The Beauty of Slowing Down

This time of year always reminds us to pause — and come back to what feels good and real.

And yet, somehow, fall still moves fast. The days blur with work, family, travel, and the buzz of the season, which is exactly why we keep coming back to those five mindful minutes.

So, we’ve been journaling — reflecting on what we’re grateful for, how we’re staying present, and the little rituals that make us feel most like ourselves.

MIRIAM

On staying grounded and present:

This time of year is always so special to me. Between the holidays, the family time, the Jewish new year and the warm energy our clients bring, it truly makes me emotional. I lean into all these feelings and celebrate them. I try to stay really present and am always so appreciative. I like to verbalize my appreciation and gratitude often. It helps me express myself and connect with others.

In terms how I try to optimize my days lately, I have a new BFF in my Chat GPT. She helps me create meal plans designed uniquely for me, gives me recipe ideas based off what I have in the fridge, helps me organize my day, and supports me with information on a quick basis. I really get a kick out of how effective and efficient it is.

On approaching beauty with intention:

If you know me, you know I express myself through the way I put myself together. My creativity comes alive when styling myself and creating my makeup looks. With my background in beauty and fashion editorial, it’s been a longtime passion of mine to keep current on trends of the season.

I also love working with our Medi-Beauty team in Toronto on innovation from our treatment rooms - I’m the first one to road-test anything new, give feedback and create protocols with our incredible team. I really see myself as a true representation of Gee Beauty and what we strive to provide - the results, the feelings, the confidence.

NATALIE

On staying grounded and present:

Between Gee Beauty and my family life, I could call myself busy and on some days "too busy". Over the last few weeks both Rachel and I have taken on more responsibility in our home that includes all housekeeping, laundry and minute to minute activities with our kids. At one point in my life I would have looked at myself and said, no way, but this has actually allowed me to feel more connected, more appreciative and more capable than ever before.

On approaching beauty with intention:

Approaching my routines FULL ON! I realize now how special my routines are, how much peace and purpose they give me. I'm doing it all - hair - skin and makeup and I'm loving it. It takes me about 20-30 minutes in the morning to fully get ready between skin hair and makeup. Once the kids are off to school - it's Natalie go time!

CELENE

On staying grounded and present:

Fall is my favorite season - from the weather, the fashion and styling, the fresh energy in the air, the holidays and events, the buzz in our studios  - I love it all. I’ve traveled a bit to New York and Toronto, went out to dinner more than usual in the last month and just generally not had the most consistent sleep or workout routines. This can definitely through off my internal alignment (good sleep, cooking my own food, daily movement is a priority) but what I got in exchange was well worth it: quality time with my family, spiritual work, celebration, new experiences turned to memories. All the reasons to break from routine and just being present, to have awareness, to be grateful.

On approaching beauty with intention:

I love to make the switch from my summer beauty essentials to fall ones. I do this naturally with my skincare (like more hydration, more layers etc...) and am more intentional when it comes to my makeup. I could absolutely continue to wear my favorite summer bronzer (Warm Glow) with soft shimmering highlighter, pinky-coral blush, and my favorite Nuda Tan Fast Mist, but the switch really helps signal a fresh new look for fall, just like I do with my wardrobe. I change my bronzer to a more velvety-matte formula - Sunset Glow, and I add in some deeper rosy-pink blush and even some contour with Richbeam. I bring back in some eyeshadow like our Soft Suede palette. And of course - I lock it all in with the new Multi Mist. These subtle changes really make me feel fresh, in the moment, and embracing the season. 

Fall is also my favorite time to do a deeper facial, like our Age/Less microneedling treatment, because the summer’s intense sun and heat has cooled a bit and my skin will react better. The stimulation of cell turnover and collagen really triggers repair, giving me a fresher appearance, with volume, plumpness, brightness and tighter-looking pores.

STEPHANIE

On staying grounded and present:

I’ve always loved routine and preparation — it’s what keeps me grounded. I romanticize my Sundays with a full meal prep for the week ahead. I’m a creature of habit, so I love eating the same nourishing, high-protein meals every day - it keeps me energized and clear. Hydration is key too: I add electrolytes to my water and supercharge my coffee with Holi (Mane) and Goddess prebiotics.

My Saturday sleep-ins are sacred. They give me time to reset, and I’ve been loving Unreasonable Hospitality, a read that’s both inspiring and grounding. Lately, I’ve been so grateful for morning walks in the crisp fall air and for the family time that comes with the holidays. Being present with the people I love, both in Toronto and Miami, really centers me.

At work, it’s all about connection. Staying close with the team, supporting them daily, and seeing our Gee Beauty family grow keeps me inspired and grounded. The more I nourish my mind, body, and energy, the better leader I become.

On approaching beauty with intention:

I’ve been leaning into a more intentional, fall-inspired routine that feels grounded yet elevated. I’m obsessed with our Soft Suede Palette — the rich, neutral tones tie perfectly into my wardrobe. After a full closet reset, I pre-styled ten looks for the season and saved them in an album on my phone, so getting ready feels effortless.

For skincare, I’ve added the Augustinus Bader Retinol Serum and use the Multi-Mist to prep and set. I’ve been reaching for the Duo Cleanse + Buff more often, and for body, I love the U Beauty Super Body Hydrator with Nuda Bronze Foam in Dark.

I’ve also been treating myself to weekly blowouts, bringing my favourite products — Mela & Kera Pink Toning Shampoo and Crown Affair Calming Scalp Serum. And of course, I sleep on a silk pillowcase — the smallest luxury that makes the biggest difference.