By Lesley Bowen
Italian beauty has always had a special place in my heart. There’s something inherently captivating about the way it all comes together—effortless yet precise, luxurious but grounded. As someone who’s been obsessed with skincare and makeup for as long as I can remember, Italy’s approach feels like a revelation every time I experience it. It’s not just about what’s trending, but about the care, the tradition, the sense of reverence for both the process and the result. I often find myself thinking, why can’t we bring more of this back home?
The beauty industry in Italy doesn’t operate on hype alone—it’s woven into the fabric of everyday life. There’s an art to it, a kind of mindfulness that we seem to forget in our fast-paced world. In Italy, beauty isn’t just about what you see on the surface; it’s about how you feel in your skin, in your body. From the Mediterranean diet, which nourishes the body from the inside out, to age-old rituals like thermal baths, every aspect of Italian beauty is designed to nurture the soul as much as the skin. It’s a philosophy that deeply resonates with me as someone who believes in the connection between self-care and self-expression. Beauty from the inside out is a way of life, and likely why the Italians are some of the most beautiful people in the world.
Let’s dive into a few of the latest trending beauty themes we witnessed at Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2024. One of the most talked-about trends is the concept of hyper-nude skin. At first glance, it seems so simple—like a natural, effortless glow. But the truth is, it’s anything but. It’s the product of meticulous steps, layers of serum and foundation that blur imperfections while enhancing what’s already there. I won’t lie, it takes work. I’ve tried it myself and laughed at how much effort it takes to look “natural.” You wake up and think, today I’ll just go for something easy, and then an hour later, you’re still perfecting your skin. Ah, the joys of being a woman! And yet, when it’s done right, there’s a kind of magic that happens. There’s something so satisfying about seeing your skin transformed, not by covering it up but by enhancing its best features. It’s a reminder that beauty doesn’t always have to shout; sometimes, it whispers, and you have to lean in to hear it, which makes it all the more delightful to discover.
I think what draws me to this trend is how it aligns with a deeper sense of self. Hyper-nude skin doesn’t mask who you are—it amplifies it. It’s about stepping into your day, or that evening dinner, feeling radiant and confident but still yourself. There’s a quiet kind of confidence in being able to show up with the essence of who you are shining through, unmasked. It’s a trend that goes beyond aesthetics for me; it speaks to a desire to feel at home in my own skin, to embrace imperfection while still striving for a little more polish.
Another trend that had me intrigued was the slick side part. I’ve always been a fan of classic looks, and this one felt like a love letter to old Hollywood—clean, sharp, sophisticated. It’s amazing how something as simple as a hairstyle can completely change how you feel. Walking into a room with this look feels like you’ve already made a statement without saying a word. I tried it on a day when I was two days overdue for a hair wash, and there was something liberating about knowing I could still feel put together, sleek, and stylish with a few strokes of gel. It’s a little reminder that we don’t always need to be perfect, just present. Some trends are all about control—every strand in place, every detail just so—but this one lets you feel empowered even on your messiest days. And I love that. It’s accessible. It’s real.
But it was the jet-black eyeliner that really stole my heart this season. Growing up, I was always afraid of making my makeup too bold—worried it would say too much, be too much. I’d often opt for neutrals, subtle lines, soft tones, because I thought that’s what was “right” or “acceptable.” But there was something so freeing about seeing designers like Gucci and Versace reinterpret black eyeliner in ways that felt fresh and fearless. Whether it was Gucci’s classic, bold line reminiscent of Sophia Loren or Versace’s sharp, graphic designs, it was like each stroke was a little rebellion, a reminder that beauty can be as bold or as quiet as we want it to be. And I’ve always had a soft spot for rebels…because I am one.
This season’s take on black eyeliner felt like permission—to stand out, to be unapologetically seen. It reminds us that makeup, like fashion, is a form of self-expression. Some days you want to blend in and be hyper-nude, and others, you want to stand out—and both are valid.
What I love most about these trends is how accessible they are, even for someone like me who isn’t walking the runways of Milan but is just trying to show up as her best self and keep it together as an entrepreneur. There’s a power in owning your look, whether it’s natural or dramatic, polished or imperfect. These trends, from hyper-nude skin to jet-black eyeliner, feel like they’re about more than just aesthetics—they’re about confidence, individuality, and the freedom to express who we are on our own terms.
Italian beauty, at its core, celebrates this freedom. It’s about embracing your natural beauty while also indulging in a little luxury. And there’s no shame in that. In fact, I think it’s something we could all learn from. Life is too short not to enjoy the rituals that make us feel good, that remind us of our worth. Whether it’s taking the time to perfect that nude skin look, or daring to go bold with eyeliner, these trends remind me that beauty is as much about how we feel as it is about how we look – and we should feel empowered to take names, and in the name of rebellion, kick ass.
At the end of the day, beauty is deeply personal, and I think that’s the heart of what Italy does best—it celebrates individuality, confidence, and the idea that beauty is not just something you put on, but something you carry with you – like a fashion accessory. It’s a reflection of your inner self, your joys, your struggles, your essence. And that’s something worth celebrating.
Ciao, bella! – VV
Images licensed from iStock
