After just one season on Summer House, Mia Calabrese is already a Bravo fan favorite, which, if you know this franchise, you know is not easily earned. The real estate agent turned reality star stepped into one of the most dramatic casts in recent memory, stayed calm when everyone around her wasn’t and said exactly what fans were thinking while sticking up for bestie Ciara Miller. Somehow, she came out of it all with her integrity intact and her vibe very much recognized. She recently took home Best Vibe, Hands Down at the Las Culturistas Culture Awards. “I was like, ‘Really, me?’” she tells us. “I was so grateful.”
Now she’s channeling that same energy into her summer, which includes a partnership with Walgreens and, apparently, strong opinions about smelling good at all times. Here, she shares what’s actually in her summer bag.
You are officially the friend everybody wants in her corner. What’s the best advice you’ve received about being a loyal friend?
“I’ve always been told by my parents how important it is to value the people that you love, treat them with respect and to always treat people the way you would want to be treated. Not to always put yourself first. Just treat your friends like family.”
You’re partnering with Walgreens this summer. What are three products you absolutely refuse to be without?
“Only three? Okay. So, my Walgreens Aloe Vera Spray ($10). I like to put this in the refrigerator, and if I’ve been out in the sun all day, I’ll spray this on my body afterward. It’s convenient, and it feels so good.
Deodorant. You don’t need to be messy this summer. Walgreens has a great travel section with good minis. Keep one in your purse. Not everyone needs to use natural deodorant. It’s okay to pick up the Degree or the Dove.
I like the Walgreens face moisturizer with SPF. It’s amazing, it’s dependable, it works. People, please use SPF.
I love Nivea body lotion ($12). It gives your skin this beautiful glow. It’s my daytime layer, and then at night I’ll layer the Vaseline gel oil ($13) on top. It gives your skin a beautiful, glittery glow. These two together are incredible.
And the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Setting Spray ($14). If you’re wearing makeup in the summer, set your face with this. Your makeup will look the same all day.”
How do you keep your makeup looking fresh on the go?
“A good primer. I like the NYX Face Glue ($10). Incredible. Walgreens has it. I put this on, I’ll do a skin tint, a little bit of concealer, set your face and then you do the L’Oreal Infallible. Also keep pressed powder and oil sheets in your bag this summer. Little powder puff, some pressed powder and deodorant. That’s your summer bag.”
Desert island, three things only. Go.
“SPF. I like the Walgreens face moisturizer because it’s a moisturizer and SPF in one. A travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste, because I’m not walking around with hot breath on a deserted island. And the Walgreens mini first aid kit. Very, very practical. You’re gonna need it.”
Are there any in-office treatments you swear by?
“I get monthly facials no matter what. I know it sounds high maintenance, but I don’t care. I’m prone to comedones, and my esthetician is a magician. I’m not giving her a shout-out because she’s already difficult to get an appointment with, and my monthly facials are not turning into every six months. I need extractions. I like my skin to be as smooth as possible. I’m hyper-vigilant about my skin care. My friends have made fun of me for years, but I’m like, when we’re 50, you’ll think differently.
If we have a night out, I will come home, take a hot shower and do a five-step skin care routine. No matter what. I also just started Laser Genesis a week ago. My face smelled like barbecue, but everyone says it works. And I love my red light therapy mask. I put it on my face, my neck, my hair.”
What’s your secret for protecting your peace when everything gets to be too much?
“I think it’s because I’ve gone through some pretty heavy things in my life. I deal with chaos differently than most would. I’m like, okay, no one’s dying, so let’s take a step back and look at the whole situation objectively. We experienced some things post-Summer House that were awful and heartbreaking, and in those moments, I’m like, I’m still going to be level-headed, but I am going to say you’re wrong here.”
What’s one beauty or self-care habit that’s really made a difference?
“Honestly, just being consistent with everything, whether it’s my facials or my skin-care routine. And keeping my beauty space really organized. I romanticize it. I made my beauty area pretty and inviting, so it’s like, oh, I’m so excited to do my skin care. At times, we treat caring for our skin as a task. My biggest change in the last few months is making it something that’s amazing and beautiful and fun, and less of a task.”
What are you most excited for this summer?
“I’m going to Cannes, which I’m really excited about. I’m so grateful I was invited. But I don’t have a ton of plans otherwise. I just want to have fun, meet new people and create memories. And wear my SPF.”
