Mented Cosmetics Is the Beauty Brand Putting Women of Color First
Image Courtesy of Mented Cosmetics
In a beauty industry that's only recently begun acknowledging diversity, Mented Cosmetics stands apart as a brand created specifically for women of color. Unlike competitors who've added darker shades as an afterthought, Mented (short for "pigmented") places melanin-rich skin at the center of its vision.
Founded by Harvard Business School graduates Kristen Jones (KJ) Miller and Amanda E. Johnson, Mented emerged from a shared frustration with the limited options available for women with deeper skin tones.
"I love helping every woman find herself in the world of beauty," explains Miller, "and I love building a brand that prioritizes women who have previously been ignored. If we're able to help even a single woman feel more confident and more beautiful, we're doing something magical."
“If you’re looking for a brown version of a product made for Caucasian women, then Mented is not for you. ”
What distinguishes Mented isn't just its inclusive shade range but its everyday wearability. While many brands targeting women of color offer bold, statement colors, Mented focuses on sophisticated neutrals that work for daily life.
"What sets Mented apart," Miller notes, "is our focus on creating everyday looks. Many of the new lines targeting women of color are offering more of the bold, in-your-face colors that look great on us, but don't necessarily work day in and day out. At Mented, we want women of every hue to be able to achieve the clean, natural look, which celebrates, and does not conceal, our true beauty."
Their high-end collection of lipsticks—priced at $16.50 and available at MentedCosmetics.com and Amazon—delivers on this promise, offering shades carefully formulated to complement, not compete with, melanin-rich skin tones. The message is clear: Mented isn't creating "brown versions" of products made for Caucasian women—they're creating products specifically for women of color, from the ground up.
Shop editor-favorite Mented picks:
Semi-Matte Long-Lasting Lipstick, $16.50
Tinted Lip Balm Stain, $15
Concealer & Contour Stick, $30
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Shimmer Bronzer, Highlighter Bronzing Powder Palette, $22
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Lip Liner, $12
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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