If you have light olive or fair olive undertones, I feel your pain. These are the foundation shades that don’t make me look mismatched and actually suit my Middle Eastern skin. These are all also available in Australia, which sometimes feels few and far between.
My Skin Type and What I Look for in a Foundation
Image: My skin with no makeup on. Left: LED lighting. Right: Diffused natural lighting
You’re going to notice a theme here. My skin is textured and I tend to get oily in the T-zone, but because I’m acne-prone, I’m often dealing with healing blemishes too. That means I can have flaky, textured skin in some areas and sore, weepy skin in others (lovely, right?).
I usually lean towards fuller coverage foundations, and that’s what this list is all about. I’ll share my favourite skin tints in a part two.
Something I love about my collection is the mix of affordable and high-end options. You’ll see drugstore picks like Maybelline, Rimmel and L’Oréal that often go on sale and are available near everywhere, alongside higher-end formulas that cost more upfront but are so high coverage you can easily sheer them out to get the most out of them.
The high end picks are flexible, next-gen formulas with some real innovation behind them, so I dare say they’re worth it. But let me be clear — a lot of these do similar things. You definitely don’t need everything on this list.
Read: ‘I Tried 4 Full Coverage Foundations to Cover my Acne Scarring- Here’s My Honest Reviews, and Tips’
Tips for Finding Your Perfect Foundation Match
Image: My skin a full face of makeup on. Left: Diffused natural lighting. Right: Sunny golden hour lighting
If you’re wondering how to get a perfect shade match, that’s a whole article on its own, but here are a few quick tips.
Follow Ellen Malone @AskEllenBeauty on socials.
A lot of what I’ve learned about shade matching and undertones has come from her. She has a really interesting take on olive skin, and I credit her for helping me figure out how to make my olive undertone work with some of these more yellow-based foundations.
Get shade-matched in store.
I know the experience can vary from store to store (and from person to person), but it’s a good place to start. You can usually ask for a sample to test at home.
Test the foundation in different lighting.
When you’re matching yourself, wear the product on your skin and check it in multiple lighting environments — outside, under shopping lights, and at home. See how it oxidises and how it wears throughout the day. That’s the real test.
When in doubt, go for a flexible tint.
If you’re feeling completely lost, trust me, I’ve been there. Opt for a forgiving, buildable tint that lets your skin shine through. It’s much more flexible and forgiving while you figure out your undertone match.
Browse r/OliveMUA on reddit to your hearts content.
Now let’s get into some of the foundations I love and why they work so well for light olive and fair olive skin tones.
1. Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Mattifying Liquid Foundation – Light Beige 118, $13.00
Shop: Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Mattifying Liquid Foundation, $13.00
I’ve been using Maybelline Fit Me since before there were two formulas. It’s my OG and probably the product I recommend the most because it’s affordable and has such a wide shade range — 40 shades in total. The undertones are fantastic too. I use Light Beige 118, and it works really well for me.
If I can’t find a true olive undertone, I’ll usually go for a neutral, and sometimes even slightly pink, depending on what’s available. This is a medium, buildable coverage that does a great job of blurring pores without drying out the skin.
Shop: Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Mattifying Liquid Foundation, $13.00
If you have dry skin, the Dewy & Smooth version might be a better fit — I’ve heard amazing things about it. My only real complaint is the packaging; it gets messy fast. But honestly, for the price and performance, it’s hard to fault. It applies beautifully with a brush, sponge, or even fingers.
It’s also easy to find and often goes half-price or 40% off. If you’re completely lost and don’t know where to start, start here.
2. Rimmel London Lasting Finish 35Hr Foundation – 100 Ivory, $26.95
Shop: Rimmel London Lasting Finish 35Hr Foundation, $26.95
If you want an affordable full-coverage pick, this is it. I use shade 100 Ivory, but there are a few lighter shades that can lean either way, so definitely test in-store.
This foundation gives a medium to full-coverage finish and has a thicker texture, like most on this list. It also goes on sale quite often. The formula isn’t as flexible as some others, but I love that I can build it up when my acne or scarring is flaring.
Shop: Rimmel London Lasting Finish 35Hr Foundation, $26.95
The pump packaging is great, and the formula update made a big difference. It now has more pigment and better undertone accuracy, which I completely agree with — it’s a fantastic colour match.
One note: it does contain SPF, so if you have sensitive eyes, be careful applying near that area. I avoid my eyes and use concealer instead. Overall, it’s an amazing option if you want to cover acne or scarring but still keep things affordable.
