Review: Irene Forte Skincare
Irene Forte is a beauty entrepreneur and the wellness director of the Rocco Forte Hotels group. Yes, she is a family member, which may have helped her climb the ladder a little quicker, but having spent time hearing about this young woman’s journey to date - her passion, work ethic, commitment to sustainability and to using the best skincare ingredients possible- I know that, regardless of her background, she will make an impact in wellness.
Mediterranean Diet for your Skin
Irene Forte Skincare is overflowing with skin-loving Mediterranean goodness, much of which is grown on the Forte Verdura organic farm in Sicily with no trace of the toxic nasties that continue to destroy our environment, our bodies and our skin. With an impressive 2,000 olive trees, 3,000 orange trees, 250 almond trees, 150 prickly pear cacti, lemon and pomegranate trees and a massive vegetable garden, by all accounts there are ingredients a plenty to choose from! The slick packaging ticks all the boxes too, with jars and bottles crafted from recycled glass and outer packaging made from recycled fibres with vegetable and soya-based inks.
With the best of Sicilian goodness, the brand is fast gaining the accolade as ‘the Mediterranean diet for our skin’, which coincidentally resonates even more for me, as most of the GLOW foods featured in my latest book GLOW: Your Complete For Week Plan for Healthy Glowing Skin are these same foods that come centre stage in the Mediterranean Diet.
Nature meets Science
Inspired by Sicily’s authenticity and rich natural heritage, Forte teamed up with pharmacologist Doctor Francesca Ferri of EffegiLabs and a team of experts in Trento to distil the sun-soaked richness of Sicily into a deliciously smelling and super effective skincare range.
“As an Italian who grew up in the UK, I’ve always wanted to create something that connected me to my roots.,” she explains. “Having spent time in Sicily, I’m also fortunate to have experienced the benefits of the finest Sicilian ingredients firsthand. My partnership with Doctor Ferri has allowed me to do that from the vantage point of real scientific efficacy, with a wealth of research backing up the ideals I held in mind whilst developing the range.”
Kate’s picks
Although not cheap, a iittle does go a long way and the older I grow the more I realise that quality, while it costs, really does matter. I haven’t tried the complete range yet, but my favourites to date (and so worth investing in) are:
Almond Face Scrub
It’s the almond and hazelnut granules in this scrub that gently (note not harshly!) removes dead skin cells, while the avocado oil, shea butter, olive oil, Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid hydrate, soothe and condition the skin’s natural barrier. Just fab! (£69/€80 for 50ml)
Pistachio Face Mask
Think the best possible, anti-oxidant rich oils to hydrate and nourish your skin, all neatly condensed into this little jar of skin magic: Olive, pistachio, avocado, pumpkin seed, vitamin E and Aloe Leaf Juice help condition and replenish the skin's natural moisture barrier for smooth, supple skin. (£109/€128 for 50ml)
Orange Blossom Face Oil
This superfood cocktail of the sweetest almond oil, jojoba, vitamin E, pistachio, orange blossom straight from the Sicilian trees and more, ethically blended, packed and ready to nourish your face…that’s what you will get and the delicious Sicilian orange scent lingers on my hands for hours…even better! The Orange Blossom Body oil has similar benefits for your body. £99/€116 for 50ml
Where to get it
The range is available via Irene Forte Skincare website and on the curated NET SUSTAIN platform of Net A Porter (which aligns with internationally recognised best ethical practice standards). It is now used as the facial product of choice at Rocco Forte Hotels – including Verdura in Sicily, The Balmoral in Edinburgh & Brown’s Hotel in London.
