To celebrate the launch of our upgraded #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+, we sit down with Marie-Claude Mallat, Founder and Director of MCMPR, to explore brilliance, creativity and the rituals that bring radiance to everyday life. With an instinctive approach to storytelling and a career shaped by resilience, curiosity and connection, Marie-Claude has built one of Australia’s most respected PR agencies. In this conversation, she reflects on the moments, influences and philosophies that continue to inspire her—personally and professionally.
What does brilliance mean to you?
Brilliance to me is the energy and glow that exudes from people’s faces. It can come from their essence, their smile or expression — and of course, their skin.
Is there an everyday ritual that brings a spark of brilliance into your life?
My daily walks with my friends, my husband or our family dog. It grounds me and acts as a form of meditation and self-regulation in our busy world. It resets me and allows me to bring energy into both my personal and professional life.
Can you share a recent moment where you felt brilliant, or achieved something brilliant, in your work or personal life?
I love what I do, and it affords me regular, brilliant moments, both big and small. Every event, every project and every campaign brings its own highs. In my personal life, my husband and I experience our greatest moments of brilliance through our young adult children. Their joys, milestones and growth are the most brilliant things to witness.
What inspired you to pursue your career in PR, and how did you know it was the right path for you?
My instinct led me to my career. I wasn’t brilliant at school, but I was exposed to the fashion industry through my family from a young age, which sparked my interest in beauty and lifestyle. I studied communications and fashion design after finishing school, combining those two skills to follow a path that felt right. There were many sliding-door moments along the way, and I’m grateful I chose a career that has been so enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. Much of it came down to luck, but also resilience and determination.
Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your career?
I’m curious about all creative aspects of culture, but ultimately reading, writing and travel are my greatest inspirations. I’ve also been fortunate to have many female friends pursuing creative work, and together we inspired one another to create unique and exceptional careers. They are who I turn to when times are challenging — motivating me and keeping me striving towards the next goal.
What has been your most defining or groundbreaking career moment, and what did it teach you?
Starting a business with less than $600 in the bank taught me that anyone can pursue a way forward with determination. It’s not easy and it’s not linear, but it is possible.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a mentor, and how did it impact your career?
Conserve your energy for meaningful things. This advice reminds me to focus and keep pace in an incredibly fast-paced industry and business.
How do you incorporate brilliance into your creative practice?
In what I do, brilliance comes through collaboration and staying curious about the world. I’m conscious of remaining open to ideas and new ways of doing things.
How did you first discover RATIONALE, and what drew you to the brand?
Since a young age, I had volatile skin. I grew up on the beach in the ’90s—no sunscreen, no sun safety. A friend started using RATIONALE and I noticed a marked improvement in the quality and glow of her skin. That was over eight years ago. I began with a couple of products, built my confidence and trust, and have since become a complete devotee. Nothing has worked better than RATIONALE.
What is your current RATIONALE Ritual?
Morning: #1 The Strengthening Serum, #1 The Strengthening Hydragel, #4 The Nourishing Eye Crème, #4 The Nourishing Crème, #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+.
Evening: #4 The Nourishing Cleanser (sometimes #4 The Nourishing PreCleanse Balm), #5 The Refining Milk Concentrate, #5 The Refining GelCrème, #6 The Rejuvenating Night Crème.
Do you have a favourite RATIONALE formulation? If so, what do you love most about it?
It’s too hard to choose just one, but in terms of versatility and most used, it would be #4 The Nourishing Cleanser. I double cleanse with it in the evenings and leave it on as a mask while I relax or prepare dinner. It softens and resets my skin beautifully.
Please tell us about your impression of the newly upgraded #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+.
It’s smooth as silk — I love the way my skin feels and looks after application.
Have you seen any results that made a real difference in your skin or routine?
#5 The Refining Collection formulations combined with #6 The Rejuvenating Night Crème have given my skin clarity and repaired environmental and sun damage.
If you could offer one piece of advice for living brilliantly every day, what would it be?
To me, sustained joy and brilliance are derived from the ocean, from nature and from authentic connection. Spend your time with people you can laugh with and be completely yourself around.