Yellow-Based Foundations & Concealers For Olive And Asian Skin Tones

I am going to deviate from my price focus for a moment. Some of us (like me!) often have to spend more on foundation and concealer because there are still limited color choices for olive and Asians skin tones. Unfortunately, almost all of them are at the department stores. There could be more at the drugstores that I am not aware of , but it is impossible to know since I can't test them. Most light to medium foundations and concealers are designed for Caucasian skin tones and have the wrong cast on olive or Asian skins. Actually, most women (including Caucasians) have yellow undertones in their skin and would look best in yellow-based foundation colors. Most major cosmetics companies have not caught on yet, although many have added choices for African-American women and darker skin tones. It is getting better, and there are actually quite a few lines now with yellow-based foundation and concealer colors. Generally, the newer lines are yellow-based. Some are marketed for Asian women but the colors also work well on olive skin tones. I can't wait to see a line of yellow-based foundations at the drugstore. Or a line specifically for olive skin tones for us Latin, Middle-Eastern, Greek and Italian women.

If you refuse to spend the money on department store foundations but have trouble finding a good color match, see Foundation for tips on how to custom mix and adjust your own shades with drugstore foundations.

See Foundation or Shopping Tips for how to select the appropriate foundation color for your skin tone.

I  find it extremely difficult to find good concealer formulas with enough coverage and the in the right color. I can't test them at the drugstore, and there are many at the department stores that don't work well on me. I don't understand why most make-up lines get every other product formula right except concealer. I have a much easier time finding appropriately colored and good quality foundation formulas. This is one reason I try to spend as little as possible on everything else.

Before you read my comments on the foundations and concealers I tested, you should know my biases and preferences. I have light yellowish-olive skin. I have dark brown freckles, so I prefer more coverage than most women. I have dry skin so I test most of the foundations without powder (except for in the eye area to set concealer) and I try to avoid oil-free and matte formulas. I prefer stick foundation to liquid, so when they have a stick, that is what I test. I tested the concealers for use under the eye and not on other areas of the face. I do not even bother testing liquid concealers because they never have nearly enough coverage for my dark circles. A few of these lines may have additional foundation formulas I don't mention. Make-up reviews are subjective by nature, these are only meant to be used as a guideline.Unless I specify otherwise, all of these foundations and concealers are available at Nordstrom or Macy's.

When you shop for foundations and concealers, don't just compare the prices. Also write down how many ounces they give you and figure out the cost per ounce to accurately compare prices. If you don't do this, the prices can be deceiving. For example, Stila sells a foundation for $40 a tube, but it contains 1.4 oz. Most foundation bottles hold around 1oz., and some .5oz. The Stila foundation works out to $28.57 per ounce. Zhen makes a stick foundation that is $18 for .5oz. That's $36 an ounce. Zhen's other foundations at $15.50 and $22.50 per ounce are a better deal. I was thinking of trying L'Oreal's cream to powder foundation for the summertime. It looked like a decent price until I noticed the net weight. It is $7 for .17 oz. That's $41 per ounce for a drugstore product! I also suspect that I would use up a cream to powder faster than a liquid foundation. If you can, try to consider how quickly you will go through a particular formula. Beware though, salespeople will always tell you that their product lasts longer than others. My guess is that you would go through a stick foundation quicker than a liquid. You will also go through a liquid foundation faster if you apply it with a sponge rather than your fingers, because a sponge soaks up some of the foundation.

Out of the following list of good yellow-based colors, I think these lines have the best assortment of foundation colors for Olive skin: MAC (the "C" colors), Joe Blasco, Zhen, Shiseido, and Bobbi Brown.

Aveda has one water-based liquid foundation, and a powder foundation. I tested the liquid foundation ($20.75 for 1oz.) in Flaxen Miel #3. I was in-between shades, but it still looked really good. I thought this was a very nice foundation with sheer to medium coverage. I think the concealer is an excellent product that many women would love. The coverage is a little lighter than my Bobbi Brown Compact Concealer, but more than most other concealers I have tested. It comes in three colors. I tested the lightest color #1Balsa, and it is a very good, realistic yellow-toned color. It is $13.75 and they give you a lot of concealer for the price (.19oz.). Aveda is sold in it's own boutiques and you can also find it in most beauty supply stores. I got great service at the Aveda boutique. I felt like I was given a mini-facial and I wasn't even getting a full make-up done. At my request, they happily gave me a generous sample of the concealer to try at home.

