With its timeless charm and unparalleled elegance, Italian beauty has emerged as one of the internet's biggest fixations when it comes to beauty inspiration. From the shores of the Amalfi Coast to the vistas of Tuscany, Italy captivates with its diverse cultural richness and the effortless style and influence of its people.
"Italy is the biggest global producer of cosmetic products," states Italian beauty expert Jenna Curcio, who heads up marketing and press for Espressoh, one of our favorite brands from the country. "U.S. brands often want their makeup products produced in Italy because the 'Made in Italy' label is extremely sought-after due to its association with quality." We asked her why this part of the world's mark on beauty is so significant. "Italian beauty can be defined pretty succinctly: It's simple yet bold," Curcio answers. "Italians love to keep their everyday routine pretty basic, but they'll add a touch of creativity or boldness. Whether that's through a red lipstick or a fun eye shadow or highlighter, they tend to focus on one area at a time. Their base routine is usually kept very simple. Although, this differs from region to region."
"Dating back to Ancient Rome, women in Italy wore makeup on a regular basis," Curcio reminds me. "These performed acts of femininity have obviously evolved over the centuries but are still prevalent in today's culture." She tells me that the use of natural ingredients from the Italian landscape is something that has also withstood the test of time. In Italy, Curcio explains that beauty has always held some level of sociopolitical context in one way or another. Makeup plays a huge part in the perception of women (or anyone who wears makeup) in today's Italian culture.
Whether you want to look like Sophia Loren, with her bold, black eyeliner, or an It girl from Rome, Italian beauty continues to inspire the way we create our current beauty looks. Below, I'm sharing 15 beauty products to help you create a look that screams bellisima. Keep scrolling!
Our Favorite Italian Beauty Products
Revitalize your skin with this innovative biphase oil from Furtuna Skin. Made with botanically infused olive oil and nutrient-rich olive leaf water, it visibly plumps, protects, and replenishes your skin’s moisture barrier with ease. Key ingredients include stabilized vitamin C for brightening, magnolia oil for plumping moisture, and potent actives for protection against blue light, UV radiation, and pollution.
Borghese’s Radiante Revitalize and Firm Mask enhances hydration and luminosity while minimizing fine lines. With regular use, you'll enjoy a refreshed and revitalized complexion.
Experience the luxurious feel of the Oh.Sole Mio Blush, your key to a sun-kissed, silky-smooth finish. It's got rich, creamy texture melts effortlessly into your skin, providing a seamless blend for a soft hint of color. Lightweight and buildable, this velvety blush is enriched with natural butters and oils, ensuring a nourished, radiant glow.
Packed with 12 unique hyaluronic acids, this lip-and-mouth gel targets fine lines and age wrinkles on the lips. Plus, its blend of three collagen molecules boosts firmness and density for a refreshed look.
Sabrina Carpenter's favorite, this lightweight, hydrating formula melts into your skin, providing a natural, luminous flush of color that lasts up to 12 hours. It blends seamlessly without patchiness, allowing you to build a healthy glow or achieve a sun-kissed finish.
Elevate your eye game with this water-like eye shadow from Kiko Milano. Packed with squalane for hydration, this versatile shadow delivers rich, full-coverage color that lasts. Apply dry for a subtle look or wet for bold, intense color.
For silky smooth, rich hair like the Italians, you've got to go with an Italian brand. Davines Oi Shampoo delivers your daily dose of hair pampering. Infused with natural ingredients, it's a go-to for silky soft, shiny, and hydrated hair.
You want to smell just like the Amalfi Coast? This non-aerosol deodorant spray from Acqua di Parma is infused with top notes of lemon and sweet orange, middle notes of lavender and Bulgarian rose, and base notes of vetiver and sandalwood—delivering immediate freshness and lasting allure.
Prada Beauty's newly launched makeup collection is versatile and beautiful and built with technology. This refillable matte lipstick is made with nourishing jojoba oil and strengthening bifidus extract, ensuring a lightweight feel and long-lasting wear. (Note the Prada Saffiano leather-inspired shades. We love the reference!)
Unlock your lashes' full potential with Gucci's buildable mascara, which is designed for a personalized look where you can build volume easily. Formulated without sulfates or parabens, it catches even the smallest lashes. Bonus points for its 12 hours of wear.
Surprise—the classic toothpaste brand is Italian! The cult-favorite oralcare brand's original and most popular flavor of mint is an incredibly refreshing way to get clean teeth.
The lightest powerhouse in the hair-dryer game is from Italy! Weighing under one pound, this product from Gama outpaces others by drying hair 30% faster. With a sleek design and a powerful 1700-watt brushless motor, it's seven times speedier than traditional dryers.
Italian favorite Collistar's moisturizing treatment helps firm skin and correct imperfections with encapsulated pigments and anti-aging ingredients. Lift and smooth with precision, revealing the radiance of youth.
Step into the famous Linda Rodin's world of effortlessly chic and understated luxury by sporting her red lipstick. For the beauty icon, glowing skin and the perfect lipstick are all you need. This dewy shade is pigment-rich and moisturizing.
Suitable for all hair types, this illuminating hair oil-serum enhances and protects your strands, infusing them with gloss and shine. Made with professional-grade Italian formula, Alfaparf's heat protection spray is enriched with flaxseed oil and a vitamin E complex and ensures long-lasting results and antioxidant benefits. Did we mention it's vegan?
