10 Foundations with Olive Undertones for the Perfect Makeup Look
Daniel Moore
Published Mar 24, 2026
Updated on Feb 15, 2024
Ladies with warm, yellow, or greenish complexion tones, pay attention: if you want a foundation that won't make you appear like a mess, the time is to buy a foundation with olive undertones right now! It changes the game, we assure you. It will not only assist in balancing out any redness or unevenness, but it will also give you a flawless, natural-looking finish that will have people speculating whether or not you are wearing makeup. Also, there are a tonne of alternatives available, including liquid, cream, powder, and sticks. Several brands offer products to suit different skin tones, so you're certain to discover the right fit.
You can spot an olive undertone by paying attention to how your skin responds to sunshine. While pink or beige undertones might be distracting, olive skin tends to tan readily and rarely burns.
“The key to identifying if you have olive skin tone is you will notice a green or greyish tint to the skin that is really the clearest identifier that your skin tone runs in the olive family,” says Sephora Beauty Director David. Most companies provide foundations that lean either excessively peachy and pink or, if they do, too orange or yellow. The ideal foundation color can be difficult to find for those of us with an olive complexion. After conducting hours of research, we are here to offer advice and recommendations as fellow olive-skinned women.
Our top picks
10 Foundations with Olive Undertones
The best olive skin tone foundation that tops our list is the NYX, Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation. This foundation comes with a 24-hour full coverage and has a beautiful matte finish. The Vanilla shade of this foundation gives a perfect blend and a smooth, unparalleled skin tone. It is a lightweight, waterproof product that is highly pigmented. This cruelty-free foundation is a transfer-resistant liquid foundation that comes in a variety of aesthetically pleasing tones.
Color: Vanilla
Shades: 46
Pros
- Feels light on face
- Long-lasting, 24hrs
- Ultra-matte finish
- PETA-certified
- Highly pigmented foundation
Cons
- More suitable for oily skin
Quick Tip:
Apply four dabs of the foundation to the center of your cheeks, forehead, and chin, and blend from the center of your face toward the edges for a flawless base perfect for further makeup application.
2
No More Scars
Dermablend Cover Crème Full Coverage Foundation
The Dermablend Cover Crème Full coverage foundation should be your next pick if you want something hydrating and concealing at the same time. For an apt olive skin tone, this foundation has maximum moisturizing coverage with mineral sunscreen SPF 30. The olive undertone foundation also helps to strengthen and repair skin barriers and gives the most natural finish.
Color: 35C - Medium Beige
Shades: 21
Pros
- Effectively covers vitiligo, burns, scars
- Fragrance-free
- Natural look
- Paraben-free
- Contains SPF 30
Cons
- Can be slightly dry
3
Seamless Blendability
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Born To Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation
Rated 4 stars and above on Amazon, NYX Born To Glow Naturally Radiant foundation in medium olive color amps up your skin’s natural glow and blends smoothly with other makeup products. It is the right choice for any olive undertone foundation seeker as this foundation is a buildable medium coverage glow foundation that comes in a wide variety of colors, and can be used to level up your coverage from sheer to full.
Color: Medium Olive
Shades: 17
Pros
- Gives a perfect glow
- Evens out skin
- Variety of shades
- Blends seamlessly
- Amazing coverage
- May leaks sometimes
4
Flawless in a Minute
Belloccio's Professional Cosmetic Airbrush Makeup Foundation
Getting late for a party? Belloccio's Makeup Foundation will give you fast, easy, and flawless results in minutes. This revolutionary water-based foundation lets your skin shine. It offers a super hygienic application and its hazelnut medium color is a perfect dark olive undertone. The foundation immediately hides and minimizes unsightly flaws. The Belloccio Airbrush evenly distributes makeup over your skin in a thin mist that doesn't cake or block pores.
Color: Dark Olive
Shades: 17
Pros
- Not cakey
- Easy and hygienic application
- Suits sensitive skin
- Gives a balanced, glowing look
- Conceals imperfections
Cons
- Can cause breakouts or make skin dry on aged skin
5
Best Texture
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in warm nude tone is an oil-free foundation which gives you medium-to-full coverage. Jerrod Blandino, co-founder of Too Faced and its chief creative officer, was inspired by "I woke up like this" perfection and set out on a mission to create a foundation that would be so undetectable that you could lie while still having gorgeously natural coverage that would make everyone believe you were born this way. The distinction between makeup and skin is expertly blurred by this oil-free foundation.
Color: Warm Nude
Shades: 18
Pros
- Gives a luminous glow
- Oil-free
- Undetectable coverage
- Smooth and creamy texture
- Light in weight and provides a demi-matte finish
Cons
- May oxidize and give a darker appearance
6
Easy on Pocket
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in warm nude tone is an oil-free foundation which gives you medium-to-full coverage. Jerrod Blandino, co-founder of Too Faced and its chief creative officer, was inspired by "I woke up like this" perfection and set out on a mission to create a foundation that would be so undetectable that you could lie while still having gorgeously natural coverage that would make everyone believe you were born this way. The distinction between makeup and skin is expertly blurred by this oil-free foundation.
