I'm a fan of the HiSmile Teeth Whitening System, so of course I purchased the 'oh so similar' Pop Smile Teeth Whitening Kit. Like the HiSmile whitening solution, Pop Smile whitening gel is peroxide-free. The product is gentle on your teeth and won't cause sensitivity. The solution contains 99% natural, 'mouth-friendly ingredients'. Cranberry, peppermint, aloe and chamomile (to name a few). Sodium Bicarbonate is the key ingredient - You're essentially soaking your teeth in Baking Soda. I love Baking Soda. I use Arm and Hammer Baking Soda tooth paste daily, and once and while, I'll brush my teeth with Baking Soda powder for a super-exfoliating cleanse.
The kit includes a six bulb mini LED device, two whitening trays, three whitening gels, three pre-treatment swabs and a color chart (I like that). Here's where the system differs from HiSmile - the trays have to be soaked in hot water, softened and placed in mouth to mould. Once you've created a fitted mould, you remove the tabs, apply a small amount of whitening gel, and comfortably fit the trays onto your teeth. The LED device 'should' sit nicely in front of the trays. Hmm.. You gotta sit still and concentrate in order to keep that device in place. The HiSmile tray/LED device conveniently attach (extra points for HiSmile). The Pop Smile kit also includes pre-treatment swabs to be used the first three applications. You should use this product nine consecutive times (not sure why you don't use the swabs nine times). Seems like an unnecessary step. Other than those two significant differences the kits are similar and give similar results. You won't get super-white teeth from either of these solutions, but your teeth will be slightly brighter and with NO sensitivity. I'd say my teeth were two shades lighter after one week of use. I also use Zoom and Opalescence (peroxide based systems) and LOVE the drastic change in color. These solutions do however take longer per session, and will most likely leave your teeth feeling sensitive. I'd suggest a super-whitening in-office treatment and HiSmile or Pop Smile for upkeep. I'm not sure which whitening system came first (HiSmile or Pop Smile), but clearly one copied the other.. My final say - HiSmile is easier to use.
Repost - The HiSmile Teeth Whitening System is easy, quick and kinda fun. The solution is a 'baking soda' gel-form (minimizing tooth sensitivity). The kit comes with an attachable mouth tray and LED light for optimal results. Just ten minutes a day for a week and you should see a significant change in color. Is it as effective as other 'peroxide based' brands (Zoom, Opalescence..)? No, but it takes less time, is less harsh on your teeth and you will see a difference. I have very white teeth to begin with, due to 'in-office' bleaching, but am using this system for maintenance and am happy with the results (especially the 'ten' minutes a day). 
 This twist-up, crayon-like Bb. color stick is the perfect root touch-up product. I have light-brown hair, BUT color my strands black. I hate when my roots show, and admittedly, I have three grays (that I can see)! I dye my hair every three weeks, so my roots are maintained. I do however have very fine hair, and this color stick is great for filling in sparse areas. Just glide the twist-up pencil along your hair for perfect coverage. The formula is water resistant - don't worry about color running down your face, neck and clothes if you get caught in the rain. The stick is compact and takes a little while to cover your roots (or grays), but is great for travel and on-the-go touch ups. 
Yeah, I have thirteen makeup highlighters - I realize it's a little unnecessary! The first highlighting makeup I purchased was Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm, and the rest.. well.. I'm a product junkie! Highlighting, low-lighting and contouring are a must these days. AND there are hundreds of highlighting products to choose from. Before I get in to the specifics, they're all similar. Yeah, the only major difference is whether the product is a solid (creamy-stick), dewy-balm-like stick, powder or liquid. Maybe some have anti-aging qualities or contain SPF, but aside from texture, color and sheen, they're closely related. Here's what I have to say about some of the more popular highlighting products.. Want a slight glow - Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm is subtle and effective. Application is smooth and the barely-there sheen is flattering. Another BB liquid highlighter is Bobbi Brown Face Highlighter. This light liquid will give you super-shiny highlight. It has a strong gold-tone, and there's a whole lot of sparkle in this product. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Radiance has a gold-tone and lots of micro sparkles. This light liquid is a bit much for my facial skin, but looks great on legs and shoulders - mix with your body moisturizer and blend well. Primers are great for subtle brightening. BECCA Backlight Filter Face Primer is unique in that it blurs imperfections, while giving your skin a radiant glow. The super-lightweight liquid absorbs nicely. There is a subtle glow, but barely-there sheen. Be warned, this product has a strong scent (for those who are sensitive). Like the Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm and Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Radiance, this product is for priming your skin. The effect is subtle, but makes a difference.
