Annie's Number One Beauty Nugget

Here's a riddle for you:

Kate, my daughter in law, has a big, gorgeous smile. Kate is 24.

Christy Brinkley also has a big, gorgeous smile. She is over 60.

What do these two beautiful women have in common?

(Please don't say they are both blonde.)

We women (and some men) spend a fortune on creams, make up, Botox, fillers, and heaven knows what else. We endure Spanx and high, tight shoes. Some of us remember the days of sleeping on rollers. (I'll bet Christy Brinkley remembers sleeping on rollers!) But we tend to ignore the one beauty secret that will universally make us look youthful, healthy, and much more attractive......a big, gorgeous smile.

I think the best beauty secret EVER is teeth whitening. So, I did some "mining" (reading hundreds of reviews and articles on line) about all the different ways to whiten teeth. I discovered a product that works great at home, is inexpensive and effective, and only takes a few minutes. It's a nugget!

Cool Teeth Whitening Brand At Home Professional Whitening Kit

You can find it and other similar kits at Amazon.com for about $20. That's much cheaper than the dentist charges for basically the same thing.

The Cool Teeth Whitening Brand At Home Professional Whitening Kit includes 10 syringes of 44% Carbamide Peroxide, 2 sets of plastic trays, and a strange little light that is supposed to increase the effectiveness.

WARNING! This stuff is SUPER strong. The first time I used it I followed the directions and it stung like crazy from the beginning. I burned my gums. Not pretty.

So I read more reviews and found a different and simpler way of doing it:

Take a small paintbrush and "paint" a small amount of the gel (like the size of a pin head) on each tooth. Be careful not to get close to your gums. Then put a piece of plastic wrap over your teeth. Keep it there for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, gently brush the gel off of your teeth and rinse well with water. Do this every day for the first week, then once or twice a week to maintain your white teeth. (Don't do it more than that or you will end up with fake looking teeth, and that's almost as bad as yellow!)

It doesn't matter if you are a 24 year old bride, or a sixty year old model, EVERYONE looks better with sparkling white teeth!

And if you are thinking of straightening your teeth.....

A few years ago, I decided to get serious about straightening my teeth, and I talked to my orthodontist about Invisalign. It was expensive and uncomfortable, but it was important to me. One year later my very crooked teeth were straight. One year. I was lucky, I could afford it. And I was motivated enough to put up with the inconvenience. It was the best decision I could have made for my looks and confidence, and I wish I had done it long ago.

I am not advocating that everyone run out and spend their savings on braces. But if you've been thinking about it, you might want to talk with your orthodontist.