At Home Teeth Whitening Experience with Smile Brilliant

Hi everyone! I am mixing things up compared to my usual posts to talk to you about a company I started working with called Smile Brilliant. Smile Brilliant was kind enough to send me over one of their teeth whitening kits to try and also one to give to one of my followers! So stay tuned until the end of this post for your chance to enter! Before the giveaway I am going to explain to you how the Smile Brilliant teeth whitening kits works and what I liked about it! 

How it works:

I received my kit in the mail that contained whitening and desensitizing gel, teeth mold holders and a base/catalyst paste to create your own custom teeth whitening trays. What I really like about their kit is that you make a mold that is the exact shape of your teeth and fill the whitening paste in your custom mold so it is truly getting everywhere on your teeth. I like this so much more than other forms of whitening that just have a strip that is not fit to your specific teeth shape. You then will follow the instructions in the pamphlet they sent to make your custom molds. I will admit I was intimidated to make my own molds for fear of messing them up, but it was super easy and if you mess up they have a second set in the kit for you to do it again which I loved! 

the teeth whitening kit

Your molds are made, what next?

My teeth molds to send to the lab

Once your molds are finished you will package them in your pre-packed bag included in your kit and pop that as well as a consent card and send them in the mail to Smile Brilliant. I think it took me about two weeks to receive back my custom made trays. Once your trays are ready, then you are ready to whiten!

Custom whitening trays

The whitening process:

So what I loved the most about this teeth whitening kit is that you can custom the amount of time you do it. Only want to spend 45 minutes? Thats okay. Want to keep them in for 3 hours? Also okay. They recommend 1-3 hours, and that you should do it with what feels comfortable to you and how well you handle whitening products. Speaking of handling whitening products, any of you experience teeth sensitivity with whitening? I sure do and it makes it almost unbearable to finish, but here is the ringer, that desensitizing gel I mentioned in the beginning is a god send. I have no sensitivity while whitening and I kept my trays in for as long as two hours! I truly didn't think it would work as well as it did, but wow it made my experience flawless.

Fun Facts:

1. You can use the same whitening and desensitizing gel syringe multiple times (it is not a one and done)

2. Whitening trays are actually safer to use on your teeth than strips, because the strip literally STRIPS your enamel(hence why they can be painful... and take it from experience they are)

3. Teeth whitening is a flawed term to describe the process. Teeth whitening is defined as the removal of stains to bring your teeth to their original state, not just changing their color to "white".

My Whitening Process:

It took me a little over a week to see results. I also wasn't able to do it every single day since I worked varying shifts at the hospital, which interfered with my regular whitening process.  As anything in life consistency is key. Also, everyone is different so some processes work quicker or slower for others. I have genuinely noticed a removal of staining from my teeth which truly says something considering I drink coffee every day, all day. I noticed zero sensitivity (thank you desensitizing gel) and usually would whiten at night before bed while watching Netflix or reading. I found this most effective, because I would eat dinner and be done with food for the night and then would pop in my trays, relax for a bit, and then as I was done whitening I was getting ready for bed.

My Impression:

This has been my best experience with whitening out of all methods I have tried. I feel my teeth look much better compared to when I started and I love that it was not a painful process compared to other encounters I have had with whitening products. 

So now for the exciting part, the giveaway! Smile Brilliant has given me one extra kit to gift to one of you followers! All you have to do it click the link below, fill out the info(it is super quick and easy) and you are done!

GIVEAWAY LINK HERE:

www.smilebrilliant.com/g/heatherlo 

For those of you who either do not win or just can not wait to get their own Smile Brilliant kit use my code heatherlo15 to get a 15% discount!
I hope you all found this informative and helped you better understand the whitening process and why Smile Brilliant is so great! Take care all.

xo H

Gift Guide for your Best Friend

Happy Thursday everyone, today I am bringing you the last of my gift guides! This first one being a gift guide for your best friend. These are just fun little ideas that won't break bank and would be an easy yet cute gift to give.

Monogram Coasters

First are these personalized coasters. Super cute and practical.

Truffle Clear Clutch

Next is this cute clear clutch. Would be great for a friend who likes to travel or who attends a lot of events seeing as most places require clear bags these days.

