Celebrity aestheticians often hold their skin-care secrets close to their chest, but here, some of the best in the business share the products and devices they always have in their treatment rooms.
SHANI DARDEN
CLIENTS: Jessica Alba, Kelly Rowland, Shay Mitchell
Shani Darden’s iconic facials “incorporate cleansing, vibration therapy, a light chemical peel, oxygen therapy, microcurrent, LED light therapy, a hand treatment and cryotherapy.” The result is “an immediate glow and skin that is toned, sculpted and lifted.” A staple in her routine is a light chemical peel, often with lactic acid. “It doesn’t cause any dryness, you just literally walk out glowing.” Clients loved the results so much that it inspired Darden to develop an at-home version during the pandemic: Triple Acid Signature Peel ($125).
Darden begins each facial with a skin analysis to customize her treatment, so products vary, but one that holds a consistent spot is her Cleansing Serum ($38). Ahead of cleansing, Darden often uses Garnier Micellar Water ($12) to remove eye makeup. Post-cleanse, she employs her Facial Sculpting Wand ($399), which uses vibration therapy to tone, tighten and lift the skin. “The sound waves it emits are gentle, but they can penetrate up to 2.4 inches below the skin’s surface to target fine lines and wrinkles at their origin,” she says. “They also boost circulation and prep skin for the rest of the facial.”
LED light therapy plays a crucial role in the aesthetician’s method, too, because it addresses a variety of concerns. She often uses her Shani Darden by Déesse PRO LED Light Mask ($1,900), which is proven to reduce acne, pigmentation and wrinkles. Finally, Darden ensures her client’s skin is protected with Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 ($36). “It absorbs super quickly and won’t clog pores.”
SAMANTHA SUSCA
CLIENTS: Amber Valletta, Valentina Ferrer, Joan Smalls
Samantha Susca describes her facials as more “modality-stacked” rather than product-heavy. In her treatment room, expect to see Hydrafacial, diamond-tip microdermabrasion and Neocutis microcurrent, as well as infrared light, oxygen dermal infusion, sonophoresis and dermaplaning devices.
Susca’s personally curated products in her treatment room include selects from Auteur, Skin Design London, Agent Nateur and House of Gro. She also offers the famous herbal Green Peel by Dr. Schrammek.
TOSKA HUSTED
CLIENTS: Karlie Kloss, Elsa Hosk, Kendall Jenner, Uma Thurman, Alexandra Daddario
Toska Husted utilizes a host of staples for her pre-event celebrity facials, including Valmont Regenerating Mask Treatment ($610), Biologique Recherche Le Grand Sérum ($598) and Future Brightening Touch Serum ($145).
“For the treatment itself, I utilize a unique massaging technique for sculpting, lifting and depuffing, as well as a machine that uses microcurrent to tone the facial muscles and galvanic current to infuse serums into the skin,” says Husted.
Hot tip: Almost all of Husted’s pre-event treatments are “ice facials” for which the “products are chilled in ice, so the cleanse and all of the other steps feel ice-cold on the skin.” This technique helps her “achieve a firm and lifted visage that looks toned and radiant.”
GEORGIA LOUISE
CLIENTS: Jennifer Aniston, Linda Evangelista, Eva Mendes, Anne Hathaway
“I have a variety of gadgets and tools that contribute to the popularity of our bespoke facials, combining high-tech innovations with hands-on techniques for the best of both worlds,” says Louise. One of her staples is microcurrent therapy—she’s currently using the TriaWave machine. “This device offers three frequencies in one—microcurrent, sound waves and galvanic currents—providing plumpness, firmness and glow.” She also loves NuFACE Trinity+ Pro.
Louise often incorporates her Cryo Freeze Tools ($130) while using Raja Medical devices. “During the LED and ozone phases of the treatment, my cryo tools cool while delivering pure oxygenation to the skin,” she says. “To finish, I use a gua sha technique with my Lift + Sculpt Butterfly Stone ($75) to contour and smooth muscles for a beautifully defined, rejuvenated appearance.” Louise describes her new Neck & Dec Refirm ($180) as a “neck bra” and loves the Lactic Acid Cream Cleanser ($115) for exfoliating and brightening.
NERIDA JOY
CLIENTS: Jennifer Garner, Maggie Grace
Nerida Joy reveals that one of the biggest staples in her custom facials is cryo sticks. “I love using them, especially after extractions or a strong active. Cryo has many benefits for the skin, especially when so much internal heat and inflammation surfaces.”
Before cryo, she layers on her Rejuvi Skin Healing Gel ($31) for cooling, calming benefits and Rejuvi Q Flavonoid Complex ($65) to nourish and brighten. “Educating my clients on how to protect their skin barrier is crucial,” says Joy. Products up to the task include Jordan Samuel Moisture Recovery Cream ($37) and La Bella Donna Minerals On-The-Go SPF 50 ($72).
IVÁN POL
CLIENTS: Emma Stone, Kim Kardashian, Lily James, Sabrina Carpenter
Iván Pol, known to his million Instagram followers as @thebeautysandwich, has three key layers to his sandwich technique. The proprietary formulas of his products mimic the layers and elements of Pol’s signature treatments. He begins with his Amuse Bouche ($175), which he likens to “an IV drip for your face.”
The skin guru follows this with his SS01 Secret Sauce ($295), “which increases cellular turnover and circulation, and treats fine lines. It enhances the rosy look we aim for.” He seals the deal with the proprietary blend in his SS02 Snatching Sauce ($130), which is designed to shield and calm the skin, and acts like shapewear for the face.
During the facial, Pol also incorporates a proprietary combination of radio frequency and red light. “The radio-frequency technology penetrates deep into the skin, stimulating collagen production and tightening tissue,” he explains. “The red light therapy boosts circulation and reduces inflammation.”
Another highlight is Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Plasma Bioactive Growth Factor Serum ($200). “A lot of my Hollywood clients use it, so I implement it in the treatment. Our products go hand-in-hand together.”
