A Q&A with the Lovely Ladies of Gee Beauty

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We sat down to talk about beauty and inspiration with Natalie & Celene of GEE Beauty:

1. What do you do? And more importantly, why do you love what you do?

We are the co-founders of Gee Beauty (along with our partners Miriam Gee and Stephanie Gee). We have beauty studios in both Toronto and Bal Harbour Florida. We created the concept of a modern makeup, brow and skincare studio which offers clients a fresh approach to traditional, time-consuming beauty and grooming routines: time-sensitive, effective and highly result-driven treatments, coupled with the highest level of care and service, in a modern, chic and inviting studio. We love what we do because of the connections we build with our clients. We’re able to bring them the very best of beauty from around the world, and tailor it to fit their individual lifestyles. And we love the glamour, excitement and innovation in our industry. Each day brings new creativity and a new way consider our clients and their needs.

2. Who is your beauty icon?

There are so many women who we admire for their beauty both inside and out, but we’d definitely have to say first and foremost Miriam Gee, our mother. Her sense of style and her strength is so inspirational, and her luminous skin radiates from the inside out. And of course Beyonce! Her drive, talent, fearlessness, creativity and sense of adventure with her look keeps us wanting more. Plus she never looks tired!! We want her secrets.

3. What is one beauty product that you always carry with you in your handbag?

Celene essentials: Gee Beauty’s Angelina lipstick is the perfect creamy nude with a touch of pink, and a travel size of Le Labo Labdanum 18 perfume.

Natalie’s essentials: Oribe’s Impermeable Anti-Humidity travel spray, Gee Beauty’s Bare lip gloss and Coal black pencil liner.

4. Describe your typical morning beauty routine.

Natalie’s morning beauty routine: I like to layer 2 masks in the morning – 1 for clarifying effects and 1 for hydration. I follow this with a vitamin C serum plus a hydrating serum that I can use around my eyes as well. I finish eye cream and SPF always.

Celene’s morning beauty routine: since I like to do a more reparative night-time skincare regime, I like a light face wash followed by a vitamin C serum and a hydrating serum. Once a week I’ll do a brightening mask and I always apply a primer before my makeup.

5. What is a quote you live by?

Natalie: If you have a body you’re an athlete – Bill Bowerman

Celene: You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have – Oscar Wilde

6. What is your favorite Goldfaden MD product?

Natalie’s Favorite: I love Doctor Scrub because of how smooth it makes my skin feel. I can see how its helped minimize my pores too with twice a week use.

Celene: My favorite Goldfaden MD product is definitely Bright Eyes. It’s in my daily regime because its so effective – it feels light yet firming, brightening and helps de-puff. I’m like a connoisseur of eye creams and this one is at the top of my list!

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Lisa Loves: CHANEL

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In addition to being obsessed with natural skincare, the ladies behind the Goldfaden MD brand are undercover fashionistas. Lisa Goldfaden’s personal favorite is CHANEL. Here are a few of our favorites from the classic brand:

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Peels, Acids And What You Need To Know

Deciding between a peel vs. physical exfoliator and what may be best for you? As we have more and more options in the world of acids we wanted to outline the treatment benefits of the at-home peel ingredients to look out for. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding which is right for you.

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So why peel you ask? Peels can be a nice addition to your regimen because they are not physical exfoliants, which can, if over used cause redness, dryness and irritated skin. A peel is a gentler way to exfoliate during the winter. Peels work by dissolving the top layer/layers of skin, depending on the type of acid, to get the ‘repair’ started. Certain acids such as Lactic, are safe for sensitive skin as they pull moisture to the surface.

Peels are more effective during your 20’s and 30’s, whereas retinoids are better after 40. Acids are different than retinoids. Retinoids cause inflammation to get the skin to regenerate, whereas acids dissolve dead skin cells on the top layers of skin.

A few things to now about peels are :

  • Peels are good for sensitive skin instead of physical scrubs because there is no abrasion.
  • Lower strength acids are less aggravating.
  • Most store bought peels only go up to 10-20% acid, while aggressive in-office peels can be up to 70%.
  • A good peel should tingle but not burn-not. It should not cause redness or dusting(unless in-office)
  • Skin will glow after a peel.

The Acids

Glycolic Acid

  • regenerates collagen
  • smallest molecule-penetrates the deepest
  • thickens epidermis
  • evens out skin tone
  • can be very aggressive
  • derived from sugar

Our favorite Glycolic Acid peel: Sunday Riley’s Good Genes

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Lactic Acid

  • derived from sour milk
  • 2nd smallest molecular
  • more gentle than glycolic
  • removes dead skin cells
  • hydrating (pulls moisture up to top layer of skin)

Our favorite Lactic Acid peel: Goldfaden MD’s Fresh A Peel 

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The Fruit Acids

  • can be citric acid- derived from lemon or grapefruit
  • can be malic acid- derived from apples
  • peels upper surface layer of skin
  • usually combined with glycolic or lactic to be more intense/effective

Salicylic 

  • beta hydroxy
  • treats acne
  • unclogs pores

 TCA (Trichoroacetic acid)

  • can be very intense
  • can days to recover
  • actual peeling skin
  • SPF needed for months after
  • usually performed in office
  • recommended for darker skin individuals
  • helps with pigmentation issues

There are so many wonderful options for peels today! Think about what your skin concerns are and then try a few different types of peels. For a few weeks try pads and then switch to a liquid, one step peel. Sometimes discovering what is best for your skin can be trial and error, so go easy if it is strong acid, as you do not want to overdo.

Happy peeling!

 

 

 

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