21 Brands Redefining Nude Shades for Every Skin Tone
See how fashion and beauty brands are reshaping 'nude' to celebrate the full spectrum of human skin.
21 Fashion and Beauty Brands Leading the Nude Revolution
The notion of “nude” as a universal beige is both outdated and problematic. For far too long, the fashion and beauty industry’s definition of nude has not represented the diversity of real people. Recently, forward-thinking brands have stepped up to create a remarkable array of products—lingerie, shoes, cosmetics—available in multiple shades of nude that genuinely reflect every skin tone. Here are 21 brands paving the way for a more inclusive meaning of nude.
Mented Cosmetics
Mented Cosmetics was born out of co-founders KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson’s frustration with finding nude lipsticks for deeper skin tones. Their solution is a curated line of six nude lipstick shades specifically designed to match and flatter dark complexions. Their core mission is to celebrate natural beauty in everyday looks, offering women of every hue the possibility to find a true nude lip color that works for them. The range avoids the notion of nude as a one-size-fits-all color, instead providing inclusive shades for natural, elegant makeup routines.
Target Nude Lingerie Collection
Target responded to consumer demand by expanding their lingerie line with four new shades aimed at better representing the diversity of its customers. Shoppers now find options including Cocoa, Caramel, Honey Beige, and Mochaccino. These hues make it easier for more women to find affordable underwear, shapewear, and hosiery that truly matches their skin tone.
Gaynor Minden Ballet Pointe Shoes
Ballet traditionally offered pointe shoes in a standard pink satin, not accounting for dancers of color who needed shoes that matched their skin. Gaynor Minden disrupted this norm by introducing Cappuccino and Espresso shades. Now, dancers with deeper skin tones can perform in shoes that naturally blend with their legs, eliminating the need for time-consuming and wasteful paint jobs.
Christian Louboutin Ballet Flats
Known for his iconic red-soled heels, Christian Louboutin revolutionized the footwear industry by launching ballet flats available in seven distinct shades of nude. The extended palette makes it possible for women of virtually any skin tone to own work-appropriate, stylish shoes that complement rather than contrast with their legs—effectively normalizing nude shoes for everyone.
Kahmune Shoes
Kahmune is a UK-based brand wholeheartedly dedicated to inclusivity in footwear. Offering ten different nude shades in their strappy sandal heels, Kahmune’s philosophy centers on every woman seeing her complexion represented and celebrated in a “nude” product. They’re committed to changing industry standards by merging stylish design with authentic representation.
beingU Lingerie Line
Frustrated by her daughter’s inability to find a nude bra that matched her skin, Sadia Sisay created beingU. The brand stands out for not only providing nudes across the spectrum, but also for its size inclusivity, with bras ranging from 28B through 44H. The focus is on celebrating individuality in both color and size, giving every woman comfortable and confidence-boosting options.
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KoyVoca Cosmetics
KoyVoca celebrates the broad spectrum of brown. Their line includes 21 shades of brown, offering foundations, powders, color correctors, lipsticks, and highlighters that serve women of color especially well. All products are cruelty-free and retail for under $20, ensuring that accessible and inclusive beauty doesn’t break the bank.
CoverGirl TruBLEND Contour Palette
The CoverGirl TruBLEND Contour Palette answers the call for versatile, inclusive face makeup. Available in a range of tones (from light to deep), this palette allows users to create natural contours and highlights that reflect their skin tone—not just a generic tan or brown. The brown hues are specifically formulated to flatter a wide array of complexions.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
Finding a perfect nude lip color can be a struggle, especially for those with deeper or more varied undertones. NYX Cosmetics tackled this by launching the Soft Matte Lip Cream collection, which offers several nude shades tailored to a diversity of complexions. With an affordable price point (around $6), these lip creams are a favorite go-to for women of all backgrounds, proving that inclusive beauty doesn’t have to be costly.
Christian Louboutin “The Nudes” Nail Polish Collection
The definition of nude extends far beyond makeup and apparel. Christian Louboutin expanded his influence with “The Nudes” nail polish collection. First launched in 2014, these skin-inspired polishes give women of every skin tone the chance to embrace a true nude manicure—yet another step toward inclusive, head-to-toe beauty.
Naja Lingerie
Naja, co-founded by actress Gina Rodriguez, made waves with its “Seven Shades of Nude” collection in lingerie. The collection’s key feature is that none of the nude shades is labeled according to ethnicity; Naja’s mission is about equality, allowing any woman to choose the nude that fits her aesthetic and complexion equally. The initiative also speaks to body and cultural positivity beyond color.
Marks & Spencer Nude Stilettos
Marks & Spencer has jumped on the inclusivity bandwagon with a line of nude stilettos available in several tones catering to different skin colors. Now, women seeking affordable, classic shoes have a diverse nude palette to match their unique complexion.
