Attending Milano Unica requires seamless preparation. This year, my focus on personal readiness for Milan’s vibrant energy began with essential beauty foundations: hair and nails. Let’s dive in!
Trust me when I say, the thrill of a major international event like Milano Unica is absolutely electrifying! But as a woman who’s navigated her fair share of airports, visas, and unexpected travel quirks, especially with our unique passports, I know that arriving seamlessly isn’t just about the flight – it’s about feeling utterly prepared and confident from the moment you land.
I’m not just attending the 41st Milano Unica from July 8th to 10th; I’m embarking on an exciting journey, a blend of sharp business acumen and the sheer joy of international exploration. And believe me, a smooth personal transition into the bustling energy of Milan, even with its signature summer heat and humidity, is the non-negotiable foundation for a truly successful and enjoyable trip.
While we’ll save the juicy details about my fabulous first look and my styling secrets for conquering the Milanese climate for my next article, I’m dedicating this piece to the essential pre-travel beauty preparations I swear by.
Milano Unica, the prestigious international textile and accessories fair, demands a polished and professional presence. Beyond the meticulously planned outfits and carefully curated samples, a solid beauty foundation is absolutely key to feeling confident and ready to command the show floor. This year, my beauty prep started with focusing on the absolute essentials: my hair, nails, and toenails. Let’s dive into the details of each.
Deep wave braids for versatility
For my hair, the goal was sophisticated yet effortlessly practical, especially with the Milanese summer in mind. Long days on my feet, navigating bustling exhibition halls, meant a style that could withstand the demands of the event without constant touch-ups, while also offering flexibility for evening engagements. My solution? Stunning deep wave braids from Ayya Hair.
These braids were a game-changer. Not only do they offer a chic, voluminous look that’s perfectly suited for summer, but their inherent versatility made them ideal for the demands of Milano Unica. For the show floor, I could easily sweep them into a sleek, low ponytail. This is a timeless look that conveys professionalism and keeps every strand neatly out of the way, essential when you’re constantly interacting and presenting. The deep waves added texture and interest, elevating a simple ponytail into something truly stylish.
And for evenings in the city, exploring Milan’s vibrant atmosphere? I could simply let the braids down, allowing the beautiful waves to cascade freely. This quick transformation meant I was ready for any dinner or networking event without needing a complete hair overhaul. This pre-planned, low-maintenance yet high-impact hairstyle was a core part of feeling polished and prepared, ensuring my hair looked impeccable from the first coffee to late-night engagements.
Ombre aura nails for a sizzling summer
My hands are constantly in view at a trade show – shaking hands, interacting with fabrics, and taking notes. Therefore, perfectly manicured nails were an absolute non-negotiable. This year, I chose a personal touch of vibrant elegance with almond-shaped sunset ombre aura nails. This unique design begins with a soft pastel purple at the base. It seamlessly transitioning through warm orange tones, and culminates in a fiery red at the centre. It’s a captivating blend that captures the essence of a beautiful summer evening while still maintaining a sophisticated air.
My nail prep started two days before leaving for Milano Unica. I ensured my nails were ready for Francesca, my talented nail technician. She meticulously shaped my nails into a neat, short oval, ensuring there were no snags or rough edges. After pushing back my cuticles, she buffed the nail surface gently for an even application. Francesca achieved the stunning aura effect by carefully blending the colours using an airbrush technique, creating that soft, diffused glow. A final layer of quick-drying gel top coat locked in the vibrant hues and provided maximum shine and chip resistance. These eye-catching nails not only look incredible but also make me feel more confident and stylish in every interaction.
These foundational elements – my hair, nails, and toenails – are the bedrock of my Milano Unica beauty routine. They provide a sense of calm and readiness. And this allows me to focus on the business at hand without any nagging worries about my appearance. You might notice I opted for a lash-free face for this trip; that was a deliberate choice for the more quiet, relaxed parts of my holiday.
Stay tuned for my next article, where I’ll delve into the rest of my beauty routine, including skincare, makeup, and how I ensured I looked and felt my best throughout the demanding days of Milano Unica!
