Shani Darden’s AM/PM routine

I do it most mornings, although not always at the weekend – but I’m pretty consistent. I wash my face and then use the red-light setting for collagen density to reduce fine lines.

I always use my iS Clinical Super Serum Advance+ and an eye cream – I’m now really into Cosmedix Opti Crystal Eye Serum, as I don’t like to wear much makeup and this brightens up the area under my eyes. If I need more hydration with a hyaluronic acid, I use Nigma Talib ND Hydrating and Plumping Serum. Finally, I use the Supergoop! Play Everyday cream with sunscreen – I like to do as few steps as possible and this is an all-in-one formula so it’s ideal. It’s the same for my body; after a shower, I use Environ’s Vitamin A, C and E Body Oil and then mist on the Derma-lac Lotion, which is great for crepey skin.

…including vitamin C, Nigma Talib ND Healthy Flora and sometimes her Beauty in a Bottle, plus a vitamin B12. Recently, I’ve also been taking colostrum, as it supports immunity.

…I love a good eye mask and like to chill it in the refrigerator first to reduce puffiness. Using LED also helps, but if I’m short on time, I just use a hydrating face mask – I prefer a cream to a sheet mask. If I’m feeling really tired, I use Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta peel pads, which always make the skin look brighter.

…I use a chilled sheet eye mask – one I’ve made myself or, if not, I like to use one by Shiseido. And I love the NuFACE device, as I find the microcurrent is really good for the face.

…but I do walk all the time and I have a Peloton, which I use with my trainer Michele Hinds on Zoom. She is like my Oprah; there’s a lot of screaming and a few tears, but she is so motivating.

I’m a bit of a weird eater, as I have salad for breakfast – and I eat dinner early, 5 or 5.30pm. I’m not an exciting eater, but I love food and I eat quite a bit.

…stay out of the negative. So many people put you down and say you can’t do stuff, but you have to stay in the positive. And give back and support others, especially good people. Recently, there’s been so much talk about supporting women, but everyone needs support – it’s not a competition and there’s room for everyone.

It gets me ready for the week ahead. I do a cleanse, a peel with Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Professional Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel, then a mask, usually one I’ve made, mixing up what I need that day.

…I use an Alpha Beta peel pad from Dr. Dennis Gross right before putting my makeup on. I’m not a great makeup person, but I like a tinted CC cream – I have melasma and it really helps cover it. I always use Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara and am slightly obsessed with it. I’m also using a Huda Beauty lipstick, which is a new thing for me, and I’m really into my Becca blush and Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadows.

I know people always talk about face massage but, personally, I find that my NuFACE device works much better. I do it as often as I can, as it exercises the muscles and you get long-lasting effects. I used to work for NuFACE for a short while and I remember watching a demo about a woman in her 70s – I couldn’t believe it when I saw the ‘before’ and ‘after’.

Her name is Susan Paul and she’s very special. In LA, there seems to be a new healer every week, but Susan is the real thing. She comes to the house once a week, but she doesn’t always do healing, as it depends on the space I’m in at the time. She’s very intense but she has done some amazing things for me – plus, she’s a really good massage therapist.

I usually cleanse, apply retinol, an eye serum and my Shani Darden Weightless Oil-free Moisturizer. One night a week, I use the peel pads instead of retinol, as using both can leave my skin feeling a bit dry. I use either my Texture Reform or Retinol Reform – it’s nice to alternate. The Texture Reform is better for sensitive skin or those with rosacea, while the Retinol Reform works faster. I used to work for a dermatologist and I would see so many older women come in who had used retinol since they were in their twenties – and they didn’t have a wrinkle. Also, I was in school with a lot of people who used Retin-A for acne, and now they have the most beautiful skin. That’s why I always knew I had to do my own retinol product.

I take melatonin sleep gummies before bed.

…I have so many things: water, crystals (my shamen Susan gets them for me), my melatonin gummies and now hand sanitizer, too.