Merry Kissmas with Sensodyne

Christmas has just ended but I think we are all still in the christmassy mood of tiredness, cosiness and a constant food coma *the struggle is real, right* but I am coming to you today with a brand new post; it feels like ages since I just sat down and wrote a blog post but it's actually been just over a week or so.

Christmas to me has become less magical over the years, it was always so incredibly exciting as a child but now...not so much, I've just bought a car vacuum in the sale. However, while it isn't nearly as magical at the grand old age of 24, there are still a lot of things I adore about the festive season including the christmas markets, constant movies, fairy lights (which I think should be mandatory all year round), festive decorations, gift giving and receiving and the food or should I say, the acceptability of being able to eat ALL THE FOOD.

I'm a vegetarian, as is my grandad so christmas food isn't that exciting to either of us as traditional christmas food usually involves meat but there are treats that we both like such as warm chocolate cake with custard (which I definitely didn't eat for dinner yesterday), gingerbread biscuits, hot chocolate and mince pies. Rather annoyingly I have really quite sensitive teeth and some festive treats that include anything cold, such as ice cream or even just cold drinks will have me running to the kitchen to find something warm to reduce the pain.

In comes Sensodyne to the rescue (cue angels singing) with their new *True White Mint Sensitive Toothpaste (£7.99, 75ml). The new toothpaste is the lowest abrasion formula from Sensodyne (it's ten times less abrasive than other Sensodyne toothpastes) and is a specialist whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Most people, myself included, want whiter teeth especially at this time of the year when you're meeting new people, visiting friends and family more and having Christmas/New Year parties to go to. I've tried a few whitening toothpastes and they don't seem to do that much for me personally and they can be so minty that it almost leaves a raw, burning feeling with my teeth and gums feeling even more sensitive than before but this new offering from Sensodyne is so incredibly gentle and it doesn't have a very minty taste either which is amazing for me!

I've been using it for about a week now and I'm loving it; it's so much more pleasant to use compared to the Colgate one I was using previously which by comparison is just mouth burningly minty and harsh. I also love the packaging as it keeps the tube less messy. I haven't noticed a massive change in terms of the whiteness of my teeth but I definitely think it's starting to help and it's also helping a little with sensitivity even though I haven't been using it for very long at all.

Here are Dr Amit Rai's top tips for a kissable Christmas and New Year:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day and using floss or interdental brushes in-between can help remove plaque and prevent bad breath 
• Research shows that 75% of people asked want their teeth to be whiter so give your teeth a top up with a gentle, low abrasion whitening toothpaste 
• Don't skip brushing your teeth as it can lead to an increased risk of gum disease, decay and acid wear 
• Keep your breath kissmassy fresh with a mouthwash but use it at a different time to brushing your teeth as if you use it straight after brushing, you could be washing away your toothpaste's beneficial ingredients 
• Don't go too overboard with the sugar treats as it can lead to a risk of decay 

I was also very kindly sent an amazing Instax Mini 8 Camera and film from the super lovely and thoughtful people at Sensodyne as well as some christmas photo booth props which I did force everyone to wear on Christmas day! I adore the camera, I have wanted one for ages and I couldn't be happier with it! Highly recommend, as well as the toothpaste! 

Overall, I'm not only over the moon with the camera but I am so happy with the toothpaste as well and I really don't think I could go back to using another toothpaste as this one is not just really effective and so gentle but it isn't painfully minty either and with sustained use it will definitely continue to help with my teeth whitening needs and my sensitivity as well - what more could you ask for! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5 (obviously). 

Have this tried this toothpaste or others from Sensodyne? Have you had a nice christmas? What do you think of the top tips? 

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Minty Coco Teeth Whitening

If you didn't know, coconut oil *the miracle ingredient* in the beauty and health world is also a well known teeth whitener which first started to be used in India, as far as I know. I have tried using plain cheap virgin, organic coconut oil to whiten my teeth last year and I found that it did work well and it helped reduce my headaches, although that may be a placebo effect!

The only problem I had with the plain coconut oil is the taste, it has a bitter and relatively unpleasant taste which you can get used to but it takes a while; so I was exited to try the *Minty Coco Minty Fresh Coconut Oil Teeth Whitening (£19.99, two week supply) which is a flavoured coconut oil teeth whitening system. Oil pulling is the method in which the coconut oil helps whiten the teeth, along with many other substantiated and unsubstantiated claims.

The Minty Coco box comes with a two week supply of individually packaged minty flavoured coconut oil, which is a much more convenient method of teeth whitening than gloopy peroxide gels and mouth trays. The sachets are small and well sealed so you could take them travelling or on the go, if you wanted. The sachets only contain virgin cold pressed coconut oil (10ml) and natural peppermint flavouring.

