If you're like my friends (or more specifically, the people I barely know but vicariously Instagram stalk), it's almost holiday season. Visions of picturesque Mediterranean destinations like Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, or the Riviera may dance in your head. If you're like me, you're all out of PTO and the closest you'll get to Italy is through closing your eyes, eating a lot of Trader Joe's mozzarella, and pretending you smell a sea breeze.
Luckily, Italy has long been the muse of many fragrance houses, so even if you're not jetting off to your own Roman holiday, you can live like Audrey Hepburn on holiday. Whether you opt for a luxurious Dolce & Gabbana perfume or a pampering almond hand cream, we've found the nine best ways to channel your inner Italian.
Tocca Tuscany Diffuser
If you've got friends coming over and you need to hide the fact that you just smashed a pungent artichoke pizza all by yourself, whip out this Tocca Tuscany Diffuser [1] ($35). Scents like crisp tomato and wild primrose will freshen things up and make you feel like you live in a medieval villa, rather than a sixth-floor walk-up.
Carthusia Fiori di Capri Parfum
Monks have been bottling versions of this Carthusia Fiori di Capri Parfum [2] ($140) since 1380, when the fragrance house began as a present for a visiting queen. Famous fans of the label include Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (who wore it on her wedding day to JFK) and Michael Kors, so you'll be in good hands when you smell like this mix of tuberose, gardenia, orange blossom, and Turkish rose.
Dipytque Vetyverio/Vetiver Eau de Toilette
This earthy, exotic Dipytque Vetyverio/Vetiver Eau de Toilette [3] ($135) is a mixture of florals and musk, which makes it a playful, unisex option that works best on those with adventurous tastes. On the sweet side, it's made with Italian mandarin and Floridian grapefruit, and it contains cedar, carrot seed, and vetiver to keep things savory.
Aerin Beauty Mediterranean Honeysuckle Body Cream
When I grow up, I want to be Kendall Jenner living her best life on a yacht in Cannes [4]. Until then, I'll just have to make do with this Aerin Beauty Mediterranean Honeysuckle Body Cream [5] ($60), which was inspired by the French Riviera's cousin, the clear blue oceans off of Italy's coast. The luxurious lotion smells like honeysuckle, bergamot, and lily of the valley and has a citrus finish, because everyone loves a boost of vitamin C.
Acqua di Parma Colonia Essenza Cologne
This Acqua di Parma Colonia Essenza Cologne [6] ($160) is just as fresh and fruity as the other names on this list, but it comes in a stark black (almost goth!) bottle, because sometimes you don't want your vanity to look like Barbie's Dream House. What's inside is an intoxicating mix of grapefruit, mandarin, orange, patchouli, and amber.
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Italian Zest Eau de Toilette
You can warm your cold, bitter heart and smell like actual sunshine with one spritz of this Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Italian Zest Eau de Toilette [7] ($100). Notes of citrus, Sicilian cedar, Granny Smith apples, white rose, and jasmine give off a spicy, feminine vibe.
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Acqua
This list wouldn't be complete without the splashy, cult-favorite Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Acqua [8] ($122), aka one of the sexiest scents in town. It's light and fresh but anchored with a note of heady amber to keep things musky.
Perlier White Almond Hand Cream
The Perlier White Almond Hand Cream [9] ($18) is the rare hand lotion that you can put on and then actually do stuff afterward. You won't feel slippery and slide-y after massaging in this rich, creamy formula that's made with ingredients from Italian botanical gardens.
Atelier Cologne Orange Positano Candle
This Atelier Cologne Orange Positano Candle [10] ($75) lasts for way longer than it should. I, a notorious candle-forget-to-put-out-er, have left this on during the day and it did not burn down my apartment! A ringing endorsement for sure. Other accolades? It's inspired by the Amalfi Coast, and it smells like juicy citrus. The wicks are also set into the bottom of the container, which means everything stays put while it burns.