Hamptons Sun founder Salvatore Piazzolla with his partner Grant Wilfley

This week KDHamptons chats with Salvatore Piazzolla,  CEO and Founder of Hampton Sun, an offering of high-end sunscreens, skincare, body and fragrance that you will find in the beach bag of every haute Hamptonite. The New York Times writes, “Hampton Sun erases the line between sun care and skincare,” and Salvatore adds, “Hampton Sun is more than skincare products, but rather a state of mind. From the moment you apply our sunscreen or spray our irresistible fragrance, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to paradise, be it the Hamptons, St. Barts or your own backyard.”  Learn more about the Hampton Sun story in this NEW KDHamptons Beauty Diary below:

KDHamptons: How long have you been living in the Hamptons? Why do you love it so much?
Salvatore Piazzolla: I can’t believe it, but it’s been almost 20 years. I feel such a connection to the Hamptons.  My Southampton home is the perfect weekend getaway, and I enjoy being surrounded by the beauty of nature, especially the gorgeous beaches, lush landscapes.   It provides the idea balance of quiet, sophisticated living to the fast pace of Manhattan.

KDHamptons: Please describe your perfect Hamptons day for our readers?
Salvatore: The spring and summer are so beautiful in the Hamptons, I usually start the day with coffee on the terrace, and a swim in the pool.  Then off to town to stop at Citarella for lunch or dinner fixings.  I then like to stroll Main Street and pop in a few of my favorite shops, Tenant has very cool items, and I love Hildreth’s, for hostess gifts.  Then it’s time to ride to the beach, the smell of privet in bloom and the sight of the dunes and ocean are just so relaxing.   Cocktail hour is usually in the cabana, as we prep to grill fresh fish from Cor-J’s.  We also love Sant Ambroeus and Tutto il Giorno for a night out.   But most of all we enjoy hanging with our friends, at our home, with a nice bottle of rosé, and just kicking back — and after this winter, we can’t wait to enjoy summer!  I especially miss evening swims on warm nights.

Tutto Il Giorno

KDHamptons: What inspired you to launch Hampton Sun?
Salvatore: Nine years ago, we were lounging beachside in St. Barts. The sky was blue, the sun was hot, the water was a sparkling shade of aquamarine—and the gentleman next to us was loudly talking on his phone. Unintentionally eavesdropping, we heard him discussing a winter storm approaching Manhattan, which was expected to blanket the city with 12 plus inches of snow. It was then when we asked ourselves: what business could we start that would allow us to follow the sun? We returned home to our every day lives, and the following summer, while lounging poolside at our house in Southampton, the idea was resurrected. Only this time, we didn’t let it fade.

KDHamptons: How are your products different than others in the category?
Salvatore: We felt that the glamour, the beauty, and the allure of sunbathing was missing in products on the market now. Thus, Hampton Sun was born, with our standards set extremely high—the finest ingredients, the silkiest formulas, the most advanced technology, the chicest packaging, and the highest protection with skincare benefits. Our inspiration was the beautiful beaches of eastern Long Island and the luxurious, elegant lifestyle that surrounds them. The ubiquitous Hamptons flower—the ever-fragrant Privet Bloom—would be our signature scent.

KDHamptons: Any new plans for the brand for spring / summer 2015?
Salvatore: Our newest launch is a beautiful new Sunless Tanning Mist – which takes everything beautiful about our Sunless Tanning Gel (streak-free finish, gorgeous scent, naturally stunning color) and puts it into a super-fast drying clear mist. It’s genius, and we’re very excited to finally have this on shelves. This product gives you the most flawless color, and the rapid dry down is really amazing – Just glow, and go!

KDHamptons: Where can your products be purchased in the Hamptons?
Salvatore: Fantastic retailers like Neiman Marcus, and in all regions of the East End, including White’s Apothecary, Hildreths, Second Nature, Gurney’s Montauk and many more. Our partners in the Hamptons have been there for our brand since day one, and we are so grateful for all of the continued support! For more information go HERE.