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esthetician
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SHANI DARDEN
SHANI
DARDEN
esthetician
Considered the secret behind Hollywood’s most flawless faces, expert esthetician Shani Darden sets herself apart with her resultso riented 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 began her career as a licensed esthetician alongside distinguished dermatologist Dr. Erma Benitez, known for her ind epth clinical assessments of severe acne and ability to put patients on a pathway to recovery. In this environment, Shani gained extensive knowledge of acne and other extreme skin conditions that serves as the foundation for her uniquely transformational methods. Next, Shani advanced in the luxurious spas and reputable clinics of Los Angeles with tenures at Argyle Salon and Spa, Le Spa by Sofitel, and Kinara Skin Care Clinic. These experiences honed Shani’s understanding of active ingredients in both professional and retail products, inspiring her to incorporate antia ging and “abovem aintenance” procedures within the scope of her treatments. Here, she also developed her straightforward but caring style of communication that’s now the hallmark of the exceptional customer service her clients know and love. In 2013, Shani launched her eponymous skin care line exclusive to shanidarden.com and specialty boutiques. Drawing from years of clinical expertise and training in the latest skin care innovations, Shani first developed Retinol Reform with real people in mind. Created as a simple, elegant, and versatile product for different skin types, which provides the benefits of retinol without the drawbacks, it’s no wonder this serum quickly became a cult classic. Shani then expanded upon this philosophy, formulating new transformational skin care products that are easy to use and deliver attainable results. 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.
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natural (what it really takes)
To maintain a glowing complexion, Vargas encourages her clients to start with a nourishing, healthy diet. But truly flm\•less skin- the kind that can stand up to minimal makeup- can mean several visits to the aesthetician a month, she says."Great skin doesn't have to besomethingyou're born with; she adds. "Anybody can achieve it, but it does take work." She has clients who may run around town without a stitch of foundation but who visit her once a week for her LED light bed and who book regular microcurrcnt facials, oxygen treatments, or exfoliation therapies. A dermatologist can provide an even bigger
assist by helping to lift, tighten,smooth, or otherwise perk up a tired complexion with in-office treatments. "I see a lot of women who are into yoga and well ness, but then they incorporate a little laser, filler,and Botox,"says Amy Wechsler, M.D., a Manhattan-based dermatologist."It's all part of a healthy lifestyle, and I don't think they'reopposed to each other.'' This lifestyle might mean some women will visit the derm earlier than their mothers,or even their big sisters, might have considered. "It's not about eliminating lines and wrinkles,"' says NYC derma¡ tologist Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D., "but about skin quality:'In hispractice,herefines texture and tone with a variety of lasers,including Exilis (to tighten), Laser Genesis (to repair),and Clear & Brilliant (to minimize pores). "With the advancement in laser procedures,you're able to accomplish many things in one treatment," he says.Thanks to thecombined effectsof these lasers,he adds, the results bringout your best possible complexion, with a natural aesthetic."People don't want to look like they're in my office all the time," he says, "even though they are."
)J)'Cdermatologist Dendy Engelman,M.D., says that when it comes to injectables, subtle t\'leaks are the way to go. "People aren't coming in for an overhaul," she says."It's just a touch in the lips or smoothing over that hint of a line.Honestly, it's a better approach." Or maybe in-office regimens aren't for you-in which case, Los Angeles-based Shani Darden, the go-to facial ist for Jessica Alba ar1d Chrissy Teigen, says there are treatmentsyou can do at home.Start with a good cleanser such as Garnier SkinActive The Gentle Sulfate-Free Cleanser, $12, the n add retinol at night. "Retinol is a multitasker;'she says of the antiaging, antiblemish ingredient;her own Resurface Retinol Reform, $95, uses aloe vera for gentleness. Under eyes,try RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Eye Cream, $23, for minimal irritation. Want an immediate pick-me-up? Darden suggests using an at-home peel. Lactic-acid-based varieties arc usually a good bet,she says, but find the one that's best suited to your skin. (One to try: Omorovicza Copper Peel, $85 for eight tubes.) For makeup that provides skin-care benefits, look for a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen, such as IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ cream with SPF 50+,S38, to minimize imperfections whileguarding against future damage. The idea of effortless beauty may be an oxymoron, but it's one that deserves a wink and a laugh, notjudgment. "Weall want to keep up this idea that we'redefyinggeneticsor natu re by aging beautifully and gracefully," says Or. Engelman. "People don't want to be seen as vain!But a bit of vanity is what helpsus make healthy choices,likegoing to the gym instead of eating a bag of ca ndy. Putting in effort can be a good thing." e
INTRODUCING THE EFFORTLESS BEAUTY TOOLKIT: FROM AT-HOME PRODUCTS TO IN-OFFICE SESSIONS, THESE TREATMENTS MAKE NATURALLY GORGEOUS HAPPEN. LASH EXTE NSIONS
"' BA BY BO TOX"
Go mascara-free with fuller, elongated lashes. Wide-eyed results typlcally last three or four weeks.
One secret to looking well rested:Small amounts erase frown ln i es while allowing for facial movement.
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IN-OFFICE
HAI RCO LO R
LASER TREATMENTS
FILLER
Understated highlights,done at home orin a salon, can recapturethe sun-kissed hue you had as a child.
For a smoot h,radiant, and practically poreless complexion,laser thetapy is an effective (if pricey) option.
Not just for plumper lips andcheeks. today's injectables caneven minimiZe dark under-eye circles.