Makeup for Brown and Olive Skin: Colors and Tips

Brown and olive skin has a gorgeous warmth that the right makeup can enhance beautifully. But so many of us have felt the frustration of a foundation that looks gray, a concealer that leaves a light patch or a blush that just "disappears."

In this guide we explain how to choose colors and formulas that flatter medium and deep skin tones.

Know your undertone

Your skin tone is how light or deep your skin is; your undertone is the hue underneath. Brown and olive skin commonly has:

• Warm undertone: golden, yellow or peach hues. Gold jewelry usually flatters you.
• Neutral undertone: a balanced mix; both gold and silver suit you.
• Red or olive undertone: reddish or greenish hues that need foundations with the right undertone so they do not look dull.

Look at the veins on your wrist: if they look greenish, you lean warm; if they look blue or purple, cool; if you cannot tell, you are probably neutral.

Foundation and concealer without the ashy effect

Choose the right undertone

A pink-undertone foundation on warm skin can look ashy. Look for shades with names or descriptions like "warm," "golden" or "neutral," depending on your skin.

Test on your jawline

The right foundation "disappears" into your skin in natural light. If you see a line or your face looks lighter than your neck, it is not your shade.

Concealer

To brighten, use a concealer half a shade lighter than your foundation, with a golden or peach undertone. For very dark circles, neutralize first with an orange or deep peach corrector.

Powder

Some white translucent powders leave a light cast on deeper skin, especially with flash. Use a very small amount or choose tinted powders.

Colors that flatter

Blush

Rich, warm shades: terracotta, coral, burnt orange, raspberry, berry and plum. Very pale pinks can look chalky.

Bronzer and contour

Chocolate, deep caramel or cinnamon bronzers. For contour, deep brown shades without too much red.

Highlighter

Gold, bronze, golden champagne and copper melt into the skin. Silver or very white highlighters can look artificial.

Eyeshadow

Golds, bronzes, coppers, olive greens, rich purples, cobalt blue and chocolate browns look stunning. Vibrant and neon colors also pop beautifully on deeper skin.

Lips

Caramel or chocolate nudes, blue-based or warm reds, wine and berry. Lining with a shade slightly deeper than your lipstick adds dimension.

Pro tips

• Use eyeshadow primer so colors look intense and true.
• Choose highly pigmented formulas for blushes and eyeshadows.
• Mix two foundation shades if you cannot find your exact match; you can also use one for the center of your face and a deeper one around the edges.
• Check your makeup with flash to spot powders that reflect white light.

Common mistakes

• Foundation that is too light or pink-toned.
• Concealer several shades lighter, leaving a patch under the eyes.
• Too much white translucent powder.
• Blushes and eyeshadows with weak pigment.

Find it at BeautyRosee

In our makeup collection you will find foundations and concealers in a range of shades, bronzers and contours, highly pigmented blushes in warm tones, golden highlighters and palettes with bronzes, coppers and vibrant colors. Check out the options from Italia Deluxe, Beauty Creations and Kevin & Coco.

FAQ

Which blush looks best on brown skin?

Terracotta, deep coral, raspberry and berry shades usually look very natural and flattering.

Why does my foundation look gray?

It is almost always because the shade is too light or the undertone does not match. Try a shade with a warm or neutral undertone.

Which highlighter should I use on olive or tan skin?

Gold, golden champagne and bronze blend in beautifully. Avoid very cool silvers.

Can I wear neon colors?

Of course. Vibrant colors look extra intense on medium and deep skin. Use eyeshadow primer to make them pop even more.

Your skin deserves colors that celebrate it. Find your shades in our makeup collection.