Sephora is "very happy with the recognition of this color," says Margarita Arriagada, the company's senior vice president of merchandising. She envisions it as an instant hit as an eye shadow, liner, mascara and nail polish. "It's a passionate color, and it gives our client a lot of wearability."

The orange shade called Tangerine Tango that Pantone made its top color for 2012 worked for makeup, even though one might not think it would, Arriagada says. "I can tell you, with conviction, that what happened with Tangerine Tango was transformative. It was like our customer had permission to venture out there with something new and experienced color in a new way."

A reddish-pink shade called Honeysuckle and turquoise blue are other recent Pantone picks.

Colors rise and fall in popularity just like other style-centric trends, says Eiseman, but she thinks green has staying power like few others. It has taken on meaning as a noun and a verb as well as an adjective.

"It might have been a trend, but it has become a social cause so it's just part of our world. ... Kermit said it's not easy being green, but it became easier once it became a good thing to be green."