What woman doesn’t feel better about herself when she’s wearing the perfect shade of red lipstick? Such a simple, yet complicated little accessory. Finding the perfect shade can be a challenge, but there’s a certain amount of accomplishment that comes with finding it. It’s such an unexpected little pop of power!

1. **Red~Star**, 2. Red Shoes in Tree, 3. Madagascar Red Fody, 4. Red Velvet Cake Balls, 5. red riding hood-less, 6. 060/365 red, 7. Three reds, 8. Summer Berries Red Current01, 9. iPod nano PRODUCT Red

Red is often associated with stop signs and traffic lights – and for good reason. Red is a show-stopper. Red attracts. Red pops. Scientifically speaking, red is a number of similar colors evoked by light consisting predominantly of the longest wavelengths of light discernible by the human eye, in the wavelength range of roughly 630–740 nm (wikipedia). Red is often associated with courage, happiness, heat, energy, and love, as well as passion, anger, blood, and pain. It’s no wonder red is seen as a powerful and intense color.

In design, red evokes urgency. It is known to raise blood pressure and respiratory rates. Red pushes for action.

A little red goes a long way. Use sparingly for tempered passion or in abundance for a bold statement.

• Some great examples of bold red websites in a round up from Tutorial Blog.
• Indeziner gives a 45 great examples of Using the Color Red in Web Design.
• About.com tells you How to Use the Color Red in Feng Shui.
• The Llewellyn Encyclopedia offers an article on the Root Chakra, also known as Muladhara, which is associated with the color red and survival, solidarity, grounding, and the body.

What kind of emotions do you associate with the color red? How would you use red in your life? Today, I’m wearing red lipstick as my only pop of color. And, in my opinion, it only comes second to one accessory I know – confidence.