9 Of The Best Products From Mented Cosmetics
They're Black woman-owned, vegan, and cruelty-free.
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If you're Black or brown, you probably know how hard it is to find the *perfect* nude lipstick. KJ Miller and Amanda Johnson created a solution: Mented Cosmetics. They offer a wide range of flesh-toned lipsticks so everyone can find their a flattering shade they can rock without a liner.
Mented also makes bronzers, nail polishes, and blushes with your melanin in mind. Sometimes it seems like products for deep skin are constantly being discontinued or understocked, but you can relax knowing Mented will always have your shade.
Here are some of their best products to check out:
1. A creamy semi-matte lipstick that I, quite frankly, can't quit (specifically "Dope Taupe"). The formula is everything and each shade is effortlessly stunning. I gave these to my friends, and they've repurchased over and over again.
Promising review: "Dope Taupe and Peach Please are my perfect nudes after a long struggle to find a real nude for my pecan-colored skin! When my lipsticks arrived in the mail I tried on Dope Taupe and was floored...until I used Peach Please the next day! Now I use them both interchangeably. These colors are perfect for Zoom meetings when you want to look effortlessly polished, professional and natural without looking overdone. The packaging is REALLY nice and feels very lux. The lipstick is very moisturizing and doesn't feel too heavy. I am getting lipsticks for all of my sisters as Christmas gifts because you can't go wrong with any of the colors." —Monique
Get it from Target for $18.39 or Mented Cosmetics for $16.50 (available in nine shades).
2. A lip liner to help your lipstick stay where it needs to be: on your lips. New to lip liner? No problem. Mented created a corresponding lipliner for their lipstick shades.
Promising review: "Every brown girl needs this liner. When it comes to nude lips, liner is non-negotiable and I always reach for this one. It’s smooth so it glides on without tugging, and has great color payoff. Color lasts all day!" —chanelanice
Get it from Target for $12.29 or Mented Cosmetics for $12 (available in nine shades).
3. A lip gloss so pigmented, it'll show up *and* show out on your lips without having to pack it on.
Promising review: "Listen, I cannot get enough of this gloss. The gloss adds the perfect amount of shine and can be worn alone or as a top layer to your favorite lipstick. Ya'll need to get your hands on these glosses ASAP!" —Mary
Get it from Target for $15.89 or Mented Cosmetics for $15 (available in five shades).
4. An Everyday Eyeshadow palette, because when's the last time you bought a palette where every color looked amazing on you? That's what I thought.
The palette has nine eyeshadows, seven are matte and two are shimmers. There's plenty of easy-to-use warm brown, taupe, and auburn shades. It's hard to go wrong with colors like this, so it's perfect for most occasions.
Promising review: "The pigmentation in the palette is fantastic. The shadows blend like a dream. It's pretty very versatile. I use this for work and I could see myself using this for nights out (when this pandemic is over). It's overall a gorgeous, soft, versatile palette and I'm so happy I finally got to purchase it. I'm very pleased." —Jackie
5. And a warm Everynight Eyeshadow palette to take things up a notch in the evening with neutral pinks and browns, more shimmer shades, and a matte black.
The palette has 10 shades, five are matte and the other five are shimmers. This palette has more deep purples and browns than the Everyday Eyeshadow palette in case you want some ~drama~ in the crease.
Promising review: "Pigmented colors, beautiful color palette that can create many different looks on many different skin tones. Packaging was beautiful and shipment came fast during the Black Friday rush. My husband went to college with the creators and so I wanted to support them and I’m glad I did. Nothing but the best in regards to the product and professionalism!" —Monica O.
Get it from Mented Cosmetics for $30.
6. A deeply hydrating foundation stick that will keep your gorgeous, rich skin from looking dull and ashy.
Promising review: "I used the shade finder and was completely surprised to receive a perfect match. I’ve been shopping for foundation for a while and I always end up with a pinkish or orange undertone no matter the brand. Fenty was the closest match but not for my winter complexion. This brand is perfect! The coverage is great and there’s zero ash or undertone. Love love love!" —Dee
Get it from Mented Cosmetics for $30 (available in 16 shades).
7. A nail polish collection, because there's something extremely satisfying about finding YOUR nude shade rather than something several shades too light.
Promising review: "Such beautiful colors! They look really well with my deep dark skin tone. I stopped biting my nails which was a bad habit I need to kick for years! I bought myself these nail polish as a reward! I am so satisfied and highly recommend to anyone. Plus the price is amazing!" —Khadi T.
Get it from Mented Cosmetics for $8+ (available in three colors, sold individually or in a three-pack).
8. A blush for a pop of color that'll actually show up without making you look like Bozo the Clown 🤡.
Promising review: "The blush beautiful and definitely adds to their flawless foundation and bronzer. I love this line and every single item I've purchased." —Rhitney J.
Get it from Mented Cosmetics for $22 (available in four shades).
9. And a setting powder that's flashback-free and guaranteed to absorb excess oil. This powder also has a brightening effect, courtesy of vitamin C.
Promising review: "Not only is this a great finishing powder, but it’s great on it’s own as well. It’s perfect for those days you just want to quickly even out your skin. If you have a shiny T-zone, this can mattifying your skin seamlessly." —Nekesha B.
Get it from Mented Cosmetics for $25 (available in three shades).
Want more products from Black-owned businesses? Check out Cool Products from Black-Owned Businesses, Black Womxn-Owned Etsy Shops, and our ongoing Minority-Owned Business Gift Guide 2021, which features loads of products by Black entrepreneurs that we think you'll love. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Also, check out and enjoy all of BuzzFeed's Black History Month 2021 coverage!
The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.