6 Minutes with Eleanor Banco
The brand strategist’s radiant rituals for balancing life, work, and Thanksgiving celebrations.
Brand strategist and former VOGUE editor Eleanor Banco brings her refined eye to every facet of life—from her work with luxury and heritage brands to the quiet rituals that ground her. Now based between New York City and Connecticut, Eleanor shares how she balances creativity and calm, what’s inspiring her this season, and the skincare ritual behind her signature radiance.
When did RATIONALE first come into your skincare routine?
I was lucky to be introduced to the RATIONALE team through my other favourite Aussie brand, Scanlan Theodore, a couple of years ago.
“#3 The Tinted Serum Broad Spectrum SPF50+ gives me instant luminosity, but it’s still light enough for every day. It’s my final step before walking out the door—it makes me feel put together, even on the busiest mornings.”
You’re heading away for the weekend—what’s the one formulation you’d take with you?
#1 The Serum. It works overtime—it does exactly what it should and it’s the base for whatever else I’m putting on my face that day. Never sticky and keeps me hydrated.
Which formulation is your favourite, and why?
#3 The Tinted Serum Broad Spectrum SPF50+ is the one you need! When we talk about achieving the‘ RATIONALE glow’, this serum literally brings my skin back to life
Eleanor’s RATIONALE Favourite's
A curated edit for luminosity, hydration, and protection.
How does your background in fashion, and at VOGUE, shape your perspective?
Having a formal background in communications and PR, especially in the editorial space, has been a huge driver in shaping my perspective, my eye, and my understanding of luxury consumer behaviour and cultural trends. I’ve been so fortunate to have worked with, and continue to work with, the sharpest people in the game.
What’s inspiring you most in New York right now?
Street style as storytelling. It’s not especially novel, but the streets are where you see personal interpretations of the runway in a digestible way. You can just walk for blocks and see how strangers live their lives by the way they dress or present themselves.
Favourite New York restaurant?
Le Veau D’or. Always buzzy and delicious with a neighbourhood feel. It’s the longest-running French bistro in the city.
You recently moved into a new home in Connecticut—how are you bringing your own style and sensibility into this space?
With the help of my very talented designer, Neal Beckstedt! Fortunately, he has a handle on what’s important to us in our space. Comfort and aesthetics are paramount. We’ve created a home that’s unique and will continue to grow with our family.
What’s inspiring you about life outside the city—any rituals or landscapes that feel especially grounding?
The woods! I can step outside my door, see trees that have been around for 100 years, and I’m immediately grounded. My stone walls—Connecticut has the most incredible ones, some dating back 300 years. That kind of thing is amazing to think about. Upstate, Hudson Valley is a favourite spot. The landscape is a perfect mash-up of all the things I love mountains, rivers, idyllic towns, and history.
How do you usually celebrate Thanksgiving—any rituals or must-haves at the table?
We host in Connecticut. My parents still do a lot of the cooking with us, and we’re always experimenting with twists on traditional recipes. My father makes his sausage, fennel, and cornbread stuffing—it’s my Favorite dish.