This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Colgate-Palmolive. All opinions are mine alone. #OpticSmiles #CollectiveBias
Growing up as a Southern Belle, I learned two things early in life. First, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Second, always smile. Now, while I know these two life lessons may seem a like a given to some, any good Southern girl knows the true importance of those first moments when you’re meeting a new person; when you have the chance for your smile to shine and your Southern charm to ooze. It’s that moment when you want to be free of worry and filled with confidence, knowing that your white teeth are blinding and you are perfectly put together.
Now, I had this down to a science when I was younger. I knew all the tricks to make my smile really pop. Red lipstick (you know the kind with the blue undertones that really makes those pearly whites sparkle) was a staple for me. Whether I was in sweats or my little black dress, I always made sure my smile was on full display when I left the house. Yes, I knew my Southern rules well and I lived by them daily. But as is sometimes the case, things in life changed and I got crazy busy. I had kids. My “getting ready” time in the morning was cut down by diapers and school routines. I discovered coffee (and soda and wine) and somehow I woke up one day with a smile that didn’t sparkle.
In fact, I found myself using the old “closed-lip” smile in most of my pictures (gasp!) because I knew my teeth were not the dazzling white of my youth anymore and I’ll be honest - it really bothered me! Because if that’s how I was smiling in pictures, it was surely the image I was presenting when I met new people and saw old friends. As I looked through pictures from the last few years I was confronted time and time again with the lack of that dazzling white smile from my youth. And I knew without a doubt that I needed to do something to get it back!
Since having a less than megawatt smile was just not going to cut it, I set out to refresh my smile and brush up on the rules of Southern charm. Knowing that I needed a product that would help me rediscover my confidence to smile, I headed to Walmart and checked out the oral care aisle.
As soon as I spotted the Colgate® Optic White® Express White toothpaste, I knew getting my smile back was going to be as simple as putting together a quick and easy daily routine that would help me get (and keep) my smile where it needed to be. Knowing that making more time in my day was just not a reality, I set out to create a daily teeth whitening routine that only took minutes but delivered visible results.
In an ideal world this routine would have started with ditching the coffee and colored beverages. But what can I say? This mama needs her caffeine so instead of cutting it out, I had to find a way to combat the effect it was having on my teeth.
This first meant getting my teeth back to the dazzling white they had once been. So to start I switched out my old toothpaste for Colgate® Optic White® Express White Toothpaste! With it’s professionally recommended ingredient (hydrogen peroxide ya’ll) it was the perfect tool to add to my tooth whitening arsenal and since it has 2 times more of the professionally recommended whitening ingredient than Optic White® Sparkling Mint toothpaste, I knew that it would deliver the results I wanted much faster than I had even imagined!
In just three days I had visibly whiter teeth, just by brushing! Yes you heard that right - no need for time consuming methods for this mama! Getting my dazzling white smile back was as easy as brush and go to get the smile I once knew to return! And with results in only three days*, I didn’t have to wait around to get my confidence back…instead, I simply had to take the weekend to implement my smile brightening plan!
But once I got my smile back where I wanted it, I knew I needed to take additional steps to maintain my white teeth! To start with, I made it a point to brush (with Colgate® Optic White® Express White Toothpaste of course) immediately after consuming beverages or foods that were likely to stain my teeth. Yes, this meant having an extra “travel bag” of my toothbrush and toothpaste in my handbag whenever I went out. But I quickly started to see that by excusing myself and running to the restroom after meals, I could keep the white smile that I so loved! And honestly, it was such a quick and easy fix that ensured that I never hid my smile behind closed lips again!
But keeping my smile white didn’t stop there! Because I knew that by adding in additional oral care steps, I could compliment my white teeth and help keep them looking their best! So the next step in my routine was flossing and using Colgate mouthwash every morning and night. While this did more for my gums than my teeth, we all know that having pink healthy gums is part of what makes your teeth look so sparkly and white!
After three days of my new oral care routine, I was literally blinded by the results! Where I had been lacking the confidence to flash my smile, now all I could do was smile because whether it was in pictures or just in my mind, I knew that my smile was radiant again! In fact, silly as it sounds, every time I broke into a grin I imagined that little sparkly star that pops up in cartoons when someone has the perfect smile. Yes, simply by switching out my toothpaste to Colgate® Optic White® Express White, I saw dramatic results that I plan to continue enjoying! And with the ease of using Colgate® Optic White® Express White daily, I know that I’ll never have to go back to that girl who doesn’t feel confident in her smile!
