In Conversation with Rodial Founder Maria Hatzistefanis

Rodial’s

Rodial’s
award-winning skincare is one of our go-tos and its
founder, Maria Hatzistefanis, is among our most-loved beauty
gurus.

Born in 1999, her now wildly successful skincare group, Rodial,
has branched out into two brands: Rodial (best known
for its cult products such as Dragon’s Blood and Snake Serum) and
Nip + Fab, the millennial-focused label.

For the so-called “Mrs Rodial” (whose Instagram following
currently stands around 880k), success was built on a trove of
luxury skincare which targeted specific concerns and offered
consumers an alternative to injections and plastic surgery. The
snappy names helped too, as did a savvy blend of online and offline
retailing.

Shining a (ring) light on Rodial’s innovative products and
triumphs to date, we chatted high-tech skincare, three-minute
beauty routines and not taking travel for granted.

Where are you from and how has your background shaped you?

I was born on a remote island in Greece and I was always
fascinated with style. I remember going to a newsagent and getting
the monthly issues of Vogue, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar – they were
my bibles and formed my sense of style and love for beauty and
fashion.

What is your first make-up-related memory?

I remember my grandmother used to mix lipstick with face cream
to create a cream blush- she was ahead of her time!

How would you describe your aesthetic?

Minimal, structured, classic.

Where is your office and what does it look like?

My office is in Chelsea, London. It is open-plan, white with
hints of slate grey.

Talk us through the inspiration behind three of your favourite
beauty products…

Rodial Banana Lowlighter – I travel a lot for
work and I am an early riser, which takes its toll on skin and dark
circles. I wanted to create a product that would open and lift my
eyes and give the effect of eight hours of sleep.

Rodial Dragon’s Blood Jelly Eye Patches –
Everyone suffers from dark circles and puffy eyes. I wanted to fuse
hyaluronic acid with a coral-pink shade of patch to make skincare
more fun and Instagrammable.

Rodial Vit C Brightening Cleansing Pads – These are
designed to tackle breakouts and uneven skin tone in an easy-to-use
style packaging. Everyone needs vitamin C in their skincare,
period.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Honestly, everywhere: fashion, social media, travel, my
circle.

What does the Rodial client want?

The Rodial client wants fast-acting, effective products with
high-tech ingredients and luxury packaging.

What does the Nip + Fab client want?

The Nip + Fab client wants effective and affordable skincare
that works hard to target specific concerns such as breakouts.

Does travel influence your work?

I didn’t realise how much travel influenced my work until we
started staying home! Travel is essential to everything I do; it
inspires me and it allows me to operate my business to the best of
my ability, with regards to meeting with clients, stores and
buyers. Before the pandemic, I travelled at least once a month. I
miss New York the most.

What key pieces do you always take with you when you
travel?

My Givenchy Antigona bag, Celine sunglasses and Rodial Snake
Jelly Patches.

Tips on downsizing on products when on the road…

Try to invest in a travel-sized range of skincare; it will save
you tons of space and you will be able to carry them onto the plane
if you don’t check in a bag. I created travel versions of Rodial
essentials, such as Dragon’s Blood, to be used on the road.

Which countries do you think are leading the way in terms of
beauty innovation?

Korea
and Japan.

If there was one destination you could go back to immediately
it would be…

LA.

What do you think makes a good hotel?

Twenty-four-hour service. I travel a lot and therefore I’m often
jet-lagged and awake at unsociable hours. I like to stick to a
routine and be able to use the gym or order room service even if
it’s 4am.

Your favourite weekend escapes include…

Country walks and lots of
Netflix.

What are you reading at the moment? What’s next on your reading
list?

I’m reading a lot of vegan recipe books as well as The Seven
Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra.

Podcasts to download now…

Casefile – I love a true-crime podcast

Where’s your next adventure?

As soon as life returns to normal, I’ll be on the first flight
to New
York.

What’s your take on souvenirs?

I love buying local spices and tea.

What are your beauty essentials?

Rodial Banana Lowlighter, Pink Diamond Cleansing Balm and Booster Drops.

One piece of travel advice…

Never ever take travelling for granted again.

What is your make-up manifesto?

If it’s going to take longer than three minutes I don’t want
it.

And finally, what’s in your SUITCASE?

Black Khaite knitted tops, Wardrobe.NYC leggings and Bottega
Veneta shoes.

Maria Hatzistefanis’ Pocket Guide to Mykonos

EAT: Beefbar, a brand new restaurant with an
elevated take on gyros.

DRINK + DANCE: Alemagou, especially during sunset.

SHOP: Linea Piu boutique that somehow seems to stock all the
Chanel shoes and bags that have sold out everywhere else in the
world.

DO: Visit the Rarity Gallery,
an exhibition space with installations and international artists.
The owners are charming and will offer you a glass of wine and a
friendly chat while you browse.