Ciao! Having just left Florence, Italy I am still mesmerized by my visit to one of the world’s oldest apothecaries: Santa Maria Novella. Started by Dominican monks back in the 1200’s, the brand became available to the public some 400 years later. All herbs and botanicals are grown on the property whose staples in all formulations include skin and body care, fragrance, teas, mouth washes, and more! #HerbArt
I was first introduced to Santa Maria Novella shaving foam as a gift from our dear friend Maria (who also happens to be Italian). Soon after that, my best childhood friend (who now lives in Italy) sent me their ‘lotion for impure skin’ (she knows me so well). What are the chances that I would be visiting this beauty destination with both friends who don’t actually know each other? Well, that is exactly what happened. Yesterday. The odds? #MyFavor
Nothing prepared me for what I experienced upon entering the Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella on Via della Scala in Florence. The glass doors open to museum style rooms, each dedicated to a specific range of products (fragrance, skin care, etc). The herbal scents are intoxicating, the displays impeccable, and the staff couldn’t be more helpful. The original rooms of the Old Pharmacy (Antica Spezieria) are clean but untouched; interactive touch screens add a modern feel to each room. #ARTisenal
Santa Maria Novella products make for extremely unique gifts. The bar fragrances for clothes closets are amazing as is the signature pot-pourri macerated in terracotta jars with essential oils. When in doubt, the absolutely gorgeous soaps can be the perfect hostess or welcome gift. Treat the man in your life to the Shaving Foam. The very smooth shave is topped off with superb skin conditioning. One word of caution: if not dried, the metal can leaves rings of rust in the shower. Avoid this by taking off the cap and placing the can of shaving foam on top of it. #Prego
The aforementioned ‘face lotion for impure skin’ is called Fluido per la pelle impura del viso and makes for a phenomenal light purifying treatment for my combination skin on hot and humid days. Light in consistency, this gel serum lotion hybrid absorbs ultra fast and leaves skin feeling fresh and looking matte. The trademark SMV herbal scent is just as light. Its plastic pump bottle makes the list of summer travel must-haves. #PureBart
Santa Maria Novella is famous for its Rose Water (Acqua di Rose) but feeling very adventurous yesterday, I treated myself to the lesser-known Acqua di Maggio. Named in honor of the music festival that has taken place in Florence every Maggio (May) since the 16th century, this floral blend of iris and rose is truly exquisite. With all raw ingredients and free of any alcohol, this fragrant toner is perfect for all skin types. My skin is loving it. #MiAmore
Every Santa Maria Novella product has its own story. Whether created for Caterina de’ Medici, who became the Queen of France, or initially crafted for the convent’s infirmary, all blends have remained authentic for centuries. If you find yourself in Florence, this shop is a must on your itinerary. It’s tremendous. When you’re not in Florence, try LAFCO in NYC, a Soho gem that carries and ships all core Santa Maria Novella product. Explore and indulge. #FirstClass
