Mented Cosmetics: Is This the Minimalist Brand That Delivers on Diversity?

Mented Cosmetics focuses on concerns like limited shade ranges, undertone compatibility, and the lack of everyday beauty essentials. The brand offers various makeup essentials that span categories like lips, face, eyes, and cheeks.

You’ll find foundation sticks, concealers, lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushes from the Mented Cosmetics brand lineup. The brand also offers bundles (such as the Prep and Set Bundle and Sip & Sculpt Duo) and accessories to ensure a dynamic cosmetic experience in its lineup.

In this review, we provide an in-depth look at what the Mented Cosmetics brand may offer, including its bestselling products, advantages, core focus, potential limitations, and pros/cons. The review also discusses two potential substitutes for the Mented Cosmetics brand.

About Mented Cosmetics

Founded in 2017 by KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson, Mented Cosmetics is a beauty brand that seeks to address the lack of inclusive shade options in the cosmetics space. The name “Mented” stands for pigmented, which may reflect the brand’s focus on developing cosmetic care essentials for diverse complexions, including darker skin tones.

Mented Cosmetic’s portfolio extends across multiple categories. In the face category, the brand offers formulations like Skin by Mented, which may be used as a foundation, concealer, or contour stick.

The Skin Silk Loose Setting Powder may help set your makeup with a soft matte finish. Under the eye care category, Mented Cosmetics offers products like the Every Night Eyeshadow Palette and High Brow Pencil. For the cheeks category, the brand’s offerings include the Bronzer and Blush.

As per the official site, the Mented Cosmetic brand highlights a commitment to cruelty-free certification, vegan-friendly formulations, and paraben-free ingredients.

Moreover, the brand also offers digital resources like the Foundation Shade Comparison Guide that may help you identify your shade match.

Mented Cosmetics Bestsellers

1. Skin by Mented

   Skin by Mented is a foundation stick that may serve multiple purposes, including as a concealer or contour stick. It may form a buildable coverage that may create a natural finish, which could help even out your skin tone and support facial contouring.

   According to the official site, Skin by Mented is available in 16 shades that may target diverse undertones, including warm, cool, neutral, and red. These shade variants include options such as L10 (fair with neutral undertones), M10 (medium with warm undertones), and D40 (deep with neutral undertones).

   The Skin by Mented formula contains ingredients like aloe vera leaf extract, grape seed oil, and titanium dioxide. Aloe vera extract contains polysaccharides and glycoproteins that might soothe your skin by reducing inflammation and supporting wound healing. Titanium dioxide may act as a physical UV filter, which may reflect and scatter UV radiation to help minimize sun-induced skin damage.

2. Mented Cosmetics Lip Gloss

   Mented Cosmetics’ Lip Gloss comes in a smooth, non-sticky formula that may provide a buildable color and a moderate shine to your lips. As per the official site, Lip Gloss comes in six shade ranges, such as Mauve Over to offer a soft pink finish on deeper lips and Berry Me to provide a berry-toned hue. Other shade options include options like Baby Brown, #1 Cran, and Pink About Me.

   The Lip Gloss contains ingredients like ethylhexyl palmitate, which may function as an emollient and help soften and smooth your lips by filling in surface cracks. Castor seed oil is also included in Lip Gloss, which may help draw moisture into your lips and maintain their suppleness.

3. Mented Cosmetics Semi-Matte Lipstick

   Semi-Matte Lipstick may help add suppleness to your lips while providing them with a soft, semi-matte finish. It might offer a comfortable wear throughout the day without leaving behind a heavy or cakey texture.

   As per the official site, Semi-Matte Lipstick comes in nine shade ranges, which include Pretty in Pink (a cool-toned vibrant pink), Dope Taupe (a neutral brown-pink blend), Nude LaLa (a warm pink with brown tones), and Mented #5 (a purple-brown mix).

   The Semi-Matte Lipstick contains tocopheryl acetate (a stable form of vitamin E), which may function as an antioxidant and help protect your lip skin from oxidative stress triggered by environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution. Octyldodecanol is also included, as it may form a lightweight, non-greasy film over your lip skin surface, which might smooth lip texture and improve the spreadability of the lipstick.

4. Mented Cosmetics Everyday Eyeshadow Palette

   As per the official site, the Everyday Eyeshadow Palette features 9 neutral shades that may help you maintain simple or bold eye looks. It may work well for everyday wear, especially on medium to deep skin tones. The color range provided by the Everyday Eyeshadow Palette includes Brown Out, Light Bright, Tandemonium, Red Bone, Queen Sugar, Up Side Brown, and First Date.

