Interview | Shari Jafari of Simon Ourian M.D.
Shari Jafari is a beauty industry veteran with over two decades of experience supporting global brands such as Clinique, Darphin, Smashbox, and GlamGlow. In 2023, she joined forces with renowned Hollywood dermatologist Dr. Simon Ourian to co-found Simon Ourian M.D.
Simon Ourian M.D. is an expert-led skincare brand offering tailor-made regimens powered by advanced AI-driven skin consultations. Through its direct-to-consumer model, the brand provides digital consultations that deliver personalised subscription routines designed to address individual skin needs. These consultations include an in-depth photo analysis, a detailed skin questionnaire, and lifestyle-based insights, ensuring ingredients are carefully selected to deliver optimal results.
We recently sat down with Jafari, who shared her vision for Simon Ourian M.D., discussed the brand’s future plans, and revealed her personal skincare obsessions.
What inspired you to create Simon Ourian M.D?
I was inspired by the idea of offering a truly personalised skincare experience. I saw that many people were struggling to find products that addressed their unique skin concerns, so I wanted to create a brand that could adapt to individual needs and offer effective solutions for every skin type. Our approach focuses on personalisation, ensuring that everyone can achieve their best skin by using products personalized specifically for their skin type and concerns.
What product makes the best introduction to the brand?
The Daily Essentials collection is the perfect introduction to the Simon Ourian M.D. skincare line. As someone who’s always been impressed by how many people skip the basics of skincare, I believe having a consistent regimen is the foundation for achieving great skin. This trio, composed of a cleanser, toner, and moisturiser, is designed to provide that essential routine, ensuring your skin is healthy, balanced, and ready to absorb the benefits of any additional treatments. What’s even more special is that these products are personalised for different skin types, making them versatile yet tailored to meet individual needs. They truly embody our brand’s philosophy: effective, doctor-developed formulas that simplify skincare while delivering powerful, noticeable results.
What has been the biggest highlight?
The biggest highlight has been our expansion into new markets at the beginning of this year. It was a defining moment that not only demonstrated our brand’s potential but also taught us so much about the diverse skincare needs across different regions. I was incredibly proud of how well-prepared we were for this growth, and seeing our products resonate with customers globally was both rewarding and exciting.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to launch their own beauty brand?
Understand your customer before you even begin. Knowing your audience is crucial because it will guide every decision you make, from product development to marketing. If you don’t have a clear understanding of who your customer is, you’ll end up spending time and resources in the wrong places.
What’s next for Simon Ourian M.D.?
We’re excited to introduce our newest addition: Take the Glam Off, a cleansing balm for a double-cleansing routine. This product is designed to gently yet effectively remove makeup, impurities, and sunscreen while leaving the skin feeling nourished and soft. It pairs perfectly with our existing cleanser for the ultimate deep clean, ensuring your skin is thoroughly prepped to absorb the benefits of the rest of your routine. Double cleansing is a great additional step for those who wear heavy makeup, and we’re thrilled to offer a product that makes this ritual effortless.
What does your daily skincare routine look like?
My daily routine is simple yet effective. I always start and end my day with the Daily Essentials—cleanser, toner, and moisturiser—followed by our Eye Complex and SPF50. Consistency is key, and I never skip these steps. Plus, getting quality sleep is an absolute must for maintaining healthy skin.
What are three beauty products you can’t live without?
I can’t live without our Daily Essentials trio, Darphin Intral for its calming properties, and La Mer Renewal Oil for that extra hydration and glow. These products are staples in my routine, and they help keep my skin balanced and radiant.
What is the biggest skincare lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that consistency is everything. A simple, consistent daily regimen that includes proper cleansing can make a world of difference. It’s the foundation of any effective skincare routine, and skipping this step is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
What person or brand would you love to collaborate with?
I’d love to collaborate with Kim Kardashian. Given her longstanding relationship with Dr. Simon Ourian and her influence in the beauty world, it would be a natural and exciting partnership for us.
What’s not getting the attention it deserves in the beauty industry right now?
Personalised skincare. Too many people are still wasting money on products that aren’t right for their skin type or concerns. There’s a significant gap in understanding that skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and I believe the industry needs to place more emphasis on tailoring routines to individual needs.
Simon Ourian M.D. is available online at simonourianmd.com.