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How Do I Choose the Best Blush for Olive Skin?

Kristeen Moore
Kristeen Moore

Olive skin is considered to be one of the most popular facial complexion types, due to the fact that such individuals possess a natural tint that does not generally require a great deal of color cosmetics. Before you skip out on cheek color, it is important to know that using the correct tones of blush for olive skin can actually enhance your natural glow without overpowering it. The exact color that you choose also depends on whether you have lighter or dark olive skin. Warmer make-up colors tend to work the best for on olive skin tones, but they will not enhance your face properly without the correct application.

Mid-tone pinks and apricots tend to be the best colors of blush for olive skin because the tones look more natural than deeper ones. Purchasing these colors can be a difficult task, since blushes often look different when applied to the face compared with what they look like in the package. If you are unsure of a particular color of blush, the best way to ensure that it will work with your complexion is to test it at a make-up counter. You can also use this method just to find your best range of colors and then purchase them from a drugstore or beauty supply outlet if you desire.

Blush enhances the cheekbones.
Blush enhances the cheekbones.

Given the fact that warmer colors of blush tend to work best for olive skin tones, there are a variety of cheek cosmetics ranging from pinks to orangey apricots. Choosing the best blush for olive skin not only requires you to identify the appropriate colors for your type, but you might also need slight variations in tone if you have a naturally lighter or darker complexion. If your skin tone is on the lighter side, you might consider sticking with pink blushes, while darker olive faces can stand to wear apricots.

Olive skin tends to look best with pink or apricot blush.
Olive skin tends to look best with pink or apricot blush.

Applying make-up can be intimidating, especially if you are not accustomed to wearing cosmetics on a regular basis. Olive skin is naturally beautiful on its own, but applying cosmetics correctly can actually enhance your facial features. When using blush for olive skin, it is important that you place just the right amount of product on your cheekbones in order to maintain a natural look. Consider using a large blush brush, as opposed to the small travel-sized types that often come with such products. Sweep the color in a circular motion around the entire cheekbone without reaching the hairline.

Discussion Comments

candyquilt

@turquoise-- Try a plum colored blush. Copper and cinnamon would look good on you too. If you really like pinks, go for really dark dramatic pinks, even magenta. Just make sure to blend well like @anamur said.

Another option is to use a bronzer. A bronzer looks more natural and I think it looks fabulous on olive skin. It will bring out your natural glow without being over the top.

If you have trouble applying powder blushes, try cream blushes or liquid cheek tints. The cream blushes are so easy to apply. You can use your fingers, dab it on your cheekbones and blend with your hand. I think a dark peach, a plum or a cinnamon color cream blush would work really well for you.

serenesurface

@turquoise-- Hi hun! I have olive skin as well and I struggled picking the right blush in the beginning too. If you have medium-dark olive skin like I do, the light pink shades are out of your league. They look good on people with lighter skin color, not so much on us. They will wash you out just like you said.

What I always do is that I make sure that my blush is at least one tone darker than my skin tone. Because the point of using a blush is to emphasize your cheeks and cheekbones. Anything lighter than your natural skin tone cannot do that.

I personally like using red-brown combinations for cheek color. These tones look great on olive skin. Just make sure to use a light hand when you apply them and use a blush brush for application. If you use a heavy hand with blush and don't blend it out well, you will look clownish, no matter what color it is.

turquoise

I have olive skin and I have the hardest time finding the right blush color. I love the lighter pink shades but they never look quite right on me. I think they wash my face out. The darker shades on the other hand make me look like a clown. I have no idea how other women with olive skin wear blush and manage to look glamorous.

I must be doing something wrong but I don't know what. Any advice for me?

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    • Blush enhances the cheekbones.
      By: Vladimir Voronin
      Blush enhances the cheekbones.
    • Olive skin tends to look best with pink or apricot blush.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      Olive skin tends to look best with pink or apricot blush.
    • Skin testing a blush before purchasing it can help determine what shades work best.
      By: phasinphoto
      Skin testing a blush before purchasing it can help determine what shades work best.
    • Olive skin may have either warm or cool undertones.
      By: micromonkey
      Olive skin may have either warm or cool undertones.
    • Leaving blush on the skin overnight may cause the pores to become clogged.
      By: Doruk Sikman
      Leaving blush on the skin overnight may cause the pores to become clogged.