Sometimes it's really hard to decide between the massive selection of women's tattoo ideas out there, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Even if you've decided where to get your tattoo (so have a great idea of how much room you have to work on), the possibilities are almost limitless.

So I've created a nice, easy-to-digest list of three of the most popular women's tattoo ideas for women's shoulder tattoos, in the hope you find it inspirational. My first tattoo was on my left shoulder, so that one holds a special significance for me. Enjoy!

1. Rose Designs for Women's Shoulder Tattoos

Intended to signify either love or beauty. Many rose tattoo lovers affirm that the rose represents both inner and outer beauty - with some describing any thorns as an important reminder that it's inner beauty that counts most of all. Rose designs can also represent pure love, especially when the tattoo design is without thorns. Although you are totally free to choose the color of your rose design, it's a good idea to be aware of the following connections associated with each type:

• Red - Romantic love, and respect

• Pink - Grace, elegance, gentleness

• Orange - Enthusiasm and excitement

• Yellow - Friendship, joy, platonic connections, devotion

• White - Purity, innocence, youth

• Blue - Fantasy, the impossible

• Black - Death, darkness and the night

2. Star Designs for Women's Shoulder Tattoos

Intended to represent reaching for your goals and achieving all your aspirations, the meaning also depends upon the style of the star itself.

For example, shooting stars are associated with life changing events, nautical stars are usually a symbol of protection and guidance, a pentagram is symbol of protection and balance (unless upside-down, which signifies the Devil or Darkness), whilst the Shield of David is a strong symbol of Judaism.

3. Wing Designs for Women's Shoulder Tattoos

Wings symbolize freedom and travel afar, and there are all sorts of women's tattoo ideas involving them, such as angel wings, fairy wings, butterfly wings, and traditional bird wings.

For example, the Phoenix bird has a strong mythological history in both Western and Eastern cultures. Its many associations make it a popular choice of tattoo design; most prominently, it represents purification, renewal and cleansing.

Another option is to go for Angel wings. As a symbol of devotion, spirituality, and faith, Angel wings can also serve as a memorial to a loved one. Along similar lines, the Swallow bird represents hope as well as the souls of the dead, and offers a tasteful option if you want to remember someone special to you as part of the tattoo design.