Pucker Up!

Unless you're bi-coastal, a perpetual spray-tanner, or just happen to have hit the good-genes jackpot, chances are, in the winter, you're paler than usual. Instead of trying to fight nature, it is best to embrace your look with a strong makeup statement. The answer? Just the right lipstick.

So, I've narrowed down my top hues of the season to four go-to color categories that anyone can pull off. From warm-'n'-toasty neutrals to gothically purple tones, these trends let you pump up the glam and update your cold-weather look without breaking the bank. The best part about showing your lips some fun, colorful love is that it'll even make your all-black puffer coat look chic…well, maybe.

{Above, from left: YSL Gloss Pur in #6 Pure Plum, $23, available at Yves Saint Laurent; Lipstick Queen Chinatown Pencil in Mystery, $20, available at Lipstick Queen; Givenchy Gloss Interdit Ultra-Shiny Color Plumping Effect in Velvet Purple, $26.50, available at Sephora.}

I've been seeing this deep purple color popping up in the office and all over town, and when done right, it can be a total makeup home run. Don't shy away from the dramatic look — it just might be the "new you."

{Above, from left: Vincent Longo Baby Balm With SPF 12 in Positano, $23, available at Beauty Bar; By TerryRouge Terrybly Age Defense Lipstick in Terrybly Nude, $48, available at Beauty Bar; Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Lip Liner in Romantica Soft 3, $19.99, available at Beauty Bar.}

It might feel counter intuitive to go neutral during the winter, but this clean look is really editorial and was favored by tons of designers this past runway season. Plus, it's super easy to pull off!

{Above, from left: Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense in #36, $19, available at Sephora; Chanel Rouge Allure in Kensington, $32.50, available at Chanel; Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick in Fever, $30, available at Sephora.}

If you're wearing a neutral or monochromatic outfit, a hot pink lip gives your look some seriously chic oomph in like... 10 seconds flat. Apply in the a.m. and wear all day, or add it on just before running out of the office, and you're set for the night.

{Above, from left: Iris Apfel for MAC Lipstick in Scarlet Ibis, $14, available at MAC; Sisley Paris Hydrating Long Lasting Lipstick in Golden Copper, $55, available at Beauty Bar; Illamasqua Lipstick Flare, $22, available at Sephora.}

When the weather's got you feeling a little bleh, smearing on a bright red lip can pull you right out of the doldrums. And, with an orange undertone, the shade's given an updated, seasonal perspective that everyone can get into.

Would you try any of these shades? What is your favorite winter lipstick trend for 2012?