Italy is known for its beauty — beautiful land, beautiful people, beautiful culture, beautiful food. The women especially are known for their glowing skin, big soulful eyes and voluminous shiny hair. Italian beauty is something I strive for, inside and out.

It’s no secret that the Mediterranean diet, a diet full of glorious seasonal vegetables and healthy oils, is beneficial to your health. That good health shines through to the exterior and results in clear glowing skin, shiny soft hair and a pleasant demeanor.

Let’s take a look at some of the features that are the hallmarks of Italian beauty.

Glowing Sensuality

Romance is always on the menu in Italy, whether it a be a harmless flirtation with the butcher or an exciting night on the town. Looking your best shows respect for yourself and those around you. Italian beauty touches all of the senses: sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste.

Skincare and healthy eating are big parts of the Italian beauty regimen. Drinking lots of water and mineral water, taking care of the skin inside and out, is the way Italian women achieve that healthy glow.

The beautiful golden light in Italy doesn’t hurt either.

Bombshell Style

From Sophia Loren to Monica Bellucci, Italian women have always had a bombshell sensibility when it comes to beauty. Voluminous shiny hair, slightly bronzed skin, dramatic eyes, full almost nude lips. Sometimes they add a little lip color for drama, but when you play up the eyes, a pinky nude shade helps to not overpower the face.

Healthy clean teeth and a winning smile complete the picture — or a strategically placed pout depending on circumstances.

Va Va Va Voom

Let’s not forget the Italian woman’s figure. She accentuates her curves to remind you that she’s a woman. You won’t find Italian women following a low-carb diet. As Sophia Loren once famously said, she owes everything she’s got to pasta.

Clear skin allows for a beautifully appealing décolletage. Italian women don’t hide their bodies or try to fit into an unrealistic image of beauty. It doesn’t matter if you are a size 6 or 14. You can be beautiful at any size. Curves are beautiful. Italian women want to look healthy, not emaciated.

I doubt anyone has every told Sophia Loren that she needs to lose weight. Can you imagine her response? Look out for the wooden spoon.

Self Confidence

Italy has always had a tradition of female empowerment. Even in ancient Rome, women were business owners and wealthy in their own right. It’s not only the physical beauty which is so attractive, but the mind and accomplishments.

Even though I am talking mostly about women, I hope this post doesn’t sound sexist. These same principles apply to Italian men. They like to take care of their skin, teeth and hair — and dress well in fine Italian fabrics and leathers. Italian men are beautiful too.

Beauty Tutorial

If you’re looking for a special bombshell makeup look, try this Dolce Vita look by Charlotte Tilbury. She uses my favorite lipstick at the end. It’s called Bond Girl. This look was inspired by Italian film stars:

I love to play up my brown eyes. What are your favorite Italian beauty secrets?

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