Celebrating Festa dell’Olio Nuovo (New Olive Oil Festival) with Beauty Thinkers

Experience the magic of Umbria’s rich olive oil heritage and celebrate the annual Festa dell’Olio Nuovo (New Olive Oil Festival) with Beauty Thinkers. This vibrant festival marks the harvest season, bringing people together to enjoy the freshest extra virgin olive oil. At Beauty Thinkers, our mission is to bring this liquid gold and its rich benefits to skincare. Discover how the tradition of olive oil blends with cutting-edge skincare science, offering you natural beauty solutions inspired by the heart of Italy.

What Is Festa dell’Olio Nuovo? 

The Festa dell’Olio Nuovo (New Olive Oil Festival) is a beloved celebration in Italy, especially in Umbria, a region known for its rich olive oil heritage. The festival takes place annually during the olive harvest season, which runs from late October to mid-November. It’s an exciting time filled with olive oil tastings, guided tours of olive mills, music, masterclasses, and delicious local food. 

Known as the “green heart of Italy,” Umbria’s landscape is dominated by olive groves. Olive cultivation here dates back to ancient times, with records showing the Romans already prized the region’s olive oil for its quality. It’s also where the olives used in Beauty Thinkers’ products are grown, rich in antioxidative hydroxytyrosol. 

The Rich Olive Oil Heritage of Umbria

Umbria’s rolling hills, well-drained soil, and Mediterranean climate create the perfect environment for growing olive trees. A harmonious mix of sunshine and cool breezes contributes to the production of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Local producers often harvest olives by hand, selecting only the best. Although modern extraction methods are used, the focus remains on cold pressing to preserve the oil’s purity and nutritional benefits. The region’s olive oil carries the prestigious DOP Umbria (Protected Designation of Origin) certification, which guarantees authenticity and quality, recognized both nationally and internationally.

New Oil Harvest at the Beauty Thinkers Olive Farm 

Beauty Thinkers is proud to incorporate olive-derived hydroxytyrosol, a potent antioxidant, in its products, using olive oil and extracts from its own farm in Umbria. We spoke with our Oil Technician and Agronomist Andrea Palazzetti about the busy harvest time at the farm. 

Ciao, Andrea. Can you please share what is involved in production and harvesting of olive-based ingredients for Beauty Thinkers products? 

Our olive trees thrive in a pristine environment, where we focus on sustainable farming. We prioritize early harvesting, selecting olives known for their high polyphenol content—key to producing antioxidant-rich olive oil. Rapid processing after harvest is crucial to preserving the oil’s nutrients. At our mill, we continuously innovate, ensuring that every step contributes to the exceptional quality of the ingredients used in Beauty Thinkers products.  

There are some very old olive trees at the farm. What else is unique about the farm, its trees, and its olive oil? 

Our estate is located at the highest altitude suitable for olive cultivation, which enriches the trees with environmental biodiversity. We also pride ourselves on maintaining a genetic heritage of 100% Italian olive cultivars. Combined with our unique terroir (environment) and our passion for excellence, these factors contribute to the superior quality of our extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), making our harvest truly one of a kind. 

What top 3 priorities are on your mind during this harvest season? 

First, we focus on picking olives at their optimal ripeness when their flavor and nutrients are at their peak. Then, we make sure the milling process enhances these qualities, bringing out the rich, organoleptic properties of the oil. Finally, we aim for excellence, with the goal of winning even more prestigious international awards for our extra virgin olive oil.

Benefits of Olive Oil in Skincare 

Olive oil has been revered for centuries not only as a culinary staple but also as a powerful beauty ingredient. Rich in polyphenols, vitamins, squalene, healthy fats, and antioxidants, such as hydroxytyrosol, olive oil is a natural emollient that hydrates and protects the skin. Hydroxytyrosol benefits in skincare include protecting skin from free radicals, calming inflammation, moisturizing and supporting skin barrier, and helping minimize the visible signs of aging. 

One of the most notable benefits of olive oil is its ability to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. Fatty acids like oleic acid contribute to this hydrating effect, keeping the skin soft and supple. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help soothe irritation, making it suitable for various skin types.

However, applying olive oil directly to the skin isn’t always recommended. Instead, Beauty Thinkers integrates olive-derived hydroxytyrosol into its formulations using advanced technology, which ensures that the oil is more compatible with the skin. This approach preserves its anti-aging, moisturizing, and protective properties while preventing any heaviness or greasiness.

How to Incorporate Olive Oil Into Your Daily Beauty Routine

Experience the antioxidative power of hydroxytyrosol for skin with Beauty Thinkers skincare products featuring the highest levels of this antioxidant available on the market. Our products are vegan, fragrance-free, use minimal ingredients, and most come in refillable bottles. 

Here’s how to build a simple routine based on your skin type:

In the morning, after cleansing: 

• Hydrate with AQVAM SPA Hydrating Mist (all skin types). 
• Support with Hydrator 1 for normal skin, Hydrator 2 for oily skin, or Hydrator 3 for dry or aging skin. 
• For an extra boost of moisture (for dry or aging skin), apply Antioxidant Boost Facial Oil. 
• Protect with the Beauty Thinkers SPF30 Mineral Filter (all skin types).

In the evening, after cleansing: 

• Hydrate with AQVAM SPA Hydrating Mist (all skin types). 
• Support with Hydrator 1 for normal skin, Hydrator 2 for oily skin, or Hydrator 3 for dry or aging skin. 
• For an extra boost of moisture (for dry or aging skin), apply Antioxidant Boost Facial Oil. 

Our products are compatible with most active ingredients, including retinoids and exfoliants, and can be used for face and body care. You can buy kits, refills, and innovative products, such as our DOPO SOLE After Sun Restore cream, ideal for after sun care. It soothes the skin after UV exposure—perfect for relieving dryness or irritation after a day in the sun.