To celebrate the launch of our upgraded #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+, we sat down with interior stylist, author and creative director Steve Cordony to explore brilliance, creativity and the rituals that bring radiance to everyday life. Renowned for his emotive interiors and deeply personal approach to design, Steve’s work invites connection, storytelling and beauty — values that mirror our own philosophy of luminous skin, inside and out.
What does brilliance mean to you?
Brilliance means radiating a glow that is internal, first and foremost, and allows you to glow on the outside as a byproduct.
Is there an everyday ritual that brings a spark of brilliance into your life?
My number one daily ritual is meditation. It is the one thing that centres me and allows me to focus internally twice a day for 20 minutes, which bookends my day and everything that goes on within it. That sets the tone for my day, alongside further rituals of making my bed daily, the RATIONALE Essential Six and my vitamin and mineral-loaded green smoothie — all of which I do day in and day out and create a constant in my life.
Can you share a recent moment where you felt brilliant, or achieved something brilliant, in your work or personal life?
I ended 2025 with a special Christmas Masterclass in Sydney, which I worked on longer than any other event I had previously. I wanted it to be a joyful reminder of why I love Christmas so much, and welcome guests into a space that would transport them to another time and place. That makes me feel brilliant — when I get to share my work and passion for creating joy for others.
What inspired you to pursue your career in interior design, and how did you know it was the right path for you?
My mother was an interior decorator and my dad was a builder, so I grew up around the ‘home’. And by that I mean the truest meaning of home — a three-dimensional representation of a family, individual or persons that showcase their style DNA. I studied interior design as it felt like it blended so many creative genres that I love: fashion, graphic design, product design, entertaining and the creative arts.
Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your career?
Nature and travel have been two constant inspiration pillars since I started my career. It could be the smallest flower or the wildest trip that sparks a story or moment to create a special project.
What has been your most defining or groundbreaking career moment, and what did it teach you?
Starting the renovation of my previous country house and launching my first book. The renovation allowed me to dream and flex my styling and design muscle with no pressure or parameters. Launching my first book felt like a look back at the first 18 years of my career and allowed me to pause, reset and get excited for the next chapter.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a mentor, and how did it impact your career?
Only say yes to the projects which are going to get you to where you want to go. Everything else is noise. That helped me say yes to the projects that propelled me forward and cancel out the ones that felt obligatory.
How did you first discover RATIONALE, and what drew you to the brand?
I first discovered RATIONALE in 2018 when a friend told me about a skincare brand that makes you glow. I had a facial treatment and received my RATIONALE Ritual and never looked back. I had issues with my skin since I was 17, and nothing changed the texture and clarity of my skin like RATIONALE.
Imagery from 'Moments at Home' by Steve Cordony, published by Hardie Grant, used with author's permission.
How do you incorporate brilliance into your creative practice?
In literal terms, the starting point for designing a space is all about natural light. Allowing the sunlight to penetrate each space not only brightens the room but creates a sense of enchantment and magic. Soulfully, styling your home with items and pieces that create an emotional response brings an intangible brilliance to any space.
What is your current RATIONALE Ritual?
It’s based around the Essential Six, with some additions.
Day: #1 The Serum, #2 The Serum, #2 The Light Crème, followed by #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+ (a favourite) and Beautiful Skin Superfluid SPF30 to finish.
Evening: #4 The Nourishing Cleanser, followed by #5 The Refining Serum (three nights per week) and #6 The Rejuvenating Night Crème every night. Every fortnight, I use #1 The Mask, and pre-event, I reach for #2 The Mask.
Steve's AM Ritual
#1 The Serum
Benefits
Hydrates, Nourishes, Enhances radiance,
Suited To
Combination skin,
#2 The Serum
Benefits
Hydrates, Visibly brightens, Evens tone,
Suited To
Resilient skin,
#2 The Light Crème
Benefits
Hydrates, Visibly firms, Re-energises skin, Evens tone,
Suited To
Combination skin,
#3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+
Benefits
Evens tone, Illuminates, SPF50+ protection,
Suited To
All skin,
Beautiful Skin Superfluid SPF30
Benefits
Sheer coverage, Dewy finish, SPF30 protection,
Suited To
All skin,
Steve's PM Ritual
#4 The Nourishing Cleanser
Benefits
Gently cleanses, Nourishes, Amplifies suppleness,
Suited To
All skin,
#5 The Refining Serum
Benefits
Restores clarity, Enhances radiance, Evens tone,
Suited To
Resilient skin,
#6 The Rejuvenating Night Crème
Benefits
Uplifts and firms, Visibly hydrates , Reanimates luminosity,
Suited To
All skin,
Do you have a favourite RATIONALE formulation? If so, what do you love most about it?
It’s a tie between #1 The Serum and #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+. Every time I apply #1 The Serum, my skin feels nourished and calm. And #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+ evens out my skin tone with a subtle tint while protecting my skin from the sun.
Please tell us about your impression of the newly upgraded #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+.
I started using it two weeks ago, and it’s a contender for my new favourite. It’s slightly lighter ... and feels so great on my skin. It’s perfect for summer, and I layer it with Beautiful Skin Superfluid SPF30 and The Instant Radiance Mist for an extra glow.
Have you seen any results that made a real difference in your skin or routine?
Absolutely. My skin tone and clarity are completely different. I used to suffer from rosacea, general redness and outbreaks, but this is now very rare. People often comment on my skin and can never believe I haven’t had Botox.
If you could offer one piece of advice for living brilliantly every day, what would it be?
It starts from the inside. Whatever helps you come inward before sharing the best radiant version of
yourself externally is the most important. For me, it was meditation, therapy and movement. Everything else is a radiant bonus.