living room paint job question

I have used joint compound for a skim coat then two other layers of compound to establish a texture that the wife likes. My question goes to layering paints to achieve the affect wanted. I'm not sure that I can articulate this correctly but there will be a base coat, then a "wipe on/wipe off" sort of second tone and again with a third tone. Likely going to be some thing like an olive, another green and then a tan of sorts. Which one goes on first? Light or dark? Maybe I should have some test areas and alter the application. Thanks for any ideas you may have in this area, Gary