Crest’s Get Bright Challenge: Week 3.

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I am back with another update in the Crest's Get Bright Challenge.

I have used the brand new Crest White Strips Advanced Seal a total of 10 times since I first started the Get Bright Challenge, which makes it just 4 times in the last week. I went out of town for 3 days and forgot to pack  the strips, but this was my fault. They are so small and come in individual little packets that make them a cinch to pack - they just were not on my mind when packing. Though, I have really noticed a big difference in the whitening in the past few uses.

I must note, that it is very hard to take a picture of my teeth. I have been using the same camera and in the same light, well - at least I think it is the same, for each of these pictures. Though I can see the differences in my skin tone,  I think that the pictures are pretty consistent. I am definitely getting better at taking close-ups, anyway. So, I really don't know how much of an improvement you can not from these images, but trust me... there is a difference in how much whiter my teeth are.

Again, I need to say just how convenient these strips are to use. With each application, I get better at getting them into and out of my mouth easier. They almost feel like they "suction" to my teeth as I lay them on. This is especially true with my top teeth. With other strips that I have used, I have had the worst time getting the strip to actually stay put. This is so not a problem with the Advanced Seal White Strips. They stay put, right where I place them.

While wearing these white strips, I have no trouble talking, and no one can tell I am wearing them. I find that I do not have to try and hold them in place while I speak. It all just comes naturally, like having barely anything there. This again, gets better with each use, as you adjust to how the gel feels.

Also this week, I even tried to drink a bit of my bottled water with them on. This is not normally something I would do, but as the advertisements say that you can drink with these white strips on, I thought I should actually put that claim to the test. The strips didn't move at all. So using them while you have a drink passed that test, for sure. I must say that I probably wouldn't do this again as I did sense a bit of the "whitening gel taste", but it is a nice option to have - just in case you really need that drink of water.

I have seen these for sale at Target and CVS already now, so I am pretty sure they are available at most drugstores and mass merchandisers by now. Have any of you tired the Crest Advanced Seal White Strips yet? If you did, do you like them? Do you like them better than other white strips you have tried? Do let me know in the comments. As always, I would love to hear your thoughts on using them too.

Stay tuned for another update next week. I will probably finish up my box by then and do a side by side comparison of the first and final week to see the real difference.

The 2009 CEW Beauty Award Finalists.

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The finalists for the 2009 CEW Beauty Awards have been chosen. Our voices were heard. The CEW members - which is a group of about 4,000 women in the beauty, cosmetics, fragrance, and related industries - voted and the results are in.

Check out who we called the best of the best. I have reviewed many of these products, and have yet to try some of them. My goal will be to try each and every one of them and bring you reviews on them all!

BATH AND BODY: Body Treatment Mass

  • AVEENO ® - Intense Relief Repair Cream
  • Avon Products, Inc. - Anew Clinical Professional Stretch Mark Smoother
  • Dove - Cream Oil Intensive Body Lotion
  • Jergens - Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer
  • Olay - Body Wash Plus Spa Exfoliating Ribbons

BATH AND BODY: Body Treatment Prestige

  • Ahava North America - Dermud Intensive Nourishing Body Cream
  • Carol's Daughter - Sweethoneydipchocolatebrownsugah Scrub
  • Kiehls Since 1851 - "Aloe Vera" Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser
  • Ojon - TawakaTM "The Ball"
  • Origins - Dr. Andrew Weil for OriginsTM The Way of the BathTM Matcha Tea Body Soak

BATH AND BODY: Scented Bath & Body Mass

  • Avon Products, Inc. - Liiv Botanicals Rejuvenating Body Wash
  • Burt's Bees, Inc. - Fabulously Fresh Peppermint & Rosemary Body Bar
  • Dove - Go Fresh Energize Beauty Body Wash
  • Olay - Botanical Fusion Body Wash
  • Vickery & Clarke Natural Apothecary - Eucalyptus & Peppermint Cold & Sinus Soak

BATH AND BODY: Scented Bath & Body Prestige

  • C.O. Bigelow - Village Perfumer Body Wash - Lime and Coriander
  • Coach - Legacy Body Cream
  • Coty Prestige - Chloé Perfumed Body Crème
  • Fresh - Fig Apricot Bath and Shower Gel
  • philosophy - Black Licorice Ultra-Rich Shampoo, Shower and Bubble Bath


FACIAL SKINCARE: Acne Treatment

  • Aveda - Outer Peace Cooling Masque
  • Avon Products, Inc. - Clearskin Professional Acne Treatment System
  • Clean & Clear® - Advantage® Blackhead EraserTM Exfoliating Cleanser
  • Kiehls Since 1851 - Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment
  • Neutrogena - Rapid Clear® Fight & Fade Gel

FACIAL SKINCARE: Anti-Aging Mass

  • AVEENO ® - Positively AgelessTM Lifting & Firming Night Cream
  • Burt's Bees, Inc. - Naturally Ageless Skin Firming Night Crème
  • good skin labs - Lumecin Overnight Brightening Gluco-Protein Treatment
  • Olay - Regenerist 14 Day Skin Intervention
  • RoC® - Multi-CorrexionTM Night Treatment

FACIAL SKINCARE: Anti-Aging Prestige

  • Clarins - Younger Longer Balm
  • Clinique - Even Better Skin Tone Corrector
  • DDF - Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer
  • Fresh - Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask
  • Lancôme - Absolue Ultimate Night Bx Serum
  • philosophy - When Hope Is Not Enough Hyaluronic Acid/Peptide Capsules
Read More

Crest’s Get Bright Challenge: Week 2.

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I am here with a quick update in the Crest's Get Bright Challenge. I have used the brand new Crest White Strips Advanced Seal a total of 6 times since my last update.

I think my teeth are looking whiter and brighter already. They are definitely feeling extra clean, like they most always do when I am doing an at-home whitening treatment.

So far I can say that I have not felt any sensitivity when using these Advanced Seal White Strips. I am thinking it is because the white strips definitely adhere better to my teeth - not moving up and down on my gums.

I love that these strips are simple to use, you just open the pack, peel the strip apart and apply. I do both my upper and lower teeth at the same time. I am honestly not sure if that is how you are supposed to do the system (I think I better read the instructions tonight!), but I feel it is the fastest and easiest way to use the strips in my daily routine.

What do you think? Can you notice my teeth any whiter yet? I am concentrating on looking at a few more yellowish/gray stains on my teeth, which I think are not all that visible in the pictures I have been taking. But close up, I am definitely noticing a difference already.

Stay tuned for another update next Monday.