Summer House's Mia Calabrese on "Bad B*tch" Beauty and Her Relationships With Rihanna and Ciara Miller
Our take

The current fascination with reality television personalities extending beyond the screen and into the realms of high fashion and celebrity circles is a compelling trend, and Mia Calabrese’s recent profile in Who What Wear exemplifies this shift. Her dual identity – *Summer House* cast member and confidante to Rihanna – speaks to a broader cultural moment where curated authenticity and aspirational lifestyles blur the lines between manufactured drama and genuine influence. It's a fascinating evolution from the early days of reality TV, where personalities were often defined by their participation in conflict, to a space where relatability and perceived sophistication are increasingly valuable currency. The rise of figures like Calabrese, who can effortlessly navigate both the chaotic world of Bravo and the rarefied atmosphere of high-profile friendships, highlights a growing demand for individuals who embody a particular brand of "cool" – one that blends approachability and elevated taste. Consider this alongside the ongoing discussions around wedding trends—[The Major Wedding-Planning Trends That Will Define 2027's Chicest Celebrations]—which demonstrate a desire for curated experiences that feel both luxurious and personal, a sensibility Calabrese seems to embody. This isn't simply about being "seen;" it's about cultivating a specific aesthetic and lifestyle that resonates with a discerning audience. Calabrese’s articulation of her beauty philosophy as rooted in a “bad b*tch” aesthetic – one that prioritizes confidence and self-assuredness over fleeting trends—is particularly noteworthy. It echoes a broader movement within the beauty industry away from overtly performative beauty standards and towards a celebration of individual expression and effortless style. The emphasis on self-acceptance and a minimal approach to skincare and makeup aligns with the principles of quiet luxury, a sensibility that prioritizes quality and understated elegance over ostentatious displays of wealth. This resonates strongly with the modern consumer, who is increasingly skeptical of traditional marketing tactics and seeks authenticity and transparency from the brands they support. Furthermore, her connection with Rihanna, a cultural icon known for her boundary-pushing style and entrepreneurial spirit, adds another layer of credibility and allure. It reinforces the idea that Calabrese isn't just a reality TV personality; she’s a tastemaker with a keen eye for style and a discerning understanding of what resonates with a modern audience. This is further reflected in the conversation around choosing the perfect wedding guest dress –[Fashion People Agree: You Only Need One Wedding Guest Dress for Every Dress Code—Here They Are]—demonstrating a move towards timeless pieces and versatile style rather than chasing fleeting fads. The article's focus on her product recommendations, while seemingly straightforward, is a strategic move in itself. By sharing her go-to beauty essentials, Calabrese subtly positions herself as a credible source of information and a trusted advisor for her followers. This isn’t a hard sell; rather, it’s a natural extension of her personal brand and a demonstration of her commitment to sharing her knowledge and experiences. The emphasis on simplicity and efficacy – choosing products that work well and contribute to a feeling of effortless beauty – further reinforces her alignment with the quiet luxury aesthetic. It moves beyond the transactional nature of influencer marketing and aims to cultivate a deeper connection with her audience, built on trust and shared values. It's a masterclass in subtly integrating brand partnerships into a lifestyle narrative, a strategy that is increasingly favored by discerning consumers who are wary of overt advertising. The broader implications are clear: authenticity and relatability are the new currency of influence, and individuals who can authentically embody a desirable lifestyle are poised to thrive in this evolving landscape. Ultimately, Mia Calabrese’s rise to prominence represents a broader shift in the cultural conversation around beauty, style, and influence. Her ability to seamlessly navigate the worlds of reality television, high fashion, and celebrity friendships speaks to a growing demand for individuals who embody a particular brand of “cool” – one that blends approachability, sophistication, and a quiet confidence. As the lines between reality and aspiration continue to blur, it will be fascinating to observe how figures like Calabrese continue to shape the conversation around personal style and redefine what it means to be a modern muse.
Reality television fans know her as one of the latest additions to Bravo's Summer House, a series that follows a group of New York City friends and their many dramas in a seasonal share nestled in the exclusive, coastal Hamptons. Rihanna knows her as a close friend and trusted confidant. Las Culturistas hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers just awarded her the title of Best Vibe, Hands Down at the 2026 Las Culturistas Culture Awards. If that wasn't enough to decorate her résumé, she's also a bona fide makeup lover, so it was only natural for Mia Calabrese to divulge her summer beauty secrets to us.
On a balmy summer day in late June, Calabrese curls up on a couch in a sprawling downtown Brooklyn hotel room, her face gently sculpted in a flurry of Fenty Beauty. "I feel like she and I have a very similar energy," Calabrese tells Who What Wear of friend and Fenty Beauty founder Rihanna in an Instagram Reel. The reality star and real estate salesperson credits their compatibility to the stars (Calabrese is a Cancer, and Rihanna is a Pisces), though she confesses to being a Fenty makeup stan for years before the duo met.
We asked the burgeoning star for her summer makeup tips ("How does she keep those looks locked in place in the Hamptons heat?" we often wonder), discovered what's on her beauty restock list, and dished on her sisterly relationship with costar Ciara Miller. Keep reading.

