LOVE . SUN . BEAUTY

I have to admit it: although it may sound vain, wearing a long-lasting lipstick while hiking has its advantages. The moment I pull out my lipstick before a hiking adventure, I usually get the comment “Seriously, you’re putting on lipstick before you go hiking?” And my response is, “yeah, do you like the color?”

After a multitude of years trying my best to enjoy the taste and feel of SPF-infused lip balm and chapstick I’ve finally found an alternative that is better. Something that doesn’t melt off or have a flavor that I ingest as I enjoy the outdoors: matte lipstick.

Matte lipstick stays on through the heaviest of perspiration, shielding my lips from the sun, blocking UV rays, and (here’s the vain part) prevents wrinkles. I have seen many women and men who have developed skin cancer on their lips and it isn’t a pretty sight. In fact, a common reason women get wrinkles on their lips is because the lip gloss they typically wear actually attracts UVA/UVB rays! The sun directly hits the shine of the lips kind of like aluminum foil did in the late 1970s for backyard and beach sunbathers.

Being obsessed with lip gloss myself, I now know to wear it over a lipstick base to keep my lips protected. The sun protection benefits of the lipstick and the hydrating feel of the lip gloss is a happy duo and it typically lasts for a couple hours, which is just the right amount of time for an energetic hike in Los Angeles. Oh, and did I mention I look and feel great? I believe lipstick can provide any woman a confidence boost and there’s nothing wrong with that!

Some lip products feature sunscreen with little to no chemicals, but I have yet to find one that offers a high enough SPF level of protection to make a difference, that tastes okay and that I don’t have to reapply every 30 minutes. So for now, go ahead and call me vain, I will stick to a natural shade of lipstick to prevent premature aging on my pout and look and feel great while doing so!

Now you know my hiking beauty secret, it’s time for you to share yours! Is there a makeup product you won’t leave the house without? What are your favorite lip products?

Written by: Mitzi Runyan 

I have never been one to make New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I like to make resolutions on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, adjusting as life events happen or my goals evolve. Toward the end of the year, I reflect on all that I have accomplished over the past year, the people who made a positive impact on my life, and for all of the new things I tried and incorporated into my life.

On New Year’s day, I was watching “The Bucket List” and there was a quote in the introduction that resonated with me long after the credits had rolled. “I believe that you measure yourself by the people who measure themselves by you,” it said. This reminded me what life is about and what every year is about. Rather than just make an effort to be better on January 1, I want to constantly work to improve myself every day of every year.

While I won’t call these New Year’s resolutions, I do want to share these two things that I believe can help everyone achieve the goals they have resolved to work toward this year:

1. Make a Plan Daily

At the end of every day, I write a list on a sticky note of the goals I want to accomplish the next day. By putting these thoughts on paper, I can fall asleep knowing that I don’t need to worry about tomorrow because there is already a plan in place. As a result, I sleep as soundly as a baby. In the morning, I review my list and incorporate it into my calendar. I schedule each task by the hour and cross it off my check list as I go. Even simple checks of boxes add up and feel like a great accomplishment. I am more productive and I have greater momentum going into the next day.

2. Show Gratitude Daily

As the dictionary defines it, gratitude is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” Too often we get caught up in our day and we forget to take a moment and be thankful for all that we have in life. Beyond setting aside time to reflect on my blessings in life, I like to be open to gratitude and to show and return kindness at any moment of my day. Gratitude can be the smallest of gestures, whether it’s holding the door open for someone or complimenting a coworker on her positive attitude or other quality. I truly believe that you get what you give. The more kindness you show, the more you receive.

Whatever your goals and resolutions for this year, you can easily incorporate these two elements to see better results. I’m excited for this new year and can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store for me, my loved ones, Sundriven®, and my Sundriven® team who I am so thankful for - Shaun, Jenna, Art, Sean, Melissa, and Alissa.

Happy New Year!

- Mitzi Runyan

Every year, we make New Year’s resolutions, from losing weight to traveling more to saving money. This year, we have the perfect New Year’s resolution that every woman can accomplish: be more conscientious about our fashion, and Sundriven® gloves are the perfect solution.

What do we mean when we say “be more conscientious about our fashion?” We’re talking about incorporating healthy and eco-friendly practices into our style. A combination of beauty, health, and fashion, Sundriven® gloves keep your delicate hands protected from UV ray damage, feeling soft and luxurious, and looking stylish. Vintage-inspired, you can go anywhere and do anything with these all-weather gloves for that 1950’s timeless style. These Sundriven® UV wear gloves are made to stretch and conform to your unique hand shape and size. Made from a botanical fabric, they are so lightweight and ultra comfortable, it’s like a second skin. Once you try these, you’ll never wear another pair of gloves again.

Here are just a few reasons why Sundriven® gloves are eco-friendly:

1. The fabric is all-natural and botanical. Sundriven® products are made from trees that are sustainably harvested, producing a lightweight, luxurious, ultra-smooth fabric. The fabric is eco-friendly, made mostly of all-natural fibers with zero chemical additives. During production, the fiber uses a non-toxic solvent that is recycled during the process. This reduces production plant emissions and other waste, making it very sustainable. Even the most sensitive skin won’t be irritated!
   
   
2. You can wear them all year-long and incorporate them into countless outfits and styles. Thanks to its botanical, breathable fabric, Sundriven® gloves keep your hands warm in cold weather, and cool in warm weather. The fabric wicks away sweat while simultaneously keeping your hands moisturized and smooth. Forget clammy, sweaty, or dry hands! With two different styles - original and long - you can mix and match your gloves to match the mood of your outfit, whether you’re headed out shopping or attending an evening cocktail party.
   
   
3. They are USA Made. Handmade in sunny Los Angeles, California, Sundriven® UV Wear’s production stays local to ensure quality, integrity, and consistency. USA Made products create jobs, support the economy, are made ethically, and reduce fuel emissions.
   

Furthermore, Sundriven® gloves have received the Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation, a symbol of safe and effective sun protection that is recognized by consumers worldwide. In showing their commitment to educating women on skin cancer and keeping skin protected, Sundriven® donates thousands of dollars every year to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

With Sundriven® gloves, you can get fancy this new year and be more conscientious with your fashion all year long. Happy 2016, everyone!