I’m coming to realise that a lot of people hate blush… yes, apparently that’s a thing. Blasphemous, but it’s a thing. To me, blush is a part of my makeup routine I never miss – I love picking one to wear everyday. Then it dawned on me, that blush can be daunting – from choosing the right shade through to knowing how to apply it. So, let’s start with finding the right shade – if you’re on the olive side of things, or you simply want some ace blush recommendations, then you’re in for a treat!
Walking through a makeup isle, products are sometimes separated into the warm, neutral and cool tones; but what about olive complexions? How do we know what suits? The green undertones can make it extra tricky. Luckily, if there’s something I love to try it’s blushes, so I can tell you exactly what tones will work the best to enhance that gorgeous skin!
The main thing to remember is to stick to warm tones. Anything that leans cool will clash with the green tones in your skin, and can look ashy and chalky.
- Peach
Peachy blushes are a great option for when you want to add a healthy glow and a touch of colour that is still on the subtle side. Lighter skin tones can opt for a light peach, while darker skin tones can choose something a little bit earthier/orange.
My picks:
- Jouer Powder Blush in Bloom*
- Antonym Baked Blush in Peach
- BECCA Mineral Blush in Songbird
- NARS Blush in Torrid

L-R: NARS Torrid, BECCA Songbird, Jouer Bloom, Antonym Peach
- Rose
A rosy blush is the perfect everyday neutral for olive skin tones. It adds a touch of warmth to the complexion that will balance out any dullness. It also goes with any makeup look, whether it be a dark smoky eye to a no-makeup makeup look.
My picks:
- NARS Blush in Madly
- Antonym Baked Blush in Rose
- Essence Satin Touch Blush in 20 Satin Love
- Marc Jacobs Air Blush Soft Glow Duo in 506 Flesh & Fantasy

L-R: Marc Jacobs Flesh & Fantasy, NARS Madly, Antonym Rose & Essence Satin Love.
- Bronze
Bronze tones are beautiful on olive skin! They can look quite natural while adding a glow, and can simultaneously achieve a sculpting effect if applied strategically on the hollows of the cheeks.
My picks:
- NARS Blush in Lovejoy
- Essence Matt Touch Blush in 30 Rose Me Up
- MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul
- The Balm Desert Bronzer/Blush

L-R: The Balm Balm Desert, NARS Lovejoy, MAC Warm Soul & Essence Rose Me Up.
What’s your favourite blush? Or do you skip it all together?
* Gifted press sample. All opinions are my own – honesty is paramount to me! Read my disclaimer here.