Olive Rose Makeup Review (what’s great and what’s meh)

The older I get, the more I prefer cream makeup formulas since, as we age, hydration decreases, dullness increases, and makeup settles in fine lines. But I wasn’t obsessed with any cream formulas. Westman Atelier and Dibs apply well and are long-lasting, but I don’t feel confident that they’re non-toxic. Ilia is non-toxic, but I find their formulas too stiff and difficult to blend. And Merit Beauty doesn’t last more than an hour on my skin. 

I’ve finally found the Holy Grail of non-toxic, creamy, long-lasting makeup – Olive Rose has entered the room. This is Oliveda’s makeup line (the same brand that makes up most of my skincare routine), and it unexpectedly launched this week. I didn’t think it was happening until November, but it received so much positive feedback at New York Fashion Week that the launch was moved up.

Unlike other makeup brands, Olive Rose is different because it’s skincare and makeup in one. Think hydrating, glowy, and lightweight formulas that work for your skin. Here’s what I’ve tried so far (and my honest thoughts):

Olive Rose Makeup Review

HT Serum Hydroxytyrosol Skin Tint

The HT Serum Hydroxytyrosol Skin Tint might be my favorite. I’ve liked their skin tint for a while (and have a full review of the HT skin tint here), but the dropper drove me nuts. They thankfully improved the packaging, but they also improved the formula a bit too, so it applies more evenly and has a bit more coverage. It’s still my #1 choice of all the tinted SPF I’ve tried. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and gives the most natural “your skin but better” look. 

Olive Rose has a shade finder that takes you through a quiz to determine your perfect shade from their 18 options. Use the Olive Rose Shade Finder here.

HT Serum Concealer

This Serum Concealer gives light to medium coverage and feels very hydrating, making it great for a natural, fresh-faced look. But I need a bit more coverage under my eyes, so it’s not my #1 choice. 

(For reference, this RMS concealer and this Ilia concealer are my go-to’s. I also like Tarte concealers, which I break down here.)

HT Shaping Contour

LOVE. The HT Shaping Contour blends like Westman Atelier but without the “dirty” finish that Dibs sometimes gives. The undertone is super natural, and it melts right into your skin instead of sitting on top. This is a standout, especially if you struggle with bronzers like I often do.

HT Blush Glow

I tried the Sweet Rose shade in the HT Blush Glow, and I’m obsessed. It’s creamier than Ilia’s blush and lasts way longer on my skin than Merit’s. It gives that perfect dewy flush without feeling sticky or heavy. I want to try a different color with a little more pop, but if you prefer a deeper pink blush over a brighter one, this is beautiful, and I imagine it’d work well on nearly every skin tone.

HT Lip Butter

A must-try. The Olive Rose lip butter is creamy, hydrating, and has beautiful color payoff. I love the texture – it’s a cushiony balm but nothing like a typical gloss.

HT Volumizing Mascara

This mascara applies beautifully and gives serious volume, much more than Ilia or Merit. Unfortunately, it smudged on me (I can only wear tubing mascaras – reviewed here). But if regular mascaras work for you, definitely grab this one. 

Honestly, this looked so good that I may try again with a setting powder around my eyes, just to see if I can make it work.

HT Skin Glow Setting Spray

I was shook by this. I’ve been loyal to Charlotte Tilbury’s setting spray (despite knowing it’s not the cleanest), so I didn’t expect much. The color looks intense in the bottle (it has a bronze color due to the hydroxytyrosol ingredients), but once you spray it, it’s magic. It’s hydrating, sets makeup without stiffness, and makes your skin look alive. The Skin Glow Setting Spray is a new favorite. 

This legit feels more like skincare than a setting spray, like the fanciest face mist you’ve ever used.

HT Priming Serum

This priming serum is just okay for me. I didn’t notice a big difference with this priming serum, so I’ll stick with my Colleen Rothschild primer for now. I may give it another try, but my first impression was a bit “meh.”

SHOP THE FULL OLIVE ROSE COLLECTION HERE

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’d give the new Olive Rose line an 8/10. It’s the most hydrating makeup I’ve ever used, and it truly feels more like applying skincare than makeup.

If you’re in your 40s and want formulas that enhance your skin instead of drying it out or settling into fine lines, Olive Rose is absolutely worth a try.

You May Also Like

• My Full Skincare Routine
• My Oliveda Skincare Review
• My Full Makeup Routine
• Merit Makeup Review
• Ilia Makeup Review