GUEST EDIT
In Conversation With
FATMA SHAHEEN
The A-List’s favourite skin saviour,
Fatma Shaeen shares her beauty secrets
12.02.25
BY RACHEL HODIN
Photography by James ANDERSON
BY RACHEL HODIN
Photography by James ANDERSON
There seems to be some confusion out there that needs clearing up. While everyone has been rallying around Elphaba and her long-winded attempt to defy gravity, London-based aesthetician Fatma Shaheen has been formulating and performing world-class skincare treatments that leave the skin taut, flawless, and lifted in such a way that quite literally defies gravity.
Her secret? A mix of state-of-the-art technology—think: microneedling, electroporation, radiofrequency, and cryotechnology—coupled with her line of science-backed skincare, Skin Design London. In other words: far more than mere hope and moxie. The results work to penetrate and repair the skin from the inside out, yet require not a minute’s worth of downtime. It’s no easy feat, but if her A-list clientele is anything to go by (think: Kim Kardashian, FKA Twigs, Jennifer Lawrence, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley among many others), it’s certainly paid off.
Here, Shaheen reveals the suit and accessories she’s currently coveting, her self-care non-negotiables, and more.
My style uniform is a blazer and dresses. I’m eternally inspired by the 1970s and Sophie Loren. I also love the Turkish actress Ece Sukan’s style and Turkan Soray—look her up, she’s a Turkish movie star and an icon.
My favorite purchase in recent memory is the JW Anderson Loafer Bag in brown suede, and Alex Eagle’s tuxedo and “Studio” tailored suits; the fits are incredible.
My top beauty hack for instantly-glowing skin is our Skin Design London Face Tight Serum and Cherry Gloss Peel.The Face Tight serum helps to reduce the signs of aging and literally awakens the skin. Cherry Gloss took me eight years to perfect: it has this powerful blend of cherry-infused glycolic and lactic AHAs that’s amazing at peeling back dull skin.
The most underrated beauty product is my Designer Balm. It’s one of our best products and the ultimate TLC for the skin.
“If you only do one thing for your skin, do Retinol and C Antioxidant Glow. Sorry—two things.” Fatma Shaheen
l -r: FATMA’S SKIN ESSENTIALS, including her new retinol gel crème
If you only do one thing for your skin, do this retinol and my C-Antioxidant Glow. Sorry—two things. There’s a certain synergy between these two that supercharges visible results like reducing the skin’s discoloration and dullness.
The best thing to do for your skin that costs no money is sleep. If you can apply my Retexturizing Serum and Sleeping Beauty cream before dozing off, even better.
The more advanced treatments that have worked for me are the SDL Facelift, our signature in-clinic treatment that I’ve performed on everyone from Kim Kardashian to FKA Twigs and Jennifer Lawrence. It works to deeply lift, tighten, and restructure facial contours and is particularly effective when combined with our ultra-hydrating Vitamin Skin Juice facial.
The one thing that has transformed my skin the most is my Retinol Gel Crème. It’s the microdose version of retinol, delivering consistent cell turnover, yet still gentle enough to use during the day—every day.
My favorite drug store purchase to mix with my products is La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar body moisturizer.
My signature lip color is Gucci’s matte Goldie Red shade.
“The last beauty-related thing I use before I go to bed is Skin Design London Sleeping Beauty Cream, – a midnight collagen feast for the face! It can be worn overnight as a mask – literally 8 hours of sleep in a jar!” Rosie Huntington-Whitely, client of Fatma Shaheen.
“The last beauty-related thing I use before I go to bed is Skin Design London Sleeping Beauty Cream, – a midnight collagen feast for the face! It can be worn overnight as a mask – literally 8 hours of sleep in a jar!” Rosie Huntington-Whitely, client of Fatma Shaheen.
In my opinion, the beauty trend that’s truly all hype is sheet masks.
A supplement that does wonders for your skin is zinc. But I prefer eating lots of blueberries and carrots.
The latest skincare fad that all the beauty insiders are talking about is salmon sperm injections.
My signature scent is Loewe’s 001 Woman Eau de Parfum—it’s heaven.
l-r FATMa’s wardrobe essentials - ALEX EAGLE TAILORING, IMAGE STEPHANIE SOMEBODY, FATMA AT HOME WITH HER SIGNATURE RED POUCH
Black book reveal: I see Amy Nelms of Flatironpilates* in NYC for pilates lessons.
My approach to wellness is consistency and retinol.
My morning ritual is green juice and espresso.
A place I go to so often they know my name is Storyline, my favorite coffee and brunch spot in Mayfair..
The last book I read and loved is “The Alchemist” by Brazilian author Paul Coehlo. It’s a fantastic novel about the self-discovery that can come with following your dreams.
I’m most proud of my kids and Skin Design London.
*Editor’s note: Nelms is one of the most in-demand pilates instructors in the tri-state area, with a roster of clients that includes top models, Hollywood darlings, and fashion’s coolest names.
IMAGE: JEAN Pierre Domingue COURTESY OF FLATIRON PILATES, FATMA’S GO TO PILATES
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