I Received 3 Italian Cool-Women to Spill Their Favourite Magnificence Merchandise

There are few things that capture the essence of Italian beauty. The recipe usually consists of a fairly simple base routine, but always includes a dash of something bold, whether it’s an intense eye look or a colorful lip. Some of the coolest beauty girls I know are based in Italy, each of whom embody their own individual aesthetic yet abide by the same principles Italians stick to in their beauty routines. Read on to discover their must-have products to build a quintessential Italian summer beauty routine.

Sumi Saiboub (@coveredinlayers)

Sumi is a Milan-based content creator, digital strategist, and style consultant with an incredible sense of humor. I always find myself giggling at her content, especially her makeup and skincare videos. She manages to come across as funny and relatable while being super informative when it comes to product recommendations and sharing her first-hand experience. 

To keep her skin glowy all summer long, she reaches for the Aesop Avail Lotion with Sunscreen, calling it her “summer best friend, especially if you have sensitive skin.” For those that struggle with dry skin even during the summer, she recommends the Sunday Riley CEO Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream that helps her a lot “with skin radiance and lasting moisture during the day.” She takes her glow to the next level by mixing in the Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops with her moisturizer. To combat any dark spots caused by the sun, she goes for the Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum. As for her staple Italian beauty product, a bold lipstick like this one from Gucci Beauty is the way to go for Sumi.

Sofia Medina (@sofies.world)

Sofia is a Florence-based beauty industry professional, YouTuber, and content creator sharing the most endearing and save-worthy content of her life in Italy, along with her journey to becoming a new mom recently. Aside from being super well-versed in all things expat life coming from the U.S., she also knows a thing or two about beauty products and is always recommending her faves to her following.

She’s spent more than a few summers in Italy, and emphasizes that “this summer is all about embracing a radiant, sun-kissed glow.” Her secret? “A lightweight, hydrating tinted moisturizer with built-in sun protection,” like the Saie Slip Tint for a sheer, natural finish. When she wants a  bit more coverage, she uses the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint. “Both deliver a perfectly dewy look,” she says. Some of her skincare faves include the Rhode Glazing Milk, which helps with redness, the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask that is perfect for applying after a long time out in the sun, and the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40. As for makeup, she’s a big fan of the YSL Touche Eclat Concealer Pen for brightening the under-eyes, the classic L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara, and adding a glowy touch of Merit’s Day Glow Highlighting Balm.

Marika Zaramella (@leitalienne)

Marika is a freelance makeup artist, skin care consultant, and all around beauty trendsetter. When you can’t find her doing makeup backstage for a photoshoot, you’ll likely see her traveling or exploring the streets of Milan where she is based. If there’s anyone that knows how to bring a makeup look to life with a fun twist, it’s Marika. 

It makes sense that her beauty product of the summer is the Nabla Freckle Maker, which she says “lasts forever and looks so natural.” She has rosacea and notes that she has to be extra careful when it comes to sun exposure, so naturally this hydrating SPF from Paula’s Choice is her non-negotiable for the summer months. When she needs to hide a pimple, she opts for the Nars Soft Matte Concealer because it “lasts all day and the matte finish makes the pimples less noticeable,” which is a “game changer” for her. She also loves a cool-toned lip liner that compliments her fair skin tone, and usually opts for the Mac Lip Liner in Stone before topping it off with a gloss that she can bring with her anywhere and everywhere. 

Zaramella says there’s a divide between the “glowy girlies that barely wear makeup” and the maximalist beauty approach. “Overall, I think you can’t really have an Italian beauty routine if you don’t have a bold black mascara in your bag—I’m sure both kinds of girlies would agree.”