   The  Everyday Eyeshadow Palette comes in a slim, compact case that may be convenient for travel or on-the-go use. It also includes a built-in mirror, which may be helpful if you require quick touch-ups.

5. Mented Cosmetics Bronzer

   Mented Cosmetics’ Bronzer may help provide a soft, sun-kissed effect that could highlight your facial features without providing a harsh or overly defined appearance. It comes in four shade options, including Beach Bum (light), Vacay (medium), Out of Office (rich), and Yacht Life (deep).

   The Bronzer formula contains ingredients like dimethicone, a silicone-based polymer that may help smooth uneven texture and fade the appearance of fine lines. Zinc stearate may function as a lubricant that may improve the blendability of the Bronzer formula by reducing clumping.

   Bronzer also includes vitamin A, which could support skin cell turnover and help maintain a smoother texture. Vitamin E may help retain moisture in your skin to support a softer, more hydrated appearance.

6. Mented Cosmetics Blush

   Mented Cosmetics’ Blush may add warmth and color to your cheeks. The makers state that Blush has a silky, buildable texture that may allow for light or more defined application depending on your preference. As per the official site, Blush is available in shade options, namely Berried Away, Clay Too Much, Peach for the Stars, and Pinky Promise.

   The makers integrated vitamin E in Blush to minimize dryness or skin irritation often triggered by powder-based formulas. Vitamin E may also support epidermal hydration by stabilizing cell membranes. Such effects may support the Blush’s smooth application and contribute to more even wear throughout the day.

7. Mented Cosmetics Brightening Concealer

   Full-Time Brightening Concealer may help conceal, brighten, and contour your facial skin. As per the official site, Full-Time Brightening Concealer is available in 8 shades, which may target fair, cool, neutral, and deep undertones. These shade options include Happy Hour, Peak Performance, CEO, Noted, and Clock In.

   The makers included ingredients like hyaluronic acid, mica, Witch hazel extract, and glycerin in Full-Time Brightening Concealer. Hyaluronic acid could support extracellular matrix stability and may diminish the appearance of fine lines by plumping your skin’s surface. Witch hazel extract contains astringent compounds (such as tannins), which may help tighten pores and reduce surface oil, potentially improving the concealer’s adherence and finish on the skin.

Mented Cosmetics Advantages

1. Maintains An Omnichannel Presence

   Mented Cosmetics maintains a consistent presence across both digital and physical retail platforms across the USA. You may easily find the brand’s cosmetic offerings on its official website and e-commerce platforms like Amazon.

   Based on the details provided by Mented Cosmetics’ store locator, the brand also sells offline in major retail outlets across the U.S., such as Target, ULTA Beauty, Walgreens, and select CVS stores. The omnichannel strategy is part of Mented Cosmetics’ broader approach to increasing product availability across different shopping environments.

   It means you have flexible options when it comes to how and where you shop. You may visit a local store to see shades in person or choose the convenience of ordering online. In-store shopping offers opportunities like product swatching, while the brand’s website includes benefits such as free U.S. shipping on orders over $45.

2. Vegan And Cruelty-Free Brand

   As per the official site, Mented Cosmetics formulates all its offerings without animal-derived ingredients and ensures that no animal testing takes place at any stage of development or production. Such commitment applies across the entire product range, including formulas like the Lip Gloss, Skin by Mented, Blush, and Color Intense Eyeshadow Sticks. To maintain vegan standards, Mented Cosmetics does not utilize animal-based ingredients such as beeswax, lanolin, carmine, and collagen, instead uses plant-based substitutes like candelilla wax.

   The brand-wide approach to vegan and cruelty-free standards could mean that you may shop from Mented Cosmetics without needing to check individual ingredient lists for animal content, particularly helpful if you prefer to make ethical purchase decisions.

Mented Cosmetics Limitation

1. No Third-Party Testing or Certifications

   Mented Cosmetics does not share any third-party lab testing data or independent certifications across its product line. For example, the brand’s offerings, such as the Everyday Eyeshadow Palette and Full-Time Brightening Concealer, feature ingredients like talc, iron oxides, and mica, substances that may carry trace heavy metals or risk contamination if not properly tested. The brand does not publish lab reports from ISO-certified facilities, nor does it provide toxicology assessments or ingredient purity certifications to validate its safety or performance claims.

