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 [1]. 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 [2] and hydrating nude lipsticks [3]. 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
Brown Bare Lipstick [5] ($17)
What This Shade Looks Like On
Brown Bare is a soft brown shade with ample shine.
Dark Night
Dark Night Lipstick [6] ($17)
What This Shade Looks Like On
Dark Night is a warm, dark chocolaty hue — perfect for either a night out or a day in the office.
Brand Nude
Brand Nude Lipstick [7] ($17)
What This Shade Looks Like On
Brand Nude will complement your undertones without washing you out.
Dope Taupe
Dope Taupe Lipstick [8] ($17)
What This Shade Looks Like On
Dope Taupe is a pretty brown with rosy pink undertones (and it's Mented's most reviewed product!).
Nude LaLa
Nude LaLa Lipstick [9] ($17)
What This Shade Looks Like On
Nude LaLa is "the perfect pink for darker lips" — perfect for when you're feeling flirty!
Foxy Brown
Foxy Brown Lipstick [10] ($17)
What This Shade Looks Like On
The name says it all! Foxy Brown is a lovely blend of reds and browns.
Mented #5
Mented #5 Lipstick [11] ($17)
What This Shade Looks Like On
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.
Peach Please
Peach Please Lipstick [12] ($17)
What This Shade Looks Like On
You guessed it! Peach Please has a subtle hint of peach color for a touch of warmth.
Pretty in Pink
Pretty in Pink Lipstick [13] ($17)
What This Shade Looks Like On
You'll want to wear Pretty in Pink — a deeply pigmented pink — all day long.