this is a page for

Category: Beauty

How To Get A Better Smile Quickly and Easily…

Your smile says a lot about you and when you meet people, a nice smile makes them instantly feel at ease. But if you are unhappy with your smile, you may feel very self conscious when speaking to others and you might be reluctant to show your smile. If your dental health isn’t great and you feel self conscious about your smile, it can have a huge impact on your self esteem, so you need to do something about it. 

Photo of Woman Looking at the Mirror

Pexels CCO License

A lot of people assume that fixing your smile requires invasive and expensive dental work but that isn’t always the case. There are plenty of things that you can try before you decide to have any major work done. These are some of the best ways to fix your smile without invasive dental work. 

Improve Dental Hygiene 

Dental issues are usually a result of poor dental hygiene, so if you want to fix your smile, you need to improve your dental hygiene routine. If you have a lot of staining on your teeth, changing your dental hygiene routine may be enough to whiten your teeth. However, if your teeth are too stained, you may need to consider other methods as well. Hopefully, you’re already brushing twice a day but you also need to floss every day as well. This will remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth and stop decay. You should also use antibacterial mouthwash as well. 

If you have a lot of stains on your teeth, you should look for specific toothpaste that is designed to remove stains and whiten your teeth. Although it will not remove the most stubborn stains, it can help a lot. 

You should also go for regular health and dental checkups to stay healthy. If you require dental care, check this dentist out in Marlborough to get rid of plaque or other treatment options.

Clip On Veneers 

Veneers are a great way to revitalize your smile, but many people are reluctant to get permanent ones fitted. However, you can get some great clip on veneers that you can fit yourself at home. They will be made based on impressions of your mouth, so they will fit perfectly, and they clip in easily. You can wear them on a daily basis or even just for special occasions when you want to look your best. They’re so much cheaper than having permanent veneers fitted, and you have complete freedom over when you wear them. 

Changing Your Diet

Your diet has a big impact on your smile, so if you are concerned about your dental health, you should take a look at what you eat and drink. Sugar is the most important thing that you need to cut out if you want to improve your smile because a lot of sugary foods and drinks will lead to tooth decay and cavities. If you are guilty of snacking a lot, you need to find ways to curb your cravings and look for healthier alternatives to your favorite snacks. 

You also need to avoid certain foods and drinks that will stain your teeth. Red wine and coffee are two of the worst, but things like curry, balsamic vinegar, and fruit juice can also leave a lot of stains. Try to cut back on these things if you can, and when you do have them, always sip water afterwards to prevent staining. 

Drinking more water throughout the day, even when you are not eating, can help a lot as well. Drinking water will flush plaque and bacteria from between the teeth. If you live in an area where there is fluoride in the water, this will give your teeth added protection as well. 

Professional Cleaning 

If your teeth are very stained and whitening products don’t seem to be working, you should book yourself in for a professional cleaning with a dentist. This will help to remove a lot of the stains on your teeth and deal with any plaque and bacteria so you can avoid cavities. If your dental hygiene hasn’t been great in the past, it may be best to get a professional cleaning and then change your routine in the future. After your teeth have been professionally cleaned, it is important that you keep up with your dental hygiene properly. 

That being said, do consider going for a routine cleaning at the general dentist in Chattanooga.

If you are unhappy with your smile and it is having an impact on your self-esteem, you don’t necessarily need to resort to invasive dental work to fix it. These simple tips will all help you to improve your dental health and whiten your teeth, so you don’t feel self-conscious about your smile anymore. However, if you do notice any serious problems with your teeth, you should seek the advice of a dentist.

Heavenly DIY Foot Scrub

I know, I know…you all need a pedicure. This foot scrub came highly recommended and my girls and I made it this past weekend and it is a winner!! You can easily use this everyday for a therapeutic and pampering foot spa treatment!!! Most of the items you already have around your house. And the more you use it, the softer your feet will be. Keep a jar in your shower and you will be amazed with the results!!! And during this quarantine, who does not love a DIY!!!!!!!!

INGREDIENTS

adapted from Family Savvy

  • 1/3 cup Listerine (the green version is recommended for color and smell)
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • approximately 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 TB melted coconut oil (optional but helps moisturize)
  • a few drops of peppermint oil (adds A tingle and fresh smell)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Pour sugar into small glass container.
  2. Mix vinegar and Listerine in small bowl; stir well.
  3. Pour vinegar and Listerine over sugar; stir until combined.
  4. Add coconut oil and peppermint oil.
  5. Add more sugar if needed to reach desired consistency.
  6. Use daily for soft, smooth, sandal-ready toes

DIY Scalp Scrub

Did you know that scalp scrubs do wonders for your hair? Just like a facial or a body scrub, a scalp scrub, exfoliates dead skin cells, gets rid of any product build-up, like all that dry shampoo we use daily. It also helps to fight excess oil and the result is thick, healthy, shiny hair. You can make your own scrub with a few household items. I promise you will see the difference right away!!!!

image Hello Glow

adapted from helloglow.com

  • Combine everything in a small bowl and stir. Transfer to an airtight container.
  • To use, wet your hair and gently scrub a tablespoon sized amount into your scalp using your fingertips (don’t expect the scrub to foam like soap). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Sephora Insider Sale Picks

I never knew how much the Sephora sale was anticipated by our readers. They use this coveted sale to try out new products or restock favorites, all at discount prices. It only happens a couple of times a year. Since self-care has been a top priority during the past 6 weeks, I spent some time scouring the web, reading beauty reviews, and going through my own lists. The result is a complete selection of fabulous finds for you….

