My Love/Hate Relationship: At Home Teeth Whitening

Our teeth take way more abuse on a daily basis than we realize. We unknowingly breakdown their enamel and contribute to their stained color with everything that we eat and drink. Yes. Everything.

I for one HATE having to sit with that little tray in my mouth or with a light on my teeth but I will manage through it if its going to give me some pearly whites! Want to know which ones work best? Check them out below...

My Top Recommendations:

 

1. Crest 3D White Luxe White Strips - This one is my top pick simply because of the convenience that this offers. You just throw on the strip and go on about your business. It does take longer to see results with this one but they will come and it's great for those of us with sensitive teeth!

2. Dr. Song Home Professional Teeth Whitening - This one is actually my favorite as you get some amazing results. It uses a 44% Carbamide Peroxide solution which is only rivaled by that of your dentist. The only down fall here is that it is a little more involved(not the best for those on the go or with children), messier, and can make your teeth sensitive. You can see results with this within a week. Some people see results after just one use!

 

3. Opalescence PF 35% Teeth Whitening - This uses a 35% Carbamide Peroxide solution to whiten your teeth and has a delicious minty flavor! As with most stronger solutions, you do have to be cautious that it may possible make your teeth more sensitive but you will achieve some pretty great results!

 



 

4. Zoom Nite White 22% Teeth Whitening Gel - Using a 22% solution, this is a better choice for those with more sensitive teeth that want faster results without having to wait weeks to see any changes. However, mouth trays are not provided with this kit but can be purchased separately. All and all, it's a pretty solid choice.

**Tip on how to combat the sensitive teeth problem**

After using the whitening solution, use a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth as this will help to reduce the sensitivity. Also, keep in mind that the sensitivity will fade and does not affect everyone. You can also apply a fluoride or potassium nitrate solution to your teeth using the same tray you use to whiten you teeth. Hope this helps!

**DIY Teeth whitening formula**

You will need:

The normal amount of toothpaste you would use every morning/night
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp hydrogen peroxide
1/2 tsp warm water

Instructions:

Mix all of your ingredients together in a small cup (I use the measuring cup provided with my children's Tylenol). Brush for two minutes, rinse, and viola! You will be on your way to beautifully, naturally whiter teeth!
 
As always, thank you guys for reading and let me know what you think!

XOXO - Megan

How to Best Cover Redness

There are several reasons that our skin may act like it hates us sometimes. It can come from too much sun exposure, to many products with harsh ingredients being used, allergic reactions, or medical conditions. Either way, your skin will have the same red, splotchy, and sometimes itchy reaction. No need to worry though because it can be fixed (or at the very least treated to alleviate the symptoms and then covered!).

To battle redness or any discoloration on the skin one must first understand the Color theory. Basically this just means that when you look at the color wheel (shown above), the colors that are opposite of each other will be the ones that help to eliminate the color that we want to cover. For example, red is the opposite of green therefore to help eliminate any red spots, we use the color green. Get it?

With that being said, you don't always have to run out to get a green concealer in order to cover redness. You can follow these steps first and see what type of results you get...

1. Use gentle skincare products formulated to help soothe the skin.
2. Apply a foundation primer. This forms a barrier between your skin and your makeup which can be very beneficial for your skin. You can actually use a green tinted primer for this step if you wish. It will not completely neutralize the red but it will most definitely make it easier to cover.
3. Apply your regular foundation using a brush.
4. Apply your concealer on your problem areas and then blend.
5. Now, apply your setting powder.

Green Primers:

 

If that doesn't cut it for you, try following these steps...

1. Use gentle skincare products formulated to help soothe the skin.
2. Using a green concealer and concealer brush, apply to the problem areas. Make sure that you work with very thin layers of the product so that you do not look like the Hulk in certain spots. You want to blend out the product so that it flows well into your skin.
3. Apply your regular foundation using a brush.
4. Apply your regular concealer on your problem areas and then blend.
5. Now, apply your setting powder.

Green Concealers:

 

 



 

As always, thank you for reading and let me know what you think!

 

XOXO - Megan

 



At Home DIY Spa Treatments

Not everyone has the money to run to the spa every time they need a little pick-me-up. So, what do we do? We bring the spa to us!