So, you see, I won’t be hiding my smile anymore. In fact, I’m back to my Southern charm and greeting everyone with a huge smile! And I’ll be able to continue doing that by using my Colgate® Optic White® Express White daily! No more hiding behind my hand or a closed-lip smile for me! It’s time for this Southern Girl to sparkle and all it took to get me back to that self-confident woman was three short days* and a tube of Colgate® Optic White® Express White!
Ready to try Colgate® Optic White® Express White for yourself? Get ready because there will be a totally awesome roaming demo in 550 stores on February 28, 2015. And the best part is that ambassadors may be roaming the aisle at your local Walmart giving out $1 off coupons good on Express White Toothpaste. Find out if your local store will be in on the fun here. And then whether they are or not, discover my secret to a blindingly beautiful smile! Discover Colgate® Optic White® Express White!
Tell me, what are you tips for having a beautiful smile?
*For best results, use as directed for 4 weeks.
I’ve used Colgate Optic White for a while now. It is the only whitening toothpaste I have found that doesn’t make my teeth hurt.
Scott recently posted…I Moustache You to Play this Game
I know! My teeth are sensitive too and I just love that Colgate Option White doesn’t both them!
Wow, wow, wow! Your teeth are gorgeous! I can’t give up my coffee either, but brushing after having coffee is a great idea (in addition to after every meal, of course!). I haven’t used this yet, but I will definitely be purchasing it!
You know, you would think it would just be common sense but I had never thought about brushing right after my coffee (because I usually drink it after I’ve already brushed from breakfast). It has made a big difference!
My teeth are less than dazzling these days thanks to my great love for red wine. I’m going to need one of those coupons.
Melanie S. recently posted…iCoffee Opus Single-Serve Brewer with SpinBrew Technology
Try it out! I don’t drink as much red wine as I do coffee but i’m thinking it would work the same way!
Optic white is the best!! I’ve had problems with whitening toothpaste hurting my teeth in the past but this is great and doesn’t do that. I got a new bridge of all white teeth across the top of my mouth and now I’m trying to get my bottom teeth to match so I’ve tried all sorts of whitening stuff to help..
Good luck! I’m sure your smile is dazzling!
It looks like it really did brighten your teeth quite a bit! I haven’t tried their line, might have to pick some up and give it a go!
Kelsey Apley recently posted…Jackpot Candles: A Piece Of Jewelry Inside Each Candle!
I was surprised by how quickly it made a difference! I hope you get to give it a try!
I need to work on my smile. I had used something in the past and it worked great, but it was such an effort to remember it. This would be perfect. It is something that easily part of my routine.
Debi- Travel Blogger recently posted…Enjoying Winter at Camelback- Poconos, PA
It’s so easy! Just replace your toothpaste with Colgate Optic White Express White! I’m really bad at the things that take extra time as well:-)
Looks like it worked great for you. Due to my tetracycline stains nothing can make my smile whiter, except for implants!
Cindy recently posted…Win it Wednesday 2-18-15
Oh no! I hate to hear that!
So glad to see some first hand results with Optic White. You see commercials for all of these brands and I can never decide which one to try. I really need to grab some (coffee addict here).
Kenda recently posted…5 AMAZING HERBAL TEAS
I hope you’ll try it out! I was really pleased with the results I achieved!
I need to try this because I could use some sparkle! It’s been a while since I’ve use whitening products and I need to touch up my smile.
It’s a really easy way to freshen up your smile ! Good luck getting that sparkle back!
I’ve noticed more and more than I am not smiling as BIG as I used to … and it’s because I don’t like what I’m seeing in the mirror. I want to try this Optic White!
I was doing the same thing but Colgate Optic White Express White really made a huge difference! I hope it does the same for you because we all need a confident smile!
Your teeth look great! I’ve loved using Colgate products to make my smile look great since I was a kid.
Michelle recently posted…50 Mix-Ins and Toppings for Deviled Eggs
They do the trick don’t they! Glad they have worked for you for so long!
What a pretty smile! I would much prefer to brush my teeth clean and white rather than use one of those messy trays.
I’m right there with you! A toothpaste is so much easier for me!
Your teeth look amazing! As a fellow coffee drinker (can’t give it up!) I may have to try this one. After each child more coffee was needed lol, so mine could use some help.
Jenn recently posted…Five Easy Ways to Give Back to Your Community
I know what you mean about more coffee after each kid! That was why I so needed something to brighten my smile!
You know, I’ve never used anything to whiten my teeth and I sure could use it now in my 40s after years of coffee and soda!!
