Since 2018, Irene Forte Skincare has been bridging the worlds of nature and science, providing solutions for those with sensitive skin around the globe through products like the Hibiscus Night Cream and Pistachio Face Mask. “I love being able to do something I’m passionate about and believe in. I also love the people I work with,” Forte tells the Cut. “Seeing them grow and develop this is often the most rewarding part.”
Throughout her time at Oxford University, Forte worked with hotels and was awarded two hospitality awards: Caterer Rising Star Shine Award and the Acorn 30 Under 30. Eventually, she landed as a communications manager at Verdura Resort, where she now sources her ingredients for the Sicily-based Irene Forte Skincare on the organic farm. “I also noticed that there was no unified approach toward the spas, and so I created Rocco Forte Spas, which included a new spa philosophy, and fitness and nutrition offerings,” she says of her life pre-skin-care brand.
Working with the spas led to the idea to launch her own skin-care line, which has since won Elle’s Green Beauty Star award and Marie Claire’s Skin Award. “I saw the opportunity to create natural and experiential formulations improved by scientific insight,” Forte explains. “I wanted to create a natural brand that was both efficacious and kind on the skin. I also wanted to create a luxury-skin-care brand with sustainability at its core. I believe that I have done just that.”
In between sourcing ingredients from the farm and raising her baby girl, Forte leans into wellness practices of her own: “Taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress — what could be more important than that? Below, Forte shares her beauty and wellness routines, her thoughts on the importance of rest, and more.
A.m. Routine
I start my day with a glass of room-temperature water. I used to have hot water and lemon first thing, but since going to the Vana wellness retreat in India, I switched to room-temperature water. In Ayurvedic medicine, they teach you not to have anything too hot or too cold as it’s not good for your system. I talk about my levothyroxine as I have hypothyroidism, and I take ProbotiX Daily 5 Live, Hemagenics (a great formula with iron and its cofactors), and ImmunoBlast (has vitamins A, C, E, D and zinc to support the immune system).
On my skin, I use my Almond Cleansing Milk and always wash my skin with lukewarm water to avoid stripping the skin of the necessary oil barrier. I tone next with the Helichrysum Toner. I spritz this over my face and then pitter-patter my fingertips on it to boost microcirculation. After I spritz an antimicrobial spray that is great to keep my hormonal breakouts at bay, I use the Triple Level Hyaluronic Serum. I follow up with Hibiscus Serum that has anti-wrinkle Myoxinol, the Olive Eye Cream, and the Lavender Face Cream. I finish with the Heliocare Gel Oil-Free SPF 50 — it’s nice and lightweight.
When it comes to makeup, I’m fairly low maintenance. I love the Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick, which I dab on areas of the skin that need a bit of coverage. I use the RMS Beauty UnCoverup under my eyes. I use the RMS Lip2Cheek Demure shade on my cheeks and lips. I use the Westman Atelier Bonne Brow defining pencil — I can’t go anywhere without my eyebrows on! I only really wear mascara if I’m going out in the evening.
Hairwise, I’m also quite low maintenance. I’ve got a lot of hair, so I tend to only wash it once a week. I’m currently using the Innersense Hydrating Cream bath shampoo and their Hydrating Cream Conditioner. They seem to leave my hair feeling glossy, nourished, and hydrated. I’m also loving a spritz of the D.S. & Durga Pistachio fragrance at the moment.
On Rest
I don’t do this every night, but generally on the weekend, I really like running a bath with magnesium bath salts. I love the Better You brand of salts. I always try and follow the following rules: going to sleep and waking up at the same time of day no matter what, no exercise right before bed, avoiding stimulants like coffee or foods high in sugar a few hours before bedtime, and, most importantly, avoiding phones, tablets and laptops — cutting out exposure to blue light. Of course, since having a daughter, my sleep is not as great as it used to be, but I still try to abide by my before-bed rules.
BetterYou Magnesium Flakes
On the Beauty Item She’s Noticed a Difference From
If pressed, I would probably say the one product I cannot live without is the Hibiscus Night Cream. It is beautiful to apply — it’s rich and smells delicious.
Irene Forte Hibiscus Night Cream, 1.7 oz.
On Movement
I used to do a lot of exercise, but this slowed down due to having a 10-month-old daughter and also being pregnant again. Either way, I love doing reformer Pilates and barre classes. If I can’t make a class, it’s easier than ever to exercise from home through YouTube; I like Pamela Reif’s videos. I also try to go on very long walks on the weekend with my dog and daughter.
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