It's funny how us editors can effortlessly write pages and pages on slightly different shades of red lipstick, but we freeze any time someone asks us to write an introduction piece about ourselves.
Let's start easy. I'm Margherita, I'm from Rome and I'm 25 (at least until the end of next month. However, I like to dwell in the reassuring, exact number that is a quarter of a century for as long as humanly possible. Yes, I'm a Virgo).
Some of my friends would describe me as the average Italian chick (alarmingly that's the name of the beauty blog I started writing when I was 17 - It's still up, please don't google it) - sociable, loud and overwhelmingly addicted to hand gestures. But alas, there's so much more about me.
I'm at my happiest when I'm doing either of these things: talking / trying / looking at beauty products, traveling, and connecting with new people.
Working in Muse & Heroine allows me to combine the three, which makes me very happy, as you can imagine. The other places where I'm allowed to do so are Grazia.it (where I am a contributing beauty editor) and good old Instagram.
Muse&Heroine Self Love Club means a lot to me because self-care is a very important part of my daily routine: I look at it as it is life insurance. It's so empowering to know that no matter what happens in the outside world, you've got your back, always.
Be kind to yourselves guys (I know I haven’t always been). And while on the subject, be kind to everyone actually, both human and non-human.
And drink lots - water is preferable, although I would agree on the odd glass of orange wine.
I am very honored to be able to call myself the humble captain of this glorious, promising, welcoming, colorful ship that's about to sail away and reach every single one of you with a daily dose of information, empowerment, and self-care inspiration.
Send all the good vibes.
Take care, your M.
Interview with Margherita Fresilli, Beauty Editor at Grazia. It + Managing Editor for Live Like a Heroine.
How did you get into beauty?
Beauty has been my favorite thing for as long as I can remember. I have so many childhood memories of sitting in everyone’s bathrooms staring at the beauty products displayed on the counter for hours. During my gap year, I decided to start a blog. A year of networking later I got scouted to be a beauty contributing editor on Grazia.it. It’s been four years!
Where do you find out about new products and treatments?
As a beauty editor, I receive lots and lots of information about new product launches on a daily basis. However, my beauty radar is always on - I love to discover new brands and products whenever I’m in town or traveling somewhere.
You are receiving tons of beauty products to try. But how many products are actually making it into your personal bathroom? And how do you choose the lucky ones that end up being on your bathroom shelf?
I have a pretty intense skincare cabinet - however, I would say that I keep 70% of the skincare I get sent and that only 50 % ends up in my daily rotation. The products that I end up keeping are almost always clean and vegan. I love discovering hidden gems from indie-small brands. I usually focus on texture, purpose, and on the ingredient list. And I am an absolute sucker for cool packagings and brandings.
What is your daily beauty regimen? What is your weekly beauty regimen?
Cleansing is a step that I never skip - AM and PM. In the morning I tend to keep my skincare routine pretty minimal: cleanse, hydrate, Sunscreen. At night I spend more time and try to nourish my skin as much as possible. I love layering acids, serums, and oils to really get the most out of my beauty sleep. Masking is key whenever my skin doesn’t feel or look great, I’d say one-two times per week. Recently I have been loving Susie Mermaids Sirens Glow Firming Radiance Mask - I use it once or twice a week if my pores are feeling clogged. It's a game-changer.
What do you use for your body?
As much as I love skincare, I tend to be very lazy when it comes to body care. However, I have very dry skin so every time I’m out of the shower I apply a thick layer of Yope body cream. Lately, I've been giving dry brushing a try - I love it, especially in the morning. It's great for your body and helps your mind feel refreshed and energized too.
Tell us one of your personal best kept beauty secrets?
Make sure you always remove your makeup before going to bed, even if you’re black out drunk and it’s 4am.
Are there any beauty secrets that your mother or grandmother passed down to you?
My mum has never been a huge fan of makeup; she hardly wears anything heavier than a tad of bronzer. But one thing she never skips is her skincare routine. She taught me the most important beauty lesson of all: take care of your skin first. A nugget of advice from my grandmas? Don’t step outside without lipstick and a spritz of perfume.
What are the three beauty products you always have in your handbag?
Lip balm (sometimes more than one), hand cream, and a mini perfume.
What is your favorite workout?
Last year I discovered fit boxing and I fell in love. It’s so empowering both mentally and physically and it’s a perfect way to release stress and tension in a safe environment (and without actually hurting people). I also love a good HIIT session - the sweatier, the better.
An expensive-but-worth-it product or treatment?
If you have the chance, every once in a while treat yourself to a professional facial. Nothing feels quite as good. And the product, definitely In Fiore Fleur Vibrante Serum Cerate - there's simply nothing that feels the same on the skin. All the benefits of the best botanic oils in a non-greasy, fast-absorbing texture.
Your favorite supplement?
I don’t eat meat - and haven’t for the last decade - so definitely Iron + Vitamin C.
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Favorite App on your phone?
It has to be Instagram. It’s where I share pictures, new projects, life experiences, and most of my work-related shenanigans. It’s also a great platform for networking and meeting new people/unveil new opportunities.
Favorite blog/influencer where you always get some inspiration?
Considering I spend 90% of my time online it is very hard to pick just one. But if I had to I would definitely choose Lizzie Hadfield aka Shot from the Street. Queen of all things minimal and all-round glorious human being.
What is your self-care approach?
To me, self-care is like life insurance. When everything/everyone else fails, taking care of yourself is key to maintain balance both mentally and physically.
What is your best, hidden talent?
Always finding a new way of turning leftover food into delicious, zero-waste meals.
Last thing before bed?
Hand cream and lip balm.
First thing in the morning?
Opening the windows and making the bed.
Your favorite health spot in Rome?
If you’re in town looking for a real #treatyoself moment, I would suggest a quiet afternoon spent at the De La Ville Spa, inside the ever so famous Hotel. Just a few steps from Piazza di Spagna, this small cocoon is the perfect spot to hide from the buzz of the city and indulge in some serious self-care.
Your favorite healthy restaurant in Rome?
There are so many I like but I have to say Marigold in Ostiense holds a very special place in my heart. Just ask for freshly baked sourdough and smashed avocado.
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Find Margherita on Instagram @margheritafresilli
Credits Ph: Mirko Morelli
