Product Review: Desert Essence Acitvated Charcoal Toothpaste

What we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in our bodies. It's unreal some of the stuff that's in the personal care products out there today. That's why I am always on the lookout for safer alternatives. 

Recently, I got the chance to check out Activated Charcoal Toothpaste by Desert Essence. I was already aware of their brand, because I'd used some of their shampoo before, so I was curious to try their toothpaste--it's one product that can be very hit-or-miss with me, as you never know how a new kind is going to taste. Since it's something you use every day (especially now, at a time when so many of us are indulging in a few treats for the season), it's got to be something that's not going to make you dread brushing.

I was happy to find out that this toothpaste tastes much better than the kind I've been recently using. It's got a nice mint flavor that left my mouth feeling clean and refreshed. It was definitely a welcome change, and I think it did a pretty good job of helping to lighten up my teeth a bit, besides getting them clean. If there is one thing I would warn about is, it takes a little time to rinse it off my toothbrush all the way. Other than that, I think this is one I will be getting again. 

Spring Clean Your Beauty Routine w/ Colgate Optic White

Daylight Saving time is here, which means it’s brighter later and spring is just around the corner! Speaking of brighter, heading into a new and hopefully warmer season is also the perfect time to refresh your beauty routine and Colgate Optic White has your back.

Colgate® Optic White ® Stain-Less White™ Toothpaste is formulated to remove unwanted dark stains caused by coffee, wine and soda, ensuring your pearly whites are fresh for spring. This product is super simple to incorporate into your beauty routine, ensuring you can continue enjoying your favorite beverages with a visibly whiter smile all season long.

The Colgate® Optic White ® Stain-Less White™ Toothpaste helps remove those unwanted dark stains caused by coffee, wine & soda, with continued use. It starts working in 3 days. This formula is professionally designed with Hydrogen Peroxide for deep set stains removal. In addition to being safe for daily use, this product protects your enamel and contains anti-cavity fluoride protection.

Suggested retail price: 3.0 oz toothpaste for $4.99 - $5.99 
Availability: Mass, Food and Drug stores nationwide starting January 2018

Love Your Little Ones with Nature's Gate

It is never too early to start promoting healthy habits in your family, especially through the use of wholesome and natural products. Nature’s Gate unique combinations of natural, safe and innovative ingredients deliver effective results for you and your family’s everyday beauty care regimen. Kick back and relax in the sun knowing your children are protected from the harmful UV rays! Whether it’s a day at the beach, outdoor activities or pool time fun, Nature’s Gate has an assortment of trusted natural protection for the whole family. Then after your fun day in the sun, incorporate Nature’s Gate Nature Baby Shampoo & Wash and Nature’s Gate Cherry Gel Toothpaste into your children’s bed time routine for fresh, clean skin and teeth!

Nature’s Gate Kids Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen (MSRP: $11.49/Whole Foods, Sprouts): This vegan, fragrance-free and water resistant sunscreen will let your kids have fun in the sun without you having to worry!

Nature’s Gate Mineral Kids Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen (MSRP: $11.49/Whole Foods, Sprouts): Water resistant for 40 minutes, this safe and gentle formula will leave you confident in your child’s skin protection.

Trust your baby’s skin and hair health is in safe hands with Nature’s Gate Nature Baby Shampoo & Wash (MSRP: $8.39/Whole Foods, Sprouts): this cruelty-free formula is made with a delicate blend of blend of Calendula, Chamomile and Orange flower blossom.


Your little ones deserve only the best, and that’s what you’ll get with Nature’s Gate Cherry Gel Toothpaste (MSRP: $6.15/Whole Foods, Sprouts): this gentle formula will making brushing fun!

My Thoughts

I was thrilled to review Nature's Gate Toothpaste because it is fluoride free, and safe to swallow.  Here, locally, all the available children's toothpastes have fluoride in them, and I can only find "fluoride free" in adult toothpaste - which, for most of them, I don't feel are safe for my kids to swallow.    Another plus is that this toothpaste is also paraben & sulfate free!  

