The beauty staples she can’t live without …
Irene began her career at Rocco Forte Hotels, the European five-star hotel chain founded by her father. After nearly a decade overseeing spa and wellness, she created an environmentally friendly skincare brand which first launched in 2018, with her Italian roots and family’s organic farm in Sicily as the foundation. She partnered with Dr Francesca Ferri to create the certified vegan products, which are clinically proven and certified for sensitive skin, formulated in Italy. There are Irene Forte Spas around the world, including the fabulous Hotel de Russie in Rome and The Balmoral in Edinburgh. And Irene Forte facials are available at Liberty London.
Key beauty staples I’m never without …
“My Irene Forte Skincare Hibiscus Rejuvenating Night Cream [€190] – this is the one product I can’t do without. It’s powered by Myoxinol™, a neuropeptide from hibiscus seeds that relaxes muscle contractions to help soften expression lines, alongside ceramides, green pea peptides and omega-rich oils like olive and sweet almond sourced from our organic farm in Sicily. It’s rich, nourishing and leaves my skin soft and rejuvenated by morning.
I also always use Heliocare 360° Pigment Solution Fluid SPF50 [€35.25, at CH Tralee], and I never travel without Clinisoothe+ Skin Purifier with Hypochlorous Acid [€24.90, at pharmacies nationwide] to help calm my rosacea and hormonal breakouts.”
Best beauty investments – what I spend a bit more on that’s worth it …
“I also really value at-home technology, especially my Lyma Laser Pro [see also the Laser Starter Kit €1,199 at Brown Thomas] – it’s been a genuine gamechanger for skin quality and long-term results. Plus a number of Irene Forte Skincare products, in particular our richer collection, such as the Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum [€260] and Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Eye Cream [€165].”
Most recent purchase …
“My green No.4 brush from La Bonne Brosse [€142] – it’s so chic, and genuinely makes my hair look smoother and healthier. I also recently bought the AKT London unscented deodorant balm [from €24.65] – it’s the only ‘clean’ deodorant I’ve ever used that actually works.”
Favourite places to shop for beauty …
“Liberty London is always my favourite because the edit feels so thoughtful, and it’s still one of the few places of real discovery in the UK. I also love a lot of independents that we work with in the US, like Wren & Wild and Citrine – I’m like a kid in a candy shop in those stores.”
All-time favourite beauty item …
“Without question, Irene Forte Skincare Hibiscus Rejuvenating Night Cream, for all the reasons mentioned above. And our new Irene Forte Skincare Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Eye Cream is also up there: it contains Dr Ferri APM™, a patented Phytomelatonin technology, bio-peptides, phyto-exosomes and more, and is clinically proven to target all key signs of ageing in the eye area.”
My favourite Irish beauty product …
“While I haven’t tried it yet, I’ve heard a lot about Sculpted by Aimee and I’m really intrigued by the Cream Cushion Foundation [€32] – it just looks so beautiful on the skin. The finish seems really fresh and luminous, like that effortless, second-skin glow that still feels polished.”
I’m coveting …
“Luxurious, indulgent body care, as summer is around the corner. We have a new seaside-inspired product launching, designed to deliver smoother, renewed, nourished skin – I’m really excited about it [the Red Algae Resurfacing Body Exfoliator with sea minerals and clay launches on June 22]. I’ve also been leaning into body brushing and then using our Irene Forte Skincare Rose Body Oil post-shower; it’s rich in Ximenynic Acid to smooth and refine the skin.”
Favourite treatment/therapist/facialist …
“I really love face massage. In London, I recommend Guendalina, The Skin Sculptor in Notting Hill, for her sculptural face massage [£295stg]; Michaella Bolder for her incredible buccal massage, and Barbara Jeffery for her Kobido techniques. For more advanced treatments like microneedling and peels, I go to Jacqueline Parker – she’s incredibly knowledgeable and results-driven. I also think polynucleotides achieve excellent results; I see Dr Soni for this.”
The loveliest perfume bottle on my dressing table …
“Anything by Ormaie Paris – the bottles are like little works of art. I really appreciate the craftsmanship and detail behind the brand. I collect their bottles because I love how sculptural and considered they feel.”
My home fragrance …
“Trudon candles [from €95] are so chic; I love the Mediterranean aromas. I’m drawn to scents like citrus and fig – anything that feels fresh, earthy and reminiscent of Mediterranean summers instantly makes a space feel calm and grounding.”
One foundation I swear by …
“Victoria Beckham Beauty Foundation Drops [€121]. I also really like the Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops [€72] when I want something lighter for everyday – both give a really natural, skin-like finish with a subtle glow.”
My beauty ethos …
“Beauty starts with healthy, glowing skin. I’m passionate about combining nature and science to create products that are both highly efficacious and kind to the skin. More broadly, beauty is about authenticity and confidence – embracing the natural, imperfect and unique aspects of who we are.”
