A shade of nude for everyone, not a shade of nude for some.
I recently heard a podcast host start to say “nude” in reference to beige nail polish, then stop to correct herself. The term “nude” has long been synonymous for beige whether talking about nail polish, shoes, or undergarments.
We first addressed the white-centric terminology in fashion when I published the blog, The Fashion World Finally Realizes That My Nude Is Not Always Your Nude, in 2013. Almost eight years later, it’s time for a refresh!
You would think the fact that beige nail polish shouldn’t be the only shade called “nude” would have occurred to me by now. I mean, duh. But I’m so glad to have been (figuratively) smacked in the head. From Banana Republic’s True Hue’s Collection to Mented’s range of nail polishes, there is now a shade of nude for everyone. I hope you find yours.
Happy Shopping!
Banana Republic
Banana Republic’s True Hues collection includes 11 nude shades across 17 product categories for women. Available both online and in-store, the True Hues collection is shot by Black photographer Dana Scruggs and features models with a diverse set of body types, gender identities, skin tones, abilities, and backgrounds.
My favorite pieces in the collection are the underwear and slips made with Cosabella, especially the Washable Silk Layering Slip!
I am obsessed with the way Banana Republic showcases all the products in each hue together. Scroll down past the individual product listings or click on your hue at the top of the product page to find this feature. I also find it interesting how they present the same model wearing different hues.
Don’t know your hue? There’s a quiz for that!
Banana Republic Essential Camisole, $22.50
Banana Republic Essential Layering Tank, $29.50
Banana Republic Essential Layering T-Shirt, $34.50
Banana Republic Scoop Neck Thong Bodysuit, $39.50
Banana Republic Washable Silk Camisole, $89.50
Banana Republic Washable Silk Layering Slip, $120
Banana Republic Camisole Layering Slip, $49.50
Banana Republic No Show Liner Sock, $7.50
Banana Republic x Cosabella Aire Boy Short, $26
Banana Republic x Cosabella Never Say Never Boy Short, $34
Banana Republic True Hues Mask, $9
Ally Shoes
Ally Shoes is an innovative fashion brand designed for women by women. They are renowned for designing pain-free heels (in four widths!) for power women, myself included. I believe in the brand so much, I am an official Ally brand ambassador.
The picture of me wearing the Ally Classic pump in Gutsy Garnet blew up the RLS Insta recently! Classic pump not your style these days? Don’t worry. Ally carries all of the below shades in both flats and block heels too!
Ally Classic Pumps in 5 Shade of Nude, $295
Fenty Beauty
When Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in 2017, she set a new standard for inclusivity in makeup and the acceptable number of shades in a foundation line. Her original foundation formula, the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, launched with 40 shades that featured a huge range of undertones. She has since increased that foundation’s shade range to 50 options, and released a powder and a hydrating foundation, also both with 50 shades.
How hungry was the market for Fenty Beauty? $100 million in the first 40 days after launch. And a whole lot of women who swore they found their correct foundation shade for the first time ever.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, $36
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation, $36
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation, $36
Mented Cosmetics
I first heard about Mented Cosmetics watching Sara Blakely of Spanx fame interview KJ Miller, one of Mented’s founders. Her description of creating Mented to specifically cater to darker skin tones and help them find their perfect “nude,” reminded me of a friend who has been finding these shades on her own for years. I couldn’t wait to share Mented with her and all of you! The founders started with nude lipsticks, and have expanded into a whole line of beauty products, including a Nude Nail Collection!
In addition to the Mented website, you can find Mented products at Ulta and Target.
Mented Semi-Matte Lipsticks, $16.50
Mented Gloss for Grown Ups Collection, $50
Mented Nude Nail Collection, $15
What are your favorite products with a shade of nude for everyone? Which of the products highlighted above are you excited to learn about? Let us know in the chat below!
Real Life Style is a style consulting firm that teaches busy women to wear their power so they can live their lives fully and confidently. Lani Inlander and Kyle Dunphy are based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and serve clients across the country. We offer personal styling services, an on-demand e-course, corporate services, and training to become a personal stylist.
Once in a while, you can find Lani Inlander and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Mostly, they are happily busy serving their fabulous clients, not hanging out online!
