There’s something about New York in the summertime that feels alive in a way no other place does. Sunshine bouncing off high-rises, the warm breeze drifting through tree-lined streets, the chaos of honking cabs mixed with the laughter spilling out of sidewalk cafés—it’s intoxicating. This summer marked my first full season here, and after surviving my very first New York winter, I can honestly say: through every freezing gust and every sticky, humid day, I’ve loved every minute of it.
What I admire most about this city is its ability to toughen you up while still keeping your heart wide open. Just the other day, I had one of those “only in New York” experiences. In the span of five minutes, I went from a shouting match with a street vendor over flowers to the friendliest, most uplifting conversation with a barista who handed me my latte with a genuine smile. That’s the thing about this city—it throws sharp edges at you, but it also hands you warmth when you least expect it.
New York has taught me to be braver, louder when something feels unjust, and unapologetically myself. And in that same spirit of growth, I’ve been working on something deeply personal: my relationship with my bare skin.
The Bare-Skin Journey
From the moment I first discovered makeup, it became my shield. Coverup was my safety net, the layer I rarely stepped outside without. Over time, though, I realized that true confidence wasn’t about hiding behind foundation—it was about learning to embrace what’s underneath.
So, I set myself a challenge: to work on my self-esteem and nurture my skin until I felt comfortable enough to walk out the door makeup-free, not because I had to, but because I wanted to. It’s been a slow journey, but one that feels more meaningful with each small step forward.
The Game-Changer
When it comes to skincare, my list of favorites is short and carefully curated. I don’t add something new unless I absolutely love it. Recently, though, I discovered something that earned its place instantly: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence.
This isn’t just any product—it’s their iconic “miracle water,” powered by over 90% Pitera, a natural by-product of fermentation. Pitera is rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and organic acids, all working together to transform skin from the inside out.
From the very first week of using it, I noticed changes that felt different from any product I had tried before. My skin stayed hydrated longer, with a soft, dewy glow that didn’t disappear by afternoon. Redness and blotchiness? Faded. The texture of my skin? Noticeably smoother. And perhaps the most meaningful change: my skin tone began to look more even, which gave me the confidence to actually scale back on makeup.
Little Victories
For the first time in years, I’ve started having what I call “rest days”—twice a week when I go out with just brows and eyeliner, no foundation. It may sound small, but for me, it’s huge. Each time I do it, I feel a little lighter, a little braver, and a little more like myself.
This is what #OneBottleAwayFrom confidence means to me. Not instant perfection, but progress—the kind that builds hope and strength over time.
My New York Summer Snapshot
Sometimes I look around and realize I’ve gathered so many of my favorite things into this chapter of my life: this city that challenges and inspires me, summer sunsets painting the skyline, breezy dresses catching the wind, and a skincare ritual that makes me feel comfortable in my own skin.
It’s not just about appearances—it’s about freedom. The freedom to choose whether or not to wear makeup, the freedom to embrace who I am without hesitation, the freedom to walk through this city with my head high.
So here’s to growth, inside and out. And a very special thank you to SK-II for creating a product that’s not only transformed my skin but has also given me the courage to step closer to the kind of confidence I’ve always wanted.
