What’s not to love about Italy? It’s a country that I (and my tastebuds) could never tire of. Having visited the Northern lakes and fallen in love with Rome, I’ve become obsessed with the Italian way of life. The cuisine, the elegant fashion and Italian lifestyle philosophies are admired around the world. Who doesn’t want to embrace a little Italian know-how in to their lifestyle?
It feels like references to Italy are everywhere this summer. Latte makeup, the Mediterranean tomato girl aesthetic, the upcoming launch of Prada beauty… It seems that Italy has got it going on right now. While French women get a lot of airtime for their beauty routines and pharmacies, I wanted to dive deeper into Italian beauty rituals and found out exactly what is behind that dolce vita glow that Italian women have (spoiler alert: among other things, they do in fact credit their espresso and pasta, FYI).
To find out the best kept Italian beauty trends and tips, I asked three Italian women to share the rituals of their beauty routines that are essential to them as their morning espresso. Ahead, artist, photographer and stylist, Rosanna Elettra, art director Federica Labanca and Chiara Cascella, founder of makeup brand Espressohshare their tips.
“Beauty in Italy isn’t just a routine; it’s ‘la dolce vita’ or ‘the sweet life’. It’s the laughter shared with friends over a long dinner, the time taken to enjoy a simple espresso, the joy in walking through a market to pick fresh ingredients. It’s a connection to our roots, our history, and our land,” says Elettra. With coffee being a huge part of Italian culture, it’s no surprise that caffeine has made its way into the skincare routines of Italian women, too. “A good coffee made with the good old moka pot is the best way to start the day,” says Cascella. “Including caffeine in your beauty routine is good too, caffeine is a well known antioxidant for your skin! We have caffeine infused within some EspressOh products.”
EspressOh’s moisturiser contains caffeine, which acts as an antioxidant to leave skin looking refreshed.
Do as the Romans do and start your day with an espresso.
“Italian beauty rituals are a delightful fusion of age-old traditions and contemporary innovations, a legacy passed down through generations as ‘rimedi della nonna,'” says Elettra, who emphasises how DIY skincare routines and rituals are passed down from grandmother to mother, and mother to daughter. “My mum really taught me how moisturising every day is the most important thing. She would apply body lotion every morning and night because ‘you have to tone!!’ she would say,” notes Labanca. “She also taught me the importance of eye cream and SPF, saying: ‘Start young and you’ll thank me later.’ I’ve been using SPF 50+ for over 10 years now, and funny enough, I had a skin scan yesterday and turns out I’m close to having no sun damage at all on my face.” When they are not topping up their skincare favourite at Italian pharmacies (more on those beauty treasure troves ahead) you’ll find that the Italians enjoy creating their own beauty treatments at home. “These cherished remedies often feature everyday, natural ingredients like olive oil, acacia honey, coffee, sea salt, and lemon, crafted into DIY masks and scrubs for skincare and haircare,” says Elettra.
Made in Italy, this cleansing balm contains nourishing oils that soften the skin and remove makeup effortlessly.
Italian apothecary brand Santa Maria Novella is considered as the oldest pharmacy in the world, and today it combines its heritage with modern formulations.
“Specifically for oily and problematic skin, it minimises sebum production and leaves skin matte and soft,” says Elettra.
Elettra attributes the Mediterranean diet—particularly olive oil—as one of Italian women’s biggest skincare tips “It’s an Italian secret that goes back generations. We believe in nurturing the skin with what nature has provided us. Even the way we eat, embracing the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and of course, olive oil, all contribute to that radiant glow that Italian women are famous for,” she says. Indeed, it’s not just about what you eat, but how you eat. “It’s a reflection of one’s lifestyle, from the food one eats to the way one interacts with others. The gatherings in public squares and the lively discussions over meals all contribute to an understanding of beauty as a shared experience, enhancing not just the body but the soul,” says Elettra. And the Italians are experts in what food is good for the soul, after all. “Eat pasta every day and pizza once a week,” says Cascella. “Nowadays we have so many gluten free options for both, so no excuses!” Of course, all that alfresco dining calls for adequate sun protection with an SPF. “Sunscreens from Collistar, infused with moisturising antioxidants, are an essential part of the summer routine,” says Elettra.
Nourish your skin from the inside out with olive oil.
Stella McCartney’s Alter-Care Serum contains olive squalene, which intensely nourishes the skin.
Shield your skin with an SPF.
“Fragrance? Oh, that’s an art in Italy,” notes Elettra. “It’s not just about smelling good; it’s about expressing who you are. Iconic fragrances like Acqua di Parma are crafted with love and tradition, capturing the essence of Italy in each bottle. Italy’s rich heritage in perfumery offers world-renowned brands like Ferragamo or Armani, too. These fragrances balance freshness with depth, uniquely intertwining indigenous like bergamot and jasmine.”
This scent captures the beauty of the Amalfi coastline and smells exactly like walking among a fig tree grove.
This discovery set allows you to try all the best scents from the iconic Italian fragrance house.
Inspired by the beauty of Tuscany, this scent combines musk and woody notes that encapsulate the region.
Not just a pretty bottle for your dressing table, but the juice inside is a captivating pairing of rose and sandalwood.