First, we asked, What's one beauty product that at least someone needs to have on hand in a share house? Calabrese's response—the Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder—nearly came out before we finished the question. "It's so hot in the Hamptons in the summer, so I put the Invisimatte all over my skin," she mimes, dabbing the product on her face. The translucent pressed powder extends the life of your look, controls oil, and keeps sweat at bay for hours. "So you're glowy, never oily!" she tells WWW.
She also shares that sunscreen, specifically the Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor, is a nonnegotiable. "It makes your skin so glowy and beautiful," she adds. "Some SPFs break me out, but this one doesn't. It sits on my skin perfectly. It gives my skin this natural glow, and I know my skin is being protected. I'm very serious about my SPF." Calabrese also calls out bug spray as a must in the house. "I can never pick just one!" she exclaims. Continue on for more.
You and Ciara famously live in the same apartment building—do you ever share products or clothes?
We joke that our closets are extensions of each other's. We're like sisters that don't fight. If I need to borrow anything, I'm like, "I need to go upstairs," or she'll come down [to mine] and be like, "I need to borrow these paper towels." I actually cannot think about not living in the same building with her; it makes me anxious.
Your friendship with Rihanna is iconic. What's your relationship like nowadays?
She actually texted me two days ago. I love her. That woman knows so much about my business. She's so sweet, such a good friend, and so thoughtful. She's just always checking in, which I appreciate as a water-sign girlie.
We know Rih's a reality TV lover. Did she watch your season and keep up with you as episodes came out?
She did! She was late to the reunion, though, and I had to text her. She's a big Summer House fan. When we were out, she was introducing me to people like, "Everyone, this is Mia from Summer House!" I'm like, "Everyone, this is Rihanna, period."
Do you remember your first Fenty Beauty purchase? What was it, and do you still restock?
Of course, I do!
Calabrese shouts out the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb and Match Stix Contour Skinstick as her first purchases from the brand, though they are far from her last. "I still restock, obviously!" she adds.
What's your beauty vibe this summer?
"Bad bitch" is my look this summer. I'm going for glowy skin and overlined lips.
(Duly noted.)
Shop Fenty Beauty Picks Inspired by Mia Calabrese

The sweat-defying, oil-controlling, and makeup-preserving powder Calabrese depends on for long days of summer filming.

A daily SPF that not only protects your skin but also boosts elasticity, hydrates, and reduces the appearance of dark spots with the addition of niacinamide.

This is perhaps one of the most iconic Fenty products to date, so naturally, it's one of Calabrese's repeat purchases.

The reality star wants to overline, she says, so we raise her Fenty's Trace'd Out Longwear Waterproof Pencil Lip Liner in Rih's favorite shade, Rose Amber.

Calabrese's key to looking snatched under the summer sun and bright confessional lights.

It's never been easier to achieve glowy skin than with a few taps of Fenty's Diamond Bomb over the high points of the cheeks, nose, and Cupid's bow. (That last bit is Rihanna's makeup artist Hector Espinal's little trick.)
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