Bobbi Brown. These yellow-based colors are excellent and very natural looking. The formulas are also very good. I am currently using Bobbi Brown's Compact Concealer for $22.50 for .07oz. (Yes, you heard me right. This is why I try to spend so little on everything else) I absolutely love it. This is the best quality and best performing make-up product I have ever used. I have never found a formula or color that I am as happy with and I am constantly looking for a cheaper replacement. This concealer provides more coverage than liquid concealers without going on thick like some pot concealers can. I have tested the Moisturizing Foundation ($35 for 1oz.),  the Oil-Free ($37.50 for 1oz.), and the Fresh Glow Creame Foundation ($35 for 1oz.). They were all exquisite. It didn't even look or feel like I was wearing foundation. The moisturizing formula has sheer coverage, the oil-free and creame have more medium coverage. I love shopping the Bobbi Brown counters because the sales associates are incredibly helpful, nice, and not at all pushy or snooty. When I do buy something at a department store, I want great service and they excel in this area. I also enjoy playing with their lipstick testers. I really do like the "idiot proof" brown-based colors in this line.

Bonne Bell No Shine Oil Control Make-up ($2.74 for 1.1oz.) comes in Olive Medium, Honey Medium, Honey Fair, and Rose Fair. It has a creamy consistency and sheer to medium coverage depending on your application. Right now I am using the Olive Medium mixed with Honey Fair. I also mix in a little mineral oil for my dry skin on cold days. I think this formula rivals any sold in the department stores. This is the only olive-labeled drugstore foundation I know of. I wouldn't call it a true olive, it is more of a beige. Yes, I prefer heavier coverage make-up and something a touch more olive-toned. But until my budget improves, this $3 foundation is working out quite well.

Circle of Beauty is Sears' make-up line. They have two liquid foundations called Skin Image that come in a good selection of very realistic and yellow-based skin-tone colors ($11.50 for 1.25oz.). I tested the dewy finish, and there is also an oil-free, matte version. They are both very sheer and natural looking. I thought this was a very good quality foundation formula.

Dermablend. Available at Long's Drugs and JC Penny. Dermablend makes heavy coverage foundations and concealer intended to cover scarring, birthmarks or discolorations on the face and body. They make a few colors that are appropriate for Asian and Olive skin tones. I tested the Compact Cover Creme Foundation to use as concealer. The Saffron Beige was the proper olive tone, but it was too dark for me. I liked the formula, although the coverage was a touch thin for my taste. I'm never happy with any foundation used as concealer. I thought the price ($16 for .49oz. at JC Penny) was pretty good. I tested the Cover Creme in color 1-3/4 ($16 for 3/8oz., $14.29 at Long's) The coverage is excellent if you have really stubborn, dark circles. It is also waterproof. Again, the color just wasn't exactly right for me even though it was an olive. Dermablend also makes a leg and body cover which could also be used as undereye concealer or as foundation if you need  really heavy coverage. This stuff has such a matte finish you wouldn't even need to use powder with it. At Long's it was $13.50 for 2.25oz. A great price if they have your color. The only color appropriate for olive skin would be Neutral. In all their products they have quite a selection for darker skin tones.

Iman. Sold at JC Penny. I thought Iman just made foundations for dark skin tones. I was wrong! There are colors for Asian and Latin women as well. I was very impressed and inspired by the pictures on the wall behind the counter. The models were quite an assortment of women of color from all races. However, I did not see a foundation color light enough for my skin. I do want to mention that I got great service at JC Penny with Iman, Zhen and Dermablend. And it was a Saturday. Without even asking, I was given several samples of several concealers to test at home.

Joe Blasco is a line of studio make-up that is available in many beauty supply stores for $16 for .56 oz. Studio make-up is a heavy coverage oil-based foundation meant for use in photography. This one comes in a compact rather than a stick. It can be blended down to a more medium coverage with a sponge. It is very long-wearing. This is my favorite type of foundation. For everyday wear, you probably could not get away with it unless you have dry skin like me or normal skin. This particular formula is not as greasy as some studio foundations I have tested, but if you have to use a lot of powder with it- forget it! If you use anything  more than just a light dusting of powder, it gets way too thick-looking for real life. Its too bad Joe Blasco only sells the one formula, because the color selection is nothing short of incredible. There is a full range of both light to dark olive, Asian, African-American, as well as Caucasian skin colors. I'm in-between Special Light Olive #1 & #2 and have to mix them together, but it makes for a great color match. Joe Blasco is a large and fun line with many color products as well as a selection of heavy-duty concealers ($16.75 for .125oz.) and loose powders for various skin tones. I feel the concealer is too heavy-textured for use under the eye, but it would be ideal for covering blemishes or imperfections on the face.

Look. This line is by Barneys New York. I have finally found a contender for my Bobbi Brown concealer! Look has three excellent yellow-based concealer shades that come in a stick form ($20 for .14oz.) I tested C2, the medium shade. The color and formula are both excellent and very natural looking. It has a light and creamy consistency, yet the coverage is superb. The stick form makes it very quick and easy to apply and lays on just the right amount of concealer. It eliminates the need to use a brush. It glides on smooth without "dragging" on your skin. I will definitely be considering this one for my next concealer purchase. It is also half the price of my Bobbi Brown. Look also has yellow-based foundations in the line. It is a water based oil-free formula ($35 for 1oz.). I tested the color F3. It was a perfect color match, and it had sheer, natural looking coverage. I especially like the pump container which will keep your foundation more sanitary than a regular open bottle.

MAC has a great selection of yellow-based and olive-tone foundation colors in their line. The liquid foundations come in Satin Finish ($18 for 1oz.) and  Matte Finish ($18 for 2oz.). I am told they both have medium coverage. There is also a lighter coverage water-resistant foundation for the face and body ($26 for 4oz.), and a tinted moisturizer. MAC also has studio foundations that come in a compact. The sheer coverage is $18 for .50oz., and the full-coverage is $23 for 1oz. Of course, I tested the full-coverage make-up and I love it. The C3 is a perfect color match for my skin. I'll be returning to buy this one. It is not a greasy formula, and the sales associate said that their studio foundations can be worn by all skin types. They are technically not oil-free, but they do not contain mineral oil or lanolin. The MAC formula is a little thicker and drier or more matte than the Joe Blasco. (Tip: for lighter coverage, you can mix any studio foundation with moisturizer). The full-coverage studio foundation also makes excellent concealer. For the amount you get it is a bargain. MAC has a terrific assortment of concealer colors. Many different nuances of shades. The N-5 is almost a perfect color match to my Bobbi Brown Compact Concealer in Natural Beige. I think this is an excellent concealer with good coverage. Depending on how you apply it, you can get a lighter or more opaque coverage. It is only $10 and they give you a generous amount (.24oz.). At my request, they were kind enough to give me two generous samples of concealer to try at home. The sales associate who helped me with the foundations was terrific and he voluntarily gave me a humongous sample of the foundation to take with me.

Nars. I found Nars at Saks and Barneys New York. Nars has an Oil-free foundation and one called Balancing Foundation. Both are $37 for 1oz.. All the colors are yellow-based. Both foundations have sheer to medium coverage. I tested the color Deauville. It was a great color on me, and I thought they were nice foundation formulas (I tested both). Nars also has a stick concealer in a large assortment of yellow-based colors ($16 for .12oz.). I can't really comment on the coverage because the make-up artist put it on me. Sorry, I wasn't assertive enough this time to apply it myself and see how much coverage I could get from it. Give it a try, maybe you will like it or find the perfect color match.

Prescriptives has a selection of suitable foundation colors in their Yellow-Orange category. I tested the stick foundation ($35) and the Warm Vellum was a perfect color match for my light olive skin. Turns out this foundation dries to a light powder finish, and I wanted more coverage. However, you may love it and they have plenty of other liquid foundation formulas you can try. They also do custom blended foundations, liquid concealer, and powders.

Revlon. I have not tested these foundations myself, but I have heard from several sources that Revlon has very good yellow-based foundation colors. Definitely worth a try if you don't want to spend more than $10. I have tested the stick concealer and I found the color too orangy, but the coverage was ok.

