London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025

Eliana Gil Rodriguez on beauty lessons and why clichés hold true

Eliana Gil Rodriguez on beauty lessons and why clichés hold true

Designer, model and creative director Eliana Gil Rodriguez gives us the lowdown on her beauty rituals, icons and non-negotiables.

“I've grown and learned so much, not just about my business but also about how to take care of myself - mentally, physically, emotionally.” Designer, model and creative director Eliana Gil Rodriguez gives us the lowdown on her beauty rituals, icons and non-negotiables.


What's your morning beauty routine?

First, I rinse my face with water, alternating between hot and cold, followed by a swipe of Marie Veronique's Balancing Hypo tonic on a cotton pad. Then I'll use Kristina Holley + Marie Veronique Soothing B3 serum followed directly with their Barrier Restore serum, Barrier Lipid complex and Everyday Tinted sunscreen SPF30, warmed between my hands to avoid pilling. I've dealt with perioral dermatitis for the past few years, which is kind of a cross between eczema and acne. I've been using this line exclusively because it's all natural and specifically formulated to heal dermatitis by rebuilding your skin's barrier functions. It's not a quick fix but it works wonders.


What's your evening beauty routine?

At night I'll massage my face for a couple minutes with Kristina Holley + Marie Veronique Pure + E.O. Free Oil cleanser, then rinse with warm water. Then I'll swipe with the Balancing Hypo tonic, followed again by the Barrier Restore serum and Barrier Lipid complex. A couple times a week I'll use their Micronutrient + Hydro mask and let it soak in for like an hour.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I founded a clothing line called Gil Rodriguez and our offices are just down the street from my house in L.A. Most days I'll wake up, jump in the shower, then deal with any pressing emails or calls while my boyfriend makes breakfast. We'll eat together, walk our dog, then I'll head to the office where every day is different. It can be a photoshoot or packing up a big order or running around downtown L.A. checking on our factories and fabric suppliers. I only have two employees, but we make a great team. Small businesses aren't glamorous, but it's a really rewarding experience. I've grown and learned so much, not just about my business but also about how to take care of myself - mentally, physically, emotionally.


"I go through phases. Currently my only forms of exercise are walking my dog, cleaning my house, running errands, dancing. Sometimes I like to box, do Pilates or yoga. I hike on occasion."


What are the supermarket / drug store / chemist beauty products that you use and love?


I always stock up on pharmacy basics when I'm in Europe - Vitry Nail Repair hardener (the only nail hardener that actually works), Homeoplasmine (for lips, cracks and cuts), Bioderma Sensibio H2O and Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse.

What products do you use on your body?


I love Weleda Wild Rose Creamy Body wash so much. TMI perhaps, but I will not wash my vagina with anything else. It's super gentle and doesn't have fragrances or detergents. Other than that, I love Le Labo's Hinoki Body cream which smells divine. I'll sometimes do that before bed. I'm also obsessed with Prima's CBD Bath gem. It relaxes your muscles and leaves your skin perfectly moisturised

How do you keep fit and healthy? Does exercise form a large part of your routine?


I go through phases. Currently my only forms of exercise are walking my dog, cleaning my house, running errands, dancing. Sometimes I like to box, do Pilates or yoga. I hike on occasion. I'm definitely a lot less hard on myself about working out than I used to be, for better or worse.



What cosmetic procedures / professional treatments do you have as part of your beauty routine?


I'll get the occasional facial, but my favourite thing is to go to the Korean spa to steam, soak and get scrubbed down. You come out brand new.

What do you do when your body needs to recover?


I'll take an Epsom salt bath and smoke a bit of CBD - I love Higgs Naturals pre-rolls. And sleep, always sleep.

You’re tired / hungover / rundown: what is your beauty hack?


A 20-minute steam sauna! You go in a tired raisin and come out a bouncy grape. It's like magic.


What is the one non-negotiable in your beauty routine?


I never, ever, go to bed without washing my face.

Do you have a beauty icon? Who are they and why?


Penelope Cruz - she's just incredible in all the ways. And she was the first celebrity who kind of looked like me, which really helped me to feel beautiful growing up. Representation working its magic!

What is the best advice on beauty you’ve received?


Less is more. It's a cliché for a reason, and in terms of beauty I had to learn this the hard way. I used to be a product junkie which was not only wasteful, but my skin paid the price, becoming ultra-sensitised by too many active ingredients, preservatives and fragrances in everything. Now I'm focusing on rebalancing and keeping things clean and simple.

What is the best advice on health you’ve received?


Mind your microbiome! A good probiotic and balanced diet have helped me manage a slew of chronic health issues. Gut health really does change everything. (Editor's note: read about how your gut affects your glow here.)

What is the one product you can’t live without?