   While Mented Cosmetics uses marketing terms like “hypoallergenic” or “clean,” the brand does not share any supporting documentation or third-party safety data to back such claims. Such a lack of independent testing means you are left to rely on brand claims rather than verified, science-backed data. Without third-party proof, there is less accountability and lower assurance that the offerings from Mented Cosmetics meet clean beauty or safety standards beyond basic regulatory compliance.

Mented Cosmetics Alternative Brands

1. Range Beauty

   Both Range Beauty and Mented Cosmetics operate in the beauty space and provide access to makeup essentials and skincare offerings.

   However, the brands differ on some angles, such as their core focus, product range, refund policies, and pricing differences.

   Range Beauty formulates its offerings to target the specific needs of eczema, acne, and sensitive skin. It blends skincare formulations with makeup essentials to soothe and support acne or eczema-prone complexions.

   Mented Cosmetics, on the other hand, builds its identity around creating diverse shades for melanin-rich skin. It maintains a core focus on offering pigment-rich makeup essentials that may enhance natural tones rather than addressing specific skin conditions.

   In terms of product range, Range Beauty has a narrow lineup that comprises offerings like True Intentions Hydrating Foundation, Smooth Out Translucent Powder, Bali Face & Body Glow, and True Intentions Hydrating Primer. Beyond these, the brand only provides accessories, such as the Make-up Brush Holder Pouch and the Range Beauty Crewneck Sweatshirt.

   On the other hand, Mented Cosmetics has a wider lineup that spans categories like cheeks, face, lip, eye, and bundles. Some featured products from Mented Cosmetics include the Skin by Mented, Semi-Matte Lipstick, Thirst Quencher Lip Oil, Color Intense Eyeshadow Sticks, Sip & Sculpt Duo, Blush, and Bronzer.

   Shade options between formulations also reflect a point of contrast between the brands. For instance, the True Intentions Hydrating Foundation by Range Beauty comes in 21 shade options, including Dune, Villa, Liquid Sun, Bonfire, Ignite, Sahara’s Rose, Cabana, Paloma, and Coconut Milk.

   Meanwhile, Mented Cosmetics’ Skin by Mented foundation provides 16 shade options, such as L40 (light tan with warm undertones), T20 (tan with cool undertones), M20 (medium brown with neutral undertones), and D20 (rich brown with red undertones).

   Return policies reveal another distinction between the brands. Currently, the Range Beauty brand offers a 15-day window for refunds or exchanges on full-size items, which excludes merch and foundation samples.

   On the other hand, Mented Cosmetics gives a 30-day time duration from the date of receipt of your order for refunds or exchanges. If your Mented Cosmetics order contains three items or fewer and is valued $75 or below, it qualifies for the Rapid Exchange Program. The program may allow you to keep the unwanted product(s) and choose a new shade(s) of your choice.

   In terms of pricing, there are some differences between the brands. For instance, one jar of the Smooth Out Translucent Powder by Range Beauty costs $22 as part of a one-time purchase. Meanwhile, one jar of the Skin Silk Loose Setting Powder from Mented Cosmetics costs $25.

2. UOMA Beauty

   When comparing UOMA Beauty and Mented Cosmetics, both brands approach the beauty space with a shared commitment to inclusivity. However, the brands differ in how they position their identities, product range, and retail accessibility.

   From the perspective of product range, both brands present multiple cosmetic essentials across categories like face, lips, eyes, and cheeks. However, UOMA Beauty has a narrower product range than Mented Cosmetics. Some featured offerings from UOMA Beauty include the Afro.Dis.Iac Liquid Eyeliner, Badass Icon Matte Lipstick, Black Magic Hypnotic Impact High Shine Lipstick, Drama Bomb Extreme Volume Mascara, Stay Woke Concealer, and Carnival Color Palette.

   Meanwhile, Mented Cosmetics prioritizes daily wear cosmetic essentials with neutral tones. Some featured products in the Mented Cosmetics lineup include the Every Night Eyeshadow Palette, Skin Silk Loose Setting Powder, Full-Time Brightening Concealer, Perfect Prime Primer, Better Setter Setting Spray, Full Time Concealer Duo, Thirst Quencher Lip Oil, and High Brow Pencil.

   Retail accessibility further differentiates the two brands. UOMA is available both online and in select retail locations like Nordstrom and Ulta, with its separate lineup, “UOMA By Sharon C.,” available in select Walmart stores across the USA. On the other hand, the offerings from Mented Cosmetics are also available online and offline in the U.S. Based on the store locator provided by Mented Cosmetics on its official site, the brand sells in retail outlets across the USA, such as ULTA, Target, Walgreens, and select CVS locations.

