AT HOME TEETH WHITENING

Have you ever been curious about testing out those "at home" whitening products? Well, I can tell you first hand that they work. I can be a bit obsessive about making sure my pearly whites stay bright. I use an at home brightener yearly and I also use a mouth wash that promises to whiten your teeth as well as freshen your breath. The only problem I experience with these treatments is that tooth sensitivity can occur. There are a few precautions you can take to help. First, it is important to floss regularly so that your gums aren't as sensitive to the treatments. Use the recommended times a year for each lightening session so that you don't go overboard and ruin your enamel. Also, I like to dilute the mouthwash with water so that it doesn't feel so intense. Here are a couple of my favorite whiteners.

LISTERINE WHITENING PRE-BRUSH RINSE-available at CVS for $7.00 for 16oz
I have used this rinse once a day for a few months and I have noticed a difference in the whiteness of my teeth. Listerine recommends to use this rinse twice a day and no more. I only use it in the mornings diluted with half water to prevent tooth sensitivity. You really need to proceed with caution with this one because it can cause oversensitivity when used too much.

CREST WHITESTRIPS PRO EFFECTS-available at select markets and drugstores for $35.00
There are 40 strips for this 10 day whitening formula. I have used this annually over the past few years. There are 2 packets that you use before brushing in the morning and at night. One is for bottom and one is for top. The only complaint I have is that the strips only cover the front teeth while missing some of the back. I rotate this strips covering more of my left in the morning and more of the right in the evening to get it even. I usually notice a major difference in the first 2 days.

TIME TO THROW OUT THAT OLD MAKEUP?

Have you ever wondered when you should toss your old lipstick, powder or foundation? Maybe your bag is overfilled with cracked powders and dried up mascara? There is actually a recommended shelf life for most of the cosmetic products that we purchase. I know that I personally hold on to some of mine a little bit longer than I should. Here are some helpful tips on how long you should keep your favorite beauty products and when you should trash them.
FOUNDATION- You should get rid of your foundation when you notice a separation between the oil and product. Foundations with cream or heavy oil can last up to 2 years. To make them last longer, use a spatula instead of your finger to apply the foundation. 
POWDERS- Powders tend to last 2-3 years. I recommend throwing them away if they are cracked. Nothing is worse than having to clean a purse filled with powder stained objects.
MASCARA- They have a pretty short shelf life that tends to span from 3-6 months. When you notice your mascara getting dry and flaky, it is time to discard it. It is advised to swirl not pump your mascara wands in the tube. This prevents getting more air into the tube which can cause over drying.
LIPSTICK and LIP GLOSS-  This one is easier to recognize when it goes bad because of the smell. Lipsticks last up to 2 years. Lip glosses last from 2-3 years.

*Another way to keep your products fresh is to clean your brushes at least once a week. I like the MAC brush cleaner available online or in stores.
 

PRITI STUFF

Kim D'Amato started the eco-friendly luxury line Priti NYC in 2005. The idea came to her when she was pregnant and decided to switch to more natural and organic products. D'Amato claims her mission is to support organic farmers and to decrease the amount of chemicals poisoning the earth-and it's inhabitants-one manicure at a time. Their products are safe for the environment and never tested on animals. They have been featured world wide in such magazines as Luck, Elle, Vogue, In-Style, and W. Priti NYC products are available in select spas, beauty boutiques, and online.

Priti NYC's non-toxic nail polishes are available in 100 different shades. They are also long lasting, chip resistant, and contain a UV inhibitor. After the bottles are opened they are supposed to last for 36 months. Nail polishes sell for $12.50.



The soy nail polish remover was developed exclusively by Priti NYC. It is 100% biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-carcinogenic. The bottle is recyclable to boot. Unlike many other nail polish removers, it does not contain acetone. It is soy and corn based and is infused with coconut, soybean esters, and essential lemongrass oils. A 20z bottle sells for $11.25 and 4oz sells for $22.50.

MANE N' TAIL

My hair has been through the ringer with color treatments, blow dryers and curling irons. I do my best to take care of it. I do the recommended washing it every other day in order to not dry it out. I use hair masks, leave in conditioners, oils, you name it. At the end of the day, I still get breakage and split ends which prevents me from growing it out. There are many supplements you can take in order to grow your hair. I have used Biotin, Evening Primrose Oil, and Pantol just to name a few. Yet I still can grow my hair past a certain point. I have been hearing quite a bit about Mane N' Tail lately. I have to admit that I am intrigued. It was initially made for horses, hence the name. I saw it in CVS yesterday and for some reason I didn't get it even though I knew I would be back to purchase it. Reviews are really good on the internet. People claim that their hair is softer, has more shine, and some say that it encourages growth after just a few weeks. I will definitely give it a shot. Why not? It smells great and its under $5.oo.