We caught up with Irene Forte, the founder and CEO of her eponymous skincare line, Irene Forte Skincare.
After a decade working at her father’s luxury hotel group, Rocco Forte Hotels, where Irene developed the group’s spa offering, she established Irene Forte Skincare at the end of 2018. Irene works closely with her scientific director, the highly acclaimed Dr. Francesca Ferri, to create truly effective products using natural ingredients guided by science.
In over two years, Irene Forte Skincare has developed twenty-four products, with three more launching this year, and has expanded into 12 spas and 31 retailers globally during the pandemic, including Net-a-Porter (globally), Nordstrom, Liberty, Flannels and most recently, Amazon Luxury Stores.
My car of choice
I’m not really into cars, as, rather embarrassingly, I don’t have a driving licence. So, my ‘vehicle ’ of choice is a Vanmoof electric bicycle. It’s beautiful-looking and very enjoyable to ride.
My favourite holiday destination
Going to Rocco Forte’s Verdura Resort in Sicily. I worked there for over six months in 2010, and I got married there. It’s also home to my skincare’s organic farm, so I’m extremely attached to the place. There’s a 4,000 square metre spa; the food, landscapes and sunsets are unrivalled.
My gadget I can’t live without
Not exactly a gadget, but a jade Gua sha, a facial tool. I use this almost every morning with my Rose Face Oil (containing 30% Vitamin E and Omega rich-oils (3, 6 and 9). It prompts blood circulation, relieves tension (particularly around my jaw area), and promotes lymphatic drainage.
My go to fashion brand
Luisa Beccaria. Her Italian brand is beautifully feminine and romantic. I love her dreamy floral dresses, shirts and skirts.
My airline of choice
British Airways. I have managed to get a Gold Card, as a result of travelling so much for work. The First Class check-in at Heathrow T5 is a game-changer.
My favourite watch brand
I don’t actually wear or own a watch, but if I had to pick a brand, and I had the budget, it would be Audemars Piguet.
My favourite restaurant
Mosaico at Hotel de la Ville in Rome. The menu is created by Michelin-starred chef Fulvio Pierangelini, Rocco Forte Hotels’ executive chef. Fulvio is a genius whose dishes contain the best local and seasonal produce. Many dishes are vegetarian, which I love as I don’t eat much meat.
My guilty pleasure
Spending the weekend watching back-to-back premier league football games (and, as a result, not leaving the house).
My favourite way to give back
Ensuring Irene Forte Skincare is as sustainable as possible, and working with meaningful charity partners. We’re a B-Corp Certified business and recently partnered with the Lady Garden Foundation who raises awareness and funding for gynaecological health. For every Pomegranate Hand Cream sold, £1.50 is donated to the charity.
