my MORNING ROUTINE
Maria Hatzistefanis
Founder of Rodial
Maria Hatzistefanis is a London-based entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of Rodial. A former beauty editor, she launched Rodial in 1999 after identifying a gap in the market for targeted products that deliver both instant and long-lasting benefits. Click here to read all about her Morning Routine.
What do you do first upon waking?
Maria: I open the windows. Whether I’m at home in London or the Cotswolds, or travelling and staying at a hotel, fresh air gives me energy for the new day ahead.
What is your own morning skincare routine?
Maria: I use the Rodial Dragon’s Blood Cleansing Water to cleanse and refresh my skin, followed by the Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel. It is my SOS skincare; it immediately plumps, lifts, and hydrates. I use the Rodial Glass Tint, a hybrid between a moisturiser and foundation, so I skip moisturiser. My routine is very pared down and minimal.
What do you eat and drink in the morning?
Maria: First thing in the morning I drink two glasses of filtered water with a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to cleanse my system, followed by an organic espresso. Sometimes I go with decaf for a few days, especially when stressed, as it helps keep me calm during intense times.
Do you have a morning exercise routine/if so what is it?
Maria: I love the structure of Barry’s Bootcamp (I do the double floor, not the treadmill) a few times a week and Pilates or Yoga on the weekends. I have calmed down with my workouts the last few years to avoid injuries. I also love walking in nature, either in Holland Park, which is close to my home in London, or in the English countryside at the Cotswolds.
What are your key skin tips and tricks for travelling?
Maria: I know there’s a lot of talk about going without makeup when flying, but I actually like to look presentable, with a little Banana Lowlighter, Blush Drops, and some liner. On the flight I get one of our masks—the Bee Venom Hydrogel Face Mask for long-haul flights, and the Bee Venom Eye Patches for shorter flights. It’s like a mini-facial while on the flight as the cabin air dehydrates the skin.
What are your 3 hero products?
Maria: Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel, Banana Lowlighter, and Bee Venom eye cream, all by Rodial!
What are your favorite treatments before a big event or night out?
Maria: Before a big event, I apply the plumping Dragon’s Blood Face Mask and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. I try to have a massage the day before as it relaxes the facial muscles too. And I usually book a makeup artist to do my makeup, as it takes some of the stress out of getting ready for a big event.
What is on the horizon for you and for Rodial Beauty?
Maria: This year at Rodial we’re celebrating our 25th year anniversary. We have always been a skincare-led brand, and the last few years we went carefully into complexion with a capsule range of products, with the Banana Lowlighter leading the way. I’m excited to continue blending skincare and makeup and making women look put together with very little effort.
Besides skincare products and treatments, what else are the best things we can do for our skin and body?
Maria: Spending time in nature is my top priority these days. Even a short walk to the park has an immense effect on our mental and physical state. I try a few different things, from Infrared Sauna for detoxification to a cold plunge bath to wake up the body, to a weekly massage, which I find more effective than a facial. Also, eating the right things affects our mood and wellbeing. I went fully vegan three years ago, but it wasn’t right for me. I am now mainly plant-based with the occasional clean protein, but no red meat.
Where is your favourite place in the world to wake up?
Maria: Mykonos, Greece. We’ve just finished building our family home there this year and I love waking up to the blue skies and sea views and having breakfast with my boys.
And check out Maria’s book How to Be an Overnight Success here!
https://us.rodial.com
@rodialbeauty
@mrsrodial