Want a dewy look? Ciaté Dewy Stick has a balm-like texture that glides on oh so smoothly giving your skin a low-shimmer, dewy glow. This The super-light balm is creamy (not tacky). This multipurpose product nourishes your skin, illuminates and leaves a wet-dewy-like sheen. LOVE! Glossier Haloscope is similar, but has more shimmer. The dual-delivery formula combines makeup and skincare. The inner solid oil core contains vitamin-rich minerals, while the outer circle contains genuine crystal extracts. This two-in-one product is lightweight and high-shimmer. Both these dew-infusing products are great for those no makeup days. Use my link to get 10% off your first Glossier purchase - http://bff.glossier.com/gMn0U
My go-to highlighters are MILK Makeup Highlighter (perfect for body), Benefit Watt's Up! Cream-to-powder Highlighter (favorite), and tréStiQue Mini Highlight & Perfect Multipurpose Stick. MILK Makeup Highlighter is the size of a round deodorant. The larger surface allows for great body application. The product melts with your body heat and blends nicely. I use it on my legs and arms. The Watt's Up! Cream-to-powder Highlighter is the perfect shade (on pale or sun-kissed skin), and the little sponge applicator is handy when you're on the road. I use a damp Beauty Blender (with water and Farsáli Rose Gold Elixir) to blend the Watt's Up! highlighter. The tréStiQue Highlight & Perfect Multipurpose Stick is a similar shade and texture to the Watt's Up! The cream-gel product glides on smoothly, and the luminescent shade is perfect on sun-kissed skin.
Powder highlighter is still my go-to finishing touch. I LOVE Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder in Pink Glow. The cool-pink highlights are nice on pale skin, and the effect is subtle (apply lightly). I use a fan brush to lightly sweep the product across my cheek bones. For more intense shimmer, I use a dense brush and sweep the powder down the bridge of my nose and across my cupids bow. This product is for specific highlighting (not an all-over glow). This powder highlighter is perfect for a little extra light-reflective glow. I consider highlighting a necessity. Even when your skin looks drab and downright yucky - highlighting will do wonders for your complexion. Apply an all-over illuminator to, well.. allover. Apply makeup highlighter to your cheek bones, down the bridge of your nose (don't go all the way to the tip) and across your cupids bow. Fake a fresh glow and highlight. 
  Mother The Tomcat jeans, Say The Sun Extreme Mink slides, LV handbag
      It's been blazing hot in Virginia for some time, but summers been slow to surface for most people. You're probably thinking why is this girl talking about Fall shoes already, I just pulled my sandals out! Yeah, I'm working on my Fall look and debating my statement shoes. This season I'm moving away from pastels (especially pink) and embracing the shades of Fall. These Prada fur and velvet sandals are everything! They're a little over-the-top, but oh so fluffy and fun. The bright pink and burgundy color combination is perfect. Slipper-inspired slides have been on-trend a while now and I love it. I'm gonna keep this trend going in my wardrobe. I preordered these Fendi multicolored mink and leather sliders and love them!The cross-over style flat sandal is a statement shoe. I love that each sandal is different. The white flowers on the right shoe are so cute, and the turquoise/burgany stripes on the left are the perfect color combination. You can pair these sandals with jeans, joggers.. LOVE! Gianvito Rossi Vires knitted ankle boots are simple and will look great with joggers. I'm in a sweatpants mood these days and like to pair them with sock boots. I've been looking for an alternative to my not-so-comfy (at all) Yeezy boots. These knitted ankle boots just might be what I'm searching for. How fun are these Chloé Kerenn shearling sliders! They're simple, fluffy and comfy. The Chloé Kerenn woven fringe sliders are new this season. The colors embody Fall perfectly. I love the woven textile comprised of cotton weave, fringe, fluffy embellishments and leather fringe. These are a statement. I have had my eye on these Chloé Harper peep-toe booties for a while now. I'm a bootie fan and like a thick heel (for comfort). This peep-toe style is anything but boring. The thick laces cover an open vamp and can be tied in a variety of ways. Pair these peep-toe booties with a flowing, bohemian-style dress. 
