I am going to Italy in about two weeks (wow!!) and I am wondering if anyone has purchased any great skin care products while there.

I have sensitive, dry skin and I always have difficulty finding good facial moisturizers and make-up.

Has anyone found a good brand of product that isn't available in Canada and the States that I should be on the look out for?

Thanks.

I use Venus (that is the brand), and you can buy at rinascente or Upim. The Day and Night Cream have Vita C and they smell slightly cirtus-y and fresh! I also use the Milk Facial Wash, and the toner, which comes in an orange bottle, and has A, C and E in it.

Littlebella--are you my long lost twin? I am going to italy in about 4 weeks and keep hearing so many good things about santa maria pharmacy (sp?).

I also have very dry and sensitive skin...I get acne from time to time, but flakiness is more of an issue for me. And I would love to hear about skin care products I can get from Italy---that way each time I use some, I will always think of my trip.

LittleBella, you may find some ideas in these links...

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2

Santa Maria Novella products are among the finest.....do a search here for voluminous information...

I bought a wonderful facial soap at Santa Maria Novella Pharmacia in Florence. My face has become intolerant to everything, including sun screen, moisturizers and soap. This olive oil soap is the only soap I can use which does not cause me to break out with an allergic reaction. I paid about 10E for a VERY small bar. I regret that I didn't buy more products. I am quite sure they have a store in Rome.

Thanks everyone. I will the look for Santa Maria Novella Pharmacia while I am in Florence.

I have eczema so I am really prone to flaking in my T-zone area and I often get incredibly dry hands. It would be great if these products help.