To use, you just open the sachet and swill *I hate that word* the contents around your mouth for between 5 to 15 minutes then spilt out after the time. It's a much more handy and quick way of oil pulling compared to using a tub of coconut oil and it tastes better. However as with any coconut oil, it is going to have a mushy and odd texture which melts in the mouth and can be a little unpleasant but you do get used to it. The experience of using this minty coconut oil is FAR nicer and tolerable than plain, unflavoured coconut oil so just on that basis I would prefer it and recommend it over plain coconut oil - even though it is more expensive. Don't swallow the coconut oil, it won't be harmful, I don't think but it won't be nice either! Also after rinsing, you have really fresh breath and it doesn't obviously contain peroxide which can be damaging. Annoying I don't have before and after photos as I forgot to take the before photos, doh.

As with the plain coconut oil I have used in the past, I do notice positive effects while using it. My teeth do appear to become a little whiter with time and continued use of the coconut oil and oil pulling method - you have to use it constantly though. The whitening effect isn't noticeable from the first or even second use, for me anyway but there is a definite change. I think this would be a great product to try, if you want a natural teeth whitening system - they also have vanilla and lemon flavours and I'd love to try the lemon one. I am going to continue using it and I will have a comparison post between all of the at home teeth whitening products I have tried *it will be a very long post* and it will be live later this month. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

Have you tried oil pulling? Have you tried the Minty Coco teeth whitening? 

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Initial Impressions: Instant Whites

Teeth whitening is something I've been a little obsessed with over the past year or two as I do drink coffee once a day and since doing so I have noticed that my teeth are definitely not as white as they were. I have tried four at home teeth whitening kits now and I am still on the hunt for one that doesn't produce any sensitivity at all but in the mean time this one is definitely the quickest, easiest and most comfortable kit I've tried.

I was kindly sent the *Instant Whites 7 Day Whitening System (£29.99) which is a safe, peroxide free teeth whitening system that claims to have zero sensitivity; also you are supposed to be able to see visible results in less than five minutes which is a very impressive and bold claim. Unlike the other teeth whitening products I've tried, it is not a strip or a mouth guard - just seven neat swabs with the gel inside.

Myself and my sister tried one each as an initial test and to be honest I am always a little sceptical about teeth whitening products as well as a little cautious so naturally I volunteered my sister to try it first - she is a very good guinea pig. To use, push the top part with the swab down into the neatly contains gel in the bottom half of the swab and some of the gel will appear on the swab which you then lightly rub into each tooth. This system has to be the easiest, quickest and fuss free at home teeth whitening product I've tried!

My sister saw results within about four minutes or so of applying the gel to each tooth and we were both definitely impressed with the results *although it wasn't a dramatic change*. I did notice a change on my teeth but it wasn't as noticeable.

Overall, my initial impressions of this teeth whitening system are surprising and very positive. I love how incredibly easy and quick the process is, unlike most other teeth whitening kits which are usually messy, time consuming and uncomfortable. I also love that as they are individual swabs, all of your teeth aren't affected at once, you can apply more to some areas and less to others which is great for me as some of my teeth are naturally whiter than others. We were both happy with the initial positive results and even though I did experience a small amount of sensitivity (my sister didn't at all), I'm looking forward to using them fully and to see the results. I will have a comparison post between the at home teeth whitening kits I've tried on my blog next month so stay tuned! Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5 although my sister would definitely rate the kit 5/5.

Have you tried this kit or any at home teeth whitening kits? Have you had your teeth whitened professionally? 

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Initial Impressions: Mr Blanc Teeth Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening is something I've always been interested in since I started drinking coffee about four years ago as it does stain my teeth so they become slightly yellow which I don't think most people on a day to day basis would really noticed but it's something that I noticed often and it does bother me so when I received the *Mr Blanc Teeth Whitening Strips (£24.99) from Boots late last year I was so excited to give them a go!

As much as I want to try new and exciting teeth whitening products I am a little cautious about it as I don't want to have any negative side effects and I have slightly sensitive teeth anyway and I don't want to make it worse. The Mr Blanc strips do NOT contain hydrogen peroxide (bleach) which most teeth whitening products do which is fantastic as it can be harmful and cause sensitivity. It contains ingredients that are enamel friendly, safe to use and they have been tested and approved by EU and UK cosmetic laws. I think the price is fantastic, I thought they would be much more expensive.

The strips come in individual packets so you can use them as and when you want to and they would be great for traveling. The strips come as a bottom strip and top strip and you peel them off the plastic and place onto dry teeth. It looks and feels strange as they have gel on them so it looks like jelly sticky tape to me.

For my first use, I left them on for about 15 minutes which is half the time that is recommended as I hadn't tried them before and I'm glad I did as I experienced some sensitivity which lasted for a day or so but it wasn't that bad. Also I noticed a couple of whiter areas on my teeth which I can occasionally get anyway, even when I'm not using any teeth whitening products and after a quick google search I didn't have any answers as to what it was but on the Mr Blanc website it says that it is normal and temporary. After a day or so the white marks on my two front teeth had faded so much.

Even just using the strips once and for half the time I should have, I noticed whiter teeth! My two front teeth were about a shade lighter and my other teeth were also lighter but not as much. In terms of the whitening effects, I'm incredibly impressed. However the sensitivity and white marks that appeared on a couple of my teeth does put me off using them daily but I will continue to use them and I'll report back. Also the gel that is left behind is so gross, I washed it off in record time!