I was shocked at how much of a difference it made it my teeth! I hope you see the same results.
I will have to try this! I saw your video on IG and loved it!
Chelley recently posted…GB Evoq 4-in-one #GBThatsMe
Let me know how it works for you!
And you do have a megawatt smile! Mission def. accomplished. And three days? That’s awesome.
It surprised even me! I couldn’t believe how quick and easy it was!
That’s some seriously quick action! I’m going to do that once I get my braces off!
You totally should! I’m sure your smile will be beautiful!
ive heard some good reviews on this product will have to try it out,your teeth looks wonderful
I will give this a try since my teeth could use some brightening. Thank you for sharing these great products
Elizabeth Stacy says
I used this all the time it really work
I use original Optic White but I can’t wait to get the Express White! Your smile is amazing! #client
I love Colgate Express White!
Brushing and flossing and staying away from anything that may stain your teeth!
I have been wanting to try colgate optic white products
I’ve used these products before. I honestly haven’t seen a change. Maybe I’m not using it long enough.
Cheryl Fulton says
I like how it only took you 3 days to get your teeth so white with Colgate Optic White toothpaste:) But you didn’t stop there, you floss & use their mouthwash too.
Yes! I am a Southern Belle too!.. These products do work good. Thanks!
Your smile is beautiful. I have a partial and caps and my mouth is just a mes I try my best, but it’s not very good.
I picked up a tube yesterday. It costs a bit more but with a coupon and store sale I got it for under two dollars. It tastes good. Like I said I just started using it so I haven’t noticed a difference. Not after one day.
I am definitely going to try these products. I just happen to have some coupons which will save me some money
Never go out if your not looking your best if you. do many people will talk have good manners yes ma no ma and respect your elders
hi, you are lucky to have such a beautiful smile. i wasn’t blessed with one, but still i use Colgate’s Optic White toothpaste. actually, my whole family uses it.
I’m on day two using this. I like the toothpaste but, I have a few sensitive spots and the paste causes some pain when I brush over them.Not enough to stop using it though.
I use Colgate but I have not tried the optic white. I will be trying this soon. Thank you for sharing
Your teeth look beautiful. I have tried it, but did not pay much attention to the results because I bought it when it was on sale.
I have tried other Colgate whitening toothpastes. I think we all stain our teeth at some point so its hard to find something that works for you individually. Will try this soon.
I have not tried Colgate Optic White before, I have definitely got to give it a try. Thank you for sharing this post.
I’m on day three. I haven’t seen a difference but I’m only using the paste not the mouthwash too. My mouth does feel cleaner and I will continue to use it.
I really like that Colgate has several different products to help with whitening your teeth and making them stronger. Thank you so much for sharing
I use a whitening kit about once a year, along with regular brushing and that seems to help a lot!
Sarah S says
Thanks for the review! I’ll have to try this out. As a big time tea drinker I struggle with staining.
I am really happy that Colgate puts coupons out there for these products. I need to save whenever possible
Over the years I have tried several tooth whitening systems. I see some whitening. I think the best would be from a dental visit. I hear that’s pretty expensive though.
Vanessa E says
I have tried the optic white line and it truly does work. I love the whitening pen that attaches to the toothbrush and the mobile pen on the go. I would recommend this to anyone who needs some tlc for their pearly whites!
Even my dentist agreed that Colgate is a great product. Thank you so much for sharing
There are so many whitening toothpastes out there. I remember the Pearl Drops brand. That was out several years ago.
Coco says
Your teeth look great!! I have used Colgate for majority of my life. I have not yet tried optic white. I am all about flavor and freshness. You didn’t really mention the flavor. how is it? You know how some toothpaste just burns your mouth, gums and tongue. I just started testing a new toothpaste and love it for its cool minty refreshing flavor. It also is whitening, which I like since I too am a coffee, tea and red wine drinker. I would definitely consider the Colgate optic white.
I use optic white everyday. I haven’t tried the whole system, I think I will.
Thanks!
Diana C
It looks like these products are working for you. You have a bright, beautiful smile. Thank you for sharing
I’m going back to my toothpaste for sensitive teeth. At least until I get the other two filled. I have areas where there’s exposed root and this is just a bit too strong at this point. I’ve taken care of two teeth, I just have to go in for the other two.
You look great! I also like that scarf on you!
I use all three of these too!!! I received a sample a few months ago and I’m convinced it works!
I like Colgate optic white. It gives me confidence to take on the day.
Diana C
I am buying some of these products today with my coupons. Thank you so much for sharing