Esthetician Spotlight: McKenzie Finlon, FACE FOUNDRIÉ Coconut Point

Meet McKenzie Finlon, a licensed esthetician, and discover her expert skin care tips, daily routine, and professional insights for healthy skin.

As we celebrate the expansion of our FACE FOUNDRIÉ partnership, we chose her to say thank you to one of our test locations! Our Co-Founder and CEO Ada Polla (AP) met McKenzie Finlon (MF) at the FACE FOUNDRIÉ Convention in 2024, and our products made an impression even before McKenzie started working with our brand. If you’re ever in Southwest Florida, make sure to visit FACE FOUNDRIÉ in Estero, or their sister location in Naples for a moment of self care.

AP:What was your journey to becoming an esthetician?

MF:I started my esthetics journey in Chicago, IL. I attended Douglas J. Aveda in 2017 and following that I worked at a spa in Gold Coast Chicago for 2 years. Once Covid hit, I unfortunately stopped practicing esthetics. I moved to Southwest Florida with my son in 2022 and decided to get back into it. I went back to school here in Florida and shortly after started my career as Lead Esti at FACE FOUNDRIÉ Coconut Point when we opened in October 2023.

AP:Where do you currently practice?

MF:FACE FOUNDRIÉ Coconut Point, in Estero, FL.

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

MF:I actually discovered Alchimie Forever when I had the pleasure of meeting Ada at the FACE FOUNDRIÉ convention in 2024. I received multiple travel size and sample size products, the one that stuck out to me most that I immediately fell in love with as soon as I tried it was the Pigment Perfecting Serum!!

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

MF:My favorite Alchimie Forever product is the Pigment Perfecting Serum, I absolutely love the way it feels on my skin and how hydrating it is! I always tell all my clients, even if they don’t see pigmentation on their skin, it doesn’t mean that it's not hiding under the surface waiting for it’s time to shine! I have always incorporated some type of pigment inhibiting serum into my routine to PREVENT!

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

MF:Honestly, the Pigment Perfecting Serum, once again! Living in Southwest Florida we see a lot of clients whose main concerns are pigmentation and anti-aging, my go-to duo I recommend is Pigment Perfecting Serum and Advanced Retinol Serum.

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

MF:My absolute #1 skin care recommendation is to always double cleanse your skin at night, and to NEVER use a makeup wipe as a short cut! Oh, and please, wear your sunscreen, even if it’s not sunny!

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

MF:Wearing makeup does not cause acne, but improper removal and certain ingredients/products can trigger breakouts.

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

MF:Sleeping with makeup on!!! Don’t do it!!!

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

MF:Self care to me is taking care of your body, and why not start with your largest organ? I look forward to coming home and washing my face in the evenings and doing my full skin care routine. Doing things you love is important when it comes to self care, so luckily for me, my entire career and life revolve around it! Skin care really is self care!

AP:What is your favorite form of self care?

MF:I love giving myself a facial at home. And I love catering to my plants! Both of these are my favorite form of self care.

AP:Take us through your morning routine.

MF:I typically try to wake up before my son to have a little me time, drink my coffee in peace, and at least get my shower and skin care done before I need to switch my focus to him. I do change things up based on seasons and how my skin feels, but for the most part my morning routine consists of: EltaMD Skin Recovery Foaming cleanser, PCA Hydrating toner, either Alchimie Forever Pigment Perfecting Serum or PCA C&E Advanced, Alchimie Forever Kantic Calming Cream and finish with Color Science tinted SPF. Most days it stays pretty simple and consistent, but depending on circumstances, I may add in or replace some things.

AP:What are you excited about right now?

MF:I’m most excited about continuing and building this beautiful life I have created, both professionally and personally for my son and me! This is possibly an unpopular statement, but I turn 30 this year, and I am actually looking forward to it! I enjoy growing and experiencing all the beautiful and even not so beautiful things life has to offer, it makes us who we are.