There are so many different options and treatments that can be done from the comfort of your own home and the supplies for doing so are a lot easier to find than you may think. Listed below are some of my favorite DIY spa day formulas.

DIY Epsom Salt Detox bath

What you need:



2 cups of Epsom salt
5-10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

How it works: Epsom Salts are a great way to detox and since our skin is the largest organ on our body, what better way to draw out those said toxins than to pull them out through the skin. Epsom salts (which are rich in magnesium) help to fade bruises, ease stress, helps to lower blood pressure, helps blood circulation, and relieve aches and pains. Lavender oil helps to lift your spirits by relieving nervous tension, cleanses skin with anti-bacterial properties, and helps to relieve pain.

Dissolve the Epsom salts into your WARM bath water and then add your essential oils. Remember that hot water strips natural oils and moisture from your skin- try to avoid this if possible. Soak in the tub for twenty minutes and then get out. Next, you will pat yourself dry with a towel. Not only does this help me when I feel like I'm getting sick, it also helps me to sleep oh-so-well! Seriously. Best relaxing, sleep ever!

**Optional Add-In**

1 cup of baking soda - This helps to smooth and exfoliate the skin while helping to treat irritation, relieves itching, and calm burning sensations.

1 tbsp. of freshly grated ginger - This helps to kick the detox into overdrive. This is not one of my favorite things simply because I do not like the way that it makes me feel the next day but it does work very well. The ginger helps to open pores and eliminate toxins. Drink LOTS of water while you are doing this as you will sweat a good bit. When you wake up the next morning, you may feel slightly hung over. This is normal and just means that it is workings. To combat this, I take an Epsom salt and baking soda bath for about 20 minutes.

The benefits of a ginger bath are limitless. They help to lower blood pressure, remove harmful toxins from the body that cause colds and other illnesses, help lower cholesterol, relieve headaches and other body aches, and also help to clear blocked nasal passages.


DIY Bentonite Clay Mask

What you need:



2 tbsp. Bentonite clay
Juice from half of a lemon
1 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. coconut oil

How it works: This detoxifying mask is great to use to give your skin a little healthy boost about once a week. The bentonite clay helps to draw out any impurities that may be hiding in the depths of your pores while the honey and coconut oil moisturize and fight the aging process. Leave this on for about 15-20 minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water.

I like to do this right before I go to bed so that my skin has a little boost before I fall asleep as your skin rejuvenates itself while you sleep!

As always, thank you guys for reading!

XOXO - Megan

Which Face Mask Do You Use?

Face masks are pretty awesome. They can be very relaxing (many contain essential oils which are very helpful in encouraging your relaxation) and soothing while helping to tone, tighten, and heal your skin. They can contain many different ingredients and treat many different aliments.

How do these help you, you wonder? Its simple. They take all of the bad crap out of your skin and encourage it to regenerate and hydrate. Left on for anywhere from 10-15 minutes, your skincare regimen should contain about one a week just for this purpose.

So which ones should you use? Keep reading...

Irritated Skin:

This mask is truly a multi-tasker as it treats several different things. It cleans impurities from your pores while firming and tightening the skin. The most important aspect of this product however is oatmeal. This is one of the best ways to soothe any irritated skin.

This gentle gel mask uses several of natures naturally soothing ingredients to help calm even the most irritated skin. It contains cucumber, chamomile, and aloe extracts- just to name a few. This is a great product to reach for when you're nursing a sunburn or recovering from a facial!

Acne Prone Skin:

This one contains Sulfur which helps to dry up any acne you may have currently. It also contains Eucalyptus Oil to help prevent future breakouts with its antibacterial properties. 

This mask uses active charcoal to draw out any impurities in your pores. It is great to help detox your skin and clear up those pesky blackheads! 

This mask uses dead sea mud to dry out any impurities that may be trapped inside your pores while helping to tighten and firm. The best thing about this mask? It is super affordable!

Dry Skin:

By using Hyaluronic Acid, you get some intense hydration. Another plus? You can sleep in this one meaning you while wake up with smooth, supple, and plump skin.

Dull Skin:

This one uses French Sea Clay to absorb any impurities while using volcanic rock to exfoliate and encourage collagen production. What does this do? It gives you brighter, smoother, and healthy looking skin.

