We love the way the world of makeup is changing! Aside from adding skin-enhancing ingredients to makeup, plenty of innovators like Rihanna and Huda Kattan, are developing makeup ranges that cater to a broader skin tone. How does that work for Olive skin types?
Usually neutral, olive skin has a hue of golden and is commonly found in descendants from India, Italy and Latin America. It is also an undertone that can exist across a range of skin colour. How do you apply and choose makeup for it? These tips work across all shades of the skin spectrum, but are especially pertinent if you have olive skin!
When testing makeup for olive skin(or any other), swatch it on your jawline
This make-up technique fits all skin tones, as your true colour match is on your jawline and neck. If you find that the colour ‘melts’ or disappears onto your skin, then the shade is for you. If not, you may need to go lighter or darker as needed. Try this technique the next time you go foundation shopping!
Colour-correct
Sometimes, dark circles under the eyes and skin imperfections are inevitable and hard to hide. To conceal or correct, choose an orange-based concealer or corrector two to three shades lighter than your skin tone—this is to avoid a noticeable ashy cast. Apply moderately as you don’t want your make-up to crease!
Don’t use the same shade of foundation all over your face
The secret to achieving a healthy-looking glow is to ensure your foundation doesn’t make your face look flat. A common misconception of those with darker skin tones is that they apply the same shade of foundation all over, when in fact, our complexions are multidimensional. One trick is, to begin with dabbing make-up on the centre of the face with the lightest shade that matches your undertone, then blend outwards. After you’re done, choose a warmer shade and apply it to the contour points of your face. Finish off by dusting the exposed areas of your face with the shade closest to your jawline. This technique looks beautiful on deep complexions and creates a polished almost airbrushed look.
When choosing a blush, go for darker shades
There’s always this misconception that olive skin tones can skip blush. We disagree, as no matter what skin tone you have, you can always amp up your look and add a healthy-looking flush! For those with deeper skin tones, a blush with darker shades like reds and wines looks divine. Want a sun-kissed look instead? Just apply a dab of highlighter and you are good to go!
Go for warmer shades when buyinbg makeup for olive skin
When looking for lipstick or eyeshadow, go for those with a warm base. Case in point: a red lipstick with warm undertones complements well and looks extra-amazing against darker skin tones. In fact, olive skin tones are among the few lucky ones that look great in orange lipsticks! Seek shades of orange, rust, brick and corals.
Highlight and contour to add dimension to your face
Struggling to find the perfect highlighter and contour shades? For your highlighter, opt for a shade that matches the lightest part of your neck or chest, and for the perfect contour shade, opt for one that matches the darkest part of your arms. If you’re going for a more dramatic look, go for shades two to three levels lighter or darker than these reference points.
