Pass The Pen: Shani Darden
Photos by Heidi Ryder
As most of us are heading into the chilliest time of year, I have been getting some questions about how I save my skin enduring the crazy travel, long work hours, and chillier temps. SO, I asked my friend and skin guru Shani Darden to join us on The Happy Place to break it all down for you!
For those skincare junkies that follow the magic hands that care for some of the most beautiful faces in our industry, you will know Shani. Her A-list clientele trust that in her hands their faces will stay plump, healthy, and glow from within.
There are a million reasons I love Shani. We spend our time chatting about life, motherhood, and all the latest and greatest skin tricks!
She has cared for my skin as I have endured crazy work hours, years spent living on a plane, and two pregnancies! Her approach is NOT one size fits all and I am completely addicted to her growing list of products. I also feel almost guilty when I walk out of there with a jar of one of her custom masks she whipped up to tackle anything I might be dealing with at the time.
So, instead of breaking down my skincare routine myself...who better to explain it all to you than Shani!
Shani, you have cared for my skin through it all. But regardless of what I’m dealing with, I always walk out of your office with a SIMPLE plan to match my needs. What is the method behind that magic?
My motto has always been Less is More. I’m a huge believer that your skincare doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective! The most challenging part is just figuring out the RIGHT products for your skin type, and once you do, your skin will be balanced, healthy, and glowing.
I love your new face wash and my skin drinks up your moisturizing toner. But my first love was your retinol reform. Why do you think this product is a cult favorite?
Retinol Reform is amazing because it can produce some overnight results thanks to the lactic acid. However, the best benefits come when you’re able to use it a few nights a week (or every night if your skin can tolerate it!) for a long period of time. Retinol Reform boosts collagen in the skin and increases cellular turnover, but this process takes a little time. Once you’re using it regularly, your skin will look better than ever! The texture will be smoother, fine lines and wrinkles will be minimized, and you’ll have less pigmentation.
What are your go to skin tips for battling ‘winter skin’?
I love to use a humidifier in my bedroom at night while I sleep to keep moisture in the air. I also love to use a Hyaluronic Acid Serum like Dr. Nigma’s Serum No 1 in the morning before my SPF and at night before moisturizer. It really plumps up your skin with hydration!
What would you say are my skin dilemmas and how do you attack them?
Your skin is very delicate and can be on the dry side. I like to make sure that I’m using products to calm your skin down and make sure you’re getting enough hydration without using products that are too harsh.
I LOVE that you have designed a skincare regimen that is not only effective, but also SO simple. What are your ‘essentials’ for a basic skincare routine?
In the morning, a gentle, effective cleanser like my Daily Cleansing Serum. Followed by an antioxidant like a vitamin c serum. If I need extra hydration, I’ll add in a hyaluronic acid serum. Next would be eye cream, and then the most important part - Sunscreen! I love a sunscreen that is hydrating but won’t clog your pores.
At night, cleanse again with a gentle cleanser. Daily Toning Essence to hydrate, brighten, and control oil. A treatment serum to treat any specific issues, such as Texture Reform or a targeted acne treatment. A hydrating serum again if needed, and then eye cream. Follow that up with a great moisturizer for your skin type!
Exfoliate 1-2 times a week depending on your skin type and the other products you are using.
I feel insanely lucky that Shani is a part of my arsenal of talented geniuses in charge of keeping my self care ship sailing. But I also love that no matter where you are you can benefit from Shani’s knowledge. Her instagram is chalk full of readily accessible skin tips. She’s an ambassador to Garnier, which offers incredible products you can find anywhere in the world. And she really believes in the less is more approach to your best face.
So, check her out, try some of her products (I promise you won’t regret it!) , and if you really want to make Shani proud...WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN!
Xx,
Jo
