Lupita Nyong'o, star of "12 Years a Slave," has been making a huge splash in the fashion community. Why you ask? Because a) she looks beautiful in just about everything, b) she takes risks and c) I'll lose just about all of you to go Google what exact shade of lipstick she's wearing. (Hint: that bit of metallic comes from eyeshadow pressed onto the middle of her lips over MAC lipstick in Violetta.)

Come spring (or sooner) when celebs, models and next-door neighbors alike are sporting violet-hued makeup, don't fear. The look may seem too bold and bright to put on your own face, but there are more subdued ways to wear it. Instead of a bright lipstick, try the shade out with a lip pencil like Bite Beauty's High Pigment Matte Pencil in Violet. Lip pencil is easier to layer so you can control how much or how little you want to flaunt the trend.

The best part about Pantone's Color of the Year is how universally flattering it is -- surprising given how electric it looks. Whether you have deep olive skin or you classify yourself as porcelain, with blonde or flaming red hair, radiant orchid will still brighten your whole look � in a good way. This Splendid stretch-jersey mini dress is perfect for spring or winter. Add ankle boots and a statement necklace for the warmer months or black tights and a scarf to add a splash of color to your winter wardrobe.

The quickest way to be on trend with radiant orchid: Add a quick swipe of color to your eyelids with this Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Magnolia. The bright color requires little else but a touch of bronzer.

Here at Total Beauty, we like our beauty products functional, as well as fashionable. (The mint green color of the Harry Josh Pro Tools Dryer 2000 probably excited us more than any of its other features.) So when I found this radiant orchid blow-dryer, the Wahl Supadryer, I was instantly head over heels. I love an excuse to not put away my hair tools (sorry, honey).