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Not Sponsored: Hey Everybody! I always like to review a skincare collection at the beginning of the year, so for 2025 it is Shani Darden. In 2023, I reviewed Shani Darden's Hydration Peptide Cream (Revolve, Sephora) and ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! I made a reel on Instagram and people were thoroughly impressed with my results. I continue to use it as a day moisturizer and makeup primer. It makes my skin and makeup look beautiful. With such Supersweet results, I vowed to review other products in her skincare collection. So, here we go! Let's get started!
Shani Darden Sake Nourishing Essence (Revolve, Sephora). This essence is definitely a treat for the skin. You apply it AFTER you clean your skin. Shani Darden's website describes it as "A skin-nourishing formula packed with antioxidants, amino acids & minerals that soften and brighten even the most dehydrated or sensitive skin, while fortifying against external stressors and pollution. A gentle yet powerful blend of sake water, peony root & green tea extract floods skin with antioxidant protection while bamboo shoot water delivers unparalleled hydration—enhancing the absorption of actives that follow for a radiant complexion and enhanced makeup application."
For me, this is one of the best essence's I have ever tried. It's richer than most essence's I have ever tried. You press it into your skin. It feels hydrating, nourishing, and healing to the skin. My skin felt softer and looked plumper after using it. This essence contains:
- Sake Water Brightens and softens with antioxidants, amino acids & minerals.
- Bamboo Shoot Water & Glycerin Attracts and retains moisture for a healthy-looking skin barrier.
- Peony Root, Rosa Canina & Green Tea Extracts Delivers a boost of antioxidants to help defend and strengthen skin.
“This skin-nourishing essence is packed with powerhouse antioxidants, amino acids & minerals that soften and brighten skin while providing an extra layer of hydration and defense from environmental stressors. I formulated this refreshing essence to hydrate all skin types—even the most dehydrated or sensitive skin. I love applying it before serums to maximize absorption and get the most out of my routine.” — Shani
Again the packaging is very chic! Love the color and font. Looks great on your counter or shelf, but it is very heavy. If you drop the bottle (as you will see in my Boost Plumping Serum review), it will nick the bottle. Also, I don't see a travel size of the Sake Nourishing Essence on her website.
Full Disclosure: The essence that I am currently using is Fresh Beauty's Kombucha Essence (Sephora, Nordstrom, Kohls) which does an excellent job plumping my skin. The Shani Darden both plumps and makes my skin super soft. Fresh plumps my skin a little more. So I think I'm going to stick with Fresh's Kombucha and use Shani Darden's Hydration Peptide Cream. Together, they will give my skin what it needs. Fresh won by a narrow margin. I will add Shani Darden's Hydration Peptide Cream to my 32 Skin, Body & Oral Care Products For Dry & Sensitive Skin. For anyone that doesn't need extreme plumping, Shani Darden's Sake Nourishing Essence should be enough.
Shani Darden Sake Nourishing Essence is Supersweet
