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The iconic beauty looks that made history at Sanremo

From the chameleon-like Anna Oxa to the glitter of Paola and Chiara

The iconic beauty looks that made history at Sanremo From the chameleon-like Anna Oxa to the glitter of Paola and Chiara

Some love it, some hate it. And yet, both groups often end up watching it—at least in the past few years, with Amadeus as the host. We’re talking, of course, about Sanremo, the Festival of Italian Song, that unique mix of music, scandals, gossip, fashion, and beauty. Watching it, for better or worse, is like flipping through the pages of an album on Italian culture and society. We don’t yet know what surprises this year’s festival, hosted by Carlo Conti, has in store. But based on the past, we can safely assume we’ll be commenting on every chorus, outfit, hairstyle, and makeup look sported by the stars. We’ve done it before (or at least our parents and grandparents did) in the ‘60s for Caterina Caselli’s British bowl cut and Bobby Solo’s bold eyeliner; for Anna Oxa’s punk make-up in the ‘70s; for the minimalist looks of the ‘90s; and for the shimmering textures and glossy lip gloss of the early 2000s. From Arisa’s black bob, oversized glasses, and red lipstick to Måneskin’s glam smoky eyes, from Patty Pravo and Achille Lauro’s eclectic styles to Paola and Chiara’s glittery looks, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the beauty trends that have made history at the festival (and in Italian pop culture). Which one is your favorite? And who rocks eyeliner better—Morgan or Damiano David?

Sanremo 1965: Bobby Solo’s Eyeliner and Mascara

Before Damiano David and Morgan, it was Bobby Solo who brought men’s make-up to the Ariston stage. It was Sanremo 1965, and the singer won with Se piangi, se ridi, stirring up controversy in conservative 1960s Italy—not for his lip-synced performance, but for the hint of eyeliner and mascara that accentuated his gaze. Solo took inspiration from his teenage idols, Elvis Presley and Tony Curtis, as well as the young Mods he had seen in London. Recalling that now-iconic beauty detail, Solo once said: "I met two girls from Profumeria Europa outside [the Sanremo Casino] and asked them to sneak in with me and do my makeup. They got a little too enthusiastic and applied half a pound of it on my face. As soon as I stepped on stage and started sweating, two rivers of eyeliner ran down my cheeks. It was a scandal".

Sanremo 1967: Iva Zanicchi’s Beehive and Cut Crease

Iva Zanicchi won the 1967 Sanremo Festival with Non pensare a me, performing alongside Claudio Villa. For the occasion, she embraced the beauty trends of the era—favorites among icons like Mina, Sophia Loren, and Twiggy. She wore her hair in a voluminous beehive with full, long bangs and showcased a bold black-and-white cut crease, complete with thick eyeliner and doe-like lashes. Her 1968 look was also stunning—a long, gypsy-chic braid that perfectly complemented her song Zingara.

Sanremo 1978: Anna Oxa’s Punk Make-up

Anna Oxa is undoubtedly one of the most chameleonic women in Italian music. Choosing her best look is nearly impossible, but her debut on the Ariston stage is unforgettable. Just 17 years old but already full of grit, Oxa performed Un’emozione da poco, written for her by Ivano Fossati, in an androgynous style that left audiences speechless: a light blue shirt, suit pants, vest, and tie, paired with a pixie cut and a bold, maximalist make-up look meticulously crafted by artist Ivan Cattaneo.

Sanremo 1984: Patty Pravo as a Modern Geisha

Competing with Per una bambola, Venetian singer Patty Pravo transformed into a modern geisha. She wore a silver chainmail tunic by Gianni Versace, held a matching fan tightly in her hands, and sported an intricate topknot hairstyle created by Marcello Casoni. In stark contrast to the decade’s trends of wild curls and colorful make-up, Patty opted for an ethereal complexion, accentuated with bold blush strokes on her cheekbones and halo eyeshadow in shades of white and pink.

Sanremo 1984: Romina Power’s Boho-Chic Look

While her peers favored sculpted haircuts and teased manes, Romina Power graced the 1984 Sanremo stage alongside Al Bano with long, wavy brown locks, accented by a large white flower—the same color as her slip dress. A mix of hippie and boho-chic, Romina looked like she had stepped out of a Paul Gauguin painting.

Sanremo 1993: Laura Pausini’s Bob

Laura Pausini’s 1993 look—featuring structured navy blazers—may not be among the most stylish or elegant. But her debut performance of La solitudine remains memorable, in part due to her long bob with a side fringe, a signature ‘90s haircut that has recently made a comeback.

Sanremo 1998: Annalisa Minetti’s Leopard-Print Hair Tattoo

Trends always come back, including hair tattoos. In Italy, one of the first to rock this look was Annalisa Minetti at the 1998 Sanremo Festival. She added a unique touch to her blonde hair with a leopard-print pattern on the side sections. Maybe that little beauty detail brought her luck—Annalisa won that year with Senza te o con te.

Sanremo 1999: Anna Oxa’s Sun-Kissed and Glowy Make-Up

Yes, we’ve already mentioned Anna Oxa, but her iconic beauty moments are countless. It’s impossible not to recall Sanremo 1999, when she shocked the audience with visible underwear peeking out from her slightly country-style pants, embellished with crystals and small fringes. The outfit, designed by Gucci by Tom Ford, was paired with a bronzed make-up look that extended into a full-body glow, along with semi-tied brown hair featuring strikingly light highlights.

Sanremo 2001: The Fluorescent Make-Up of Bluvertigo

Bluvertigo participated in Sanremo with L’assenzio (The Power of Nothing). Approaching the traditional festival, the Milanese band—one of the most influential names in Italian indie at the time—did not give up its signature ‘70s and ‘80s glam rock-inspired look. They took the stage wearing fluorescent eyeshadow and nail polish. Morgan, in particular, stood out with his neon pink eyes.

Sanremo 2003: Giuni Russo’s Henna Tattoos

Giuni Russo was ill, yet she still decided to participate in the Festival with her song Morirò d’amore. She did so with her usual stunning voice, elegance, and a shaved head decorated with henna tattoos.

Sanremo 2009: Arisa, Nerd with Red Lipstick

After her performance, everyone wondered, "Is she for real, or is it an act?". Yet, Arisa didn’t seem to care. Instead, she played with her slightly "absent-minded" air and nerdy look: a black sheath dress, opaque white tights, a black bob haircut, ultra-thin eyebrows, and oversized glasses that covered almost her entire face. The pop of color came from her red lips and nails.

Sanremo 2020: Achille Lauro, the Chameleon

Achille Lauro took over the Sanremo 2020 stage with a series of breathtaking looks. Night after night, he transformed into Saint Francis, Ziggy Stardust, the Divine Marquise Casati Stampa, and finally, Queen Elizabeth I Tudor—complete with a Victorian-inspired gown, elaborate hairstyle, and a face adorned with white pearls.

Sanremo 2021: Måneskin’s Glam Make-Up

On the Ariston stage, Måneskin stayed true to their glam aesthetic, sporting a series of Etro-designed outfits curated with stylist Nick Cerioni, layers of kohl, and plenty of attitude. Unexpectedly, they won with their song Zitti e Buoni, leading them to Eurovision and, from there, to global stardom with their music and style.

Sanremo 2023: Paola and Chiara’s Glitter Look

The Iezzi sisters made a triumphant return to Sanremo. Performing Furore, they wore Dolce&Gabbana and flaunted an ultra-iridescent Vampire Skin look. Created with MAC Cosmetics products, their glittery holographic make-up paid tribute to their Y2K aesthetics while elevating it to a more glamorous level.