Beauty Boss: Elana Drell Szyfer, CEO of RéVive
Elana Drell Szyfer.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Elana Drell Szyfer, CEO of RéVive—a transformative skincare line that was developed by noted plastic surgeon and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Gregory Brown. The brand’s formulas unlock the power of cutting-edge Bio-Renewal Technology (skin-identical peptides that mimic skin’s renewal process). These vital peptides transform and renew skin, restoring it to a younger, healthier and more supple version of itself.
With skin health as its priority, RéVive believes in safe science and adheres to the highest standards. Every product is clinically tested (but not tested on animals) for sensitivity, safety and skin-compatibility to deliver results. The company has received many awards for its innovative and preventative products that help to address various skin concerns while providing real anti-aging benefits.
We chatted with Szyfer, who shared more about her journey in the industry, what inspired her to join RéVive, secrets for success, wellness secrets and beauty tips, and much more.
When was RéVive founded and what does the name mean?
RéVive was founded in 1997 by Dr. Gregory Bays Brown, a renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon known for his advances in helping burn victims heal faster; Dr. Brown’s clinical work led him to utilize a bio-engineered molecule that aids cell renewal. Today, RéVive uses a collection of bio-engineered peptides called Bio Renewal Technology; these skin-identical proteins mimic your skin’s bio-renewal process to quickly renew skin’s structure to behave at a more youthful rate.
Dr. Brown is a Francophile–a person who loves all things French including the French language. While the name isn’t a real French word, it does come from the French word vivre—meaning “to live” or “life.” So Re–Vive is like saying “new life.” When we talk about RéVive, we say that RéVive “gives new life to skin.”
How long have you been with the company?
I officially joined RéVive on the day that Tengram Capital Partners purchased the brand from Shiseido. For about four months prior to that, I worked with Tengram on the diligence process prior to the acquisition.
What inspired you to join RéVive?
My journey has been in two parts to date: my big global company experience (L’Oréal, Estée Lauder and Avon) and my small company experience (AHAVA, Laura Geller and RéVive.) I started in an entry-level role and have worked my way up to CEO through hard work, a passion for the industry, dedication and determination.
RéVive’s transformative skincare products were developed by noted plastic surgeon and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Gregory Brown.
Does RéVive have a hero product?
It absolutely does! The first product and the hero moisturizer is RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream. We also have a hero cleanser, toner, eye mask, eye cream, skin moisturizing elixir and neck cream.
What are your favorite products from the brand?
There are so many! I love our Gel Cleanser, Balancing Toner, Le Polish exfoliator, Intensite Les Yeux eye cream, Soleil Superiéur (our SPF 50 Sunscreen), and our Lip Perioral Renewal Serum for lines around the mouth.
Where are RéVive products sold?
RéVive is sold in luxury department stores, specialty stores, boutiques, and online—both on our own website and on third-party websites. We have several international businesses including in the UK (Harrods and Space NK), Hong Kong, The Republic of Taiwan, China, Australia and Thailand.
Future plans for the brand?
In the past five years, we have doubled the size of the brand. We plan to double it again in the next three years. How? Through product innovation, great service and services, and an “always on “ approach to digital marketing.
Who inspires you?
While I run companies, I’ve never started a company, a foundation or a nonprofit. Founders inspire me—they are people with a vision based on passion who have the proven ability to transform an idea into something tangible—they pursue their vision, no matter what.
The brand’s formulas unlock the power of Bio-Renewal Technology, a cutting-edge science that visibly transforms and renews skin, restoring it to a younger, healthier and more supple version of itself.
Secret to success?
Success is the combination of hard work, determination and focus, relentless passion and luck. I’m willing to share that “secret” because each person’s journey to pursue these is so different and takes so many different forms.
Beauty secrets?
Sunscreen (which my mother made we wear from a young age), regular facials (again thanks to my mother), regular use of an infrared sauna, an artful dermatologist who believes in a “natural look,” and RéVive (of course).
Wellness tips?
Sleep, water and meditation. I used to use my lack of sleep as a badge of honor—it’s not. Sleep is amazing and so important to stay healthy, vibrant and emotionally balanced.
Best advice?
When I was a little girl, my parents used to read me the book “The Little Engine that Could.” The story is about a little train car trying to get up a big hill. To do so, it kept saying to itself, “I think I can, I think I can” as it climed to the top of the hill. It sounds overly simplified, but the message was: have confidence, focus, belief and/or passion—and you will succeed. I believe that.
How do you like to relax?
I love to go to galleries, I work out regularly, I love reading the New Yorker, non-fiction and fiction; and I love a good bingeable series.
For more information, visit RéVive’s website and follow on Instagram: @reviveskincare
[Images courtesy of RéVive]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk