Is there anything more classic than freshly manicured red tips? We think not. But, when it comes to picking the right hue for your olive skin it can be a minefield. 

That’s why we sought the expertise of celebrity manicurist Jenni Draper, who has worked on some of the hottest hands in the business. From Felicity Jones to Cate Blanchett, Jenni has treated the top of the tips with her expertise and eye for fine details.

How to understand your relationship with red

As we are all aware, olive skin can come in a multitude of varieties, due to the balance of yellow and green undertones in the skin. So, it is certainly not a one fits all solution. 

“Pale olive skin can look slightly beige thanks to the yellow undertones,” explains Jenni. “Which is why I recommended warm-toned oranges and tomato-y reds for this skin type. These will both enhance olive complexions and offset green hues.”

“However, olive-dark skin looks great in earthy red tones and darker reds that are veering towards chocolate browns. Some reds, russet, for example, work well, anything with a metallic shimmer.” 

What are the shades to avoid if you have olive skin: 

According to Jenni, you want to ditch any blue-based red hues as this cooler undertone will clash with the green in your skin – making your hands appear a bit ashen.

 

“Avoid paler, pastel shades too, which can also you washed out,” she states. 

Jenni’s recommendations -

Shades that will flatter pale olive skin include -

Essie in Russian Roulette (RRP £7.99, www.superdrug.com)

Morgan Taylor in Get Sporty With It (RRP £5.95, www.redcarpetbeauty.co.uk)

Red Carpet Beauty in Box Office Hit (RRP £9.95, www.redcarpetbeauty.co.uk)

Shades that will flatter medium and deep olive skin –

Morgan Taylor in Rosy Rosita (RRP £10.95, www.redcarpetbeauty.co.uk)

Jessica Nails in Passionate Kisses (RRP £11, www.lookfantastic.com)

Rimmel London Rock N Sparkle (RRP £6.99, www.superdrug.com)