Shani Darden might be Hollywood’s “It” esthetician, but her journey started far from the glitz and glam of Beverly Hills. Growing up in the small town of Plattsburgh, New York, she had big dreams of becoming a model. Spoiler alert: that dream got sidelined by a few (in her words, awkward) rap videos, a failed stint in massage therapy, and one life-changing shift into skincare. Now, she's the woman behind the flawless faces of stars, like Jessica Alba and Shay Mitchell, and the founder of her namesake skincare line—and she’s sharing it all in this week’s episode of Hitting Pan.
Why You Need to Tune In to This Episode of Hitting Pan
First off, who doesn’t want to hear about an aspiring model getting cast in rap videos despite not knowing how to dance? Darden’s story takes a hilarious turn when she trades in her dreams of runway fame for a spa gig—and we’re so thankful she did. From a temporary rental house setup to becoming one of Hollywood's go-to skin gurus, this episode of Hitting Pan gives you skincare tips and a lot of “Wait, what?!” moments. And trust us, you don’t want to miss the part where she hides her kids in the bedroom while celebs walk through her house. Watch a highlight of Darden’s episode below, then head to Spotify to catch the full thing.
Key Takeaways: Shani Darden’s No-Nonsense Approach
Skincare Obsessed: Always into skincare, Darden found her true calling while studying to be an esthetician. She wasn’t going to let any hiccups (like being fired by email after having her first baby) slow her down.
Celeb Skin, Backhouse Studio: Thanks to the encouragement of her client and friend Jessica Alba (and a bit of blind faith), Darden started seeing celebs in her tiny backhouse studio with no bathroom. Who says you need a fancy setup to give A-listers glowing skin?
Building a Brand: Working with a dermatologist inspired Darden to create her own over-the-counter retinol, addressing the need for a powerful, accessible product without harsh side effects. This was the foundation of her now-popular skincare line.
Keep it Real: Darden’s approach to her skincare line is refreshingly real—she only creates products she believes in, and she’s not one for making useless things just to fill a shelf.
Additional Resources & Products Mentioned
Final Thoughts
Shani Darden may be the go-to esthetician for Hollywood's elite, but her story proves that even the A-list have humble, hilarious beginnings. Whether it's dodging dancing gigs or convincing celebs to trek through her backyard to get facials, Darden’s deadpan delivery and no-BS attitude make her journey as entertaining as it is inspiring. Oh, and if you see her, don't forget the gummy bears (frozen HARIBO only, please).
New episodes of Hitting Pan drop every Thursday. Follow Hitting Pan on Spotify to catch the full episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to follow IPSY on Instagram and TikTok for all the latest Hitting Pan news (plus so much more!).
Want in on all the IPSY fun? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY beauty subscription. Already an IPSY member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products.
Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!