When it comes to hair care, the Italians embrace their crowning glory in all its magnificence. “Even in hair care, the emphasis is on nourishing treatments that enhance the hair’s natural texture,” says Elettra. “In recent years, Italians have become more attentive to hair care products that are paraben and silicone-free. Brands like Davines, known for their sustainable beauty practices and natural ingredients, or L’ Erbolario, with their botanical-infused shampoos and conditioners, reflect this growing awareness and love for nature.”
“I took this hair milk on holiday, and it was a game-changer. It protected my hair from the sun, saltwater, and chlorine, leaving it smooth and radiant. Lightweight and non-greasy, it’s my go-to for beach-ready hair,” says Elettra.
With nettle extract and rosemary water, this is made from 98% ingredients of natural origin and helps to leave hair looking glossy and shiny.
“I adore this curl building serum from Davines. Not only does it leave my curls soft and restructured, but I appreciate the brand’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. It’s a win-win for beautiful curls and the environment,” says Elletra.
While you may be well acquainted with the delights of French pharmacies, Italian farmacias deserve just as much air time. “Whenever I’m back home, visiting the local farmacia is a must. It’s where I reconnect with all the best made-in-Italy products and feel the warmth of Italian beauty traditions,” says Elettra. Far from just a place where you pick up your prescription, Italian pharmacies are beauty emporiums. “They’re filled with beauty products for everything you can think of,” she says. “But what really sets them apart is how they cater to the personal touch. Need advice on the perfect shade of lipstick or a skincare routine tailored just for you? There’s likely a cosmetologist in the house ready to assist you.” Italians also pride themselves on simple skincare routines, says Labanca. “Apart from eye cream, moisturiser and SPF, Italian beauty for me always revolves around keeping it simple,” she says. “Both my mum and my grandma grew up only using water to wash their face and the most simple soap bar. This is why their skin is so stunning and our skin is increasingly more hungry for products. They were only using natural ingredients on their skin, we are feeding it creams, serums, vitamins, 10-step skincare routines.” As such, you’ll find the same products in all generations of women in Italy. “If I had to sum my childhood up in a scent, it would be “Acqua Alle Rose” by Roberts,” say Labanca. “It’s something my grandma had in her cabinet, my mum always had in her cabinet, and I always have too. It also really describes that really simple and gentle skincare routine my mum and grandma grew up with.”
This toner contains just rose extracts and distilled water.
Less is more when it comes to skincare, says Cascella. “Uncomplicated skincare and make-up routines are key. Focus on a few but essential steps. This is 100% true also when it comes to food: do not add extras but rather focus on the quality of the few main ingredients.”
This scrub buffs skin to it silken potential.
“The core of the Italian beauty ethos celebrates ‘la bella figura’, or the art of making a good impression. This phrase captures the essence of what defines Italian beauty: an effortlessly elegant appearance, the ability to carry oneself with confidence and grace, and the embodiment of individuality and personal style,” say Elettra. “The Italian approach to beauty highlights simplicity and authenticity, focusing on good skin and quality ingredients. This ethos is mirrored in our culinary tradition, where less is often more, and the ingredients are the stars,” she says. This less is more ethos is what Cascella set out on when starting her makeup brand, EspressOh. “The sunkissed look all year round is a must—that’s why EspressOh created Oh Sole Mio and Glassy. We love the sun in Italy, but protect our skin every day with SPF and give a natural glow with bronzer instead of the sun’s harmful rays,” she says.
Gives skin the perfect amount of sun-kissed warmth.
“This eye palette has become a favourite of mine. The two matte and seven extra-pearl eyeshadows in neutral shades allow me to effortlessly go from a natural daytime look to a bold evening style,” says Elettra. “The smooth texture and pigmentation feel luxurious on the lids.”
I reviewed EspressOh’s game-changing clear blusher recently, and I’m hooked. It magically reacts with the skin’s pH to create a bespoke glow on your skin tones.
Less is more when it comes to foundation—this cushion one delivers the lightest amount of coverage.
Wellbeing is core in the Italian lifestyle (you might have heard of the saying ‘dolce far niente’, which embodies the joy in doing nothing) and this further supports the Italian beauty ethos. “We recognise the importance of natural, high-quality ingredients in both diet and skincare and see beauty as a direct reflection of overall health and well-being,: says Elettra. “From ancient times, with influences from Arabs, Greeks, and Romans, Italians have been attentive to their bodies, utilising fragrant ointments, oils, and even thermal baths,” she says. “It is not unusual for Italians to book thermal holiday retreats all seasons. Some of the most popular destinations are Terme di Saturnia, Terme di Montecatini, or Terme di Sirmione near Lake Garda, where I like to go with my family whenever I visit them,” says Elettra. Take this as your sign to incorporate wellbeing practices into your bathing routine to spring the spa home.
Is there anything more luxurious than a beautiful robe to relax in?
This Italian pine, mint and eucalyptus scented candle will transport your mind to a flourishing Italian garden whenever you light it.
Bath salts are an effective way to soothe aching muscles—these contain Silician sea salt and marine algae to restore the skin as you soak.
