A cosmetic bag is a carefully curated collection of products and tools that are as much a part of a woman’s beauty routine as her DNA. Monica Bellucci, the new face of Dolce & Gabbana’s iconic makeup line, has been gracious enough to reveal not only the contents of her makeup bag, but also her personal beauty narrative.
Bellucci, who was interested in makeup from an early age, began wearing it at the age of 14. She is now the embodiment of Italian glam, never leaving the house without at least one layer of mascara. Her long friendship with Domenico and Stefano has led to the kind of teamwork that most women can only dream of. They were able to smoothly adapt Monica’s multiple moods and personalities into a makeup line that portrays the multifaceted nature of all women. Click through the feature to get an inside look at her cosmetics bag and learn about her beauty secrets.
When did you first start wearing makeup?
I have to admit that I wanted to be a woman right away. So I remember wearing mascara and gloss for the first time when I was 14 years old, and I remember going to school and my teacher telling me to come to the restroom and take everything off. So I actually got started quickly.
What are three makeup necessities you can’t live without?
It’s difficult to say that my favorite Dolce & Gabbana product isn’t a lipstick from the Monica Lipstick Collection – after all, it was designed specifically for me! Each hue in the Collection reflects one facet of my personality, and I adore the colors because they are shades I wear depending on my mood.
For lovely, full lashes, I also recommend the Intenseyes Mascara. I like to layer it so that my lashes are big and feathery. That’s a lovely look. It goes perfectly with the Lace Collection’s Femme Fatale Eye Shadow Quad – the hues in the quad are somewhat shimmering nudes with a deep graphite grey, and the colors merge beautifully when I want to build up a really dramatic smoky eye, but can also be used on their own in the daytime.
I have to admit that I wanted to be a woman right away.
Do you wear cosmetics on a daily basis or only on special occasions?
Even on calm days when I am not doing much with my time, I always wear makeup. As a base, I like to start with Perfect Finish Creamy Foundation because it’s lighter than air and doesn’t leave me feeling ‘caked.’ Even if I don’t pay attention to anything else, I will apply mascara and lipstick, even if it’s a really natural hue. I can’t live without mascara, and even when I’m wearing very light makeup, I always apply mascara, generally a black one. It makes me feel ‘done’ and prepared for the day. Nothing else creates a gorgeous full, feathery effect like Dolce & Gabbana Intenseyes Mascara. I couldn’t leave lipstick out of my make-up process because it’s such a crucial part of my style and makes a statement that I’m ready for anything. Those are my two essentials.
For many years, you have been Domenico and Stefano’s friend. How did you react when you were contacted to represent the Dolce & Gabbana beauty line?
I’m thrilled to be working on this project with Domenico and Stefano. We’ve been friends for many years because I modeled for them before moving into cinema, so it’s great to work with them again. I’m flattered to be considered a muse for their makeup brand; I’ve enjoyed spending time with them over the years.
I’m thrilled to be working on this project with Domenico and Stefano.
You served as a model for Dolce & Gabbana’s new spring collection, particularly the Monica lipsticks.
Do you believe the items accurately represent your essence?
The varied lipsticks represent distinct facets of my personality by bringing to life how I could feel that day and the situations in which I might wear the colour. Magnetic Monica, for example, is a great party hue for when I’m out and about and enjoying the company of people, whereas Only Monica is for romantic, lighthearted occasions when I want to feel extra feminine and want to wear a soft, candy pink. Natural Monica captures me at my most comfortable and effortless, and is the ideal nude for a day when I want to embrace subtle glamour, whilst Italian Monica captures my vibrant Italian side – it’s a flirty chili red brimming with Mediterranean passion. Chic Monica is a lovely hue – it’s a delicate rose pink that is classy and silky while yet being a bit fashion forward, and it matches the risk-taking aspect of my personality, as I’m not scared to wear unique colors. The Attractive Monica hue, which I wore for the commercial campaign, is a deep, genuine red that I’d describe as a cardinal red. That definitely displays my sensuous side, as it’s a very enticing color that draws a lot of attention to my mouth.
What are your favorite items from the collection?
I adore Attractive Monica, the shade I wore for the advertising campaign, and I am drawn to different colors depending on my mood each day. It’s a rich, sensual crimson that will never go out of style. It’s the ideal red and looks amazing – such a rich, seductive tone. Bellissimo!
Which item from this collection should every lady own?
Magnetic Monica is a terrific party hue that every woman should own – it’s a deep, glossy plum with gorgeous purple and red tones. It’s striking but not overpowering, and it really brings out the fullness of my lips. It’s unique but also incredibly wearable, and the deep hue looks great with an evening gown.
Magnetic Monica is a terrific party shade that I believe every lady should own.
How do you keep your skin looking flawless?
I remove my make-up before going to bed because I believe the skin needs to breathe. So I like to remove everything, thoroughly cleanse my skin, and then sleep well, because the most important beauty moment is sleeping.
Do you have any beauty tips or secrets to share with our readers?
I take care of my skin since radiance is the foundation of all beautiful makeup. I am a stickler about washing and moisturizing. I also make an effort to drink plenty of water in order to keep my eyes bright and shining.
Use a lip color that reflects your mood. I like to dress in a daring, brilliant color to boost my attitude and make me feel ready to face anything, and nothing says dynamism and brazen beauty like a bright diva red. I adore wearing Italian Monica from the Monica Lipstick Collection because it’s a really vibrant chilli red, similar to the color of the Italian flag!
Could you pls list the products in your makeup bag at the moment?
Dolce & Gabbana Intenseyes Mascara because it’s a high-quality mascara that volumizes and lengthens my lashes and a rich formula voluptuous lipstick. I can take on the world with one of the Monica Lipstick Collection lipsticks!
Browse the Dolce & Gabbana makeup collection in the gallery below.
