We wake up with london-based beauty entrepreneur Maria Hatzistefanis. Here’s how this force to be reckoned with starts her day.
Maria is CEO & Founder of cult skincare brands Rodial Beauty and Nip + Fab, as well as the brains behind the podcast and best-selling book How To Be An Overnight Success. Is there anything she can’t do?
IN BED
How do you prepare for tomorrow the night before?
I love to take a long bath with some Epsom salts and a lavender and eucalyptus candle by Kit Kemp and really wind down from my busy day. I also love watching true crime documentaries. Either of these things help me relax to be ready to tackle the next day.
What do you wear to bed?
A UNIQLO oversized tee in brushed cotton.
What is on your nightstand?
Rodial Bee Venom Moisturiser, eye drops and and a pad and pen to jot down ideas that I usually get around that time.
Who do you sleep with?
I am married, so my husband naturally.
How many hours do you sleep?
Between 6-7 hours sleep is enough for me so I feel refreshed and ready to start the day.
What time do you wake up?
I wake up around 5am. It’s the most productive time of my day. I tend to work on my podcast Overnight Success, whether it be new ideas for episodes or editing, it’s a great time where I’m on my own and can be my most creative. I sometimes read a few pages of my book How To Be An Overnight Success. I sometimes forget how motivational it is. It helps me go out there and make things happen!
What is the first thing you do on waking?
I usually check the feed of my @mrsrodial Instagram account and emails that have come through from my US team overnight.
BODY
How do you work out?
I love Barry’s Bootcamp. The morning classes are my favourite.
How often do you exercise?
4 times a week.
How do you motivate yourself when you don’t feel like exercising?
Do something you enjoy so you look forward to it rather than find it a chore. For me, exercising isn’t just for the health benefits, it’s about the whole body, feel good factor and it helps sets the tone of my day. I have a great episode on this on my podcast Overnight Success. I have some great tips on how to motivate yourself for the gym, and the benefits that exercise can have on your everyday life and how it can lead you to success!
What is your first drink of the day and why?
I always have a double espresso when I first wake up. I put the fireplace on at home and sit alone enjoying it. It’s so much more than just a drink for me. It’s my alone time when I can really be creative and think about the tasks ahead for the day.
What is for breakfast and why?
I always have the same thing for breakfast. A berry protein smoothie. It’s packed full of goodness and is quick and easy. It’s one less decision I need to make on my very busy day.
FACE
What is your AM beauty routine?
My morning beauty routine is 15 minutes. I use all Rodial products, naturally. I apply Dragons Blood Sculpting Gel mixed with an SPF30 from our new VIT C range. I usually have a podcast playing in the background or a series on Netflix to keep me entertained while I get ready.
What are your go-to beauty products?
I love cleansing balms and my current favourites are the Pink Diamond Cleansing Balm - or the Bee Venom Cleansing Balm if I feel my skin is extra dry. My skin gets quite dry and I find foaming cleansers dry my skin out more, so I always opt for a balm cleanser.
What makeup products do you prefer?
My days are so busy, so I keep my makeup routine to 5 minutes. The Rodial Diamond Concealer (shades 30 and 40 currently) is my number one essential. If I could only have one product that would be it! Eyebrows take years off our face and I like them thick and natural looking so always use an eyebrow pencil - currently our Microblade Effect Eyebrow Pencil in Ash Brown.
What is your standby routine for awakening a tired face?
I am now in New York City for Fashion Week and wake-up at 3am. The first thing I do is apply a mask and leave it on for an hour - well what else is there to do at 3am! I love the Rodial Pink Diamond Lifting and Illuminating Mask. It’s better than a facial.
WORK
What is the first thing you do?
Go into the office with positive thoughts about my team and then catch up with everyone. My diary is genuinely planned around 10 days in advance and I always try and leave the mornings free for internal meetings and catch-ups with my teams. We can sort out any last-minute changes and then crack on with the day.
What is top of your to-do list?
My list changes on a daily basis. I don’t believe in to-do lists as such because as soon as something comes off something goes on - it’s a never-ending circle. Of course I have things I need to do, but I prefer to set 3 goals for the day. If I can achieve these three things today, then it would have been a productive day. I don’t set goals that are unachievable, and I don’t take on more than I can manage.
What is your 10am pick-me-up for energy?
Coconut tea. I just discovered this new Cuppanut coconut infusion and I am obsessed with the flavour.
