The Best in Beauty From the Boot, Vol. 1: Diego Dalla Palma

If you were to ask me which beauty brand you should check out first on your next trip to Italy, without a doubt, I’d point you in the direction of Diego Dalla Palma.

Well, thinking about it, I’d actually ask about your taste and budget first, but based on my personal taste, that would definitely be the answer.

Diego Dalla Palma is a famous Italian makeup artist who launched his own cosmetic range in the late ‘70s. After starting off as a professional line, it has slowly but surely evolved into a mainstream high-end brand that can be found in most profumerie (beauty stores) and department stores across the country.

Diego Dalla Palma’s vast range includes everything from makeup to skin and hair care, which I’m sure can be a little overwhelming for someone exploring the brand for the first time. So, in case you ever find yourself in front of DDP’s mammoth display and have no clue where to start, today I’m sharing with you my five favorite products of the moment.

Powder Blush in 13 Orange Peach (€27.90/$30.30)

Aside from the virtually useless brush (unless you have a niece or daughter, in which case I’m sure she’ll know how to put it to good use), I love everything about this matte blush. It’s the perfect peachy shade; has just the right amount of pigment (as it’s not too sheer nor crazy pigmented); a smooth, finely milled texture and great wear time.

2 W.W. Mattifying Foundation (€33.90/$36.80)

About this foundation, let me get the not-so-good out of the way first. A) It has a distinct floral scent that I’m not a big fan of, but since it dissipates in a matter of minutes, I can personally live with it. B) As it happens with most (if not all) Italian foundations, the shade range doesn’t cater to the fairest or deepest skin tones.

OK, done. Now we can focus on what I LOVE about this product.

Look at the packaging! That sleek plastic tube with its highly efficient pump perfectly embodies the essence of Milan style. It’s practical and understatedly elegant. Isn’t it brilliant? I totally think it is, but in case you don’t give two hoots about packaging, you’ll be happy to know that what’s inside is even better.

Despite being formulated with combination/oily skin in mind, I think this foundation can actually suit a wider range of skin types, including normal and moderately dry — especially in the warmer months. It’s not excessively matte, doesn’t sink into pores and doesn’t emphasize fine lines or dry patches. It just looks like your skin — well, a perfected version of it.

Lip Pencil in 87 Orange (€18.90/$20.50)

And the award for Longest Lip Pencil in the World goes to…Diego Dalla Palma!!! * insert crowd cheers and applause *

Seriously, though, I’ve never seen any other pencil that long (besides the eye pencils from the same brand). It’s 7 inches of goodness! And in my opinion, the formula is spot-on. It’s firm enough to create a perfectly sharp outline but not so stiff that it hurts when you apply it all over the lips.

Contour Palette (€35/$38)

Behold my latest DDP acquisition! Isn’t it a beaut? It features two contour shades, a highlighter, a blush/bronzer and a yellow-toned powder that has quickly become my all-time favorite to set the under-eye area. It’s so creamy that it doesn’t emphasize the dryness I’ve been experiencing lately, and its yellow tone does a great job of making me look as if I slept a couple of extra hours.

The contour powders have the perfect amount of coolness to mimic natural shadows on the face, while the blush/bronzer is ideal to subtly warm up the complexion. The only powder I find a little useless is the highlighter, as it doesn’t really highlight much, to be honest. Sometimes I mix it with the yellow powder and use it under the eyes, but all in all, it’s pretty underwhelming.

Eyebrow Gel (€18.90/$20.50)

With Diego Dalla Palma’s clear brow gel, every day is a good brow day. (Is there such a thing? If there isn’t, there totally should be!). It keeps your brows in place without making them look crunchy or too shiny.

FUN FACT: slowly pushing and pulling the wand inside the clear tube creates a mesmerizing lava lamp effect.

If you’re a fearless creature who likes shopping for beauty products sight unseen, you can order Diego Dalla Palma on Amazon, but the prices are somewhat inflated. If you live on my side of the Atlantic (in an EU country), you can also order it directly on diegodallapalma.com.