It’s no secret that celebrities have access to the best names in the business to help them in their quest for glowing skin. One such name is Shani Darden—a celebrity facialist who everyone from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Chrissy Teigen have on speed dial for red carpet events or when they’re having a complexion emergency. While we regular folk might not have the luxury of having a skincare pro in our contacts list, Darden’s eponymous range of skincare products is available to buy in the UK, and it turns out the A-list are as reliant on her product offering as they are the lady herself.
Previously an insider skincare range available only through Shani’s own salon, Shani Darden Skin Care is now available to the masses—meaning we can all enjoy a touch of celebrity-approved skincare at home. But there’s one product that has been more of a hit than most, with Laura Harrier, Chrissy Teigen and Rosie HW all raving about its complexion benefits.
The product in question is the Shani Darden Skin Care Texture Reform (£80). Admittedly, it does come with a slightly hefty price tag, but it’s something of a snip when compared with the hundreds of pounds an in-salon facial with Darden would set you back. (After the months spent on a waiting list, that is.) It has five-star reviews on Cult Beauty, so something’s clearly working for those of us who aren’t celebrities…
Containing a mild retinol alongside exfoliating lactic acid, skin-smoothing niacinamide and calming aloe vera, this serum works overnight to combat everything from blemishes to uneven skin texture. Effectively, it’s just great skin in a bottle. “I created Texture Reform Gentle Resurfacing Serum for my sensitive clients who wanted to get all the skin-renewing benefits of a retinol in a gentler form,” explained Darden. “They get the same results without irritating their delicate skin.”
And the celebrity accolades have been coming in thick and fast for the product: “It smooths out fine lines,” Chrissy Teigen told InStyle of the serum previously. “Every time I use it, I get compliments on my skin the next morning.”
Jessica Alba concurs. “I use Reform Serum every night and think it makes my pores and dark spots look smaller while also making my skin look all smooth and soft.”
Laura Harrier also raves about Darden’s products: “I see Shani Darden in L.A. for my skin—my routine is very Shani,” she told Into the Gloss. “I got my exfoliating wipes from her, and I have her retinol. I text Shani pictures of my zits all the time like, ‘Help meee!'”
What is Shani Darden Texture Reform? A sensitive skin-friendly serum that’s formulated with gentle retinol and lactic acid to even skin tone, minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smooth the complexion and brighten. How do you use it? In the evening, after cleansing, smooth 1-2 pumps over dry skin then follow with a light moisturiser if you wish. It can take time for your skin to build a tolerance to retinol so start by using it once or twice a week then add in a day each week if your skin can handle it. What can you use retinol with? It’s best to keep things simple when using a retinol like Shani Darden Texture Reform—just cleanse, apply the serum and then a basic moisturiser if needed. It isn’t recommended that you use vitamin C or exfoliating acids in the same routine as this could cause irritation. In the morning, remember to apply an SPF too as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun.
Apply this cult serum at night after cleansing and follow with a lightweight moisturiser. Start by using it just once or twice a week, and build up to more frequent use.
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With celebrity clients including Naomi Watts and Julianne Moore, Joanna Vargas is legendary in the beauty industry. This lightweight serum is rich in vitamins C, E and F to brighten skin tone and improve texture.
Royal facialist Deborah Mitchell treats both the Duchess of Cornwall and K-Mids and is most well known for her bee-venom facial. This skin-repairing oil is great for all skin types and can also be added to moisturisers and used on dry hair and nails.
Treating everyone from Rosie HW to Kim Kardashian West to Hailey Bieber, it’s no surprise that facialist Dr. Barbara Sturm’s products come with a high price tag. This serum is renowned for its ability to not only immediately hydrate skin but also how it improves your skin’s moisture barrier over time.
Not only is this a purse-friendly retinol serum, but it’s also a great one for beginners, thanks to its low dosage and the addition of moisturising squalane.
