Model Dani Evans Shares The Secret To Her Enviable Glow

From the moment Dani Evans walked in the front door at Shen, we couldn't take our eyes off of her. The model and fashion designer is, obviously, stunning, but she also has a certain magnetism that makes it absolutely impossible not to be drawn to her. She has that charismatic, confident air about her that pulls you into her orbit. It's part of her appeal and one of the big reasons behind her breakout win on cycle six of America's Next Top Model.

Since that 2003 debut, she's gone on to become not only a highly successful model, but a skilled designer — her Monrowe NYC line is a collection of expertly crafted, structured hats inspired by her grandfather, a free-spirited Southern jazz musician.

We had the chance to sit down with Dani for a beauty heart-to-heart after she stopped by for a facial with Pedro. After her pampering session, we chatted about her best backstage beauty secrets, the products she relies on for her signature glow, and how she learned to recognize her own value and using her voice to empower and educate on the importance of re-claiming our self-worth.

Name: Dani Evans

Profession: Model, founder and designer of Monrowe NYC

Skin type: Combination — in the winter I shed like a snake.

Hair type: Naturally curly

Duration of beauty routine: Realistically it's about 10 to 15 minutes of skin care attention.

Walk us through your daily routine:
I have a very holistic routine. After waking up, I stretch then burn either sage or incense to set a peaceful vibe that also smells great in my space. In the mornings I tend to keep it gentle by using a cleansing balm or Pai Light Work Cleansing Oil. I then exfoliate with the gentle face pads I get from my derm. From there, it’s all things serums — anything from Skinceuticals is a win. In the mornings I ALWAYS use my EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40. Sunscreen is super important, even for darker skin tones.

At night I’m obsessed with topping off my routine using Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream. On nights when I’m feeling up to it, I’ll use a sheet mask along with the Rose on Rose Face Roller.

What's your philosophy on beauty?
Do it for yourself and no one else.

What's your best beauty advice?
Always do your skin-care routine at night, no matter what state of mind you are in.

What's the best beauty advice you've ever been given?
A makeup artist years ago explained to me the importance of brows and how they shape a woman's face.

What are your three must-have beauty products?
I use two products that keep me moisturized and give me a healthy glow: Supernal Cosmic Glow Oil and Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Universal Face Oil. And then Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment because if you've ever been in my presence for more than 10 minutes than you know I'm always moisturizing my lips and hands.

For makeup, I like YSL All Hours concealer, which is a liquid-based concealer. I’ll dab it under my eyes and fill in my eyebrows so that the concealer can bake into my skin before I dab it in. I feel like it blends into my skin more effortlessly.

What is the biggest beauty mistake you've ever made?
Not speaking up when an artist is about to put pink blush on me or a nude lip that isn’t my skin tone. I would call that the mistake of not using my voice to educate on what works best for my skin tone.

What skin-care tricks did Pedro teach you during your facial?
I have smile lines and when having a lot of makeup on for work, you see the lines. I’m not ready for fillers or injections so Pedro used the Environ Peptide Enriched Frown Serum (a.k.a. "green Botox") on me and I need to start implementing that into my routine.

What do you love most about your job?
The freedom that comes along with being your own creative. There’s such liberty in having a vision and being able to carry it out. 

You've mentioned that promoting self-worth is an important personal platform for you. Why is that and how are you doing that personally and professionally?
I think as a society we are so programmed and conditioned to believe that our value is wrapped in what we do and how others see us. It’s a huge misconception. Our worth and value is simply our birthright! 

It’s my aim to constantly reprogram my own conditionings from childhood, peers, and the fashion industry. Re-writing my narrative oppose to living out the one that others wrote for me. I use my instagram as a platform to address concerns of mine and use my voice to empower.