The Ctzn Cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duo Will Be Your Go-To Nude, It Comes in 25 Shades
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As someone with brown skin and neutral undertones, finding the perfect nude lip product seemed like an impossible feat. I've searched high and low for the perfect shade, whether at the endless kiosks at Sephora and department stores or the aisles of Target and Ulta. Most options were either a little too light or dark, not the right undertone, subpar formulation, or a combination of it all. The nudes and neutrals in the market never catered to my complexion and left me looking like I was either sporting the infamous early-2000s washed-out concealer lip or attempting the '90s dark lip liner with a light lipstick trend. Ctzn Cosmetics changed all of that.
Founded by three sisters, Aleena, Aleezeh, and Naseeha Khan, Ctzn Cosmetics is all about representation. Whether it's the product shade range or its campaigns, the brand is for all skin tones, all genders, and anyone who feels underrepresented. The sisters went through the same struggles I did while looking for color cosmetics that suit brown skin tones and our varying complexions, especially nude lip products. Ctzn Cosmetics filled the gap many brands were ignoring. The Ctzn Cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duo comes in 25 neutral-toned shades, and the shade New York City instantly became my new go-to nude. Not only did the color just fit me and complement my complexion, but the formulation is also chef's-kiss perfection.
Keep reading for my in-depth review on the colors, formulation, and wear.
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The Ctzn Cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duo ($25) is a matte lipstick and high-shine lip gloss in one double-ended product, perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. The all-encompassing nude shade range complements various skin tones, undertones, and even lip tones. My perfect brown-toned nude is the shade 21: New York City. However, with the vast selection of shades, I can go darker for a bold darker-brown lip, pinker for a rosy hue, or warmer for a sun-kissed look or experiment with a cooler undertone. To find your nude, use its Get Matched tool.
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I only needed one swipe of the matte lipstick side of the CTZN Cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duo ($25) for an opaque, bold color. The lipstick is velvety soft, moisturizing, and lightweight. Even though it has a matte finish, it did not feel drying at all. I noticed that the lipstick moved with my lips rather than giving that cracked look you traditionally get from matte liquid lipsticks.
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The lip-gloss side of the Ctzn Cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duo ($25) is very hydrating, making my lips look supple and shiny. I expected the lip gloss to be more translucent. However, it's packed with pigment as well. Top off the matte lipstick with the gloss side for a plump, high-shine lip, or wear it on its own for a casual, hydrated flush of color.
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Ctzn Cosmetics Lipstroke Waterproof Lip Liner
For a more intense and glam look, pair the Ctzn Cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duo ($25) with the retractable CTZN Cosmetics Lipstroke Waterproof Lip Liner ($16). It's creamy, soft, and nondrying with a bold, high-intensity color payoff. It has a sharpener attached so you can get a precise line every time.
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