I gotta say, just opening the toothpaste - it smells fantastic!  My kids just loved the cherry flavor, and for once there were no complaints about the taste or that the toothpaste burned their mouths. This  toothpaste gets a definite thumbs up from me!  When we run out, I'll be ordering more!  Thanks to Nature's Gate for introducing us to this awesome natural toothpaste!!

Colgate Daily Repair #MyColgateSelfie

In celebration of National Women’s Health Week (May 8-14, 2016), Colgate Total is inviting women across the country to pledge to put their health first. It’s difficult to balance all your family’s needs with your own, so this week serves as a time to remind women what steps they can take to improve their health. One simple, yet effective change you can make is switching to Colgate Total Daily Repair products, allowing you to take your oral health off that lengthy to-do list.

I was lucky enough to test out the Colgate Total Daily Repair Toothpaste as well as the corresponding mouthwash and toothbrush. Colgate Total Daily Repair Toothpaste contains a multi-active formula that helps repair early teeth and gum damage before you may know it even exists. 

This toothpaste a refreshing blast that leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean for hours. But the great taste is only the beginning of the advantages. This amazing toothpaste keeps both your teeth and gums looking their best. Brushing with this toothpaste protects your gums as well as your teeth. Often times, it's unhealthy gums that cause people to loose their teeth. This happened to my own grandmother, so I love that this toothpaste can help keep my gums healthy.  When it comes to my teeth, I noticed a marked difference in buildup after only a few uses. They looked whiter, and the enamel on my teeth has improved and looks less translucent.

The  brush was the perfect compliment to the toothpaste. It removes plaque but is gentle against your gums, so you won't have to worry about access bleeding. Finally, the mouthwash provides a burst of freshness that leaves your mouth feeling clean all day long. With Colgate Total Repair,  your breath will stay fresh for hours, but more importantly, you're reducing plaque and tartar build-up and greatly reducing the risk of gingivitis.  This one toothpaste really gives your the total package you need for a bright and shiny smile.

 If you'd like to learn more about Colgate and all the oral care products they offer, be sure to visit the Colgate Total Daily Repair website. To keep up with new products and promotions, you can follow Colgate on face book.  

Strengthen your teeth with Colgate Enamel Health Mineral Repair Toothpaste

When you feel strong nothing can hold you back. From building your muscles to strengthening your mind and conditioning your body, every day you strive towards looking and feeling healthy in the truest sense. But living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t stop there…your long term health is important to you and your oral health is no exception. Strengthening and repairing your enamel from every day wear and tear can be part of your daily personal healthy lifestyle routine.

  

Similar to how we use moisturizing lotions and conditioners to replenish our skin and hair, by just brushing with new Colgate® Enamel Health™ Mineral Repair™ Toothpaste twice daily you can strengthen weakened enamel by replenishing it with vital minerals for stronger, healthy enamel. Healthy enamel is smooth and strong enamel so…Smile With Strength^TM.

Connect with Colgate

Website - Facebook - Twitter

My Thoughts

I've been using this toothpaste for several weeks now. My teeth were in decent health prior to using. They could be in better so I looked forward to trying Colgate Enamel Health Mineral Repair out to see how it did. I have a few teeth that are more sensitive then others. I liked the fresh taste of this toothpaste. It was minty with a slight sweetness to it.

When I finished brushing, my teeth felt clean as well as my breath. I've used Colgate in the past for a toothpaste and always been happy with it. It's never been one of those toothpastes that burned my mouth while using it and made me want to get the two minutes of brushing over with ASAP.

As far as results, I am seeing them. My sensitivity seems to be diminishing.  My teeth feel stronger and that might sound weird, but they do. As well, they are a bit whiter. I've been using this twice a day, while before I was brushing once day. I'm very pleased with this toothpaste and will continue to use it.