Color: 2C3 Fresco
Shades: 42
Pros
- Great coverage for tattoos and other imperfections
- Sets quickly
- Conceals flaws
- Value for money
- Does not cause acne
Cons
- May oxidize and give a darker appearance
- May require oil-based/ bi-phased makeup remover
Quick Tip:
Mix your foundation with your highlighter and apply it all over your face to create a glass-like skin effect, perfect for going to parties or weddings.
7
Most Reliable
MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 NC25
It was put to the ultimate test to discover how long M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 would last, and, unsurprisingly, the formula lasted for a full 24 hours. This contemporary foundation offers wide spectrum SPF 15 protection with a matte finish, medium-to-full buildable coverage, and a matte finish. This olive undertone skin foundation is durable and comfortable. It also reduces the visibility of pores and flaws, giving the skin a more even, flawless appearance.
Color: NC25
Shades: 63
Pros
- Smooths the appearance of skin
- Guards against dehydration
- Comfortable all-day
- Suitable for all skin types
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Can get cakey in some areas
Quick Tip:
It is advised to test the foundation on the jawline and watch how it melts with the skin to ensure the proper match. Also, picking a foundation with buildable coverage will allow you to customize the coverage to your preferences.
8
Frankie Rose Cosmetics Matte Perfection Foundation
Frankie Rose Cosmetics Matte Perfection Foundation is a well-liked makeup item by many women. The goal of this foundation is to give the skin a flawless, matte look that lasts the entire day. This buildable, lightweight formula enables you to get the coverage you want without making your skin feel heavy. To accommodate various skin tones, the foundation is offered in a variety of hues, making it possible for everyone to find their ideal match. It has organic components that hydrate and nourish the skin while giving it a matte texture, like vitamin E and jojoba oil.
Color: Bare
Shades: 12
Pros
- Virtually poreless
- Gives shine-free appearance
- Has a silky, lightweight cover-up
- Instantly covers blemishes
- Devoid of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
Cons
- Packaging is not impressive
9
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer
A multipurpose cosmetic item that may be used as both a foundation and concealer is the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer. Full coverage is offered by this thin olive undertone foundation, which is very gentle on the skin. It is made to level out skin tone while concealing blemishes, dark circles, and other flaws. The foundation comes in a variety of colors to complement various skin tones, and thanks to its long-lasting composition, it stays in place all day long without fading or creasing. Its distinctive applicator makes application simple, and the formula is ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, being oil-free and fragrance-free.
Color: 06 Ivory (VF-N)
Shades: 25
Pros
- Rich pigment level
- Melts into the skin
- Conceals discolorations and redness
- Complete coverage
- Blurs out pores
Cons
- Takes a couple of minutes to set and may feel heavy initially
10
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 5
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 5 in a warm beige tone gives you the most natural-looking finish. It is water-based and provides a “barely-there”’ coverage and a dewy, hydrated shine that is to die for. In addition to offering weightless, all-day hydration and coverage, the product also minimizes the appearance of pores, conceals imperfections, and gives broad-spectrum UV protection. It has a wide spectrum of hues to suit all skin tones and transitions smoothly from light to medium.
Color: Warm Beige
Shades: 30
Pros
- Totally oil-free
- Instantly plumps up the skin
- Sheer to medium coverage
- Shades are perfect for olive skin tone Hides blemishes perfectly
Cons
- The texture is a bit toward the runny side
These were our top 10 recommendations of the best foundations you can find in the market for olive undertones. If you are feeling overwhelmed or are slightly perplexed about the perfect foundation with an olive undertone, here we are for your rescue.
How to Choose the Foundations with Olive Undertones
Choosing a foundation with olive undertones can be challenging, but there are a few things you can do to make the process easier:
Determine your Undertone
Olive skin has a yellow-green undertone, so it is important to identify if your skin has this undertone before selecting a foundation. You can do this by examining the veins on your wrist. If they appear greenish, you likely have an olive undertone.
Read User Reviews
Reviews are important to gauge others’ experiences. They can provide insight into how the product performs on olive skin and how it blends with its undertone. This information can help you make an informed decision and select the best foundation for your complexion.
Swatch Before You Buy
Testing different foundation shades on your jawline is the best way to determine if a foundation has the right undertone for your skin. If you can't swatch in person, look for swatches online or ask for a sample from the brand.
Consider Your Depth
Olive foundations come in a range of depths, so it is important to choose a shade that matches the depth of your skin tone.
Type of Coverage
Choose a foundation with buildable coverage, so you can adjust the coverage to your liking and ensure a natural-looking finish.
