Color me bright

CEBU, Philippines - What’s one thing you gotta have before the end of the world? 

It’s not an iPhone 5 or and iPad3, mind you. And it’s definitely not an Elie Saab gown, if you happen to be thinking about that, too. If there’s one thing that every fashionista needs to have before it’s time for Armageddon, it’s a nice, bright lipstick.

Call it the Coke effect if you must but this outburst of happiness has not been something that’s limited to the clothing department. Like it or not, we’ve seen an explosion on bold and bright colors from clothing to footwear, wherever we look. No matter which runway you feast your eyes on, it’s impossible not to notice the charge of high voltage colors showcased by every fashion power house.

Indeed, going the way of the rainbow isn’t limited to the clothing department as even the beauty shelves are welcoming this trend with wide, open arms. Frosty and neutral shades for the last three months of the year are out, the big and the bold and bright are in to welcome what could possibly be the last year of our lives.

For those of us who will be having either bright or overcast skies for December, a bright pucker is definitely the way to go to end this year with a big, bright bang. 

There are plenty of shades to choose from, and many ways to rock the bold and bright trend. For those who are utterly lost in the flurry of colors and shades, a good way to start is to draw inspiration from the runway. 

Personally, here are my top five picks.

Coral

Coral evokes a rather adventurous aura. Tropical adventurous, to be exact, as this shade is all about what’s fun and flambouyant regardless of which end of the coral spectrum you may be. Best for afternoon beach-side parties with a flowing turquoise maxi dress — take your pick from the slight whispers of coral to an arresting shade of orange.

Sexy Shades: Sunset orange, petal coral, pumpkin orange

Bipolar

The two-tone lipstick isn’t the kind you’d always want to be caught wearing in school or at work if you don’t have the heart for it. In fact, this is just the perfect style to try if you’re in the mood to turn heads and elicit whispers. If you’re torn between two shades, check this trend out and rock it during an afternoon of frivolity. I promise, this trend will make people remember you.

Color Combos: Choose lip colors in the same color family. Simply vary the shade. Choose a lighter lipcolor for the upper lip and its darker version for the lower lip.

Think Pink

When people think of pink, they think of Barbie. However, for this year, let’s try to move a little bit farther from that direction by making pink hot, sexy, and flirty—just the way that pink should be for big girls. Grab a shocking shade of pink and make eyes pop this holiday season.

Sexy Shades: Pink orchid, hot pink, rosy petal, fuchsia

Very Berry

This is the very reason why I have been constantly searching for MAC’s Villainous Villains collection as if it were the Holy Grail. Honestly, dark lipstick is hot especially when the holiday season is drawing closer. Berry shades are the evil sisters of the rest of the shades in the red family. Unlike the reds and pinks though, these are richer and more lush, giving you a fast pass to the risky business club.

Sexy Shades: Wine Red, Mulberry, raspberry

Rocking Red

The quintessential bombshell-slash-pin-up-girl-shade, red will never go out of style. It can go from day to night and can add a lot of oomph to even a plain black dress. It’s the epitome of Hollywood glam and if you’re still wondering what the secret of Ms. Monroe was, you need not look too far for the answer.

Sexy Shades: cherry red, watermelon, deep blood, tomato red

Purple Power

Nope, this shade isn’t just reserved for Ursula. You can rock this and really, it won’t become the kiss of death if you do. Purple is not your everyday average lip color. You do not just step into a beauty shop and go on looking for a refill of your purple lipstick because chances are, you will only buy one purple lipstick for the rest of your life unless you are really into this color. 

Sexy shades: deep violet, rich plum, pale magenta