Considered the secret behind Hollywood’s most flawless faces, expert esthetician Shani Darden sets herself apart with her results-oriented approach to skin care. Her passion for simple, yet effective solutions has earned her clients’ trust and respect in a town where beauty, health, and wellness standards are high. Shani’s ability to treat a wide range of skin care conditions—from acne and rosacea to pigmentation, sun damage, and aging skin—while enhancing existing looks makes her an invaluable asset to her clients. Her custom treatments, coupled with her home care regimen, keep clients looking flawless and coming back for years. For more on Shani, check out Shanidarden.com and don't forget to follow her on Instagram @shanidarden!
May 15, 2018
Interviews and Articles make it easy to learn more about the products that top our lists, what’s currently trending, and the leaders who inspire us. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
R&S
How did you get started as a facialist:
Shani
I’ve been obsessed with skincare for as long as I can remember. I used to make face masks when I was little and begged my mom to take me to the dermatologist at a young age. When I finally became an esthetician, I was fortunate enough to work for a dermatologist, Dr. Erma Benitez, and it was such a great learning experience for me.
R&S
What would you say is your biggest accomplish or “I’ve made it” moment:
Shani
One of my biggest accomplishments was launching my two products, Texture Reform and Retinol Reform. I had wanted to do that for years, and I’m so proud that I was able to make that happen and that they have been so well received!
View Shani's Essentials
R&S
What do you love most about your work:
Shani
I love making people feel confident and good about themselves! There is nothing that makes me happier. If someone is struggling with their skin, I love being able to help them with that.
R&S
Top Dos and Don'ts when caring for you skin:
Shani
a. Always wear SPF and stay out of the sun! This is the absolute most important thing you can do for your skin.
b. Make sure to exfoliate but don’t over exfoliate! It depends on your skin type and the other products you’re using, but typically 1-2 times a week is the right amount.
c. Find the right products for YOUR skin. What works for one person, may not work for the next and it’s so important to find what works best for your skin to keep it balanced, healthy, and glowing.
R&S
Describe your personal beauty routine:
Shani
AM: In the mornings, I cleanse and use my Deesse Mask for 20 minutes. After that, I will apply a Vitamin C serum, eye cream, and sunscreen. I wear sunscreen every single day, no matter what! I generally don’t wear makeup. I’m all about less is more!
PM: At night, I cleanse again with my favorite gentle cleanser. Next I apply Texture Reform, which is my gentle retinol serum. I will follow that up with a Hyaluronic Acid serum like Dr. Nigma’s Serum No 1. After hyaluronic acid, I will apply my eye cream. My favorite is the iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex, it has peptides and hyaluronic acid to plump up and brighten. If I’m feeling a little extra dry, I may follow up with iS Clinical’s Reparative Moisture Emulsion.
R&S
What would getting a facial from you entail:
Shani
My Signature Facial includes Professional Exfoliation, Deep Pore Cleansing, and a Custom Mask based on your skin's needs. I also incorporate treatments such as Microcurrent, LED Light, Microdermabrasion, and Vibration Therapy.
R&S
Do you have any favorite facial treatments you swear by:
Shani
I love chemical peels! They’re one of my favorite treatments to do. They keep your skin looking young by exfoliating the top layer of skin so you always have a nice glow. It’s really important to remove that layer of dead skin cells on the surface so that products can penetrate deeply into the skin.
R&S
You decompress each day by:
Shani
I use my Deesse Pro mask every morning for 20 minutes. LED light is incredible for boosting collagen in the skin, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and making your skin just glow.
R&S
Where does your credit card get the most use:
Shani
I’m really obsessed with super high waisted denim jeans and white t-shirts from Anine Bing. I’m always on the hunt for amazing jeans and my next favorite blazer. I just recently got an orangey red blazer from L’Agence that I love.
R&S
What does the future hold for Shani Darden:
Shani
I will be releasing a full product line in the fall, which I am so excited about. I’ve been working on this for a really long time.
The Latest
