The Summer Glow Starts with Step Zero

By Niki Namkyoung Lee

This summer’s glow isn’t about complex routines or expensive potions—it’s about reclaiming radical simplicity as a form of self-care. And for me, that glow begins with one powerful truth: everything starts with clean water.

I launched PICKI NIKI not because the world needed another beauty line, but because I was frustrated that no matter how 

many high-end, K‑beauty–inspired products I invested in, my skin always betrayed me the second I stepped into a new environment. Traveling—or even moving back to California—meant that my carefully crafted glow vanished. My skin broke out. And time and time again, I traced the culprit back to something no one talks about: tap water.

Hidden toxins, chlorine, heavy metals—these aren’t just numbers on a water quality report. They’re aggressive agents that strip your skin’s natural barrier and undo your skincare before it even has a chance to work. Many of our community members in LA and San Diego express the same heartbreak: “I finally got my glow, then moved—and my skin flipped.”

That’s why we created the world’s first portable, design‑forward shower filter. Stylized, travel-friendly, and smartly engineered to remove chlorine and contaminants—it’s step zero in your beauty routine, the foundational act no serum or essence can replace. Clean water isn’t optional—it’s the K‑beauty secret no one talks about.

But it doesn’t stop at just clean water. We’ve paired the filter with a clean, minimal skincare line that reflects our ethos: do less, do it beautifully, do it well. Our formulas are free of harsh chemicals, heavy fragrances, and redundant ingredients. We let lightweight, functional ingredients shine—so your skin gets what it needs, without overwhelming your senses or your regimen.

Though PICKI NIKI has European roots, our vibe is pure California: sunlit, relaxed, and confident. Our aesthetic is bright and clean, our ethos rooted in rituals that protect your glow instead of masking it. As founder, this summer I’m leaning into that vibe—not by expanding into endless lines or luxe packaging, but by doing less that does more. We aren’t just selling a filter—we’re reclaiming simplicity as luxury.

Why Step Zero Matters

 1. Disarm from day one

Nothing ruins skincare faster than starting with a damaged base. A filter means you begin each shower and cleanse with fewer toxins—so when you apply product, it has a real chance to work.

 2. Smart beauty travel

Whether hopping to a cabin, hotel, or flight, you don’t know what water you’ll encounter. A portable filter means wherever you go, your routine doesn’t break.

 3. Fewer products, better skin

We’re not about overloading your counter. Our formulas are multifunctional and comforting—because real glow is built from quality, not layers.

A Season of Bold Simplicity

Summer is when life should feel bold and free. But clarity isn’t loud—it’s calm and intentional. As we step into June, July, and August, this is our invitation: don’t chase glow through more steps or flashier tools—chase it by removing what dims.

Our community often tells us that after simplifying, they see morning skin that’s brighter, calmer, and more resilient. And that’s more than beauty—it’s wellness, radiance, ease.

In a world that tells women to need more, buy more, do more, our message is simple: you don’t need more. You need less—well‑chosen, well‑made, well‑used.

Your Glow Starts with What You Remove

So here’s the call to action for every woman this summer: reclaim simplicity. Let your skincare start with clean water—not over-engineered formulas. Let your routine be a ritual, not a checklist. Let your glow be about what you protect, not what you cover.

Because real beauty isn’t built on layers—it’s stripped back to what matters. And the first step? It’s fabulously simple: clean water. The #1 K‑beauty secret no one talks about. But in sunlit mirrors and balm-soft smiles, the glow will speak for itself.

About the Author

Niki is the founder of PICKI NIKI, a California-inspired clean-beauty and wellness brand delivering minimalist skincare and a signature portable shower filter. Born out of frustration with travel and tap water wrecking skincare, PICKI NIKI is rooted in radical simplicity and everyday glow. Born in Korea, based in Europe with a California soul, Niki believes in doing less, better, and brighter—so women everywhere can glow boldly.

Connect With Niki

www.pickiniki.com/pages/about