Have you tried the Mr Blanc teeth whitening strips? Do you use any teeth whitening products, if so do they work? 

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iWhite 2 Teeth Whitening Kit

One of my main beauty concerns is my teeth as they definitely aren't the whitest and it does put me off wearing lipsticks, particularly more orange or yellow based shades, as it draws attention to my teeth and not in the most flattering way. I have been loving oil pulling over the past few months and it does work for me to an extent however I do want to see more immediate results that leave my teeth much whiter. Check out my oil pulling post on Femme Intemporelle (London Beauty Queen's new website).

I've been sent the *iWhite2 Instant Teeth Whitening Kit (£34.95) which I have seen on social media recently and I think I might have even tried the original version years ago. The kit comes with ten pre-filled trays so you get five full use out of each kit. You can use them consecutively or as and when you need them. The kit is 100% safe and effective, it contains an active stain remover and it contains MOHA complex which apparently restores your enamel which I am a little dubious about.

To use, you just gently brush your teeth and make sure your hands  are clean and dry. Remove the trays from the packaging (you can just use a one tray for the top or bottom teeth, or you can use both at the same time as I do) and place on your teeth immediately. The wait is 20 minutes although the first time I used it, I only waited for 15 minutes. I thought the wait would feel like forever but I had the trays on my top and bottom teeth for 15 minutes while replying to emails and it seemed like no time at all. After the time is up,  I removed the trays and rinsed off the excess gel. 

I didn't experience any pain or massive discomfort while wearing them or afterwards, it was slightly uncomfortable while wearing the trays solely because I'm not used to wearing a mouth guard. The only negative is that talking isn't really possible while it is on as you just end up drooling all over *not an attractive look at all*, you obviously can't drink during that time and if you're not used to wearing mouth guards like me, then it might feel a little odd especially the first couple of times. 

After the first use, I did notice some whitening, especially my front teeth and less so towards the sides where there is far less whitening gel in the sides of the tray. The only issue I have with this product is that the gel isn't distributed evenly throughout the trays so some teeth are in contact with very little gel and others have too much. However, the second time I used them (one day after the first use), I saw even better results. I have only used two so far as I don't want to use them all up at once - I will be using them as and when I need them but I can say that I definitely have whiter teeth since using this kit. 

Overall, I definitely noticed positive effects while using this kit and it is quick, easy and relatively mess free to use! The convenience of the kit is what makes it easier than other teeth whitening methods/products I've used and even though I have slightly sensitive teeth it doesn't make it worse. I noticed results from the first use but I think it takes at least two to get a more effective result from this kit. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5. 

Have you tried the iWhite teeth whitening kits? Do you recommend any teeth whitening methods/products?

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Getting Summer Ready ft. Ollie + Darsh

Images from Pinterest

Summer is just around the corner which means that it is time to get summer ready and along with the necessary...summer wardrobe, there are many 'get summer ready' products and routines, from fitness and lifestyle changes to gradual tanning and for me, teeth whitening. This is a sponsored post. 

I drink at least one latte a day as well as green tea or herbal tea so I am always looking for new, safe teeth whitening products and techniques but none have worked out amazingly well. I have tried a few at home teeth whitening kits over the past two/three years, all of them at a mid range price point or lower; most have only produced very small changes and others have been slightly better but again I haven't achieved the gleaming white teeth that I want. 

I find that I tend to steer clear of pretty, bright summery lipstick shades as they just emphasise even a slight discolouration - especially gorgeous orange, red or yellow based pink shades which would be perfect with a bronze glow and tanned skin for summer. Discolouration also makes me feel quite self conscious, although I know it is a problem a lot of people have as there wouldn't be so many pins and products geared towards teeth whitening. Also I have sensitive teeth *I can't eat ice cream without some pain and discomfort* so I think at home kits such as Crest white strips* will not be suitable for me sadly. Has anyone tried teeth whitening toothpastes, I've tried so many and none of them work for me - if you have any recommendations, leave them in the comments section below! 

I have considered professional teeth whitening although the places I've looked at have been so expensive and again as I have sensitive teeth I've always been worried about the potential negative side effects and how long the whitening would last for - I cannot give up my lattes and green tea for pure white teeth! 

Ollie and Dash is a dentist clinic based in Liverpool, which is not too far from me, which offers many treatments from dental implants, veneers and cancer screening as well as teeth whitening and Invisalign. My sister is going through Invisalign now with another dentist and it is pretty expensive! 

Ollie and Dash also have an offer on teeth whitening in which you can get half price teeth whitening every Wednesday. They have three types of teeth whitening, including an at home teeth whitening option. Also, their 'smile cafe' is a quick service in which teeth whining treatments can be done in your lunch break as some treatments only take 15 minutes!

What are your opinions on teeth whitening? What are your 'get summer ready' routines and favourite products?

*Collaborative post

please always do your own research before considering any kind of treatment anywhere or lifestyle change 

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