10 NEW Things That Will Make Your Life AMAZING in 2017

What's IN for 2017?

2017 is going to be a GREAT year, yes indeed! Always looking to improve, I've gathered a few new tools and gadgets which I've ferreted out for you. Each item, great or small is personally tested and fully tried so you get the honest to goodness truth. So here are 10 things that will help put you on the path to an incredible 2017:

Koffiestraw + thermal insulated Klean Kanteen

1.) Koffiestraw + Insulated Reusable Drink Containers
If you really want to keep your teeth white while knocking back those caramel lattes (or an occasional glass of wine), you should check out Koffiestraw. Made of easy to clean, inert silicone, these lightweight little straws go everywhere and will even fit in your favorite Starbucks cap. These nifty little straws keep staining liquids off the front of your teeth and can be used at home or at the coffee shop.  Check them out at KoffieStraw.com

One of my reusable thermal containers.

I say go one better and invest in a refillable, reusable thermos. Many coffee shops will give you a little discount when you bring your own for a "refill" which is what I do with my Klean Kanteen. There are other brands and sometimes the barista shop will carry their own. Save a cup, save the environment!

Sun Sense: Top New Sunscreens for Spring-Summer

Some of the BEST sun protection products to kick off spring!

While we need sun protection all year round, now is the time to upgrade your solar guard.  Why? Well, the days are getting longer and brighter. That plus the warmer temps means we will be spending more time outdoors and exposing more skin to the harmful rays of the sun. While I'm not a fan of looking like a ghost, I know from walking, running and cycling that burned skin looks even worse! Still, I'm a fan of tinted moisturizers and airbrushed tans for a Victoria's Secret model glow.

Sunscreen as Primer
One of the problems I've had with sunscreens is that even the ones for the face are often greasy and cause your makeup to slide off or pill up. I hate that! I've purchased Bobbi Brown's Brightening SPF 50 UV Protective Face Base and found it to be good but at less than 2 oz in a tube, (1.7 to be exact), you'd go through it very quickly. What I like even better is G.M. Collin's High Protection Cream SPF 30.

High Protection Cream from G.M. Collin

High Protection Cream from G.M. Collin - Paris
This sunscreen comes in a convenient 4 oz twist dispenser topped bottle. Using natural sunscreens like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, it uniformly blocks both UVA & UVB rays by creating a gentle, transparent physical barrier. It is SO light that it doesn't mess with my makeup application. It leaves behind no white film and does not block pores. This super sunscreen also contains botanicals like Cassia Alata Leaf Extract to protect DNA from UV damage and antioxidants like vitamins E and C.  I wore it under my makeup while marching in the Saint Patrick's Day Parade this year and was very comfortable. My skin didn't get burned even though it was quite sunny along the parade route. High Protection Cream can be used on face and body but makes a good primer for makeup application as well.

ASAP Hydrating Lip Balm & Wexler Tinted Moisturizer

Getting Your Glow On
These are my everyday, go for a run/walk/bicycle ride essentials. I'm going to sweat so I don't want a full on makeup application but I DO want some color and protection.

ASAP Hydrating Lip Balm SPF 15 
I put this on as a lip primer and moisturizer. It's amazing and I often don't need much lip color after putting this on first. We often forget about our lips but they are often some of the first areas to show age due to sun damage.

Patricia Wexler Daily Defense Anti-Oxidant Tinted Moisturizer  SPF 30
This is really good for a quick, light translucent wash of bronze color with a SPF of 30. Infused with antioxidants, Dr. Wexler's formulas mostly all contain her signature skin regenerating MMP's so it's treatment and makeup all rolled into one. Very light, it's like wearing nothing at all but gives you a little color for the road. 

Coming Into Spring keep in mind that our skin isn't generally prepared for bright sunshine. You need to protect yourself face and body to look and feel your best through the summer season.

High Protection Cream c/o G. M. Collin - Paris