Shiseido. I tested the stick foundation ($28.50 for .52oz.) in the color I 2. It was a perfect color match and very sheer. It was a bit shiny, but not greasy. I'd have to use powder with this one. I did not test the liquid foundation.

Shu Uemura. I just tested a small area to check the color and Fluid N #220 ($26 for 1.01oz.) was a match. They have a full-coverage, matte, oil-free foundation. There is also a light to medium coverage and a sheer coverage foundation for normal to dry skin types. They also have a cream to powder foundation ($19.50 for .28oz.) They have both yellow-based foundation colors and pink-based colors in this line.

Stila. All the foundations in Stila's line are yellow-based. I tested the Complete Coverage make-up ($40 for 1.4 oz.) in the color "D." It comes in a squeeze tube and is more of a cream than a liquid, so it blends on easily. Stila also makes a lighter coverage foundation ($30). Both foundations are water-based. It looked and felt very natural, and it was a pretty close color match. However, compared to all the other foundations I have tested, I would call this medium coverage. So don't let the name scare you. I asked the make-up artist to put on two coats for me and it was still very natural looking. I prefer the more "unnatural" but fashion-magazine-perfect coverage of studio make-up. I was pleased with the very personable service I was given at the Stila counter. They also gave me a foundation sample to try at home. Stila also has yellow-based concealers in a pot. I did not care for the formula meant for under the eyes, but give it a try yourself. Other women on the Internet have liked it and been able to get good coverage with it. It appears to be a very popular item and sells out quickly. It is also a good price because a tiny amount of this stuff really does go a long way. It will last you a long time. Stila has a different formula meant for other areas of the face. I really liked this formula for covering blemishes and imperfections on the face. Both concealers are $16 for .125oz.

Versace carries some yellow-based foundation colors. I was having a make-over done at another line that day so the sales associate voluntarily gave me a sample of the foundation to try at home. What gracious service. And I was afraid I would feel uncomfortable at this upscale counter. I tested the Hydrating formula ($45 for 1.01oz.). The foundation also comes in Oil-Free. I am so happy after testing sheer foundation after sheer foundation, to finally find a yellow-based liquid foundation with truly medium to heavy coverage! I thought they were extinct! I am absolutely in love with this formula. The finish and texture are beautiful. It also blends on very easily and smooth. This formula could change how I feel about liquid foundation. The only problem is that there are only a few yellow-based colors, and they don't have mine. When I returned, the sales associate was terrific. She helped me custom mix the right color from two of the foundations (#2003 & #2004), and she gave me one of the best make-overs of my life (and I have had more  make-overs than I can count). While I am bothered by the idea of having to buy two bottles of foundation and custom mix them at this price level, I might do it because this is such a great and unique formula. The Oil-Free Versace foundation is an especially great find for those of you with oily skin who want full coverage, but find the studio foundations too oily.

Something else I really love about this line is the absolutely exquisite containers everything comes in. No, a container will not have any effect on how the make-up looks on your face, but I collect ornate and antique make-up containers and compacts. It is still a small collection which I mainly inherited, but I'm working on it slowly. If I buy something at a department store, I want it to be something I can also leave out on the counter as decor. I feel this type of gorgeous, antique-looking packaging has been missing in the make-up world for far too long. Everything has been so modern, black and sleek.One of these compacts or the powder will definitely be on my next Christmas wish list.

Zhen. (Pronounced Jen). Available by mail order, Internet and in select JC Penny Stores. Cosmetics for Asians, founded and formulated by Asians. But the colors work great on olive skin as well. I tested the Foundation Stick in Cream ($18 for .5 oz.). It was a perfect color match and the foundation was very natural looking. Not greasy at all and I didn't even use powder with it. It is supposed to be light to heavy coverage, but I could not get it on as heavily as I wanted. A make-up artist at the company said that for more coverage, I could apply the Stick first, and then a light layer of one of the liquid foundations over it.  Zhen also has a liquid Matte Foundation ($15.50 for 1oz.) for normal to oily skin, and Light Diffusing Foundation for normal to dry skin ($22.50 for 1oz.). I was told they are both medium to full coverage. I tested the Light Diffusing Foundation. It does have a little more coverage than most foundations out there, but I couldn't get "heavy" coverage with it even though I applied it heavily with my fingers. This is not Versace coverage, but I still liked the formula and thought it had a beautiful and smooth finish. The concealer is $10.50 for .23oz. The two colors are excellent colors, but I found the coverage to be on the light side.

