Whiten Up!

Lately, family members have commented on my teeth. They've remarked that my teeth look much whiter than they normally do...and I'm thrilled to hear that! Especially since I haven't done anything drastic to get whiter teeth.

A few weeks ago, my husband and I bought Sonicare toothbrushes. I've been using my SonicCare at least twice a day ever since. I don't use a whitening toothpaste because I love, love, love...and exclusively use...cinnamon flavored toothpaste (and it's really hard to find a cinnamon whitening toothpaste). I also use ACT Restoring mouthwash twice daily. Apparently my new toothbrush is doing the trick.

I know Sonicares are rather pricey, but I think they're worth every penny! I don't need to use any whitening products, which saves me both time AND money, and I am getting a better, more efficient cleaning every time I use the Sonicare.

I bought my Sonicare at Costco, and if you're in the market for one, you should certainly check out their prices. They have some pretty decent deals. And if you do switch over to a Sonicare, remember that you'll be using something that's pretty powerful. It may take a few brushings to get used to it. When I first started, the darn thing made me laugh! Now? It's no big deal.

So I guess I figured out how to get whiter teeth: use a better toothbrush. D'oh!

Beauty Quickies, Part 2

As we are all painfully aware, money is tight at the moment. These beauty and personal care products will make you feel pampered without having to spend a lot:

MS. MANICURE
One easy thing to cut out of your budget are all the extras...you know, morning coffees from Starbucks and regular pedicures and manicures. I can't help you with the coffee thing (actually, I can! Pick up a Keurig and brew single-serve coffee at home before heading out for work or school), but for your nails, I whole heartedly recommend Ms. Manicure products.

I've mentioned them before, but I was using a Ms. Manicure nail kit the other day and was impressed with the number of tools you get for next to nothing. Their Handy Dandy Mani solves all of your impromptu nail issues. Featuring Cuticle Nippers, Nail Clippers, Nail Scissors, Wood Cuticle Sticks, a Nail Brush, a Washable Salon Board, 4-Way Nail Buffer, and Slant Tip Tweezers, this beauty booty will keep your nails looking fresh and clean. At just $9.99 for the kit, you can keep on at home and stash one at your desk (or in your locker). Nice! Click here for more info.

ECO-TOOLS BRANCHING OUT
I really like Eco-Tools makeup brushes because they're inexpensive, high quality, and are made from good-for-the-earth materials. Now Eco-Tools is coming out with personal care products like “Clean Skin, Cleaner World” Body Wash ($7.99), “Sustainable Softness” Body Lotion ($7.99), “One Hand Helps the Other” Hand Cream ($7.99), and “Blooming Planet” Body Mist ($7.99). Their new line of products is 98% from nature, paraben-free, phthalate-free, dermatologist-tested and cruelty free. Check their website for retailers.

MOUTH FRESHENING TRIO
So you've spent a ton of time (and money) making sure your skin is perfect, your makeup amazing, and your body perfumed and primed for the day. But don't forget to focus on your breath! If you want to get long-lasting freshness and a very clean feeling mouth, try the new trio of Crest Extra White Plus Scope Outlast ($3.25 for 4 oz. or $4.25 for 7.6 oz.), Oral-B Advantage Floss Picks Plus Scope Outlast Flavor ($3.49 for a bag of 75), and Scope Outlast mouthwash ($4.99 for 750 ml or $5.99 for 1250 ml).

These products is infused with the advanced Outlast technology that binds tightly with select receptors in your mouth, triggering a minty fresh sensation that lasts longer than ordinary products. I've been using the trio for a few weeks now and WOW! They really make you mouth minty and fresh. And fresh breath is a perfect fashion accessory since it's always in season! Look out for them at drugstores and big-box retailers this month.

Product Update: Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal

I mentioned a while back that I was testing out the new Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal kit. I've since finished my treatments and here are my thoughts:
EASY TO USE
The new Advanced Seal strips are thicker than strips we've used in the past. And because they're more substantive, they're a little easier to apply. And once they're on, they feel secure. In the past, I've had strips slip off mid-treatment. Not cool. These strips stay put, just like they say they will. And you really can drink water and talk normally while wearing them.

FUN TO PEEL OFF
Because the Advanced Seal strips cling better to the teeth, they're kind of fun to peel off. I know that sounds weird, but it's true. They peel off with a bit of effort, and it reminds me of using a peel-off mask for my teeth. Good times!
EFFECTIVE AND FAST
After just three days, my teeth were noticeably whiter. I hadn't whitened my teeth in quite some time, so my pearly whites were in need of a good brightening. Now, my teeth look lovely and white, just the way they should be.
CAUTION! INCREASED SENSITIVITY
I almost always notice that my teeth become sensitive during the whitening process. I don't have sensitive teeth at any other time, but whenever I whiten, my teeth ache a bit. This is just a temporary problem, though, and a day or two after ending the whitening treatment, the sensitivity went away. I guess I have to suffer for my white teeth!

All in all, these were effective and easy to us. I loved that they really didn't slip off, because in the past, that was really frustrating. If you try these out, let me know your thoughts!

Don't Forget to Enter!

Don't forget! I'm giving away two sets of the new Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal to two lucky readers. I've been using these new whitestrips and they rock! You really can wear them while living life....you can talk normally and even drink water without fearing that the whitening strips will fall off. And the best part? Peeling these babies off your teeth once time is up. It's like a peel-off mask for your teeth.

Be sure to enter by midnight Pacific time tonight (Tuesday, March 17th). And entering is a snap...just leave a comment on this post.

Good luck!

Crest Whitestrips Giveaway!

Yesterday I mentioned that I am going to whiten my teeth using brand new Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal kit. Well now you can try these whitestrips out right along with me!

The good people at Crest are giving away two Crest Whitestips Advanced Seal kits to two lucky Kiss and Make-up readers. All you need to do is leave a comment on this entry by next Tuesday, March 17th. Be sure that I have a way to contact you. Winners will be drawn at random and will be announced on Wednesday, March 18th.

Good luck!

Product Preview: Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal

I haven't whitened my teeth in ages and they're looking a little...well...dingy. I normal dread whitening my teeth. The drugstore whitening strips often slip off--especially on my bottom teeth--and it's a hassle to find the time to sit, do nothing, and wait for the flimsy strips to do their job.

Crest has a new whitening product on the market, one that promises to be easier to use. It's called Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal. According to Crest, these new strips allow for a secure fit to your teeth, allowing you to talk and even drink water while whitening. Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal because it doesn’t interfere with daily routines, allowing us to whiten anytime, anywhere.

Hmmm....This sounds promising!

I have a package of these strips and will start my whitening cycle tonight. I'll report back soon to let you know how it's going!

If you're interested in trying this one out for yourself, click here for more info. Be sure to let me know what you think!