   In terms of shipping and returns, UOMA Beauty provides standard shipping within the U.S. for $5.95 (free over $50) and offers a 30-day return policy on non-discounted items, with a typical refund processing time of 10–14 business days from the retrieval of your return order. Meanwhile, the Mented Cosmetics brand offers free U.S. shipping on orders above $45 and charges $5 for orders below that threshold. The brand provides a 30-day refund window from the date of receipt of the order, with an expected refund processing time of 5–10 business days.

How Did We Evaluate Mented Cosmetics?

1. Brand Credibility

   In evaluating Mented Cosmetics, we considered both its background and presence across independent review platforms. Established in 2017, the brand emphasizes addressing a gap in the cosmetics space for makeup essentials, suited to deeper skin tones. In terms of third-party ratings, Mented Cosmetics has an unclaimed profile on Trustpilot, which may indicate that the brand does not actively engage with customers through the platform.

   On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Mented Cosmetics holds an “F” rating, attributed to unresolved customer complaints. Although the number of complaints is relatively low, the absence of resolution may negatively impact the brand’s reliability perception.

   The Mented Cosmetics brand also does not have a page on Reviews.io, which may further limit the brand’s creditworthiness. On TenereTeam, Mented Cosmetics has a rating of 4.0 out of 5, but it is based on only nine publicly available reviews, a sample size too limited to establish broader consumer sentiment.

2. Real User Feedback

   As part of the evaluation process, we analyzed verified customer reviews of two popular Mented Cosmetics products on Amazon, which may provide insights into how the offerings from Mented Cosmetics perform in everyday use.

   Many customers praised Skin by Mented for its compatibility with deeper skin tones and its ease of application. Users commonly described its finish as smooth and lightweight, with some consumers noting that it helped decrease oil buildup and felt comfortable on sensitive skin. However, a few consumers pointed out that Skin by Mented’s pricing was on the higher side when compared to its quality.

   On Amazon, Mented Cosmetics’ Lip Gloss received mostly positive remarks, particularly regarding its texture, shade variety, and ease of wear. Several users found the gloss non-sticky, lightly moisturizing, and visually flattering on a range of undertones. The reviews often referenced shades like the “Baby Brown” and “Mauve Over.” However, negative feedback raised concerns over the accuracy of online color representations, with a few users stating that some shades of Lip Gloss looked different in person. There were also isolated comments about packaging issues, including product leakage when not stored upright.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Mented Cosmetics’ Products Non-Comedogenic?
   No, the Mented Cosmetics brand does not consistently label all its formulations as non-comedogenic, meaning they may potentially clog pores and trigger acne flareups. It is safe to do patch testing beforehand and review product labels, particularly if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
2. Does Mented Cosmetics List pH Testing Data for Skin Compatibility?
   No, the brand does not publish pH testing data or buffered pH values for its offerings on its official site or product pages. If you have sensitive skin, using formulations with a low pH value (without clear buffering information) may increase the risk of experiencing irritation or stinging.
3. Are Mented Cosmetics’ Formulas Sweat or Water-Resistant?
   No, the Mented Cosmetics brand does not advertise sweatproof or exercise-resistant claims throughout its lineup. Although some formulas like the Color Intense Eyeshadow Sticks are labeled waterproof and budge-proof for up to ten hours, other formulations from the brand do not hold such certifications.

Conclusion

Mented Cosmetics positions itself in the beauty space, particularly focused on providing makeup essentials and skincare formulas that may cater to melanin-rich skin tones.

The brand also emphasizes its vegan and cruelty-free commitment throughout its lineup. It also maintains omnichannel availability online (through its official site and Amazon) and offline (in retail chains like Target, ULTA, Walgreens, and select CVS stores across the USA).

However, Mented Cosmetics does not provide lab reports, toxicology assessments, or independent certifications to validate ingredient safety, allergenicity, or formulation purity.

Although the brand uses terms such as “hypoallergenic” and “clean,” it does not supply substantiating data from ISO-accredited labs or disclose results from any form of external safety validation. Such omission may increase potential contamination risks and decrease transparency regarding the brand’s safety standards.

Before opting for Mented Cosmetics, it may be beneficial to consider your skin sensitivities, skin type, budget constraints, and transparency requirements to make an informed purchase decision.