Pearly Whites Love

Over the years, I've learned the incredible value of taking care of my teeth.  I had quite a few fillings as a child/teen, and later learned that fillings aren't permanent.  They usually have to be replaced after a number of years.  That process is not fun.  And it's expensive to replace them with something that WILL last, like porcelain.  Worth it?  Yes.  Avoidable?  Also, yes.

My new dentist (I adore their practice, which is saying a lot coming from someone who hates going to the dentist) was incredibly kind to me last year, and he gave me a brand new electric toothbrush.  It is another product that has honestly changed my life, and I won't go without one now.  Since I began using it regularly, I haven't had a single dental problem.  My exams are wham-bam-gorgeous-teeth-thank-you-ma'am. Love it.  

A lot of people have these toothbrushes and love them.  If you don't, PLEASE get one.  The one I have is literally $12 online.  (Link: http://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Pro-Health-Clean-Electric-Toothbrush/dp/B002HWS9G6)  It's battery-powered, so they do have to be changed occasionally, but then it travels well with no charging cord.  You can go up to a couple hundred bucks with these things, and I might spring for the $100 Oral-B re-chargeable one at some point.  For now, this one has been so great.  It times your brushing for two minutes and rotates lots to get your teeth squeaky-clean.

Of course, this works BEST if you floss every day (floss picks - another wonderful product!) and use mouthwash, but a $12 investment is something everyone can make, especially if it saves you money on dental procedures in the end.  Stocking stuffer idea, yes?

Makeup Remover Wipes = Amazing

There are not very many products that I can say have definitely changed my life, but makeup remover wipes certainly have. Sure, they're cheap.  But they can make such a difference in skincare quality, especially for busy women!

I heard/saw a renowned aesthetician once say that the single biggest mistake women make with their skin that causes poor skin quality and aging is simply not removing their makeup completely every single night.  This hit home with me, because at the end of a long day, I often opted to sleep in my makeup vs. going through a full face washing routine.  

Once I realized I could buy these handy wipes to take off all my makeup, I began removing it all the time at home, even during the day.  Having a clean face just feels so nice!  

These wipes are quick, easy, disposable, and cheap.  Here's the kicker - you can get them for $5 to $7 a package at the grocery or drugstore, but you can also use my trick and go to Ross/T.J. Maxx/Marshall's and check the beauty section - they typically always have packages for $3 to $5.  I am not picky about brand, as long as they say "makeup remover" on them (there are some that are only for refreshing).  I've never had bad results from any brand, but some of the highest-rated are the Neutrogena Cleansing Towelettes and the Olay 2-in-1 Daily Facial Clothes.  I've also had luck with ELF and Dead Sea Cosmetics.

 

I recommend taking off eye makeup, then using a cloth to remove the rest of your makeup and cleanse.  If followed by a cleansing toner and some serum/eye cream, your skin could quite possibly look fantastic.  These are going to be stocking stuffers for the women in my life this year...inexpensive, but very helpful!