Esthetician Spotlight: Cat Quynh-Khue, Esthetician and Shop Educator, Heyday Chicago

Throughout October, which we have deemed National Esthetician Appreciation Month, we are highlighting some of the amazing estheticians we work with. We have been working with Heyday since their first shop in New York in 2015 (happy 10-year anniversary Heyday!), and have loved to see the growth of this brand through franchising. Our CEO Ada Polla (AP) recently visited the Chicago Lincoln Park location, and had a wonderful conversation with Cat Quynh-Khue (CQK), esthetician and shop educator. Read more below.

AP:What was your journey to becoming an esthetician?

CQK:I’ve struggled with face and body acne for many years and it wasn’t until I moved to Chicago that I started seeing an esthetician for monthly chemical peels and eventually feeling such a confidence boost. I remember thinking about how comfortable she made me feel at a vulnerable state and how the services were so therapeutic. It really inspired me to want to help others in same way.

AP:Where do you currently practice?

CQK:I currently practice at a studio called Heyday Skincare in Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL and have been with them for close to two and a half years. I personalize treatments for clients most of the time and also guide a team of estheticians with continuing education about products and service techniques.

AP:How did you discover Alchimie Forever? What was your first Alchimie Forever product?

CQK:I first discovered Alchimie Forever as an esthetician when I onboarded
with Heyday Skincare. My first Alchimie Forever product was the Gentle Refining Scrub. I love hydrating exfoliants that leave my skin
feeling bright and soft.

AP:What is your favorite Alchimie Forever product and why?

CQK:I have to pick the Kantic Light Clarifying Cream because it never feels too heavy for my combination skin and it smells delicious. While many mid-weight to richer creams tend to break me out, this one has rosemary extract to help treat blemishes without using aggressive actives or astringents and it comes in a pump for sanitary dispensing.

AP:What Alchimie Forever product do you use on or recommend the most to clients?

CQK:I recommend the Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask the most to clients because it makes the skin feel so plush and radiant like you’ve gotten a facial and is suitable for all skin types.

AP:What is your #1 skin care recommendation to your clients?

CQK:Find a sunscreen that suits your lifestyle and is agreeable with your skin type. It is by far, the most important product you’ll put on your face.

AP:What’s your skin care hot take/unpopular opinion/controversial idea?

CQK:Skincare fragrances are not all inherently bad. They are used to mask other ingredients and present to make a product smell good, but most importantly some aromas are a by-product of phytonutrients and antioxidants that add a lot of skin benefits in a formula.

AP:What’s one thing you avoid at all costs when taking care of your skin?

CQK:One thing I avoid I all costs when taking care of my skin is fad homemade concoctions. Without proper storage, clean manufacturing facilities, or clinically-backed studies, you can do harm to your skin from bacterial growth, increased congestion, or improperly compromising your barrier.

AP:Can you talk about the connection between self care and skin care?

CQK:When you feel good in your skin, the rest of life just feels a bit easier.

AP:What’s your favorite form of self care?

CQK:There’s nothing like receiving facials, massages, and doing some at-home gua sha to get me in the relaxed state of mind.

AP:Take us through your morning routine.

CQK:I apply the Alchimie Forever Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask while I brush my teeth. I brew tea or coffee and prepare breakfast while the mask sits on my face. I remove the mask before eating breakfast then finish the rest of my skincare with a vitamin C serum, the Alchimie Forever Light Kantic Clarifying Cream, and my favorite sunscreen in my rotation. Then I get dressed to walk my dog and go to work or lounge on the sofa with my cats and plan my day off.

AP:What are you excited about right now?

CQK:I’m very excited about onboarding new estheticians, product launches, and working on personal art projects.