The Sephora Spring Savings Event is now open to all Beauty Insiders! Use the code SPRINGSAVE:

Rouge Members: 20% off thru 5/1

VIB Members: 15% off thru 4/29

Insider Members: 10% off thru 4/27

If you are not already an insider, you can sign up HERE.

This is a fabulous body oil!!

We are loving this lipstick..it goes on clear and turns into the most beautiful blush color!!!!

Dying to try this dry shampoo

Last summer, Real Housewife of NYC Kelley Bensimon told my sister and I that this is her favorite bronzer. I have to say it looked amazing on her..I am going to order them with this discount!!!

Looking for a vitamin C serum that will leave your skin glowing!!

This facial treatment is a fan favorite!!!

I NEED to try this new oil from Laura Mercier. Her oils are incredible!!!!

The highlighter is incredible…you are going to become addicted!!!

If you buy one thing from this sale, it has to be this incredible Airflash foundation. I had heard about it for a while but actually sampled it in Miami in January…..OUT OF THIS WORLD

At-Home Hair Tips from Bergdorf’s Top Stylist Lucy Garcia Planck

Lucy Planck Garcia, senior hairstylist at the John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman gives us her top DIY home hair tips, including her favorite products to keep on-hand when a trip to the salon is just not possible. “There is no reason why people can’t still take care of their hair while they are home,” states Garcia. I love all of her suggestions and cannot wait until I can go and have Lucy work her magic on my own hair again. Meanwhile, if you have any questions for Lucy EMAIL ME and I will get you some answers!!!..Bon Weekend!!!

1. Mend Hair Damage with Split End Sealer: It’s important to keep your hair as moist as possible. One of the things I love to help combat this is coconut oil for split ends. Use about a teaspoon and start at the ends working your way up to the root; leave in for about an hour and shampoo. The coconut oil will help keep hair hydrated, silky, and shiny.

2.  Biotin Supplements: Biotin is a natural supplement that many people don’t get enough of and that could be a contributing factor to dry, brittle hair. I always tell my clients to take biotin year-round to maintain a strong, healthy glow to their hair and it also helps with split ends. I love using and always recommend Vitafusion Gorgeous Hair, Skin and Nails is a great-tasting gummy multivitamin containing 12 key nutrients, including Biotin and Vitamins C and E to help nourish beautiful hair, skin, and nails from the inside out.

3.  Cold Water Rinse:  After shampooing, use a cold-water rinse, which closes up the cuticle and keeps your hair shiny, the cold water really helps to keep your hair healthy.

4.  Tame Frizz with Coconut Milk Leave-in Conditioner: The natural oils inside of the coconut are what keeps frizz in check. All of the vitamins and minerals that are in the coconut keep the frizz tamed. The leave-in coconut conditioner also protects the hair from the blow dryer and other styling tools. As with the oils, I would advise not to use a leave-in conditioner if you have fine hair, as it will make it greasy. For those with fine hair, I would suggest using a mousse instead. Use a dime-sized amount of leave-in conditioner and work throughout your hair, paying special attention to the ends.

5. Softening Dry Hair With An Avocado Mask: Avocado has fatty acids that make hair soft. It’s great to make a paste with avocado and coconut oil. Put in 2 teaspoons of avocado (mashed) or in a blender and 1 tsp of coconut oil. Blend the two together for a few seconds or until smooth. You can even warm up the paste a little bit and leave it in your hair for approximately 30-60 minutes. Start at the top of your roots and work your way down. You can also use aloe vera from a real plant. Using the same ratio of above, mixing the aloe vera with the coconut oil. Both are excellent hydration for your hair. These “masks” leave hair very shiny and silky. Anyone can make these at home.

6. Don’t wash every day. While it’s tempting to wash your hair every day- this habit will strip your hair of essential oils leaving it dry and brittle.  Figure out a washing routine that works best for you and your hair, whether it’s every other day or once every three days.  Try a dry-shampoo hair refresh for non-wash days like Batiste Dry Shampoo

DIY Sugar Hand scrub

One thing that I love about all this at home time is that I really get a chance to catch up with my friends who are usually too busy for me during the week!!!!!!!!!!! My dear dear and one of my oldest friends Leeann is one person I am ecstatic that I can actually get her on the phone during the day!! I kid you not, it is probably easier to get in touch with the president than Leeann at work…soooo yesterday we were discussing one of our favorite topics, The Tiger King. In between Leeann telling me that in her lifetime, she never had a desire to pet a baby tiger (which might be the best line of this entire 2 + month quarantine!!!), she asked me if my hands are raw from all the washing. Actually, because of this dry skin fix my hands are in great shape despite the fact that I am washing them constantly. It’s really easy and really fun to make.

image myculuredpalate

2/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup olive oil or coconut oil

10-20 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

1/2 pint mason jar, or other glass container

Combine sugar, olive oil and lavender essential oil in a mason jar.  Stir well to combine.  Add more oil, if necessary.

To Use:

Use a spoon or other clean device to take a couple tablespoons of the diy hand scrub out of the container.  Gently massage into hands for 1 minute.  Rinse with warm water.

(adapted from fountain avenue kitchen)