Glitter Makeup Brushes

A good set of makeup brushes

Monogram Bracelet

Cute personalized bracelet. You could even get matching ones for yourself.

Pottery Barn Slippers

A cozy/ comfy pair of slippers. These are also currently on sale of 14 dollars.

Gel patch/ eye mask Set

Another great one for a friend who loves to travel.

Crossbody bag

I have this bag and its so great for going out and fits all the essentials. Comes in various colors and would be a great gift for a friend.

Sugar Lip Set

Sugar makes awesome lip balms and are a great little add in gift.

Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide

Now for the last gift guide of the season and it is all about stocking stuffers! What I like about this gift guide is that it is catered to gifts under $30 that can also be used for ideas for your best friend, coworkers, or more ideas for the previous gift guide, "Gifts for Her." So, it is really versatile and filled with some fun items. Okay let's dive in..

Gold glitter coffee mug

First is this cute gold coffee tumbler. Perfect to throw in a stocking with a coffee gift card or some of their favorite k cups. Also could be a great gift for your best friend or coworker.

Invisibobble hair ties 

I talked about these before, but they are just too good. Nice, small, and work so great to hold your hair without ripping it out.

leopard passport holder

For the girl who loves to travel, this adorable leopard passport holder. Again, great for a bestie or in a stocking.

Better than sex mini mascara

A beloved cult favorite mascara in mini form and also can be used as an ornament!

mini champagne gummy bears

You will notice in all these gift guides are some sort of Sugarfina product. I love these gummy bears. They taste great, the packaging is cute, and they have a flavor to match any occasion.

multi lip gloss pack

I think multi mini lip packs are so fun. They give you a variety of products to try before you would ever buy the full size. This also can be used as an ornament!

knot headband

Knot headbands have become so popular and I personally find them really cute. They would be a great little gift to give someone.

Mini Laneige lip kit

This kit is awesome. I am obsessed with the Laneige lip kit among many others. One piece is a lip mask to put on while you're sleeping and the other is for daily use. Let me tell you..this stuff WORKS. 

popsocket

Popsockets are a game changer on your phone and are the perfect little item to throw in a stocking.

mini capri blue candle

My favorite candle making its way through multiple gift guides. This is the mini version of the candle and like I have said so many times, it smells AMAZING.

arm key holder

I mentioned this item before and it is worthy of another shout out. This is so dang handy and literally saves you from juggling or dropping your keys.

Okay everyone that's it for gift guides this season. I hope these were at least somewhat helpful for you all and brought some new ideas to mind.  I will be back in the future with more holiday fun. Happy shopping everyone!

Gift Guide for Him

The long awaited gift guide for him is here! Let me start by saying this was not easy, but I tried my hardest to find things that are useful that the guys won't shrug their shoulders at in half excitement (men I tell ya). Anyways, hopefully this sparks some inspiration and if it counts for anything all these items are Ryan(fiancé) and Bruce(dad) approved.

Amazon Dot

First is the Echo dot. Got this for Ryan last year for Christmas and he now talks to his digital girlfriend every day. "Alexa, who should I play in fantasy this week?" "Alexa, what is Kelly Clarkson's real hair color?" Yes, these are real conversations my fiancé has with his little dot, so I guess you can say it was a good investment....?

Kiel's Facial Kit

Next is a set of men's travel-size skin care favorites, including face wash, shave cream, moisturizer, soap, and hand salve.  I feel like this is perfect for the guy who loves to take care of his appearance and likes to always feel fresh and clean. It also takes the thought out of what to pack on a trip.

Bluetooth Bose Speaker

You know what Ryan likes doing as much as talking to his Amazon Dot? Connecting his dot to speakers. The dot can play any selection of Amazon music and what is better than listening to your favorite songs just a little bit louder throughout the house?

Bourbon Flavored Gummy Bears

Oh what do you know.. more Sugarfina. You'd think they'd sponsor me(I wish). Anyways, as I have said before, I think Sugarfina gummies are so fun to add into a gift and these are perfect to adding into your guys gift for a fun treat.

