What TikTok‘s Robert Gigliotti Packs for the Beach

The morning after returning from a shoot in Spain, Robert Gigliotti is sun-kissed and grinning through the jet lag.

A tattooed, towheaded Connecticut native with '90s style sensibilities and the earnest charm of a boy next door, he’s one of those creators who feels like a person first, and a personality second. Now based in L.A, he’s carved out a quietly magnetic space online with his taste-driven, sharp and sincere dispatches on fragrance, interiors, and lifestyle.

"I've always been opinionated," says the youngest of six, who once listed Ryan Seacrest as his career icon in a fifth-grade yearbook. "In high school my friends wouldn't go shopping without me. Then it was prom dresses, now it's wedding gowns." He laughs. "My siblings don't buy furniture, book a haircut, or choose a fragrance unless I sign off!”

After heading West to work in interior design, TikTok became a creative calling card. If you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of his home décor "icks" series (produced with longtime friend Ethan Gaskill), you've likely come across his critiques of gray vinyl flooring and unapologetic calls to "just keep the pink bathtub." The series built a loyal following, as did his open reflections on queerness, sobriety, and the small joys of beautiful, lived-in things.

Beauty, like design, is something Gigliotti approaches with intention and irreverence. The same can be said about the omnipresent L.A. wellness scene. "I’ve fallen for heated Pilates—oh and I love Erewhon." He doesn't drink alcohol, so when people side-eye his $15 smoothie, he’ll playfully ask: "How much was your cocktail last night?"

Fragrance is another portal. "I go for scents that transport me," he says. "Le Labo's London exclusive brings me back somewhere I can't explain, and Lys 41 smells like summer in Connecticut." After all, “we obsess over movies and TV shows,” says Gigliotti, “but forget we’re the main characters in our own story. Don’t we all deserve to smell good, look alive, and have decent lighting?”

Below, @robertgigs shares the items he’s reaching for this summer.

Ruxwood Large Towel

"I love Malibu. Group beach hangs are kind of my thing. This towel is massive. It's basically three beach towels in one. The color is great and the thickness is perfect. But I'm also the guy who’s happy laying in the sand. It’s part of the California lifestyle."

Westman Atelier Suprême C Serum

"I use the Vitamin C serum before the rest of my skincare. It's lightweight, but I can feel it working. My skin is juicy after I put it on, which I've never experienced with another product. It's not heavy, but it’s like, okay, I'm doing something for my skin."

JBL Flip Speaker

“Music is key for every beach day. I make playlists with artists like Men I Trust, Khruangbin, and Hermanos Gutiérrez. I love music that's mellow, so you can close your eyes, hear the waves, and let it drift in the background. I also always play Solar Power by Lorde. It's the perfect beach soundtrack."

Shiseido Sunscreen Stick

"I'm covered in tattoos and I've definitely learned the hard way that fresh ink gets irritated by sun. This stick is great because I can concentrate on specific areas. I use it on my nose and cheeks, too.”

Elta MD SPF Lip Balm

“There's nothing worse than having sunburnt lips. This lip balm actually works and I don't have to constantly reapply it, which is how I know it's a keeper."

Tom Ford Sunglasses

“I like seeing the world in full color. But sunglasses have become essential because it's sunny every day in L.A. I just added this Tom Ford pair to my wish list. They're oversized, dramatic, but still classic. I like to be a little extra when I can."

Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops

"I love looking tan, but I'm religious about SPF now. The bronzing drops give me that glow without messing with my skin or my ink. They're a game changer."

Fun Beach Bag

“Why are there so many beige beach bags in the world? Life is too short. A fun beach bag not only makes your day brighter, it can also make the whole summer better.”

Fujifilm Digital Camera

"This camera looks like film but it's digital. With my iPhone, I put so much pressure on capturing the perfect moment. With this, I just snap and forget about it, so it feels more relaxed and less performative. Plus, people get excited when they see it. No one wants a phone pic, but everyone's like, 'Wait, take one of me on that!'"

Sidia Body Cream

"After a day at the beach, I always moisturize. This formula is ultra-hydrating without being greasy. It smells like a sexy spa or the hottest person you've ever met—period! It layers well with fragrance and the packaging looks chic on the counter."