The Good Egg: Erica Choi

By: Amber Kallor
The Good Egg: Erica Choi
Erica Choi has never been one to put all of her eggs in one basket. Before hatching Superegg, a vegan skincare line, she wore many hats. After graduating from art school, Choi spent over a decade working as a graphic designer (most notably at Barneys New York as vice president of digital design) while simultaneously pursuing her passion for blogging and content creation under the moniker @eggcanvas. To satisfy her “insatiable curiosity” for all things complexion-related, she hit the books and dedicated 600 hours to obtaining her New York esthetician license. Ultimately, these “diverse experiences converged,” said Choi, and after a few years of incubation, her dream brand was born.
I'm incredibly proud of our latest creation, Vitamin Collective Vitality Elixir. This extraordinary brightening treatment serum is packed with a powerful blend of essential vitamins (B, C, E, F, K) and botanicals, all working together to infuse the skin with an abundance of antioxidant energy.

Superegg Sound Renewal Serum Cream

Superegg Vitamin Collective Vitality Elixir

Inspired by the integral role the egg has played in Asian beauty culture for millennia, Choi delved deep into the seemingly simple ingredient. “Within my own family, the tradition of incorporating various parts of the egg into our skincare routines has been passed down through generations,” she said. “Whether it was during intimate moments at home, joyous family gatherings, or visits to the jjimjilbang, a Korean sauna, I have witnessed the utilization of eggs for facial treatments.”
Seeking a more sustainable way to harness the skin-revitalizing powers of the almighty egg, Choi turned to science and plants (such as tremella mushroom, red algae, and water lily) to replicate the nutrient-rich properties of the egg white, yolk, and shell. She developed three proprietary complexes—Yolk Duplex, White Duplex, and Shell Duplex—that promise to hydrate, protect, brighten, balance, firm, lift, soothe, and more. Used to formulate everything from a reparative serum to a moisturizing mist, Duplex technology is specifically designed to create a smooth, egg-like visage.

Superegg Phyto Bounce Eye Contour Solution

Superegg Skincare

“When creating Superegg, my objective was to provide refined, high-performance formulations that not only enhance skin health and radiance but also foster self-care and nurture the inner self,” said Choi. After all, the egg is proof that great things always begin inside. Here, Choi reveals her daily beauty rituals and the time-saving secret she swears by.
During my childhood, I was fortunate to witness the women in my family performing their daily beauty rituals…These routines went beyond mere vanity; they were acts of reverence and self-respect.

Her beauty roots: “During my childhood, I was fortunate to witness the women in my family performing their daily beauty rituals…These routines went beyond mere vanity; they were acts of reverence and self-respect. I discovered that tending to one's appearance was an expression of self-love and self-care and that true beauty emanated from within, reflecting inner peace and confidence.”

Her best business advice: “One of the most significant lessons I've learned is the importance of letting go and choosing your battles. Launching a brand during a pandemic presented numerous obstacles and limitations. However, instead of allowing these challenges to overwhelm me, I tried to maintain a positive mindset and approach the situation from a different perspective. It was inspiring to witness how people were increasingly prioritizing their skincare and self-care routines during this time of uncertainty. Despite the setbacks, the pandemic allowed me to establish deeper connections with individuals on a more personal level, bringing a sense of joy and normalcy to their daily lives through our skincare offerings.”

Her beauty mantra: “To show myself grace. It serves as a constant reminder to treat myself with kindness, compassion, and understanding—particularly during moments when I may not feel my best. Throughout my personal journey, I have made significant progress in embracing my own unique beauty, recognizing that it is an ongoing process with its share of highs and lows.”

Her proudest product moment: “I'm incredibly proud of our latest creation, Vitamin Collective Vitality Elixir. This extraordinary brightening treatment serum is packed with a powerful blend of essential vitamins (B, C, E, F, K) and botanicals, all working together to infuse the skin with an abundance of antioxidant energy. The serum is also enriched with microcapsules containing nourishing vitamin oils, creating a luxurious and transformative experience for your skin.”

Erica Choi, Superegg Founder

Superegg Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum

Her morning routine: “In the morning, I kickstart my skincare routine with our Superegg Gentle Elements Cleansing Foam. Its gentle formula effectively removes excess oil, sweat, and impurities, leaving my skin feeling refreshed. I follow it up by tapping the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum onto my skin, providing a hydrating base for the next step: our Superegg Vitamin Collective Vitality Elixir, a brightening serum packed with antioxidants. To nourish and revive the delicate skin around my eyes, I reach for our Superegg Phyto Bounce Eye Contour Solution. Then, I indulge my skin with the Superegg Sound Renewal Serum Cream, a moisturizer that feels like a dream! Before stepping out, I never forget to protect my skin with sunscreen. My current go-to is the Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen from Round Lab.”

Her nighttime routine: “As the evening approaches, I take extra care to remove my makeup, starting with the Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm followed by the Superegg Gentle Elements Cleansing Foam. On certain nights, I pamper my skin with the Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask or Superegg Calm Movements Eye & Cheek Mask. Then, I spritz our Superegg Kind Atmosphere Biome Mist to instantly hydrate and support my skin barrier. For my nightly serum, I turn to the Superegg Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum, which provides comprehensive care for my skin. I've also incorporated the Innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum into my routine and nourish my under-eye area by applying the Chanel Le Lift Crème Yeux. To lock in all the goodness, I layer the Superegg Sound Renewal Serum Cream with the Augustinus Bader The Face Oil. Just before bedtime, I indulge my hands with the Superegg This Moment Hand Care, ensuring they stay soft and hydrated throughout the night.”

Her biggest beauty indulgence: “Treating myself to eyelash perms! While it may not require as much maintenance as lash extensions, it is still considered a luxurious treat, especially in the city where the cost can be significant. I am truly dedicated to this indulgence because it grants me the precious gift of time.”

Her best drugstore discovery: “I keep my hair super simple and straight. Using the L'Oréal Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water Lamellar Rinse has been a game-changer and [leaves my hair] silky smooth.”

Superegg Collection

Her go-to beauty pros: “I trust Chito for my lash needs and Masterpiece, her studio in Williamsburg, has become my go-to place. When it comes to my hair, I've been a loyal client of David for color and Taylor for cuts at Fourteenjay in Tribeca for many years. What sets them apart is not only their remarkable talent and expertise but also their genuine passion for their craft. Despite their undeniable skill, they remain humble and kind, which is something I greatly admire and strive to embody myself. Being in their presence and surrounded by their positive energy is truly inspiring and uplifting.”

Her favorite escape: “On a regular basis, I escape to hot Katonah yoga. There's an incredible sense of healing that comes with this practice, allowing me to temporarily detach from my stresses and focus solely on my mind and body. It's an impactful way for me to find inner peace and restore balance.”

Her beauty icon: “My mother, as she’s always embodied beauty, elegance, and strength. She possesses a natural beauty that captivates others, both in her physical appearance and her intellectual presence. However, it is her unwavering resilience that has left the greatest impact on me. She has taught me the true meaning of strength and has shown me that beauty goes far beyond outward appearances. Through her example, I have come to understand that true beauty comes from within, from the way we treat others, and from the strength we possess to face life's challenges with grace and resilience. My mother's influence has helped me embrace my own unique beauty and appreciate the beauty in others.”

 

*This interview has been edited and condensed.


Written by Amber Kallor

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