by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

Giulia Peyrone: “Always skin first.”

Italian-Thai artist and designer Giulia Peyrone talks to BEAUBIT about her work and what inspires it, her beginnings in art and fashion, and her “skin first” approach to beauty.

Artist and designer Giulia Peyrone believes embracing our natural beauty is essential and powerful. The Thai-born Italian is the creative mind behind GIULIA, which was founded to create a dialogue between the artistry of repetition and the delicacy of printmaking. The 28-year-old continues to work in a wide range of media including painting, printmaking, textile and product design. 

Here, BEAUBIT learns more about Giulia’s work and what inspires it, her beginnings in art and fashion, and her natural approach to beauty.

What do you do and where are you based at the moment?

I am an artist and designer based in New York and Florence, Italy. At present, I am home in Florence.

How did your interest in art and fashion begin? 

I grew up between Thailand and Italy, travelling with my parents who are dealers, selling the handcrafted works of others through their shops. This was my first exposure to artisans and the creative process. Through these experiences, a seed was planted and I knew then I wanted to do something creative. 

Who has been some of the influences on your work so far? Where are you finding your inspiration these days?

I find inspiration from my general surroundings and memories from the past. At times, it will arrive on a whim, a sudden movement, an object, a person. Culture, of course, plays a role too. I’ve followed the career paths of Damien Hirst and Miuccia Prada, inspired by the way they work. 

What messages do you hope your audience will understand when looking at your work?

My work explores the discipline of repetition and rhythm, and the clarity it brings upon the person observing the work closely. It may seem mass-produced and manufactured, which I hope brings into question the process of labour and authorship.

How would you describe your style, and how does that creative aesthetic show itself in your work?

I enjoy the classics whilst always having something out of the ordinary lying in its wake. This tends to extend itself into my work, taking something that may be seemingly boring, and presenting it in an unexpected way. 

What would you say is your approach to beauty?

“Always skin first.”

It is important to embrace natural beauty.  

What is a typical skincare routine for you?

I wake up and have a shot of lemon with apple cider vinegar each morning.  Due to my allergies, I apply a cold press for puffiness.

I don’t cleanse my face with soap in the morning. I wash my face with cold water and wipe my face with Rose Water from Santa Maria Novella to wake up my skin. For under-eyes, my all-time favourite is the Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado from Kiehl’s. I have sensitive skin and this is the only product that doesn’t give me allergies. Apart from that, I like to use natural oils for hydration; I’m currently loving Kora Organics’ Noni Glow Face Oil and the Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil.

At night, I take off my eye makeup with baby oil. I use a bar soap from Santa Maria Novella to wash my face, then I apply the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment and the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum. Also, I find that sleeping on silk pillows has helped my sensitive skin (I manufacture these in my factory).

I exfoliate twice per week and love the Supermud Clearing Treatment from Glamglow and the Firm X Peeling Gel from Peter Thomas Roth.

What is your go-to everyday makeup look?

I keep it to a minimum. My SuperGoop Play sunscreen goes on first, then I mix a little bit of coconut skin primer with a face oil to keep my skin hydrated throughout the day. I don’t use foundation as I prefer to keep my skin pretty bare, which shows off my freckles and birthmark; I used to like to cover it, but I’ve embraced the birthmark on my forehead as a big part of me. I’ll touch up under my eyes and any redness that I might have that day with Nars concealer. And then I move on to my eyebrows, brushing them upwards. For lipstick, I’m loving using Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Blush in Burning Berry. 

What’s next for you?

I have a few collaborations in the works including a hospitality project, Silkstone. Having just returned home to Italy, I’ve been organizing my studio, bits and pieces, here and there, so I may open it up to visitors next year.

Giulia’s Beauty Picks

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, SGD91
Santa Maria Novella Rose Water, SGD44
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, SGD39
Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil, SGD87
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil, SGD102
Santa Maria Novella Tabacco Toscano Soap, SGD56
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment, SGD130
Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment, SGD39
Peter Thomas Roth Firm X Peeling Gel, SGD66
Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion With Sunflower Extract Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++, SGD49
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, SGD46
Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Blush Hydrating Lip And Cheek Colour in Burning Berry, SGD56.95

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