The Rome-based designer Stella Novarino has always valued self-care. She is a mother, activist, and the founder of Stella Jean —a sustainable collection of vibrant, craft-based fashion that draws upon her Italian-Haitian history. “I’m a business owner, a mom, a creative, so taking time for myself is important, especially to stay inspired,” says Novarino, whose sartorial collaborations also take her on globetrotting visits with local artisans in Peru, Pakistan, and beyond.
For Novarino, ‘me time’ comes in the form of a long, leisurely bath or shower—often bookended by travel, speaking engagements, or designing in her atelier. On a recent 48-hour trip to New York, she was honored with the Award for Excellence in ethical fashion from La Scuola d’Italia. Ahead of the evening event at Cipriani, she prepped skin with Bioderma’s Micellar Water, her favorite Caudalie VinoPerfect serum, mist (she loves Essence Éklat from Haitian skincare brand Furcy Botanik to feel “awake and grounded”), and face cream.
For makeup that built off her everyday polished minimalism, Novarino tapped editorial artist Laura Ferrera—and instantly fell hard for the creamy finish of Westman Atelier’s Vital Skin Foundation Stick in X & VII, followed by the Blush Duo in Coquette/Mimi on cheeks. “It’s perfect for someone like me who isn’t a makeup expert,” she says of the easy sculpting color palette, which Ferrara used to warm her complexion with tones of tawny beige and brightening peach. Next came a kohl-rimmed eye using Eye Love You Pencil and Eye Want You Mascara in Clean Black. A touch of Lip Suede Matte Lipstick in Piqué gave natural pillowiness in taupey-nude.
The designer’s glowing, effortless beauty look paired beautifully with a sweeping lime green dress from Stella Jean. Because for Novarino, everything, including big night makeup and fashion, is best when it’s personal.