Want to see this in action? Watch my GRWM on YouTube here that features the Rimmel foundation.
3. Urban Decay Face Bond Foundation – Shade 13 Light Medium Cool Olive, $78.00
Shop: Urban Decay Face Bond Foundation, $78.00
This foundation is incredible. Every time I talk about it, someone messages me saying it’s their holy grail — and that says a lot for a $78 pick.
Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s also genuinely innovative and such a pleasure to use. If you have dry skin, skip this one. It’s made for combo, oily, or normal skin types who love a matte, velvety, almost doll-like finish.
Shop: Urban Decay Face Bond Foundation, $78.00
Shade 13 is a little deep for me, but the undertone is so good that I make it work. I’ll blend it all the way down to my neck (and maybe my chest) if I have to. The olive tone is strong, which I love. I just wish they offered a lighter olive shade.
If you’re curious, pop into Mecca and grab a sample. Even if you’re hesitant about the price, you might find yourself having such a good skin day that you’ll think it’s worth it. It’s full coverage, long-wearing, and perfect for glam moments or stubborn scarring.
4. Beautyblender Bounce Foundation – 2.20 N/O Light Olive, $52.00
Shop: Beautyblender Bounce Foundation, $52.00
I’ve been using the Beautyblender Bounce Foundation for years, and I’m genuinely terrified it’s being discontinued. It’s currently out of stock at Sephora, but this is my ultimate holy grail.
It’s light enough, has a true olive undertone, and delivers full, flawless coverage for events. This has been my go-to for years, and I’m now hunting for a replacement in case it’s truly gone.
If you spot it, grab it. The tube lasts forever, and I actually love the packaging — it’s simple, eco-friendlier, and easier to use.
Shop: Beautyblender Bounce Foundation, $52.00
The formula is thick but flexible. Some people find it too heavy, but if that’s the case, you’ll likely feel the same about most of the foundations I’ve mentioned. It’s incredibly forgiving and builds beautifully.
I’ve covered angry, cystic acne with this and still had my skin look like skin. It’s seen me through some of my worst breakouts and made me feel human again. It’s also amazing for photography and can even double as a concealer. A solid 10/10.
5. L’Oréal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation – 1.5.N Linen, $17.00
Shop: L’Oréal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation, $17.00
True Match is perfect if you like to adjust your coverage depending on the day. It’s a great option for dry or dehydrated skin, or if your foundation tends to separate. The formula is hydrating, flexible, and buildable up to medium coverage.
Shop: L’Oréal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation, $17.00
The finish has a plush, plump look that makes skin appear fresh. It’s been reformulated a few times — and thankfully, the old shimmer is gone. 1.5N Linen is a lovely match for me, especially on days when I want my skin to show through a little.
It’s never pilled, flaked, or caked up on me. It’s a really forgiving formula, great for anyone transitioning from tints to fuller foundations.
6. Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation – Chai 210B, $66.00
Shop: Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation, $66.00
I didn’t expect to love this foundation as much as I do, but it makes perfect sense. Huda is Middle Eastern and really understands undertones and texture — especially the combination of oily T-zones, enlarged pores, and acne-prone areas that I deal with.
Chai 210B is my shade, and while the range is huge, this one sits beautifully on my skin. The finish is true to name — a soft, airbrushed, natural look that can be built up or sheered out depending on how you apply it.
You can work it in with your fingers or a brush, and it melts into the skin nicely. It’s one of those next-gen formulas that drugstore brands are clearly trying to replicate.
Shop: Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation, $66.00
If you’re looking for a new event foundation, this is one to try. I’d love to test a slightly lighter shade next time, but overall, this one’s fantastic. It’s definitely more suited to medium or deeper tones, but the finish alone makes it worth a try.
Summing Up
Light and fair olive undertones can be incredibly tricky to match. Some of these shades come close, while others might need a little tweaking — so it’s worth investing in something like the RCMA Colour Palette to adjust undertones if needed.
Always get samples when you can, take your time, and test in different lighting. And if you’ve found a holy grail foundation for olive undertones, please share it.
I’m still searching for a replacement for my beloved Beautyblender, and the more we share, the easier it gets for everyone navigating green-ish skin (haha).
Watch on YouTube: Full Coverage Foundations For Acne-Prone Skin | Urban Decay, Beautyblender, Naked Sundays & More
It’s important you know: This article contains some affiliate links.
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