7 Summer Beauty Essentials From Gee Beauty’s Muskoka Pop-Up
by Ashley Joseph
Gee Beauty, the popular Toronto destination for all things skincare, makeup and wellness, has packed up its bags and headed up to cottage country to set up a two-week pop-up shop in Muskoka from July 2 to 15. Located at the Duke’s Building in Port Carling, the space will be filled with a summer-focused mix of products, plus bestsellers from brands like Dr. Barbara Sturm, Skinceuticals, Dr. Sebagh, Goop and more. The timing was just right for the brand, who will be closing the doors of their Toronto location for renovations during the same period.
Photography courtesy of Gee Beauty
“It’s something that’s been in the backs of our minds for years,” says Stephanie Gee, one of the four Gee women who founded and run the brand, with Mom Miriam and sisters Celene and Natalie. “It worked out that there was one opportunity left over in this one specific pop-up space, so we took it the second we could and have been making it happen behind the scenes ever since.” The pop-up will also stock items from the brand’s lifestyle arm, 6 by Gee Beauty, with candles by Le Labo, bathing suits, sandals, jewellery and a few clothing items.
Photography courtesy of Gee Beauty
“Our focus as a company is all about lifestyle beauty,” Gee explains. “All of our makeup, all of the products we retail are all high-quality and results-driven with the understanding of timing being so precious.” Muskokans can also pop by for a quick brow fix or skin boost, with quick in-the-chair treatments on offer. The idea was to create a beauty oasis outside of the city, with easy-to-use products for a little boost without going full glam. Nothing too complicated, time-consuming or labour-intensive—basically, just what a cottage retreat should be.
Photography courtesy of Gee Beauty
Here are some of Stephanie Gee’s skincare essentials for summer 2019, all available at their Port Carling pop-up.
“Vitamin C is the only antioxidant that can correct and protect and repair damage all at the same time. So basically, it will protect you from environmental damage—like sun and pollution—and protect the collagen and elasticity in the skin, and it will work on pigmentation and unevenness at the same time. You wear it once in the morning and I also recommend putting a drop on the back of each hand to protect them from pigmentation as well.”
“The Elta MD Sunscreen is a huge bestseller for us. It’s lightweight, oil-free but nice and hydrating. There’s a scented and unscented version, too, so and it’s good for any skin tone or type since it’s a universal tint.”
“It’s a clay-based mask with salicylic acid so it’s great for pores and excess oil but you can also sleep with it overnight as a spot treatment if you experience any breakouts.”
“This is one of my favourites because it really enhances your natural glow—it has very minimal, light coverage and SPF 20 as well. You can wear it on its own or underneath a more full-coverage concealer if you want. One pump all over is really beautiful. Even if you’re just getting ready for a dinner, it’s nice to have a little something on the skin.”
“These are really fun and cooling. You can leave them on for 20 minutes to an hour, and they’re super thin so they almost melt into the skin. They’re great for inflammation, and overall very hydrating.”
“The Gee Beauty Jade Roller, Gua Sha and 24 Karat Gold Bar are our bestselling beauty tools, which you can put in the fridge for an extra cooling sensation. They’re great to promote circulation, help with puffiness and inflammation. Even if you have a blemish, you can use a jade roller to really help calm down the irritation.”
