We're big fans of Rodial here at Kiss and Makeup, having previously raved over their fab A List Cleanser, Glamotox Peel and Tummy Tuck cream so I was happy to get some one on one time with Maria Hatzistefanis, the creator of the brand. I wanted to find out her philosophy on life and beauty and see how she has managed to create such an award winning range.
She tells me how she first got into beauty. 'I started creating products since I was 10 years old. I created a cream blush from mixing my mum's NIVEA cream with a bit of lipstick, or creating blonde highlights on my hair with lemon juice and loved doing makeovers on my girlfriends.'
Read on to find out more about her,
Maria has a Greek background and I was interested to see how this featured in her product line
Maria: Greek women take care of their bodies as much as their faces. From the first days of Rodial I was keen to come up with the best body products possible that address specific bodycare doubt from slimming to cellulite to stretch marks.
Would you think of branching into haircare?
I would if I found an angle that made our haircare different. I only launch a product that I believe doesn't already exist in the market, there has to be a story and a marketing angle that I get excited first. If myself or my team are not excited about a product, we simply don't launch it.
Which is your favourite product for the face and for the body?
I swear by the Rodial Tummy Tuck and Glamtox SPF18 is my daily moisturiser. If I run out on a Saturday, I go to the office to pick up one, I cannot use any other daily moisturiser, I am hooked!
How important is it to you that you use natural ingredients?
It is important to steer clear of nasty ingredients such as parabens and petroleum (Vaseline) derived substances that all the cheap skincare is made of. However, if we find a latest high tech ingredient that is not derived from nature, comes from good quality substances and does the job, we will use it. Our motto is solving your problems while respecting the natural balance of the skin. A product that is 100% natural can rarely be as effective.
Do you see Rodial ever branding into mineral makeup?
Rodial has become a powerful global brand and I would love to extend the range into make up, this is something we are exploring at the moment.
Who is your dream celeb spokesmodel?
There are a number of celebrities who already use the Rodial products and I think they are just gorgeous and very "now", including Rachel Bilson, Gisele Bundchen, Nicole Richie. I am not a big fan of hiring one person to represent your brand, this is a strategy that the big brands follow. We are able to create buzz with our quirky names, clever marketing and real celebrities using our products.
What was the idea behind the packaging?
The packaging has evolved organically since we started. We wanted to reflect the seriousness of the product and the glam element.
How do you think your products will fare in the recession as they have quite a high price point?
Interestingly enough, our most expensive products are the ones still selling the most. I believe if a product is very unique and solves a specific skincare problem, women will still buy it.
For more info on Maria check out her blog here.