Maria Hatzistefanis Takes Us Inside Her Beauty Bag

Maria Hatzistefanis doesn’t sit still. When the founder of British beauty brand Rodial isn’t shuttling between homes in London and New York, she’s writing business books, dreaming up the brand’s next skincare launch or happily wearing eye patches at her desk between meetings (10 minutes later, she promises, you look like you’ve had a full night’s sleep). Little wonder her beauty routine is built for speed: skincare that works hard, makeup that doesn’t ask for much and a wash bag that gets swapped out every season.

It’s an ethos she’s refined over almost three decades in the industry. ‘I worked closely with the Kardashians years ago and have watched beauty trends evolve ever since,’ Hatzistefanis tells C&TH. ‘We’ve gone from full-glam, almost avatar-like makeup to a much more natural, low-maintenance glow. That’s exactly what Rodial represents. The Rodial woman is busy – she’s juggling work, family and everything else life throws at her. I love creating products for her because I am her. Every product we launch is something I genuinely want in my own beauty bag.’

Here, she unzips her wash bag (Rodial, naturally) to show us her full beauty routine, from the cleansing balm she’s used for over a decade to the unreleased sample she treasures most.

What’s Inside My Beauty Bag? With Maria Hatzistefanis

Maria Hatzistefanis

Let’s start with the bag itself – describe it for us.

It’s always a Rodial wash bag from the current season. We design a new one for every collection, so over the years I’ve built up quite a collection – bright yellow for Bee Venom, coral for Dragon’s Blood, and this Christmas we’re launching a beautiful elephant grey version that I can’t wait to use. I travel constantly between my homes in London, the Cotswolds, New York and Mykonos, so my beauty bag comes everywhere with me and is permanently stuffed with products. By the end of each season it’s usually looking pretty battered, which is the perfect excuse to switch to the next one.

Do you have any non-negotiable beauty rituals?

I always double cleanse in the evening, no matter how late I get home. I’ve been using the Rodial Bee Venom Cleansing Balm for over 10 years. It melts away makeup like magic while leaving my skin feeling incredibly soft with an almost suede-like finish.

I don’t have regular facials. Instead, my weekly indulgence is a traditional Thai massage. I have an amazing therapist who comes to my home every week, and it’s my ultimate beauty treat.

Let’s break down your beauty routine – skin prep?

Face?

I start every morning with the Rodial Salmon DNA Water Oil. I created it for skin that looks tired, dehydrated or stressed, and it’s become the one product I can’t be without.

Eyes?

I keep makeup around my eyes quite simple. I use Rodial XXL Mascara and Banana Lowlighter under the eyes to brighten everything without looking overdone.

Lips?

I always have a Rodial Collagen Lip Oil with me, usually in English Rose. It hydrates, adds just the right amount of colour and instantly makes me look more polished.

Tools?

None. I’m actually very low maintenance when it comes to beauty tools.

Finishing touches?

I’m obsessed with Rodial Blush Drops in Sunset Kiss. They give such a natural flush and subtly sculpt the face at the same time.

Which item instantly makes you feel made up and ready to tackle the day?

The one product I never leave the house without is a lowlighter. It instantly brightens under my eyes and makes me look fresher, even after a late night or a long-haul flight.

What’s the one beauty item you always carry in your handbag?

Eye masks. I always have a pair with me. I’ll wear them in the car on the way to an event, on a flight, or even sitting at my desk between meetings. People always laugh when they see me wearing them, but ten minutes later I look like I’ve had a full night’s sleep. I also always carry a copy of my latest book, How to Make Your First Million, so I can gift it to friends or anyone I meet who tells me they’re thinking of starting a business.

What’s the most expensive thing in your beauty bag?

I don’t know if it’s the most expensive but it’s the most precious to me. A little sample of our next Salmon DNA innovation.

What about the hero product you can’t live without, and have used for years?

Rodial Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel. It’s one of the very first products I created and it’s still a staple in my routine. It’s incredibly plumping, hydrating and lifting, it’s my SOS skin treatment for pretty much everything.

Tell us about a beauty trend you love…

I don’t really do trends – I love classics. Healthy, glowing skin and makeup that enhances your features will never go out of style.

And one you can’t wait to see fall out of fashion?

Over-filtered beauty.

What’s something you did beauty-wise in your youth that you’d never do again?

Overpluck my eyebrows. It took years of microblading to make them look normal again.

The best piece of beauty advice you’ve been given?

Invest most of your budget in skincare and less on makeup. I 100 percent believe this.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

Youth comes from our energy, the way we dress and the way we live our lives – not from getting rid of every wrinkle. Looking fresh and confident will always be more beautiful than looking frozen.

What item do you think should be in every beauty bag?

Rodial Banana or Peach Lowlighter. I was with my friend Melissa Odabash last week, and she’s obsessed with the Peach Lowlighter – she has one in every bag, plus one at home, in the office and in the car. I completely agree. Once you start using it, it becomes one of those products you never want to be without.

More From Maria

Keep up with Maria on Instagram (@mrsrodial) or over at rodial.com