Anti-aging:

This mask is packed with vitamins, Rose hip oil, and Amino Acids to help fight fine lines and wrinkles while hydrating at the same time.

Apparently 24 karat gold isn't just for your jewelry (crazy, I know). It actually helps to lift and firm your skin by giving intense hydration. This little number here also contains the magnesium-rich stone, peridot, that helps to battle the negative effects of stress on your skin while caffeine helps to tighten and firm. It's a win-win situation for you here!
 

Of course, there are more masks that I like that I have not listed simply because it is quite a long list. The ones listed are among some of my favorites- if you would like my opinion on one, just let me know!

As always, thank you guys for reading!

XOXO - Megan

My Top Picks: Mascaras

Mascara is the one thing in my beauty arsenal that I do not mind spending a little extra money on- My husband appreciates that about me, I think :). With the right formula and the right application, your eyes can look simply amazing and quite stunning.

So which ones are my favorite, you ask? Keep scrolling!

1. Marc Jacobs Beauty O!Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara ($26.00) - I am IN LOVE with this one! It volumizes, lengthens, curls, and goes on so simple and smooth. My favorite thing about this one is the fact that it will not come off on your upper eye lids throughout the day! I have super longer lashes(not complaining at all and I greatly thank my mother for them!) and oily skin. As most of my oilier skinned sisters know, mascara will come off on your upper lids if you are not careful. This is my biggest pet peeve when it comes to my mascaras. Well, problem solved! On top of having incredible, runway ready lashes, I no longer have to worry about this. Love that!

2. Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Mascara ($23.00) - I cannot say enough good things about this one! The brush is so easy to use and helps to ensure that nothing gets clumpy. It lengthens, curls, and volumizes to give you luscious lashes. The only downside to this one is that it only comes in black so not a whole lot of color variety for those of you that like to use brown colors.

3. Urban Decay Perversion Mascara ($22.00) - The great thing about this mascara, other than the fact that it literally glides onto your lashes effortlessly, is its formula. It is incredibly smooth and actually nourishes and helps to grow your lashes using a protein and amino acid complex. Its the best of both worlds- Beautiful and healthy!

4. Dior DiorShow Mascara ($25.00) - This stuff is simply incredible. It volumizes, lengthens, plumps, and curls to give you an impeccable false lash look. It's been around for more than 10 years and I don't see it disappearing anytime soon. It's perfect for any girl, any day of the week!

5. Lancôme DÉFINICILS High Definition Mascara ($27.50) - Simple and easy to use, this one will be around for ages. It's an award winning mascara that helps to lengthen and volumize. I keep this in my kit at all times. It's a classic.

6. CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara ($6.00) - Formulated with fibers to help extend your lashes, this mascara helps to volumize and control the clumps. Its brush is super easy to use and helps to glide easier over your lashes for an all day, fabulous look!

7. Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara ($7.00) - On top of being super affordable, this little number really helps to pack on the volume. It's brush also helps to keep things a little less clumpy because who really wants to look like a goopy hot mess?

8. tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara ($20.00) - Formulated with Amazonian Clay, this one helps to repair and restore lashes while giving them incredible volume. The clay formula also helps to absorb oils throughout the day to keep your lashes flake free and smudge proof.

9. Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara ($20.00) - Once you put this stuff on, it isn't moving! It contains little fibers that help to extend your lash and gives you some amazing volume. This is a beach-wearing, wedding day, water park must have that will keep even the teariest eye smudge proof!

10. Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara ($8.00) - Formulated to help condition your lashes to encourage growth, the amount of volume you can get with this is pretty awesome. It is one of my favorite drugstore makeup finds so far!

11. Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara ($20.00) - This one lengthens and volumizes for camera ready lashes while still being gentle enough to keep your lashes moisturized. No one wants dried out, washed up, brittle lashes now do they? Thanks to this olive oil formula, that will be the least of your worries. 

12. M.A.C. False Lashes Mascara ($21.00) - It's not very often that you will hear me utter the word "M.A.C" but I do have to give credit where it is due. The amount of volume that you can achieve with this is pretty impressive. A couple of coats of this will have your eyes looking sexy and sultry in no time. 

As always, thank you guys for reading!