Christian Louboutin Capsule Shoe Collection
Louboutin followed up on his ballet flats with a capsule shoe collection featuring a comprehensive range of nude shades. These styles are best-sellers and have continued expanding, underscoring sustained demand for true diversity in luxury fashion footwear.
COVER FX Foundations
Cover FX offers one of the most extensive choices in foundation, with forty distinct shades aiming to match every skin tone. Their formulas are oil-free, water-based, and highly praised by beauty enthusiasts for delivering inclusive coverage. YSL, Make Up For Ever, Bobbi Brown, and Bare Minerals are additional brands praised for their wide-ranging foundation lines.
Other Noteworthy Products and Brands
- MAC Blankety Lipstick: Beloved by many for its iconic nude tone, though some find it better suited to lighter complexions.
- Revlon Colorburst in Soft Nude: A light beige-pink nude, ideal for fair skin but challenging for deeper tones; highlights the importance of tailored nudes for every shade.
- YSL, Make Up For Ever, Bobbi Brown, Bare Minerals: These global beauty leaders offer broad nude shade ranges in their foundation lines, expanding choice and representation.
- Christian Louboutin Nail Polish: As covered above, this is a milestone for nail products reflecting true nude diversity.
The Redefinition of Nude: Why It Matters
The movement to diversify the meaning of “nude” is about much more than just new product lines—it signals a cultural shift. When brands take the time to reflect the true spectrum of humanity, they send a powerful message of acceptance and representation. No one should have to modify a product or compromise their style simply because industry defaults do not reflect reality. These trailblazers are challenging the status quo, making beauty and fashion more accessible, and inspiring others across the globe to follow suit.
Table: Highlights from Inclusive Nude Collections
| Brand | Product Type | No. of Nude Shades | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mented Cosmetics | Lipstick | 6 | Tailored to deep skin tones; for everyday wear |
| Kahmune | Shoes | 10 | Luxury design; wide tone range |
| Target | Lingerie | 4 | Affordable, accessible, multiple body types |
| Gaynor Minden | Pointe Shoes | 2 | First to offer brown ballet shoes |
| beingU | Lingerie | Varied | Color & size inclusivity (28B–44H) |
| Cover FX | Foundation | 40 | Oil-free, water-based, full coverage |
| Christian Louboutin | Shoes & Nail Polish | 7 (shoes) | Luxury, first to expand ‘nude’ in designer footwear |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Inclusive Nude Products
Q: Why has ‘nude’ traditionally meant beige or light tones?
A: Historically, the beauty and fashion industry has catered primarily to white Western consumers, using beige as a default shade. This led to standardization around light “nude” tones, leaving women with medium and deep skin tones unrepresented.
Q: What are some challenges brands face when creating diverse nude products?
A: Brands must understand the nuances of undertones, ensure shade accuracy, source appropriate materials, and sometimes re-educate consumers about the new ranges. Creating truly inclusive nude shades requires extensive research and testing with a diverse group of people.
Q: How can shoppers find their perfect nude shade?
A: Shoppers should try products in natural light, test swatches on their body (not just their hands), and consult brands that offer expanded nude ranges. Many brands now provide detailed online guides and virtual try-on tools for additional support.
Q: Are these inclusive products available globally?
A: Global availability varies. Some leading brands, like MAC, Cover FX, and Christian Louboutin, have international distribution. Others may still be region-specific, but online shopping increasingly expands access.
Q: What impact does this movement have on the industry?
A: The push for true nude inclusivity has encouraged other brands to diversify their product lines, inspired new businesses focused on underrepresented consumers, and driven a larger conversation about representation and equality in the beauty and fashion world.
Quick List: 21 Brands Offering Diverse Nude Shades
- Mented Cosmetics
- Kahmune
- beingU
- Target
- Naja
- Cover FX
- CoverGirl
- KoyVoca
- NYX
- Marks & Spencer
- MAC
- Revlon
- Bare Minerals
- Bobbi Brown
- YSL
- Make Up For Ever
- Christian Louboutin
- Gaynor Minden
- Christian Louboutin Nail
- Christian Louboutin Flats
- Christian Louboutin Capsule
The takeaway? The expanded definition of ‘nude’ is here to stay, empowering people of all skin tones to find products that match, and ultimately to feel seen and celebrated.
References
- https://www.thezoereport.com/culture/celebrities/3-brands-love-embracing-diversity-nude
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g8646556/brands-diverse-shades-of-nude/
- https://www.projectvanity.com/projectvanity/tag/nude+lipstick
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/a22623505/marks-and-spencer-nude-stilettos/
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