One of my greatest beauty icons is undoubtedly my Italian grandmother. She was the ultimate example of what it meant to age with grace and taught me the importance of staying fit without sacrificing culinary indulgences – she climbed mountains into her 70s and ate pasta daily. Above all, she she taught me that beauty is your way of showcasing inner confidence. This lingering example combined with my regular travels to Italy – most of which admiring the effortless glam of Milanese women – made me wonder about their beauty rituals. From Venice to Rome and on into Puglia, Italian women simply slay with their natural beauty and casual habit of wearing Prada heels to the grocery store.

So what is it about Italian beauty routines that keep women looking gorgeous with minimal effort (and plenty of gelato)?

I dived into my Italian background and explored the beauty secrets of this amazing culture – you’re going to love it. Us Italian women are emotional and dramatic, there is no denying that, but no one can beat us when it comes to fashion and personal style. Here are 10 Italian Beauty Secrets we should all have in our routines.

They Pick a Signature Scent (And Stick to It)

Italian women don’t have 23 perfumes to choose from daily. They pick a signature scent – one that represents their persona and showcases their vibrant personalities – and stick to it for years if not their entire life. Italian women know scent is a powerful thing and finding one that people mentally associate with you is powerful. My signature scents since college: Hypnotic Poison by Christian Dior (DAY) and Guilty by Gucci (NIGHT).

They Consider Moisturizing a Ritual

Italian women don’t spend more than 10-15 minutes on their makeup routine, but they happily dedicate a good 20 minutes to moisturizing their entire body after bathing. Moisturizing daily is the best way to avoid visible signs of aging and keep skin firm and senza stretch marks. This is a relaxing beauty ritual not to be skipped – and what do they use? That secret is coming up soon.

They Illuminate Their Skin Instead of Covering It

You won’t see Italian women layering on foundation. In Italy, it’s all about nurturing your skin and highlighting it when you go out. Instead of thick powders or pore-clogging foundations, Italian women opt for tinted moisturizer and a basic highlighter to showcase their natural glow.

They Eat Whatever They Want (And Earn It)

Nothing baffles an Italian girl more than dieting. Italian women love their food culture and always allow themselves pasta, cheese, gelato, pizza and wine when their cravings say so. The difference: portion size. They stop at one serving and instead of wine and gelato – pick one as their dessert, not both. Italian girls are always on the go and aren’t afraid to move, run or hit a local spinning class – but not to lose weight, but rather maintain the healthy lifestyle they believe in. That healthy glow and knowledge of balance is the foundation to every Italian beauty ritual.

They Don’t Obsess Over Latest Beauty Products

They aren’t searching on YouTube for the latest reviews of the beauty product they read about in Vogue, but rather stick to the natural products which have worked for them for years. They believe consistency in the products you use is better for your skin than constant changes in the name of cult products.

Their Product of Choice: Olive Oil

Yes, olive oil is the lifeblood of Italians and not only in the kitchen. Sophia Loren swore by lathering olive oil all over her body and many Italian women use olive oil compresses on their hair to maintain thick, glossy locks. And I attest it’s true: Olive Oil is LOADED with Vitamin E and is my moisturizer of choice.

They Swear by Garlic

Move over, tea tree oil, there is a new pimple vanquisher in town – albeit, a more fragrant one. We all know Garlic is one of the healthiest ingredients to exist. To take it one step further, many Italian women believe this garlicy health benefits extend to the skin. If you spot a blemish, rub a peeled garlic clove on it. The bacteria-killing properties will destroy it and leave skin clear and glowing in true Italian style.

They Believe Beauty is in Citrus

A natural skin brightener, loaded with antioxidants and leaves skin feeling glowy and smooth – it’s no wonder Italian women use oranges and lemons religiously in their beauty routines. One of my favorite beauty rituals is squeezing the juice from a lemon or orange, mixing it with olive oil and rubbing the mixture on my face and neck. It instantly brightens my complexion and the antioxidants leave my skin protected against free radicals and blemishes.

They Believe Eyebrows Are Best Left Naturale

Refrain from over-plucking your eyebrows – for Italian women, they are the centerpiece of your face and less is more when it comes to grooming. Use a pencil or eyebrow palate to fill them in so they are full, naturally structured and glamorous.

They Embrace Color

The color of your clothing impacts your overall look and complexion – especially for those women who gravitate toward the comfort of black and neutrals. Every girl should have their LBD at hand, but don’t make this color the foundation of your wardrobe. Italy is a vivacious country, as are the souls of the locals. Italian women use color as a secondary expression of their personalties. Don’t be afraid to rock your most beloved hues and colors!