Finding the perfect nude lipstick can seem like an impossible task.
It’s as if brands treat neutral tones as a “one-shade-fits-all” deal. All nudes are not universal. If it isn’t too pale, it’s too pink. If it isn’t too pink, it’s too brown. This battle is agonizing when all you want is a signature “my lips but better” look.
After being on the hunt for my go-to nude shade for what felt like forever, I discovered Mented Cosmetics. Mented Cosmetics is a black-owned beauty brand that focuses on developing nude cosmetics for women of color. Co-founders KJ Miller and Amanda Johnson discovered that they weren’t the only women having difficulty finding a lipstick similar to their true natural lip color. With this in mind, they set out to create an inclusive product selection with a variety of neutral lipsticks that could fit any skin tone.
The Collection
Mented Cosmetics’ current collection features nine nude lip shades and three nail polish shades. This season they have also expanded their product line to include four lip glosses.
The Holly Trinity
In addition to their core collection, Mented offers seasonal sets of their products. I opted for their Holiday Trio, which allows you to pick three lipsticks of your choice for $45. To build my customized trio, I chose Dope Taupe, Brown Bare and Dark Night.
Dope Taupe: a beautiful blend of brown and pink
Brown Bare: soft true brown
Dark Night: a warm dark chocolate
Image by Mahnoor Hussain
The Pros
As soon as I applied these lipsticks to my lips, I felt how smooth and creamy they were. They glide on effortlessly and are moisturizing.
The color payoff is amazing. Often people assume that nude make-up has to be sheer or undetectable but that is not always the case. Sometimes, you want that natural flush of pigmented color to polish off your look. Mented Cosmetics delivers and beautifully strong neutral colors.
I also love that the ingredients are vegan, paraben-free, non-toxic, cruelty-free, and made in The United States.
The Cons
These are not long-lasting lipsticks, you will have to reapply throughout the day. However, because the formula is so buttery, touch-ups are simple and can even be done without a mirror.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I would definitely recommend Mented Cosmetics to a friend. These lipsticks are so versatile. They can be worn for the office or for a night out. Plus, they build up to a beautiful rich nude shade.
If you are interested in getting to learn more about the brand and are in the Atlanta area, Mented is doing an exclusive pop-up this Friday. Head over to Mented’s Instagram account for more information about this event.
Which Mented lip shade is your perfect match? Share it with us in the comments below!