XOXO - Megan

My Top Picks: Facial Cleansers

There are more cleansers on the market than one girl can simply handle and if you are not armed with the proper information, you can make some cleansing choices that you will later regret.

Before we get into cleansers, let's talk about the correct way to cleanse your skin. The first thing you will want to do is to use WARM water. I've told you guys before that hot water is harsh on your skin and that could not be more true. Hot water actually pulls moisture out of your skin and can be very irritating. Warm water helps to gently lift dirt out of your pores and helps to retain moisture. Both of those are wins in my book!

Next, you will take your cleanser and place it on the tips of your fingers. From there, you will want to work your cleanser onto your face using circular motions. Focus on the areas that you produce the most oil(typically your t-zone) and then work your way to the outer corners of your face. I also make sure that I pay attention to my neck area as that is one of the first places we start to show age.

Rinse your face with warm water using your fingertips to help remove any left over soap residue. Now, take your towel and PAT your face dry. Pulling and wiping your skin will do nothing but help break down the collagen and elastin proteins in your face. What does this mean for you? Premature wrinkles.

Now, onto the cleansers!

1. Pure Truth Melting Cleanser by Ole Henriksen ($34.00)- You guys know that I love, love, love my Ole Henriksen. His entire line is formulated without sulfates, parabens, or phthalates and is incredibly gentle on your face. This lovely cleanser "melts" off all makeup(including waterproof!) and gently removes dirt and oil by transforming into an oil the moment it hits your skin. When mixed with water, it emulsifies creating a milky texture to help cleanse even further and moisturize. Formulated with vitamin C, rose hip oil, and virgin cherry oils, its helps to brighten a dull complexion and encourages firmness and elasticity- all things that we love!

2. African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser by Ole Henriksen ($30.00)- This gentle foaming cleanser is great for ladies with oilier skin types. The foaming action helps to lift impurities out of your pores without stripping away the natural nutrients we produce. Armed with African Red Tea, this cleanser is jam-packed with anti-oxidants that will help to fight the aging process and restore balance to your skin. As with most Ole Henriksen products, this little number is also enforced with vitamin C to brighten even the dullest complexion.

3. Greek Yoghurt 3 In 1 Cleansing, Toning And Eye Make-Up Removing Emulsion by Korres ($24.00) - Exclusive to Sephora, this one simply amazed me(which is pretty hard to do). Priced at only $24, it is a more affordable cleanser that truly does exactly what it says. It is perfect for sensitive skin types as it is formulated with Euphrasia(I had never heard of this until this product- also not common!) which helps to calm the skin by toning down irritation and swelling. This one is a keeper!

4. SUPERCLEANSE Daily Clearing Cleanser by GLAMGLOW ($39.00)- First, let me just say that I absolutely adore the GLAMGLOW products. Their mud masks are simply divine and work wonders on your skin so I ,of course, was beyond excited to hear that they had started making cleansers. With that being said, this cleanser is pretty amazing. It begins with a mud texture and transforms into a gentle foam that helps to work impurities out of your pores. Your skin will feel so silky smooth and soft after using this. You will truly be amazed!

GLAMGLOW SUPERCLEANSE™ Daily Clearing Cleanser (see more clear face washes)

5. Pure Step Camellia Cleansing Oil by Tatcha ($48.00)- This is a newer line to me and I can honestly say I have been impressed. Jam-packed with vitamins, this helps to brighten and nourish the skin while cleansing. It is absolutely ideal for those with dry complexions as it will not strip away natural oils and is incredibly moisturizing. I'm all about cleansing oils for those with dry skin. This does not mean that my oilier friends can not use this. Cleansing oils are actually great for those of us with oilier skin as oil helps to attract other oils. This means that you will actually get a healthier, deeper, more beneficial cleanse!

Others to check out and research:

1. Makeup Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil by Boscia - $28.00
2. Camu Camu Power C x 30 Vitamin C Brightening Cleansing Powder by Peter Thomas - $45.00
3. Fabulous Makeup Melt Gel-To-Oil Cleanser by Bliss - $28.00
4. Face Soap And Clarity Vitamin C Facial Wash by Soap & Glory - $25.00
5. Instant Foaming Cleanser by Caudalie - $28.00

As always, thank you guys for reading!

XOXO - Megan