Esthetician Spotlight: Elizabeth Valucci
Elizabeth Valucci (EV) came into our life in 2013, when she joined the Alchimie Forever team as an intern while attending George Washington University. While we knew the moment we met her that she was meant to be an esthetician, Elizabeth credits her internship with changing the course of her career and encouraging her to go to esthetician school. From DC, she moved to New York, worked under the famed Joanna Vargas, and then opened her own studio in the prestigious Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia. Our CEO Ada Polla (AP) and she have stayed in touch all these years and recently caught up. This is complete full circle story – and friendship!
AP:What was your journey to becoming an esthetician?
EV:I didn’t always know I wanted to be an esthetician, but I always knew I wanted to love my job. And I always loved beauty products. I attended George Washington University and was a Communication major. My senior year I interned at Alchimie Forever. I was really excited to explore where I could fit in the beauty industry. An esthetician there gave me a facial and it hit me… “I think I could do this!” I graduated from college in May 2014 and started beauty school in June. I then worked in spas and for a dermatologist in NYC and Philadelphia before opening my own facial studio.
AP:Where do you currently practice?
EV:I own a studio in Chestnut Hill, a very charming neighborhood of Philadelphia, which I opened in 2022.
AP:How did you discover Alchimie Forever? What was your first Alchimie Forever product?
EV:I discovered Alchimie Forever through another student at George Washington. My first product was the Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask, which I ustill se in my facials today. It's one of my favorite products to use during a facial massage.
AP:What is your favorite Alchimie Forever product and why?
EV:Another favorite product is the professional-only Brightening Peel! Truly one of the best chemical peels I’ve ever used professionally. Whether its targeting signs of aging, acne or even for someone with very sensitive skin, my clients get really great results from it!
AP:What Alchimie Forever product do you use or recommend the most to clients?
EV:The Brightening Peel is used the most often in my treatment room. It leaves the skin glowing!
AP:What is your #1 skin care recommendation to your clients?
EV:You don’t need a million skincare products. Stay consistent with a few good ones.
AP:What’s your skin care hot take/unpopular opinion/controversial idea?
EV:Not every product in your skincare routine needs to show you an immediate result. Antioxidants like Vitamin C protect your skin over time. If you’re consistent, your skin will benefit in the long run.
AP:What’s one thing you avoid at all costs when taking care of your skin?
EV:As an esthetician, I’m used to testing and trying a lot of products, tools, and treatments on myself. So I’m game for a lot. But I would never use a homemade skin care product. And I also try to avoid spending too much time in the magnifying mirror. Nothing good comes of that!
AP:Can you talk about the connection between self care and skin care?
EV:Having a skin care routine can be the most wonderful self care experience. It's a daily ritual that’s fun, relaxing, and even meditative. Caring for our appearance also helps us feel more confident. And when we feel confident, we show up in life better.
AP:What is your favorite form of self care?
EV:Sauna! I would love to be able to sauna every day. A traditional Finnish sauna is my favorite.
AP:Take us through your morning routine.
EV:After walking my dog and eating breakfast, I start my skin care routine. I usually do this while talking on the phone with a friend. In the morning, I use a gentle cleanser, thermal water spray, antioxidant serum, moisturizer and tinted sunscreen. I’m at my studio by 9:30am, ready for my first client at 10am.
AP:What are you excited about right now?
EV:I recently added microneedling to my menu, and my clients have been very happy with the results.
