Lydia Bourke’s current project stems from a deeply personal journey shaped by long-standing societal pressures and beauty standards. For years, comments from peers led her to feel self-conscious about her naturally pale skin, often being told she looked “ill” or “tired” without a tan. In response, she concealed her complexion through a weekly ritual of applying fake tan, a practice that over time contributed to a distorted self-image. This work was sparked by a recent moment of realisation—a turning point that inspired her to explore and promote the importance of embracing natural skin tones. Through this project, Bourke aims to raise awareness, challenge internalised beauty norms, and offer supportive insights for those navigating similar experiences.