Using Colour Psychology in Makeup: Expressing Mood and Intent
Colour psychology is a fascinating and impactful field that explores how we perceive and interpret colours, and how those perceptions influence our emotions and behaviours. Applying these principles to makeup can be a powerful way to express mood and intent. In an age where personal presentation is carefully curated—both online and offline—makeup provides not only a means of creative self-expression but also a subtle (or not-so-subtle) way to influence how we feel and how others perceive us. In this essay, we will explore the role of colour psychology in makeup, discuss how different hues can evoke different emotional responses, and provide tips on selecting colours that align with personal identity and situational demands. This exploration will include the scientific foundations of colour psychology, cultural variations, and how to use makeup choices for self-expression.
Foundations of Colour Psychology
The Science Behind Colour Perception
Human eyes detect light through photoreceptors called cones, which respond to different wavelengths of light corresponding to red, green, and blue spectrums (Fehrman & Fehrman, 2004). The brain combines these signals to create our experience of colour. These neurological processes are further influenced by individual experience, cultural background, and learned associations, making colour an incredibly layered phenomenon (Gage, 1999).
While colour psychology is not an exact science—given the subjective and cultural factors—multiple studies suggest that colours have significant psychological impact. For example, some research in marketing and design suggests that individuals form sub-conscious judgments about products and environments based on colour alone (Singh, 2006). Extending these findings to makeup, it is no stretch to argue that the colours one chooses to wear on the face can similarly convey messages about mood, personality, and intent.
Cultural and Social Influences
Colours have different meanings across cultures. For instance, white in Western contexts is often associated with purity and innocence (e.g., wedding dresses), while in many Asian traditions it may be linked with mourning. In makeup trends, these cultural associations influence market availability—some colour palettes become more prominent in certain regions, shaped by local beauty ideals (Gage, 1999).
Social context also plays an integral role. Wearing a bold, dramatic red lipstick might signify confidence or glamour in a Western context, but in a conservative work environment, that same red might be perceived as too provocative or attention-seeking. Understanding these nuances and the universal or culturally specific interpretations of colour are key in effectively utilising colour psychology in makeup.
Colour Families and Their Psychological Connotations in Makeup
When thinking about makeup—lipstick, eyeshadow, blush, and so on—one can group colours into broad families: reds, pinks, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, purples, neutrals, and metallics. Each family can evoke distinct emotional responses and have cultural ties that may influence how others perceive the wearer.
Red and Pink Tones
Red
Often associated with love, passion, energy, and power, red is among the most striking and culturally versatile colours (Eiseman, 2000). In makeup, a red lip is a timeless classic—symbolising confidence and sensuality. A red blush can add a healthy flush, hinting at vivacity and excitement. However, red also has associations with aggression or warning signals; wearing an intense red lip in a conservative professional environment might risk sending messages of dominance or rebellion.Pink
Pink is typically associated with softness, romance, and warmth. Depending on the shade, pink makeup can evoke youthfulness (light pink) or sophistication (dusty or deeper pink). Pink is also perceived as nurturing and gentle, making it a popular choice for those looking to present a friendly, approachable image. However, as with all colours, cultural connotations of pink vary—some may interpret pastel pink as overly feminine or childlike, and others see it as fresh and open-hearted.
Orange and Yellow Tones
Orange
A blend of red’s energy and yellow’s optimism, orange can convey enthusiasm, creativity, and adventure (Fehrman & Fehrman, 2004). In makeup, orange lipsticks or eyeshadows have occasionally become trendy, especially in summer or editorial looks, creating a bold and playful vibe. However, orange can be polarising—some find it too unconventional for daily wear.Yellow
Often linked to happiness, optimism, and sunlight, yellow is seldom used as a primary makeup colour except in more creative or high-fashion contexts. A subtle wash of pastel yellow eyeshadow or a hint of gold highlight can suggest optimism and warmth. Yet, wearing yellow-toned cosmetics in an everyday setting requires care: if not matched well to skin undertones, yellow can make the complexion look sallow rather than bright. For many, small touches like gold accents or warm gold highlighters are more wearable, achieving the feeling of radiance without overwhelming.