Ruth's Lacto cream from Ruth's Skincare, one of my favourite facialists in L.A. I don't use it every day because my skin gets dependant on it, but a tiny bit will heal almost anything (acne, dermatitis, eczema) in record time.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Apple Challenges EU Digital Markets Act Crackdown in Landmark Court Battle
Nicolas Sarkozy begins five-year prison term at La Santé in Paris
Japan stocks surge to record as Sanae Takaichi becomes Prime Minister
This Is How the 'Heist of the Century' Was Carried Out at the Louvre in Seven Minutes: France Humiliated as Crown with 2,000 Diamonds Vanishes
China Warns UK of ‘Consequences’ After Delay to London Embassy Approval
France’s Wealthy Shift Billions to Luxembourg and Switzerland Amid Tax and Political Turmoil
"Sniper Position": Observation Post Targeting 'Air Force One' Found Before Trump’s Arrival in Florida
Shouting Match at the White House: 'Trump Cursed, Threw Maps, and Told Zelensky – "Putin Will Destroy You"'
Windows’ Own ‘Siri’ Has Arrived: You Can Now Talk to Your Computer
Thailand and Singapore Investigate Cambodian-Based Prince Group as U.S. and U.K. Sanctions Unfold
‘No Kings’ Protests Inflate Numbers — But History Shows Nations Collapse Without Strong Executive Power
Chinese Tech Giants Halt Stablecoin Launches After Beijing’s Regulatory Intervention
Manhattan Jury Holds BNP Paribas Liable for Enabling Sudanese Government Abuses
Trump Orders Immediate Release of Former Congressman George Santos After Commuting Prison Sentence
S&P Downgrades France’s Credit Rating, Citing Soaring Debt and Political Instability
Ofcom Rules BBC’s Gaza Documentary ‘Materially Misleading’ Over Narrator’s Hamas Ties
Diane Keaton’s Cause of Death Revealed as Pneumonia, Family Confirms
Former Lostprophets Frontman Ian Watkins Stabbed to Death in British Prison
"The Tsunami Is Coming, and It’s Massive": The World’s Richest Man Unveils a New AI Vision
Outsider, Heroine, Trailblazer: Diane Keaton Was Always a Little Strange — and Forever One of a Kind
Dramatic Development in the Death of 'Mango' Founder: Billionaire's Son Suspected of Murder
Two Years of Darkness: The Harrowing Testimonies of Israeli Hostages Emerging From Gaza Captivity
EU Moves to Use Frozen Russian Assets to Buy U.S. Weapons for Ukraine
Europe Emerges as the Biggest Casualty in U.S.-China Rare Earth Rivalry
HSBC Confronts Strategic Crossroads as NAB Seeks Only Retail Arm in Australia Exit
U.S. Chamber Sues Trump Over $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
Shenzhen Expo Spotlights China’s Quantum Step in Semiconductor Self-Reliance
China Accelerates to the Forefront in Global Nuclear Fusion Race
Yachts, Private Jets, and a Picasso Painting: Exposed as 'One of the Largest Frauds in History'
Australia’s Wedgetail Spies Aid NATO Response as Russian MiGs Breach Estonian Airspace
McGowan Urges Chalmers to Cut Spending Over Tax Hike to Close $20 Billion Budget Gap
Victoria Orders Review of Transgender Prison Placement Amid Safety Concerns for Female Inmates
U.S. Treasury Mobilises New $20 Billion Debt Facility to Stabilise Argentina
French Business Leaders Decry Budget as Macron’s Pro-Enterprise Promise Undermined
Trump Claims Modi Pledged India Would End Russian Oil Imports Amid U.S. Tariff Pressure
Surging AI Startup Valuations Fuel Bubble Concerns Among Top Investors
Australian Punter Archie Wilson Tears Up During Nebraska Press Conference, Sparking Conversation on Male Vulnerability
Australia Confirms U.S. Access to Upgraded Submarine Shipyard Under AUKUS Deal
“Firepower” Promised for Ukraine as NATO Ministers Meet — But U.S. Tomahawks Remain Undecided
Brands Confront New Dilemma as Extremists Adopt Fashion Labels
The Sydney Sweeney and Jeans Storm: “The Outcome Surpassed Our Wildest Dreams”
Erika Kirk Delivers Moving Tribute at White House as Trump Awards Charlie Presidential Medal of Freedom
British Food Influencer ‘Big John’ Detained in Australia After Visa Dispute
ScamBodia: The Chinese Fraud Empire Shielded by Cambodia’s Ruling Elite
French PM Suspends Macron’s Pension Reform Until After 2027 in Bid to Stabilize Government
Orange, Bouygues and Free Make €17 Billion Bid for Drahi’s Altice France Telecom Assets
Dutch Government Seizes Chipmaker After U.S. Presses for Removal of Chinese CEO
Bessent Accuses China of Dragging Down Global Economy Amid New Trade Curbs
U.S. Revokes Visas of Foreign Nationals Who ‘Celebrated’ Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
AI and Cybersecurity at Forefront as GITEX Global 2025 Kicks Off in Dubai
×