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

Can a workout a day keep cancer at bay? While there is no guaranteed method to prevent cancer, a number of studies show that around one third of all adult cancer cases are directly related to lifestyle. Luckily, you can control your lifestyle by eating healthy and staying in shape.

According to the AICR Expert Report, just about any form of physical exercise helps prevent a number of different forms of cancer. And by exercise, I don't mean running a half-marathon every day. Even just half an hour of moderate exercise three to five days a week could cut your chances of getting cancer by 30%.

Let's look at some specific facts. A University of Vermont study found that men who regularly exercised were 68% less likely to develop lung cancer and 38% less likely to develop colon cancer than men who weren't as active. More recent research has linked regular exercise (150 minutes a week) with a reduction of breast cancer in women.

Just two and a half hours a week of exercise and you may be able to reduce your risk of cancer. Here's how you can easily split that up without getting bored with the same fitness routine:

Monday - 30 Minutes of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)

HIIT is comprised of 20-second intervals of activity followed by 10 seconds of rest for a specific number of sets. Often, people do four sets to equal two minutes. Start with a five-minute warm-up, doing sets of squats, kicks, hops, and jumping jacks. Then, move into your workout, mixing cardio with core.

Tuesday - 30 Minutes of Yoga

After an intense HIIT workout the day before, take it slower the next day with yoga. Pick your favorite style, whether you enjoy Vinyasa, Hatha, or Kundalini.

Wednesday - Rest Day!

Thursday - 30 Minutes of Spinning (or Bike Riding)

Whether you're an indoor or outdoor kind of girl, go for good old-fashioned cardio. Spinning classes can help keep you pumped up with energetic music and a group of other victims (err, exercisers). If you don't get enough fresh air, go for a nice bike ride. Don't forget to protect yourself with sunscreen and UV wear, like this Sundriven® Heather zip-up hoodie.

Friday - 30 Minutes of Water Aerobics

Come on, water aerobics aren't just for senior citizens! In fact, you don't even have to take a class if you'd prefer to spend some alone time. And if you really can't imagine yourself dancing in water, you can swim laps instead.

Saturday - 30 Minutes of Running

Start your weekend off right with a refreshing jog early in the morning. Even if the sun isn't totally out yet, still wear sunscreen and your Sundriven® UV wear.

Sunday - Rest Day!

You can easily switch up your exercise routine or sign up for classes in your community to keep you motivated. Not only will regular exercise keep you healthy and help you reduce your chances of cancer, but it will also improve your mood. It's a win-win situation!