Ray Bans

Got these for Ryan a year ago and boy is obsessed. He never invested in good sunglasses before, but he will even admit these are worth it (probably because he didn't have to buy them.. you're welcome Ryan). Guy or girl, invest in the nice sunglasses, they seriously last SO much longer and you really do take better care of them for obvious reasons. Plus, like hi UV protection, its a thing.

Yeti can insulator

Because like the girls like their cold wine, the boys like their cold beer. Enough said. Perfect for tailgating or lounging on the couch. Yeti doesn't discriminate on locations of boozing.

MVMT watch

Another Ryan favorite. A gift I can say was also worth the investment. He wears it constantly and just like I said in the girls gift guide, it just adds something extra to dress up your appearance.

Patagonia Fleece

Another item, another gifting of Ryan's past. I'm starting to think this guy has it too good. Anyways, we both own a Patagonia fleece. These fleeces do the damn thing. Perfect for fall and winter, really do help keep in warmth, and are super comfortable.

Duffle Bag

Big surprise I am sure, but Ryan doesn't own this so I cant give you a personal review, but it has great reviews, has a great style, and I feel like every guy needs a solid duffel. 

Hydro Flask

Because cold water is just as nice as a cold beer. Great for the guy on the go.

Watch Box

For when the watch game starts to get strong and then they have somewhere to nicely store them.

Penzy Spices

Lastly, Penzy Spices. My dad and Ryan are obsessed with some quality spices, I mean how can you go wrong? Plus win win because they will use the good spices to cook you a tasty meal. Call it a gift within a gift.

Alright, I hope this guide did the men's gifting some justice. We have two more guides of the season to go so keep on the lookout for those! Until then,

xo, H

Gift Guide For Her

Happy Turkey week everyone! I am back bringing to you this week a for her and him gift guide. I catered the "for her" guide off of a lot of items that are higher end, but still affordable. All pieces above are items that are meant to last for years and be used for multiple seasons to make their price worth their bank. I am a big fan of spending more on items that have good quality knowing I will get a lot of use out of it as opposed to buying cheap and it breaking/or falling apart on me within a year. With that being said, here is the gift guide!

Kate Spade Stud earrings

First are these really pretty Kate Spade Studs. They have a few color combos and would make such a fun statement piece.

Short black matte rain booties

These Jeffrey Campbell rain boots would be great for spring, fall, and winter, and are great quality and will get a lot of wear out of them. Not to mention they will match everything.

Fur Patagonia Vest

 Patagonia is such a great brand and this vest would go with just about anything and work for multiple seasons.

 Insulated wine tumbler

Who doesn't love an object that can keep your wine cold without fail? The color above is currently out of stock, but I linked a pretty copper in its place. Let's be serious, who cares about the color so long as the wine stays cold.

Charolette Tilbury Lip Kit

Charolette Tilbury has amazing quality makeup and her shade "Pillow Talk" is a fan favorite. Goes well on all skin tones and it's just a pretty pink/nude.

Tula eye brightening balm

I mentioned this item in the gift guide for moms, but it is honestly a great product for anyone of any age. Really refreshens your eyes for the day ahead.

Diptyque Candle

These candles are so popular and have the cutest packaging. I am a sucker for something that smells good while also working as cute decor, as are most girls.

Barefoot Dreams Blanket

Another cult favorite here. I do not personally own a barefoot dreams blanket... yet, but the reviews on these blankets are INSANE. They are supposed to be one of the softest materials ever.

 Fossil Watch

I think statement watches are so classy. Upgrades your look and just makes any average outfit that much better. I like the two toned look about this to match more.

Pom Pom knit Beanie

 I own two of these pom beanies and they are such good quality and are so dang cute. I kid you not, I have sold about 20 of these on the liketoknowit app and they continue to keep going. THEY ARE GOOD.

Tory Burch Studs

 Another statement stud. Super cute and will be a timeless piece.

Rebecca Minkoff quilted bag

Rebecca Minkoff has great quality handbags and this quilted style is so gorgeous. Comes in multiple colors and her site always is having sales.

Instax Polaroid Camera

My fiancé bought me one of these a year ago and I love it. Polaroid cameras are so fun and so great for moments to remember in a unique way.

That's it for the girl's gift guide, up next is the gift guide For Him! So head back to the home page to see that one!

xo, H