Superegg’s Erica Choi on the Brand’s Soon-to-be Best Seller
Brand name: Superegg
Founder: Erica Choi
Date founded: December 8, 2020
Ever since she was a child observing the Korean women in her family, Superegg founder Erica Choi has seen the nutritional power eggs have on the skin. After a career in art and design, including six years at Barney’s New York, the licensed Esthetician decided to start her own vegan line inspired by the ingredient’s effectiveness. Erica sat down with us to discuss her newest launch (sensitive skin folks looking for a Vitamin C - this one’s for you), the hand products can’t live without, and beauty from the inside out.
What is your current mantra?
Everything happens for a reason and it's important to believe in the journey. I've learned to trust that every experience, be it positive or negative, is an essential part of my personal growth and development.
How did the egg's importance in Asian beauty traditions inspire your brand?
From a young age I have memories that featured the use of eggs in beauty rituals, which was a significant aspect of my Korean heritage. I watched as the women in my family applied different parts of eggs to their faces for beauty treatments on trips to the neighborhood bathhouses and I was amazed at the results they produced. Only later did I learn that this was part of a rich tradition of egg-based beauty practices that date back to the first millennium in Asia. Eggs have been a fundamental ingredient in beauty practices for centuries, and they continue to be celebrated for their effectiveness and cultural significance.
What is one surprising thing people might not know about Superegg?
We take great pride in not only the quality of our products but also their aesthetic appeal and functionality, as we believe that even the smallest details can make a big difference in the overall user experience. Our unique, egg-shaped design of our Sound Renewal Serum Cream and This Moment Hand Care has been designed in-house and has been patented, while our Calm Movements Eye & Cheek Mask design is patent-pending.
What Superegg product would you call a sleeper hit (maybe not the best seller, but you think it should be) and why?
Our new product, Vitamin Collective Vitality Elixir, is poised to be a sleeper hit. It is an all-in-one antioxidant serum that is the perfect solution for those seeking a non-oily and non-irritating alternative to traditional vitamin C serums. Designed to help combat and minimize the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone and texture, it boasts a precisely dosed, concentrated collective of vitamins (B, C, E, F, K) and botanicals that work in unison to bring rich antioxidant energy to the skin. The serum also shields against the detrimental effects of free radicals – the primary culprits responsible for accelerating the onset of skin aging and discoloration.
What products are you really into right now?
Given the current need for frequent hand washing, my hands have become excessively dry. I am obsessed with hand creams and soaps that offer a sensorial experience and delightful scent, like SHEN’s Soothing Hand Soap. Our newly launched Superegg This Moment Hand Care dries quickly, deeply hydrates, and leaves a delightful, soothing scent that calms and revitalizes you.
Is there a treatment that has been life-changing for you?
I have naturally fine lashes and I often get panda eyes from using mascara. I don't have the time to maintain lash extensions as I did before the pandemic so to solve this problem, I started getting lash perms, which keep my lashes looking perfect for a good two months. It's a more natural look compared to extensions, which I prefer.
Your skin is totally flawless. Can you walk us through your daily beauty routine?
My morning routine starts with our Gentle Elements Cleansing Foam, which I love because it's gentle on my skin. If I have a bit of extra time, I'll use Calm Movements Eye & Cheek Mask to give my skin some extra TLC. I'll make myself a cup of drip coffee or a matcha latte while I wait for the mask to work its magic. After, I spritz on Kind Atmosphere Biome Mist. Then, I apply my favorite serum, Vitamin Collective Vitality Elixir. It has been a game-changer for me as someone prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and sun spots.
I like to use Phyto Bounce Eye Contour Solution next and Sound Renewal Serum Cream, which gives my skin the perfect amount of moisturization before I put on my SPF. EltaMD’s UV Clear is one of my go-to's because it's weightless and doesn't leave any white cast.
My nighttime routine resembles my morning routine, but I add Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum after Vitamin Collective to give my skin some extra love. This serum is fantastic because it's super soothing and tackles various anti-aging concerns. Once or twice a week, I'll use an exfoliant like Goop’s GoopGlow Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator and a retinoid product to support natural cell turnover and maintain clear, smooth skin.
If my skin feels dehydrated during the colder months, I'll add a facial oil like Furtuna’s Due Alberi Biphase Moisturizing Oil or Augustinus Bader’s The Face Oil as the final step of my routine. For a spa treatment at home I love doing a facial massage with Jenny Patinkin’s Cryo Glow Globes. Before calling it a night, I apply a lip product, such as Oribe’s Balmessence.
How has your routine changed from 5 years ago? Is there a product you wish you knew about then?
I now include gentle chemical exfoliants and retinol in my skincare routine. In the past, I was put off by the extremely strong versions, but now I'm thankful for the abundance of products available that cater to sensitive skin like mine.
If you could collaborate with anyone on a capsule collection, who would it be?
Partnering with Studio Ghibli, which holds a special place in my heart, would be an incredible dream come true. Their beautifully crafted films have touched the hearts of people all over the world, and their unwavering commitment to storytelling and artistry is truly inspiring.
What is your favorite way to consume beauty news? A particular podcast, website, newsletter, etc.
I stay up-to-date on the latest beauty news by subscribing to outlets such as WWD, The Business of Fashion, Glossy, and Beauty Independent. I enjoy listening to beauty podcasts - my favorites are Gloss Angeles and Fat Mascara.