Introduction

As I've gotten older, I've learned that my dry, acne-prone skin needs a mix of treatments and good skin care to keep it looking its best. I've pretty much got my skin-care routine down pat, but I recently added microneedling into my regimen, and while I love the results, the week or so after the treatment is always difficult to get through. Day one leaves my skin looking redder than a tomato, and days two through seven see my skin itchy, dry, and peeling.

The Solution: Shani Darden Moisture Boost Plumping Serum

Post-treatment, it's recommended you don't use any skin care with actives, so I usually just try to moisturize my skin religiously. However, I was recently introduced to the Shani Darden Moisture Boost Plumping Serum ($78), and it changed the game for me. Not only did it cut down on peeling and itchiness, but it also helped my skin look and feel more hydrated overall.

About the Shani Darden Moisture Boost Plumping Serum

• Hydrating and plumping serum
• Meant to be used twice a day
• Comes in one size, 1 oz.
• Safe for all skin types
• Formulated to combat dryness and dullness
• Key ingredients include glycerin, snow mushroom, pentavitin and red algae for hydration, and watermelon and apple extracts to protect skin from environmental damage
• Paraben-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free

What I Like About the Shani Darden Moisture Boost Plumping Serum

The first thing I noticed about this serum was the consistency. It looks almost like hot glue when it comes out of the pump — thick and clear. However, the texture is silky once it's massaged into the skin, and it doesn't feel heavy at all. In fact, it felt so weightless that I was a little worried it wouldn't do much in terms of hydration, but I was wrong.

Not only did it immediately give my skin a dewy finish, but it left my skin feeling hydrated all day. After being so impressed with the initial results, I opted to use it after my most recent microneedling treatment, and I was even more blown away.

Using this serum after microneedling helped cut down on itchiness as well as the peeling I had come to expect. Even the flakes around my nose that occur every winter seemed to go away.

How to Use the Shani Darden Moisture Boost Plumping Serum

The brand recommends using this product twice a day, in the morning and at night, and applying it directly onto clean skin. It can be used after actives like retinol and vitamin C serums.

I personally use it twice a day after cleansing my skin. In the morning, I start off with a vitamin C serum and then layer on one pump of this. From there, I go in with moisturizer and SPF. At night, I apply this directly onto clean skin and follow up with a moisturizer. If my skin feels extra dry, I use an occlusive, like Aquaphor, to seal everything in and do a little slugging.

What to Consider Before Trying the Shani Darden Moisture Boost Plumping Serum

At $78 for 1 oz., this serum is on the pricey side. It's been an integral part of my skin-care routine for some time now and a little goes a long way, but it's still important to keep in mind. If you're looking for a hydrating serum at a lower price point, there are other great options on the market.

Rating: 5/5