What Colours should olive skin avoid?

Answered by Jarrod Smith

For individuals with olive skin tones, it’s important to choose colors that complement and enhance your natural complexion. While there aren’t any hard and fast rules, there are certain colors that may not be as flattering for olive skin tones. Here are a few colors that you may want to avoid:

1. Beige and Brown: While these earthy tones may seem like a natural choice, they can sometimes blend too closely with olive skin, resulting in a lack of contrast. Instead, opt for richer shades like deep browns or warm taupes that can add depth to your complexion.

2. Neon and Bright Colors: While it’s not necessary to completely avoid bright colors, neon shades can sometimes clash with olive skin tones and create an unflattering contrast. Instead, consider opting for softer versions of these colors, such as pastels or muted tones, which can provide a more harmonious look.

3. Certain Shades of Yellow: While yellow can be a beautiful and vibrant color, some shades may not be the most flattering for olive skin tones. Bright, lemony yellows can sometimes wash out the complexion, so it’s best to choose warmer shades like mustard or golden yellows that can complement your skin tone better.

4. Pale or Pastel Colors: Light, pale colors, such as baby pink or icy blue, may not provide enough contrast with olive skin tones, resulting in a washed-out appearance. Instead, consider opting for deeper or more saturated versions of these colors, such as magenta or royal blue, which can add vibrancy to your complexion.

5. Certain Shades of Green: While olive skin tones can often look stunning with various shades of green, it’s important to be mindful of the specific undertones in the color. Avoid greens with a strong yellow undertone, as they can sometimes clash with your skin tone. Instead, opt for greens with more blue undertones, such as emerald or forest green.

6. Orangey Reds: Some shades of red, particularly those with orange undertones, may not be the most flattering for olive skin tones. These colors can sometimes make the skin appear more yellowish. Instead, consider opting for cooler reds with blue undertones, such as burgundy or deep cherry red, which can provide a more flattering contrast.

Remember, these are just general guidelines, and personal preference plays a significant role in choosing colors that make you feel confident and beautiful. If you’re unsure, it can be helpful to try on different colors and observe how they make your complexion appear. Ultimately, the most important thing is to wear colors that make you feel comfortable and reflect your personal style.