by Olive skin is often misunderstood and overlooked in the beauty industry, but it’s time for that to change. Olive skin can range from pale to deep, with warm, cool, or neutral undertones. However, the classic “olive skin” narrative often excludes a huge segment of people, assuming that olive complexions are always brown. In reality, olive skin can originate from a variety of different ethnicities, from East Asia to Eastern Europe and Ireland.
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Understanding Olive Skin Tone
Olive skin tone refers to the undertones of the skin, not the depth and intensity of color. It’s frequently thought of as neutral-toned, but it can also be cool or warm-toned. To identify your skin’s undertone, simply look at the veins on your wrist. If they’re blue, you have cool undertones, if they’re green, you have warm undertones, and if they’re a mix of both, you have neutral undertones.
The Problems with Olive Skin and Makeup
Despite the 40+ shade industry standard, a staggering 90% of 16-25 year-old women with olive skin are unhappy with their foundation. The root of the problem lies in the massive misconceptions surrounding the definition of olive skin. Many people think of “olive” skin as a synonym for “medium” and use it to describe any complexion between fair and dark or white and black.
Olive Skin: The Solution
To combat these misconceptions and find the perfect foundation match, it’s essential to understand your skin’s undertone and choose a foundation accordingly. Makeup artist Mira Parmar, who has worked with Aishwarya Rai and Suki Waterhouse, explains that “olive skin is frequently thought of as neutral-toned but it can actually be cool or warm-toned, too.” When choosing a foundation, it’s crucial to test it on your jawline and neck to ensure the best match for your skin tone.
Consultant dermatologist Dr. Hiba Injibar, founder of Harley Street’s Dermasurge clinic, emphasizes that olive is not a skin color or race. Olive skin refers to the undertones of the skin, not the depth and intensity of color.
Makeup and Skincare for Olive Skin
- Foundation: Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and has a yellow or neutral base. Avoid foundations with a pink or orange base, as they can make your skin look unnatural.
- Blush: Opt for a blush with a peach or coral shade, as these colors complement olive skin. Avoid blushes with a pink or red base, as they can make your skin look too warm.
- Eye Shadow: Earthy and warm tones such as brown, taupe, and bronze look great on olive skin. You can also play with shimmery greens and golds.
- Lipstick: Nude, peach, and coral shades are great options for olive skin. Avoid lipsticks with a blue or purple base, as they can make your skin look too cool.
- Skincare: Olive skin is prone to oiliness and breakouts, so it’s important to use products that control oil and keep your skin clear. Look for products with salicylic acid.
Conclusion
Olive skin is beautiful and unique, and it’s important to embrace it and make the most of it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different makeup and skincare products to find what works best for you. Remember that your skin is one of a kind, and there’s no one right way to have or care for it.
Olive skin is a unique and beautiful complexion that deserves to be recognized and celebrated. By understanding the undertones of your skin and choosing the right foundation, you can embrace your natural beauty and radiate confidence. Say goodbye to the “beige, beiger, and beigest” foundations and hello to a world of possibilities for olive skin.
FAQ
What is olive skin tone?
Olive skin tone refers to the undertones of the skin, which can be cool, warm, or neutral. It is not a skin color or race.
How can I identify my skin’s undertone?
To identify your skin’s undertone, look at the veins on your wrist. If they are blue, you have cool undertones. If they are green, you have warm undertones. If they are a mix of both, you have neutral undertones.
Why are many olive-skinned women unhappy with their foundation?
Many olive-skinned women are unhappy with their foundation because of misconceptions surrounding the definition of olive skin, which is often thought of as a synonym for “medium.”
What is the solution to finding the perfect foundation for olive skin?
To find the perfect foundation for olive skin, it’s essential to understand your skin’s undertone and choose a foundation accordingly. It’s crucial to test it on your jawline and neck to ensure the best match for your skin tone.
Is olive skin a skin color or race?
No, olive skin is not a skin color or race. It refers to the undertones of the skin, not the depth and intensity of color.
Hi there! I really enjoyed reading your post about olive skin and the misunderstandings surrounding it. Olive skin is such a unique and beautiful complexion, and it’s great to see it being recognized and celebrated in the beauty industry.
I particularly appreciated the insight on the problems with olive skin and makeup, and the fact that 90% of 16-25 year-old women with olive skin are unhappy with their foundation. It’s frustrating to see that this is a result of misconceptions and a lack of understanding about olive skin, but it’s also amazing to see that there are solutions and ways to combat these issues. The importance of understanding your skin’s undertone and choosing a foundation accordingly cannot be stressed enough. The tips and advice from makeup artist Mira Parmar and consultant dermatologist Dr. Hiba Injibar were also very helpful and informative.
In conclusion, thank you for writing this post and bringing attention to the underrepresented and underrated complexion of olive skin. I hope this post continues to spread awareness and encourages more people to embrace their natural beauty. Keep up the great work!