I've got light olive skin (I'm Cuban); therefore, it's not really dark OR light. But I have really horrible circles under my eyes.(I have terrible allergies.) I've never found anything, ever that worked well. Even the expensive Ultima II was just so-so, instead of terrible. Either I looked as if I had reverse raccoon eyes or I looked as if I hadn't slept in a year or two. I tried this new undereye concealer from Clinique (not a favorite brand of mine since it's designed for girls who are 17 and have oily skin) called Advanced Concealer. But the concealer is one place to splurge. It's perfect! The stuff comes in a tube, and the consistency is between a cream and a liquid. It dries so it doesn't crease up as your eye makes oil, nor does it get dry so that your eyes look like crepe paper. It's really natural. The only good stuff I've ever, ever found. Too bad I was nearly 40 before I discovered this!

Cheers, Ivonne

I noticed that you, and me for that matter (asian) have a hard time finding the right foundation.  My husband, and his product brokerage company, just started a new business called Motives cosmetics. This company has "custom blend" foundation.   It is great.  He can match anyone's skin color with the custom blend.  It has done wonders for our business.  If you would like more information about it, please call us at 1-800-211-1202 ext. 9004. Or email us at jofreita@msn.com. This is a great product and company, of course I am biased :)

Thank you for your time.
Daisy

Max Factor in general doesn't have a great color selection, but there are a couple of standouts. Lasting Performance, Powdered Foundation, Rain, and Balancing Act come in a shade called Light Champagne which is great for someone with pale, yellow-toned skin (like me-I also wear Cream in Zhen's foundation). I also noticed that the Pan-Stik makeup comes in the shades Olive and Deep Olive. I've never tried this product, and I have no idea what the colors look like (you can't see the color unless you open the package). Might be worth a look though. - Kerry

Avon just came out with a foundation called Beyond Color that I think you might like. It has medium to full coverage, a somewhat matte finish and is moisturizing. And unlike Avon's other foundations, there are some light, yellow-based colors that look promising (like Classic Ivory and Nude). If you have access to a rep, you can ask for samples.

Hope this helps,
Kerry

As far as drugstore foundations are concerned there is one that I've found that the color works for my skin color.  Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid makeup in the color Softest Gold.  It is almost as good a match for my skin as Bobbi Brown in Sand and Stila in color #2.  Max Factor's Light Champagne color that was recommended by one of your readers is too orange for my skin tone.As far as concealers go, I have been using Joe Blasco's "Red Neutralizer 1-2".  It gives good coverage and covers a blemish without drying and cracking.  It is also creamy enough to use under eyes.

Thanks for your suggestions
Mytra

I can attest for at least one inexpensive, yellowy foundation: I'm half-Asian and have fair, yellow-toned skin, so I usually have done without it as most lines are always too rosy for me. However, Revlon's Colorstay is excellent. It's also SPF 6, which isn't high, but every little bit helps. It's more for oily skin, but it doesn't fade, run, or streak; since it gets humid where I live, that's a big bonus too. The only thing is, you have to be diligent about washing it ALL off at the end of the day -- it really does stay. For the money, it's a good deal. - Amie

I saw on your website that you welcome yellow-based foundation recs.  How about EL (Estee Lauder) Enlighten in Pure Light and Neutral Ivory, EL Minute Stick Sunlight, EL Double Wear in Sand, Linen and Bone, EL Double Matte in Warm Sand.  Very yellow based colors and the formulas, depending on your skintype, are really good, too. - Vanessa

I am half Greek and half Native American, and I have been trying, with much  frustration, to match a foundation to my face since I was a teenager.  I have  only recently (at age 28) found a couple of good matches for my medium, olive  skin: Neutrogena liquid makeup in Toasted Honey (my sister, who is more  yellow, likes Golden Bisque), and I also like the Nars range (Barcelona or Santa Fe) when I feel I can splurge. - The Goddess