10 Must-Have Lipstick & Blush Shades for Medium/Olive Skin Tones (2025)

The characteristic Indonesian medium/olive skin is a beautiful and exotic canvas. However, finding the ‘right’ lipstick or blush shade can be a challenge. The wrong color (such as pale pink or a nude that’s too beige) can make the face look pale, dull, or ‘ashy’.

The key is to choose ‘warm’ colors with sufficient depth. Forget pale, ‘cool-toned’ shades. In 2025, the options for medium/olive skin are incredibly diverse, from perfect nudes to stunning bolds. Here are 10 must-have lipstick and blush shades for your makeup pouch.

5 Best Lipstick Shades for Medium/Olive Skin

1. Nude: Terracotta / Warm Brown

   Forget pale ‘beige’ nudes that will make you look unwell. The best nudes for medium/olive skin have hints of orange, brown, or brick red. Think ‘Terracotta’, ‘Cinnamon’, or Warm Brown. These shades give a healthy MLBB (My Lips But Better) effect.

2. Nude Pink: Mauve / Dusty Rose

   Want to wear pink? You can! But don’t choose ‘baby pink’ or ‘shocking pink’. Opt for ‘dirty’ or ‘deep’ pinks, such as Mauve (purplish pink) or Dusty Rose (brownish pink). These shades give an elegant feminine impression without looking overly contrasting.

3. Bold: Deep Red (Chili Red)

   Everyone needs a red lipstick. For medium/olive skin, choose a ‘warm’ chili red or a classic blue-based red that will make teeth appear whiter. Avoid bright orange-reds that can look neon.

4. Bold: Maroon / Burgundy

   This is a very luxurious ‘vampy’ shade on medium/olive skin. Burgundy or Maroon creates a strong ‘statement’ look, perfect for evening events. This color highlights the exoticism of your skin.

5. Daily: Peach / Coral

   For a fresh daily look, peach (light orange) or coral (orange-pink) are the best choices. These shades instantly brighten the face without looking overdone.

5 Best Blush Shades

The same rules apply: avoid pale or cool-toned pinks.

1. Coral

   The best ‘safe’ color. This blend of pink and orange gives a very natural ‘sun-kissed’ glow to medium/olive cheeks.

2. Peach

   If your medium/olive skin tends to have yellow undertones (Warm Golden), peach (orange) blush will look very harmonious and fresh.

3. Deep Rose

   For a natural ‘red’ flush, like after a workout. Deep Rose provides a natural brownish-pink tint.

4. Bronze / Warm Brown

   Want to look ‘glowing’ without needing contour? Use a bronze or warm brown blush on your cheekbones. This doubles as a blush and a light bronzer.

5. Berry / Plum

   For evening events or a more ‘mature’ look, a berry (purplish) blush will give a very beautiful and luxurious glow.

Conclusion

The key for medium/olive skin is to ‘Embrace the Warmth’. Choose warm, ‘deep’, and ‘rich’ colors like terracotta, coral, and maroon. Avoid anything too pale, too ‘cool-toned’, or neon.