Olive complexion can benefit from neutral foundations with a somewhat warm undertone because they help to balance out the yellow-green undertones. The foundation may, however, seem ashy or grey on olive skin if it is too neutral or has a pink or cold undertone. To fix such ashy tone of a foundation, our contributor Ghanima Abdullah, a hair and beauty consultant, shares a tip. She says, “If you can't find the right foundation for your olive undertone, you can mix your foundation with face cream to make it more sheer. You can even use bronzer after you apply the foundation to bring the warmth back.” While choosing a foundation for olive skin, it's also important to keep things like skin type and texture in mind.
Hope this helped and you have finally decided to buy your apt olive undertone foundation. Still confused as to how to apply? Keep reading.
How to Use Foundations with Olive Undertones?
Are you interested in using foundations with olive undertones? Great decision! To help you get the most out of your new makeup necessity, here are a few pointers and suggestions.
1. The key to getting a smooth, flawless finish when using foundation with olive undertones is to prepare your skin. To begin, properly cleanse your face to get rid of any dirt, oil, or pollutants. Use a mild moisturizer next to moisturize and fill up your skin so that the foundation will go on more smoothly.
2. To apply and blend liquid foundation, dab a damp egg-shaped sponge on the face. Applying the foundation with a sponge requires careful blending along the neck and jawline for a smooth appearance. Apply concealer next, then set with powder.
3. To correct flaws and balance out skin tone, use your fingertips where necessary. Applying foundation with your fingertips can give you a natural, radiant appearance as long as you blend properly and avoid any streaks or sharp lines.
4. Dot the foundation on the cheekbones, chin, nose, and forehead, and blend outward towards the hairline for full coverage. To avoid a heavy, cakey appearance when using foundation with olive undertones, start with a thin layer and gradually build up coverage in places that require it the most, such as blemishes or uneven skin tone.
Pro Tip: It is advised to test the foundation on the jawline and watch how it melds with the skin to ensure the proper match. Also, picking a foundation with buildable coverage will allow you to customize the coverage to your preferences.
Contributor: Ghanima Abdullah, Cosmetologist, The Right Hairstyles
Conclusion
Finally, picking the proper foundation for skin with an olive undertone can be difficult. However, you can make sure you get something well-informed by looking at the undertones of your skin and reading customer feedback. Before choosing a product while browsing the internet, it's important to take the brand, product formulation, and color options into account. Always keep in mind that choosing the ideal foundation for your olive skin can transform everything and give you the self-assurance to look and feel your best. Spend some time, do some research, and money on a foundation that will give you a perfect, natural-looking finish. We highly recommend the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation for its high-coverage formula and natural finish. Check out our comprehensive list and let us know which one is your favorite foundation.
FAQ's
What does the olive undertone mean in the foundation?
An olive undertone is a yellow-greenish color that is frequently present in people with Mediterranean skin tones, and Middle Eastern, or South Asian ancestry. It is often referred to as an olive undertone in the makeup industry and can help in determining the right foundation for you. A smooth and seamless finish is provided by foundations with olive undertones, which are specially developed to match and balance out the yellow-green undertones of olive skin.
What shade is olive foundation?
The foundation shade known as known as
Does a neutral foundation work on olive skin?
On olive skin, a neutral foundation might look good, but it relies heavily on the undertones of the olive skin and the precise color of the foundation. Finding the ideal foundation shade that flatters olive complexion can be tricky because olive skin tones often have a yellow-green undertone.
What color is olive undertone skin?
Those with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or South Asian descent are the only ones with the distinctive yellow-greenish color known as olive undertone skin. Those with light to medium skin tones often have this undertone, which gives the complexion a warm, golden glow. Finding the ideal foundation color that flatters the face can sometimes be difficult due to olive undertones, which differ from conventional pink or beige undertones.
Is olive skin warm or has a cool undertone?
Olive skin has both neutral and warm undertones along with green.
Can people with both light and dark skin have olive undertones?
Yes, people with both light and dark skin can have olive undertones. If your olive skin tone is on the lighter side, your undertone will be a lighter brown or a beige. On the contrary, if you have a dark olive skin tone, your undertone will be dark, as well.
Are there drugstore options for foundations with olive undertones?
Yes, the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation is a drugstore foundation with olive undertones.
Can I use a foundation with olive undertones if I have acne-prone or sensitive skin?
Yes, you can use a foundation with olive undertones even if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin.
How should I adjust my makeup if using a foundation with olive undertones?
Earthy colors, such as gold and green look great on olive undertones. But be careful with warm nude shades, as they can make your skin look pale or yellow.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
People with olive skin undertone often find it difficult to choose the right foundation that suits their skin undertone. Our makeup expert Sayantani tested numerous products to find the one that compliments the olive skin undertone. After trying all of the recommendations, there was one particular foundation that stood out to her the most. She loved using NYX Professional Makeup, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation, as it provided 24 hours of full coverage and had a beautiful matte finish. Plus, its waterproof and lightweight formula made her fall in love with this product. Sayantani highly recommends using this foundation for olive-skinned women as it is highly pigmented and comes in a variety of shades to choose from.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Author BIO
Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More
