Color influences perceptions that are not obvious, but they do induce emotions or enhance placebos. The psychology of color is used in everything around us. Have you ever noticed that most fast food restaurants use yellow and red tones? It’s not a coincidence... red stimulates your appetite & hunger whereas yellow triggers feelings of happiness. So the “Happy Meal” quite literally becomes a happy meal until you start to digest it (there’s nothing happy about that). Fast food aside, businesses have researched the psychology of colors in order to better market themselves for years! Most successful companies tend to use the color blue to market themselves.
Speaking of blue, what are your first thoughts that come to mind when you think of the color? Most commonly, Blue is associated with the sky, and the sea. It can produce a calming effect because it is a “safe” color. Symbolically, blue represents trust, loyalty, wisdom, and confidence! From a color psychology perspective, blue is “reliable” and “responsible”. Isn’t that what we all want when we are hiring a company for outside services? We want to know that they can be counted on and trusted. Here are some reputable companies that use the color blue in their branding:
Okay, so we’ve gone over the psychology of blue now, let’s discuss the metaphysical effects of blue. Blue represents your throat chakra. The throat chakra is directly related to your ability to communicate as well as your speech. If you have a big presentation, meeting, or conversation coming up, I strongly suggest looking in to techniques that will cleanse and enhance your throat chakra. You will be able to verbalize your thoughts and feelings more effectively. We’ve all been involved in circular conversations that feel never ending and that’s because of the inability to communicate effectively. The throat chakra also ties in to your throat (duh) , lungs, and thyroid gland. If you don’t know, your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolic rate, heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, mood and bone maintenance.
A few signs to keep an eye out for that can alert you that your throat chakra is blocked is high anxiety, problems with the throat, neck, ears, and jaw, inability to focus, or feeling powerless. I personally like to keep my throat chakra balanced by incorporating the color of the corresponding chakra in to my makeup (see more down below) or by using healing crystals. You can wear the crystals as jewelry, or just carry them in your purse or wallet. Just make sure to clear them and charge them first!
So the real question is.... why doesn’t that translate in to makeup? The second most popular joke I hear from a client (next to bald men asking if I can make their hair grow back) is not to use “Hooker Blue” on their eye lids. Why is there a notion that blue turns you in to a woman of the night? How come in all other aspects of our day to day life, blue is a trustworthy and dependable color, but when it’s associated with makeup it is taboo? That’s because most people don’t know how to use it! You can incorporate subtle hints of blue in to your makeup routine to reap the benefits! Here are some ideas that are easy and fun to incorporate in to your routine.
Blue Mascara - This was a hot trend in the 90s, and it’s back! So many brands have come out with colored mascara. It’s probably the easiest and most subtle way of introducing a pop of color in to your makeup routine. It’s fun, stylish, and it can enhance your eye color. Some brands to look at would be YSL and L’Oréal.
Blue Eye Liner - It doesn’t have to be dramatic to make a statement, or to make you feel good. You can even use a little in your water line for a more subtle look. Plus, when you add blue liner to your water line it makes the whites of your eyes look whiter and brighter!
Blue Eye Shadow - For my babes who aren’t afraid to take a risk, a blue Smokey eye is all the rage right now. Concentrate the deepest part of the color closest to the lash line and have it diffuse up as you approach the crease. Pair it with a nude lip and you’re ready for a night out!
I would love to know if this was helpful! If you end up trying any of these tips, please tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below!
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