PC Beauty Guide: Complexion Co-founder Beth Higney Gives Us the Scoop

beauty straight talk for those who want an ideal balance of inside-out beauty

Beth Higney and Natalie Copeland, Co-founders of Complexion. Photo by: Run Club Creative

Beth Higney, along with her business partner Natalie Copeland, is quietly reshaping the conversation around skincare: rooted not in trends or perfection, but in balance, intention, and self-respect. With a background steeped in holistic health and advanced aesthetics, Beth brings a refreshing clarity to the beauty space. As she so eloquently puts it: “Radiant skin isn’t just about what you put on your face—it’s deeply tied to how you treat your body, your mind, and your time.”

In this Q&A, she shares her signature approach to “elevated natural beauty.” This is Complexion’s philosophy that prioritizes internal wellness, skin barrier health, and subtle, strategic treatments that enhance rather than alter. Whether she’s talking microneedling, medical-grade retinol, or winter skincare resets, Beth’s advice is as grounded as it is glow-inducing.

From her favorite understated luxury gifts to her thoughts on aging with grace, Beth offers insight not only into what makes Complexion so beloved, but what it means to care for yourself in a way that’s real, sustainable, and, above all, personal.

Here are Beth’s thoughts on…

Inside Beauty First

I always remind clients that your skin is your largest organ, and it’s often a reflection of what’s happening internally. What you eat, how much water you drink (or don’t!) and your overall lifestyle choices will show up on your skin. With the rise of functional medicine, we’re learning more every day about how gut health and even oral health are directly tied to skin clarity and inflammation.

Simple habits make a big difference: staying well-hydrated, limiting excessive alcohol and caffeine, and prioritizing sleep. From a product perspective, I always recommend two non-negotiables: a mineral-based sunscreen (at least SPF 30 daily, or SPF 50 for extended sun exposure) and a high-quality, medical-grade retinol. Both are essentials in building strong, resilient, and radiant skin over time.

The Art of Subtle Glow

I always joke that microneedling is the “gateway” into the aesthetic world. If you’re not quite ready for injectables but still want to see real results, it’s one of the most effective treatments we offer. It targets fine lines, dullness, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation—especially melasma—with minimal downtime. Microneedling delivers a refreshed, radiant glow without changing the natural structure of your face, which is why so many of our clients love it as part of their long-term skin maintenance plan.

Icons of Aging Well

Honestly, so many of our own clients come to mind. Complexion wouldn’t be what it is without them—they truly are our walking billboards. That said, being in Nashville, it’s hard not to be influenced by the spotlight around us. While I can’t speak publicly about who comes to see us, a few women who embody that elevated, natural beauty are Anne Hathaway, Halle Berry, Lily Aldridge, and Julia Roberts.

They seem to invest in themselves in a holistic way—through healthy lifestyle habits, consistent skincare, and smart maintenance treatments like microneedling, non-ablative lasers, and likely injectables done well. I imagine they’re using high-quality, medical-grade skincare products consistently too. The key isn’t just what they’re doing, but how they’re doing it. When these treatments are layered thoughtfully and performed by providers who understand facial anatomy, aging patterns, and overall profile balancing, the result is subtle, timeless, and still very you.

Daily Beauty Philosophy

I just turned 37, which means I’m in that sweet spot: old enough to know better, and very aware that aging gracefully takes more than good genes. As I work more with clients between 35 and 50, I see firsthand how much of a difference long-term care makes. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being consistent.

I always tell my clients that skincare and treatments are 20% of the equation. The other 80% is diet, lifestyle, sleep, movement. And I say that as someone who owns an aesthetic practice! You can’t out-treat a chronically inflamed body. My personal philosophy is that aging can be beautiful—it’s just about doing it intentionally. This means choosing treatments that are truly beneficial, and commit to them as part of a maintenance routine, not a quick fix. I love working with women to map out realistic, customized plans that fit their budget, goals, and season of life. Because when you take care of yourself from the inside out, the results speak for themselves.

At Complexion, that philosophy is shared across our entire team. Our nurse practitioners are trained to take a comprehensive, whole-face approach to aesthetic care—focusing on natural profile balancing and long-term skin health. We believe in subtle, strategic treatments that support your features, not change them—because the best work never looks like “work.”

Seasonal Skin Reset

Winter is all about protecting the skin barrier. Dry, cold air and indoor heat can lead to dehydration, irritation, and dullness. This is the time to swap out foaming or gel cleansers for something cream-based and hydrating.  Incorporate a barrier-repair moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides, squalane, or hyaluronic acid, and don’t skimp on SPF. Yes, even in winter! 

This is also a great time to lean into treatments like microneedling or chemical peels, since you’re spending less time in the sun. And if you’re not already using a retinol, winter is a great time to start, since your skin isn’t being exposed to as much UV. 

Shameless plug: Our Golden Hour is a favorite for a reason. It’s a 1% time-released, encapsulated retinol in a dry oil base. This makes it powerful yet gentle, especially for sensitive skin during the winter.

Lastly, I always recommend adding a weekly hydrating mask to your routine—something calming, nourishing, and barrier-supportive. Winter skin thrives on moisture and consistency. If you’re wondering about my personal go-to, I’ve yet to find anything more effective than Biologique Recherche’s Masque Visolastine+. It’s the gold standard in deep hydration and barrier repair, and a winter staple for me.

Quiet Luxury, Beautifully Gifted

This is one of my favorite things to talk about, especially this time of the year as we prepare for the holiday season. I love gifting a Ranger Station candle—the founders are so talented and the scents are truly beautiful. If candles aren’t your thing, I also love the incense from The Tea Huntress. It gives any space that calming, spa-like vibe that instantly elevates your mood.

For something more functional but still special, a beautiful serving platter or salad bowl with a pair of tongs is always a hit. Even if someone doesn’t host often, it’s a thoughtful gift that’s both timeless and practical—and perfect for an elevated dinner at home. I love finding pieces like that  at White’s Mercantile here in Nashville.

Best-of Complexion Stocking Stuffers

I’d start with our Complexion Mini Cleanser Duo, which includes travel sizes of our pre-cleansing oil Melt Away and our gentle cream cleanser Reset. It’s a perfect intro to double cleansing and great for travel.

I’d also include our PM Serum, our best-selling, all-in-one nighttime powerhouse. It’s packed with peptides, growth factors, retinyl palmitate (a gentle but effective form of retinol), and hydrating ingredients to support skin repair, firmness, and elasticity. It simplifies the evening routine without sacrificing performance—exactly what most people want at the end of a long day.

To learn more about Complexion, order products, or plan a complimentary consultation via phone or in-person go to: ComplexionNashville.com

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