At Verdoie, we believe in care that’s intelligent, intentional, and a little indulgent — the kind that brings us back to true joie de vivre.
Under the Surface is a new kind of skincare conversation.
We share stories that cut through the noise, trends, and overpromised fixes to what actually supports us.
In our second edition, we sit down with Gill Milberg, a NYC-based holistic and intuitive esthetician with a deep commitment to inner and outer wellness. We share how she creates space for connection, care, and the habits that help her feel her best.
Photography by Sam Hillman. Produced with Jordan Murr & Heidi Bishko.
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Before launching her own practic, Skin by Gill, in Tribeca, NYC, she spent years immersed in the fashion industry through casting, shooting, and editing. These roles didn’t just hone her eye; they helped her build meaningful, trusting relationships.
Over time, Gill realized her passion wasn’t just in the aesthetics of beauty, but in how it made people feel. To her, true beauty is rooted in confidence, and confidence often begins with a healthy mind and body. Her practice brings together everything she’s learned along the way, offering a holistic and individualized approach that is as gentle as it is effective.
Q&A with Gill Milberg
V: What’s the most rewarding and the most challenging part of the work you do every day?
GM: The best part of my job is getting to truly connect with people every day, to laugh with them, cry with them, and share in their lives. I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do. That said, it can be a double-edged sword. When someone is having a tough day or feeling overwhelmed, I often absorb that energy myself. I’m learning to hold space for others, to listen and offer comfort, without internalizing their stress.
V: What does taking care of yourself look like right now, and is there a small habit that helps you feel centered?
GM: I’m disciplined about getting my bloodwork done every six months. I’m working on healing a few things, and tracking my progress this way keeps me both informed and motivated. I’m also religious about taking my supplements, each one tailored to my needs (no more falling for trends over here).
One small ritual that always grounds me is my afternoon walk along the water with my dog Butter. It’s non-negotiable.
V: When you’re feeling stressed, what’s the first sign your body gives you?
GM: When I’m stressed, it always shows up on my skin. Stress and sugar are the only reasons I ever break out. If I see a pimple, it’s a clear sign I’ve pushed past my limits.
My body also feels heavy and achy when I’m overwhelmed. That’s my cue to take a couple of nights to myself: I’ll book an acupuncture session, get into my sauna blanket, do some red light therapy or EFT tapping. Those usually bring me back to baseline.
V: What’s something you bought recently that truly delivered?
GM: I recently tried Monks natural deodorant and it totally delivered. I’m also big on red light, minerals and electrolytes, fiber, grounding, and vitamin D. They are always at the top of my list!
V: What’s a beauty trend or wellness “rule” you’d be happy to never see again?
GM: Face icing and filler are two trends I’d be happy to never see again. And as for rules, I’m more than happy to ignore the one about laying in the sun.
V: What's the craziest or silliest thing you've done in the name of beauty or wellness?
GM: Taping my mouth shut ;)
Many people have tried...
Why it matters
Care isn’t just what we put on our skin. It’s how we show up for ourselves every day. From afternoon walks to consistent rituals, what grounds us often isn’t groundbreaking. It’s the small, intentional choices that build a foundation for long-term wellbeing.
That’s the idea behind Le Complément Alimentaire and La Crème Hydratante . They're designed to work in tandem, inside and out. Together, they offer a holistic system for skin that’s nourished, resilient, and in sync with the rest of you.
Because when we care well, we feel well.
Follow along on @verdoieskin as we share more stories that inspire and ground us.