Esthetician Spotlight: Allison Baird
In our continued series highlighting amazing estheticians who work with Alchimie Forever products, meet Allison Baird (AB), Owner and Founder of Monarch Skin in Arlington, VA. She is interviewed below by our CEO Ada Polla (AP).
AP: What was your journey to becoming an esthetician?
AB: I have always had a passion for the beauty industry but once I had my own struggles with adult cystic acne I realized I needed to immerse myself into esthetics to heal my own skin. Once I started working professionally I realized it went beyond just doing it for myself. Making people feel confident in their skin and empowered through learning about themselves has been incredibly rewarding.
AP: How did you discover Alchimie Forever?
AB: I discovered Alchimie Forever through my first job working at Bellacara (Alexandria, VA) over 10 years ago. [Ada Polla side note: Bellacara is still one of our key retail partners!]
AP: What is your favorite Alchimie Forever product and why?
AB: The Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask! It is a nightly moisturizer hack for a deeper hydration and ultimate glow in the morning. I have never rinsed off this mask as it is liquid gold.
AP: What Alchimie Forever product do you use the most with your clients?
AB: Again, the Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask! If the client has an evening appointment I will apply the mask as an overnight treatment at the end.
AP: What is your biggest accomplishment and proud moment as a business owner?
AB: My biggest accomplishment was expanding my business from 100sqf to 1100sqft and growing my team from 1 to 4 incredible estheticians!
AP: What is your overall skin care philosophy for the treatment room?
AB: The body is a whole unit working systemically and skin concerns like acne and pigmentation are primarily symptoms of a deeper internal imbalance. Energy work and facial massage are a huge tool in transforming skin. Your skin care and habits at home are 70% of the outcome.
AP: What is your #1 skin care recommendation to your clients?
AB: Find ritual in your home care routine and be consistent. Do not pick at your skin, stay out of the sun, and use a routine tailored to your skin by your esthetician. What works for someone else may not work for you. Live a 80/20 healthy lifestyle and keep toxic relationships out of your life!
AP: What’s your skin care hot take/unpopular opinion/controversial idea?
AB: I really disklike the urban myth that unflavored Greek yogurt makes an incredible chilled face mask.
AP: What’s one thing you avoid at all costs when taking care of your skin?
AB: Staying out of the sun and wearing physical sun protection on top of SPF is essential in maintaining results. Your skin does need vitamin D, but being mindful of your exposure does wonders for your skin.
AP: What’s your favorite form of self care?
AB: I love doing hot yoga, sweating in a sauna, baths and Pilates. Things as simple as putting your legs up on the wall and listening to a guided meditation helps dramatically with your overall wellbeing. Eating meals outside and spending time with my husband and 10-year-old husky Thunder is vital for my mental health.
AP: What is your personal beauty philosophy in one sentence.
AB: Your glow will always come from an internal place so take care of your spirit and soul as well.
