When you hear the term "nude," what hue comes to mind? Is it a creamy beige color with blush undertones? Maybe it's a sandy oatmeal-like color with a tinge of peach. But what about the other side of the color spectrum? Those darker shades are undoubtedly a significant slice of the "nude" pie, and yet many women of color still struggle to find the perfect natural lipstick to match their skin tones.
Enter Mented Cosmetics. Founded by Harvard Business School grads KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson, Mented (short for pigmented) has released two collections specifically crafted with darker-skinned beauty mavens in mind: nude nail polishes and hydrating nude lipsticks. Though the three-polish set is definitely one-of-a-kind, it's the nine stunning lipstick shades that we simply can't get over.
Each creamy lipstick blends browns, pinks, and reds, making for a variety of hues that look gorgeous on both lighter and darker complexions. With just a few swipes, women of deeper skin tones can land that polished, everyday look that all of us crave when we're taking a break from those bold red or pink lip colors.
We're loving how Mented is making major moves toward expanding the beauty industry's inclusivity. Ahead, read on to catch a glimpse of (and shop!) all nine gorgeous shades, and you'll undoubtedly find your new favorite nude lipstick.
Brown Bare is a soft brown shade with ample shine.
Dark Night is a warm, dark chocolaty hue — perfect for either a night out or a day in the office.
Brand Nude will complement your undertones without washing you out.
Dope Taupe is a pretty brown with rosy pink undertones (and it's Mented's most reviewed product!).
Nude LaLa is "the perfect pink for darker lips" — perfect for when you're feeling flirty!
The name says it all! Foxy Brown is a lovely blend of reds and browns.
This shade takes on the company's namesake because it encapsulates a "nude" lip for women of color — the perfect blend of brown, pink, and purple.
You guessed it! Peach Please has a subtle hint of peach color for a touch of warmth.
You'll want to wear Pretty in Pink — a deeply pigmented pink — all day long.