Giada's Italian Family Beauty Secrets
Who better than my mother to divulge Italian beauty secrets? Here are her rules, routines, and rituals.
When it comes to beauty, it seems everyone in the United States is so enamored of French women. But when I was in Italy, I was just as impressed by Italian women—of all ages. Their beauty is a natural one: radiant sun-kissed skin, full eyebrows and lips, healthy, shiny hair. Of course, one of the most beautiful Italian women I know is my mother, and much of what I've learned about taking care of my skin comes from her. This passing down of beauty secrets is very typical in Italy, where women rely on the wisdom of their mothers and grandmothers for so many things, and I look forward to passing down some of my mom's tips to Jade when she gets a bit older. Until then, I'm sharing with all of you—I hope you enjoy them!—plus, scroll down for my makeup artist, Julie Morgan's Positano-inspired product picks.
Giada De Laurentiis: What is the difference between the Italian and American attitudes toward beauty?
Veronica De Laurentiis: Italian women have a more natural approach to beauty. They use less makeup, and most of them appreciate the qualities of old age. A perfect example is my mother, Silvana Mangano, who aged gracefully, never afraid to change, and always stylish. Another Italian actress I love is Anna Magnani, who would tell her makeup artist, "Please, leave all my wrinkles. Don't try to hide them. It took me a lifetime to get them."
GDL: What makes an Italian woman feel beautiful?
VDL: Her own personal style. My rule has always been to create my own style and to only follow the trends I like. I don't necessarily follow the rules set by fashion because I like to mix and match and create my own look that reflects who I am. Your style is your signature.
GDL: What is the secret to Italian women's lovely skin?
VDL: Eating well: lots of veggies, fruits, and olive oil. Food here is still very good and very clean! And making time to enjoy life!
"Laugh a lot, and when you're older, all your wrinkles will be in the right places"
GDL: What beauty products would no Italian woman ever be caught without?
VDL: Moisturizing cream, perfume, and lipstick!
GDL: What is your beauty routine?
VDL: I clean my face morning and night with oil, rinse it with cool water, and then apply moisturizer with SPF for the day and a collagen cream for the night.
GDL: Do you have any beauty rules or rituals?
VDL: Never go to bed without cleaning my face, never go out without SPF protection on my face, and never lie in the sun to get a tan! My favorite beauty ritual is lighting scented candles and soaking in a bathtub filled with lavender bubble bath, lavender Epsom salts, a little baby oil, and a few drops of lavender oil. All my Italian friends love baths, too!
GDL: Anything else to add?
VDL: I love this quote: "Laugh a lot, and when you're older, all your wrinkles will be in the right places."
For makeup artist Julie Morgan, the seaside colors of the Amalfi Coast, from the shimmering sand to the vibrant pink bougainvillea, were a true beauty inspiration. Shop the look here:
1. Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream, $100 at nordstrom.com
There's a reason everyone is obsessed with Charlotte's Magic Cream. It's magic!
2. Kiehl's Creme de Corps, from $11 for 2.5 ounces at kiehls.com
This is my go-to for silky-soft skin.
3. Chantecaille Future Skin, $76 at nordstrom.com
This is a lightweight gel foundation that's also loaded with good-for-your-skin ingredients like aloe, chamomile, arnica, and rosemary.
4. Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher, $35 at bloomingdales.com
This concealer comes in 10 different shades so you can find just the right hue for your skin tone.
5. Nars Lovejoy, $30 at sephora.com
This honey-hued blush is perfect for giving skin just a hint of sun.
6. Nars Dual-Intensity Blush in Fervor, $45 at sephora.com
This duo of blushes features soft, slightly iridescent pink and a deep, coppery rose.
7. Charlotte Tilbury The Classic Eyeliner Powder Pencil in Audrey, $22 at nordstrom.com
This espresso-colored pencil gives eyes a more natural look.
8. Nars Duo Eyeshadow in St. Paul De Vence, $35 at sephora.com
Use the lighter shade as your base and the darker shade to add a bit more oomph!
9. FACE Stockholm Pot Gloss in Simplicity, $19 at http://bit.ly/2gyFgM3
This high-shine balm delivers a vibrant pop of color.
10. Focus Eyeshadow Palette, $36 at http://bit.ly/2hrbjlN
With its subtle shades and pink and bronze accents, this entire collection just says "Positano" to me!
11. L'Oréal Elnett Hairspray, $9.99 at http://bit.ly/2gGhy5D
You can find this Parisian hairspray in all the local pharmacies, and it's the best.
0 comments