I've been avoiding the sun for years. Of course, I'm fearful of skin cancer, and I simply don't want to age faster than I have to. I was packing for vacation last week and realized I'm so white, I'm glowing. I decided to hit the salon for a little base tan. AND, of course, I have a rash form head-to-toe. Whether it be in a tanning bed or the sun, I always break out in rashes all over my body. It could be light-sensitivity or over-doing it in the bed. Too much UV radiation exposure, can result in a rash. Your skin (specifically melanin), cannot absorb the radiation. Best solution is to maintain low exposure times and only go twice a week. Rushing a tan is never a good idea! A safer alternative is self-tanning. I've been using St. Tropez self-tanner for years. This product line gives you natural bronze. The application is easy, and the variety of the formulas meet many different needs. I've tried other self-tanning brands, as well as salon self-tanning, but always go back to St. Tropez. First, exfoliate. St. Tropez Tan Enhancing Body Polish is a great exfoliator. It's gentle and smells refreshing. I personally prefer something little more harsh - Babe Body Salt is my favorite. But for sensitive skin, this is the product for you. I love the Self Tan Bronzing Mousse. I use the larger tanning mitt, and apply the solution in swift circular motions, until my skin is drenched in self-tanner. I always exfoliate for days prior to self-taming, and liberally apply moisturizer to my hands, elbows, knees and feet prior to applying the product. This will ensure that you don't get streaks along your hands and feet, or darker shades on your elbows and knees. I use the mini mitt on my face and ears. I apply only a small amount, swiftly apply it to my face and neck in circular motions, and then apply the residue on my ears and along my hairline.
The award wining Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse allows you to control the depth of your tan. Apply, and after one, two or three hours (depending on your desired bronze), jump in the shower to limit the tanning process. Take note - your tan will continue to develop for up to eight hours. This innovative, time-sensitive' product is great. I wouldn't recommend beginners use this product, but rather the Self Tan Bronzing Mousse. Maintenance is important - self-tanning requires daily effort. The Tan Enhancing Body Moisturizer should be applied days after self-tanning to keep your skin moisturized. It will prolong your tan for up to three days. Tan applicator mitts are a necessity. The mitts allow for even application and protect your hands. I've taken it a step further and wear latex gloves. I removed them last and apply the residue from the larger mitt to my hands. 
      Not sure who launched this fashion trend, but good on ya! Handbag accessories have been around a while - bag charms, mini bags attached to larger bags.. and while mismatched straps may not be new, it's mainstream presence is definitely a must-have in the fashion scene these days. I was first introduced to bag straps at Fendi in New York. There were so many designs, and each strap gave your bag a unique look. Of course, Fendi (my favorite accessory brand) exaggerates each strap with huge geometrical flowers, shapes and colors. AMAZING! Considering the detail and unique designs, the high ticket is definitely warranted (at Fendi). Premiere designers aren't the only ones launching bag straps. Many contemporary (and less expensive) brands have incorporated this trend in their lineup. You don't have to have a premier designer bag to elevate your arm candy - a limited edition bag strap will do.. Pictured here: Fendi Strap You - shoulder strap with blue and macro flowers (Fendi), Prada feather-trimmed shoulder strap (mytheresa.com), Prada leather-embellished canvas shoulder strap (Farfetch), Fendi Mini Strap You - short shoulder strap with multicolored leather (Fendi), Alexander Wang Studded Guitar Bag Strap (Farfetch), AND MY FAVORITE - Fendi Strap You - floral ribbon leather shoulder strap (mytheresa.com) 
There are currently 496 moisturizers available at Sephora.com. Choosing a facial cream can be exhausting. You really have to know your specific needs (anti-aging, acne and blemishes, dryness..). You gotta research ingredients that are necessary to your needs, and start reading labels. Customer reviews and personal beauty blog posts are an excellent way to narrow down your search. How many stars does the product get? What are 'real' people saying? I'm a self-declared product junkie and think these hydrating products are worth a mention.. This is intense hydration - Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream is a concentrated 30 percent hyaluronic acid cream. Hyaluronic acid is a potent hydrator that can retain up to 1000 times it's weight in water. If water was creamy- this would be it. It's so refreshing, and leaves your skin feeling silky and super-nourished. The non-greasy cream absorbs fairly quickly (a little goes a long way), and doesn't leave your skin shiny. Water Drench is the perfect hydrator during summer. I purchased this a few months ago and couldn't stop applying it during the first week (2-3 times a day). It's addictive. I use the moisturizer when I plan to go bare, cause it's not thick enough to prime my skin for makeup.
Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has been my go-to brand for years. The Hydrating Face Cream and Vitamin Enriched Face Base are two of my favorite BB products. The Hydrating Face Cream absorbs nicely, plumps your skin, and creates the perfect base for makeup. This lightweight formula has a refreshing, masculine scent that diminishes quickly. It's also enriched with mineral water. I'm addicted to water (really) - I consume two to three litres a day. On the subject of anti-ageing, water is your best friend. The Vitamin Enriched Face Base is an oil-free primer and moisturizer. Like the Hydrating Face Cream, this product hydrates and plumps your skin. It's much thicker than the Hydrating Face Cream and has a light, citrus scent. I use the Vitamin Enriched Face Base if I need super-nourishing, and plan to pile on the makeup.
I love this brand - so does everyone else. The oh so popular Glossier brand prides itself on a no-makeup-makeup kinda look - a natural girl who doesn't fuss over perfection. Don't we all wanna be that girl? Glossier Priming Moisturizer and Priming Moisturizer Rich hydrate and prime your skin for makeup (or not). Priming products simply nourish and plump your skin, giving you a healthier look, and preparing your face for easy makeup application. The Priming Moisturizer contains Hyaluronic Acid, Mushroom Super Hydrator and Vitamins A, C and E. This lightweight formula is buildable and has a 'cream' scent. There's something to be said for products in tubes - you can really get down to the last dollop. The Priming Moisturizer Rich is much thicker and ideal for bedtime. It contains Red Algae Complex, Ceramides (oily waxes), Fatty Acids, Murumuru Butter, and Lavender Oil (could do without this scent). Like the Priming Moisturizer, this formula contains an anti-redness complex (I need that), and Oxygenating Agent. This is a 'luxurious face cream'.Use my link to get 10% off your first Glossier purchase - http://bff.glossier.com/gMn0U 
Sunshine, pool water, salt water.. Your hair needs extra hydration during the summer months. My hair was damaged beyond repair last summer (botched dye job). I consider myself an expert on hydrating hair masks. These are my favorite super hydrators.. IGK Prenup Instant Spray Hair Mask is AMAZING! The 360 aerosol spray allows for easy application. The scent is delicious, and your hair will feel nourished and silky after just one minute. I use this mask every time I wash my strands. Give your hair a good scrub, apply conditioner and rinse immediately, then apply the Prenup hair splash mask, leave for minute and rinse. This hydrating hair mask is a MUST HAVE!
Bumble and Bumble is the Balm-To-Oil Pre-Shampoo Masque saved my hair, and is worth a second mention. Take a big dollop, rub your hands together to melt the product and apply to dry hair, section by section (dry hair absorbs better than wet hair). Leave for a minimum of twenty minutes. This super hydrating masque contains the Hairdresser's Invisible Oil six signature oils - argon, macadamia nut, coconut, safflower seed, grape seed oil and sweet almond. The signature scent is subtle and sweet. I apply this masque once a week, and it has made a HUGE difference in my hair. I've been struggling with severely damaged hair for a year, and only saw a significant improvement after using this product.
I purchased Skinny & Co. Coconut Oil in the OH SO TEMPTING mini section at Sephora. The lineup at Sephora is a trap - you're surrounded by mini's that cost much more than the full-size products (based on cost per ounce). Admittedly, this is my favorite section at Sephora. I can no longer find Skinny & Co. Coconut Oil on Sephora's site, so I'm not sure if Sephora carries this product anymore. Hmm.. I love this stuff. It's a multi-purpose coconut oil that hydrates your hair and body. Like the Bumble and Bumble Balm-To-Oil Pre-Shampoo Masque, this product melts in your hands. Scoop out a big dollop, allow it to melt and apply to the ends of your hair. You can leave the oil on for as long as you want. The scent is ok (natural-like). You can use this oil to sweeten your beverages, replace your go-to cooking oil, and apply as a moisturizer to your hair and skin. 
     
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