Green and Blue Tones
Green
Connected to nature, renewal, and balance, green makeup can express calmness, harmony, or an earthy groundedness (Gage, 1999). Subtle mossy or olive-green eyeshadow is particularly appealing for an understated, sophisticated look; bright neon greens, on the other hand, might communicate playfulness or rebellion. Dark or muted green tones, such as forest green, are more approachable in a professional environment than vibrant lime hues.Blue
Blue is associated with calm, trustworthiness, and stability—often cited as a favourite colour in many cultures (Singh, 2006). While blue eye makeup was iconic in certain 1960s and 1980s styles, modern iterations can range from playful pastel blues to deep navy liners or cobalt mascaras. Blue-based lipsticks are unusual but have emerged in niche fashion trends to express individuality and bold experimentation. For corporate or academic settings, a subtle navy liner could communicate competence and reliability, whereas a vivid turquoise might lean artistic and free-spirited.
Purple and Violet Tones
Purple historically stands for royalty, luxury, and creativity (Eiseman, 2000). In makeup, purple eyeshadow can add an air of mystique or regality. Lighter lilac tones can feel fresh and youthful, whereas deeper plums lend depth and sophistication. Purple lipsticks, particularly in rich berry or plum shades, project confidence and an unconventional edge, especially suited for evening events or creative workplaces. For a balanced daytime look, a subtle mauve can be both polished and intriguing.
Neutral Tones
Neutrals—beige, tan, brown, taupe, grey, black—arguably form the backbone of most people’s makeup collections. They provide versatility and can be mixed and matched with bolder colours or worn alone for understated elegance. Neutrals often convey reliability, practicality, and sophistication (Fehrman & Fehrman, 2004). A well-executed neutral palette on eyes and lips can be the perfect choice for professional settings, signifying seriousness and composure. Meanwhile, earthy browns and taupes can evoke warmth, comfort, and a grounded presence.
Metallics
Metallic makeup—such as gold, silver, bronze, and copper—often conveys opulence, glamour, and vibrancy (Eiseman, 2000). A sweep of gold highlighter on the cheekbones or a bronze eyeshadow can suggest confidence and a festive spirit, particularly relevant for evening events or special occasions. Metallics can also be integrated into subtler looks by using them as an accent—such as a thin line of gold eyeliner—bringing a glow and interest without overwhelming.
Using Colour to Express Mood and Intent
Choosing the right makeup colour not only involves personal preference but can also be strategically used to convey a certain mood or intent. Here are some common scenarios and how colour psychology can help one decide.
Professional Settings
For business meetings, academic conferences, or high-pressure interviews, neutral or subdued tones can help convey seriousness and composure. Soft browns, taupes, greys, or muted pinks work well, as these colours are unlikely to distract from the content of one’s speech or presentation. Subtle eyeliner and mascara in black or brown add definition to the eyes without drawing overt attention.
Intent: Professional, competent, and approachable
Suggested Colours: Muted pink or rose for lips, brown or grey eyeshadow, subtle cheek colour
Creative Roles or Environments
If you work in a creative field—such as design, fashion, or the arts—there may be greater freedom to experiment with bold colours that reflect innovation and originality. Intense blues, purples, or greens can highlight artistic flair, while graphic liners and unconventional lip colours (like turquoise or metallic shades) demonstrate individuality. A thoughtful use of colour can serve as a personal brand signature, particularly in a creative context.
Intent: Imaginative, expressive, and confident
Suggested Colours: Vibrant blues, purples, and greens; metallic accents
Social Events and Parties
Social gatherings often permit adventurous makeup. Depending on your personal style and the event’s formality, you could opt for a striking red lip (confidence, glamour), a smoky purple or silver eye (mystery, sophistication), or a warm orange tone (energy, excitement). The key is to match the intensity of the makeup with your comfort level and the context of the event.
Intent: Festive, sociable, and eye-catching
Suggested Colours: Bold reds, warm metallics, sparkly or glittery hues
Romantic Occasions
On dates or intimate gatherings, colour psychology can be harnessed to enhance feelings of warmth, charm, and closeness. Soft pink lipsticks or rosy blush can give a gentle, youthful glow, while deeper berry tones can hint at passion. Eyeshadows in earthy browns, sultry plums, or understated shimmery finishes can lend an inviting appeal. Ultimately, the goal is to appear approachable and engaging.
