power, depth, and dignity. If you are dark-skinned, purple and burgundy lipsticks worn in professional settings can convey a sense of empowerment and pride in your womanhood. Light-skinned women may find these colours too intense or overwhelming when they are trying to balance the intensity of the shade with other makeup they are wearing. Wear purple or burgundy lipstick when you want to convey mystery, magic, power, or luxury.
Lipstick Colour Meanings: Brown and Nude
Brown and nude lipsticks connote nature, being “grounded” and “down to earth”. These shades communicate steadiness and stability, making them perfect for work. They are usually easiest to wear in glossy or creamy formulations; matte brown lipstick can appear ‘cake-y’ and dry. If you match the shade to the natural colour of the skin of your lips, brown or nude lipsticks can be a very versatile product. The neutrality of these shades is akin to a great pair of dark wash jeans or well-cut black trousers—they can be dressed up or down. Done right, brown and nude lipsticks can take you from a breakfast meeting in the morning to after-dinner drinks and still be appropriate. One word of caution, however: these shades can make teeth look yellow, so you may need to experiment to find the right shade. If you can’t find a brown or nude that work, consider trying pink or peach lipsticks as neutrals.
Remember that while lipstick easily washes off, the first impression others construct based on how you present yourself is significantly more durable. The ultimate guideline for choosing a lipstick colour lies in matching the colour associations to your circumstances and your communicative intentions and personality.
References
Aucoin, Kevyn. Making Faces. Boston: Little, Brown, 1997.
Lindsay, Janice. All about Colour. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 2008.
Chloe Sekouri - Chloe Sekouri is an art psychotherapist and adult educator who specializes in concerns with addiction, trauma, and the use of the creative ...
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