Moving to Italy was an adventure, but I quickly realized I missed some things from home—specifically, the vast array of beauty products available in Boots. I’d taken those endless aisles of skincare, toiletries, and cosmetics for granted. In Italy, the choices felt somewhat limited.
Beyond the Typical: Finding Your Beauty Essentials in Italy
While I initially struggled to find my favorite brands, I’ve discovered some great spots to snag everything from serums to shampoo.
The Pharmacy: French Pharmacy Favorites & Italian Gems
Most pharmacies in Italy are independent, family-owned businesses, meaning they can’t compete with large corporations on price. However, they often boast a fantastic selection of French pharmacy brands like La Roche Posay, Caudalie, and Vichy, and excellent Italian brands such as BioNike and Collistar. Don’t be afraid to ask about prices!
Sephora: A Makeup Paradise with a Touch of Skincare
Sephora is a haven for makeup lovers, featuring an impressive lineup of brands like Chanel, Nars, and Yves Saint Laurent. Their skincare range is solid too.
The Supermarket: A Quick Fix in a Pinch
If you need a quick beauty fix, the supermarket is your go-to. While it may not have your absolute favorites, you can find reliable brands like Nivea, L’Oreal, Garnier, and Olay.
Online Shopping: Look Fantastic & Beyond
For a wide selection of beauty products at great prices, look no further than Look Fantastic. I often find my favorite face creams, serums, and hair care products on this site.
Look Fantastic: Your Online Beauty Haven
Look Fantastic offers a curated selection of top-rated brands like The Ordinary, The Inkey List, Jason, and CeraVe. It’s also one of the few places where you can find Simple products.
KIKO: Italy’s Leading Makeup Brand
KIKO is a popular Italian makeup brand known for its affordable prices and trend-setting styles. They offer a good quality selection of products, and their skincare range is expanding rapidly.
Acqua e Sapone: A One-Stop Shop for All Things Household & Beauty
Acqua e Sapone is a unique store that combines household items with a fantastic selection of beauty products. You’ll find moisturizers, toners, serums, vitamins, waxes, hair removal creams, shampoo, and more.
High-End & International: Sephora & Douglas
Sephora and Douglas are leading department stores in Italy offering a wide range of high-end beauty brands.
Douglas: An International Destination for Beauty Products
Douglas offers a wide range of brands, including Estée Lauder, MAC, and Bourjois. They also have their own line of products.
Boots: A Piece of Home in Italy
Boots is finally making its way to Italy, bringing familiar brands like Soap & Glory, Botanics, and No7 to Italian shores. It’s a welcome sight for expats and those who appreciate British beauty staples.
Upim: Mid-Market Finds
Upim is a department store that offers a mix of clothing, homeware, and beauty products. You can find similar brands to those in Douglas and Acqua e Sapone, but the selection may be smaller.
Specialty Online Retailers: VanityCase.it & More
For specialty beauty needs, online retailers like VanityCase.it offer a curated selection of products.
VanityCase.it: Curly Hair, Organic, & Vegan Beauty
VanityCase.it focuses on products for curly and afro-textured hair, organic and vegan brands, and personal care for kids.
Finding Dry Shampoo: A Quest Continues
While dry shampoo is becoming more widely available in Italy, finding my favorite brand, Batiste, has been a challenge.
The Search for Batiste: A Love Affair with Dry Shampoo
I’ve found dry shampoo at Sephora, Acqua e Sapone, and Boots, but I’m still hoping to find a can of Batiste. For now, I’m stocking up when I visit the UK.
In Conclusion: A Journey of Beauty Discovery in Italy
Moving to Italy has been a journey of discovery, especially when it comes to finding my favorite beauty products. While I miss the convenience of Boots, I’ve found some amazing alternatives and learned to embrace the unique Italian approach to beauty. From pharmacies to online retailers, there are plenty of options to explore, whether you’re searching for a familiar favorite or something new and exciting.