Intent: Romantic, affectionate, and inviting
Suggested Colours: Soft pinks, warm browns, subtle shimmer or highlight
Self-Care and Empowerment
Sometimes, makeup is less about others’ perceptions and more about nurturing your own sense of confidence and self-expression. Choosing a colour you love—even if it does not traditionally “suit” certain contexts—can be a form of self-care. Colour has the power to lift one’s mood and make a personal statement, so do not be afraid to experiment.
Intent: Personal joy, empowerment, self-expression
Suggested Colours: Any colour that resonates with your personal identity and preferences
Practical Tips for Selecting Makeup Colours
Undertones and Complexion
While colour psychology focuses on emotional and behavioural responses, it is equally important to consider how a shade interacts with your complexion. Skin undertones—cool, warm, or neutral—can influence how a colour appears. Selecting shades that flatter your complexion ensures your look is harmonious and allows the emotional intent of the colour to shine through (Eiseman, 2000).
Warm undertones: tend to look best in peach, coral, bronze, gold, or other warm hues.
Cool undertones: often suit pinks, purples, blues, and silver-based metallics.
Neutral undertones: can experiment with a wide range of colours, adjusting for intensity.
Contrast and Balance
When using a strong or bright colour in one area (e.g., bold lipstick), balancing the rest of the makeup keeps the look cohesive. For instance, if you opt for bright orange lipstick, pair it with neutral eyes and cheeks to avoid visual chaos. Conversely, if your eye makeup is the centre of attention—say, a dramatic green smoky eye—choose a more understated lip colour. By balancing colours, you allow each hue to carry its intended meaning without clashing (Fehrman & Fehrman, 2004).
Considering Lighting and Venue
Lighting can drastically alter how makeup colours appear. Warm, indoor lighting might enhance the richness of reds and metallics, while cool, fluorescent lighting could accentuate blues or cause reds to lean slightly orange. If you are attending an outdoor event, natural daylight tends to be more forgiving and can showcase subtle variations in colour. Testing makeup in multiple lighting scenarios can help ensure that your chosen shades deliver the intended psychological effect.
Personal Comfort and Experimentation
Ultimately, makeup is a personal form of expression. While the tenets of colour psychology offer useful guidelines, they should not overshadow individual tastes and comfort levels. Feel free to experiment with small pops of colour in safe contexts—such as a weekend outing—before incorporating them into more formal environments. Over time, your repertoire of colour choices will expand, enabling more nuanced expressions of your mood and intent.
Ethical and Social Dimensions
Colour-based stereotypes can inadvertently influence how certain makeup colours are perceived. For instance, bold eyeshadow or lipstick may be unfairly linked to promiscuity or unprofessionalism in some social settings. It is important to recognise that makeup choices are deeply personal and can be a form of self-expression rather than a mere attempt to seek attention or comply with societal expectations. By acknowledging the cultural biases and actively challenging stereotypes, we can foster a more inclusive perspective on makeup and beauty standards.
Additionally, makeup industries frequently capitalise on colour trends. In some cases, they may exaggerate colour psychology claims to market their products. Consumers should stay informed, recognising that while there is some truth to general associations of colour, personal identity and cultural context heavily influence how colour is received.
Simply Put
Colour psychology offers a compelling lens through which to view makeup selection. By understanding how certain colours can evoke specific emotional responses—confidence, passion, serenity, or creativity—individuals can tailor their makeup choices to fit particular contexts, express personal identity, or influence mood. With the nuanced interplay of culture, personal preference, and situational appropriateness, there is no one-size-fits-all formula for applying colour in makeup. Rather, it is a dynamic, creative, and highly individual process.
For those seeking to harness this knowledge, a balance of experimentation, self-awareness, and respect for context can yield a powerful form of self-expression. Whether you are aiming to project authority in a high-stakes meeting, showcase artistic flair, or simply brighten your day with a splash of colour, mindful makeup choices can help you align your external presentation with your internal state.