Product Review: Dr. Sharp Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Each year, consumers spend around $20 billion on cosmetic and personal care items, with many of those purchases going to oral hygiene products. After all, we are a nation of people who strive to brush our teeth at least twice per day, floss daily, and use mouthwash. What we use to do this task is often something we don’t give a lot of thought to, but it can actually make a big difference when it comes down to the ingredients in the products.

There are so many choices today that people often don’t know what to look for,” explains Dr. Bruno Sharp, a fourth-generation dentist who created a line of natural oral care products called Dr. Sharp Dentistry. “Plus, manufacturers can be clever in making it look like their products are a great choice, when really they contain harmful chemicals. The best way for consumers to keep them and their family healthy is to learn all they can so they can make informed choices when choosing products.”



 Many toothpaste brands contain ingredients that may be health hazards or go against consumer values. When looking at the ingredients list and overall product, there are some things people should be aware of, including:


 Most people have been led to believe that fluoride is a good thing to be in oral hygiene products, yet fluoride consumption has been linked to such health issues as hypothyroidism. To learn more about these adverse effects, visit www.fluoride-free.com.

Artificial colors and flavors. Many toothpastes that are created for children contain artificial colors and flavors in an effort to get them more interested in using the products. These artificial colors and flavors are not healthy for the children to use.

 Non-BPA free bottles and tubes. There has been a lot of news regarding the health problems that may be associated with plastic that is made with the BPA chemical. Consumers are better off opting for a product that does not have BPA in the packaging.

Harmful ingredients. There are some ingredients that are used in some toothpastes that should be avoided, including sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, alcohol, triclosan, DEA, gluten, and propylene glycol. Plus, some toothpastes use genetically modified ingredients, so it’s best to look for one that is non-GMO.

 Products that are not cruelty free. Most consumers are not aware of the fact that many of the oral hygiene products they are purchasing have been involved in animal cruelty, such as animal testing, or may contain animal-based ingredients. The good news, is that there are products on the market that are PETA certified cruelty free and vegan, so they do not contain any animal products at all.


Dr. Sharp created a line of oral hygiene products to give people a healthier alternative. His product line includes wild berry kids toothpaste, fresh mint with green tea adult toothpaste, fresh mint mouthwash, and dental tape. All products are safe to use, and are gluten free, have no artificial colors or flavors, are vegan, non-GMO, alcohol free, fluoride free, and cruelty free. Plus, they help whiten teeth and have xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that also helps to fight off cavities. The products are safe for the entire family. The products will be showcased at the Natural Products Expo West in March 2016, in the “hot products” section. To learn more about Dr. Sharp Natural Oral Care products or see where they can be purchased, visit the site at:www.drsharpcare.com.

Our Thoughts


Before I ever got to see the movie, Our Daily Dose, which I reviewed here, I'd heard about the potential issues with fluoride, and have been going with toothpastes that do not contain that ingredient. While I had been using another brand, I was interested in finding different options. 

Dr. Sharp takes things a step further by taking out GMO ingredients, gluten, parabens, and more. It comes in a regular version, and a more kid-friendly one. There is also mouthwash to go along with it. I decided to check them out and see if it was something I wanted to add to my stash of personal care products. 

Both types tasted fine, with the kid-friendly berry one being my favorite. They both left my mouth feeling clean and fresh. While I was fine with the flip-top design, I was not exactly thrilled to see the tubes were noticeably smaller than what I am used to. Still, it's a good product that does the job. 

As for the mouthwash, it doesn't have the normal indicators on the cap to tell you how much to put in, but it's easy enough to figure out if you have something to measure the dosages with. The mouthwash also left me with a fresh feeling that lasted a while, and was much easier to deal with taste-wise than others I had used. 

Overall, I would say this is a good product. If you're looking for something that will taste good and get the job done without the potentially harmful ingredients, I'd say this is a good option. 

Treat Yourself to a Brighter Smile this Valentine’s Day! #DesignerSmile

This Valentine’s Day, give yourself something better than chocolate. Whether you’ll be out on the town with friends or having a romantic evening with a significant other, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to update your smile to a whiter, brighter, bolder #DesignerSmile.

The latest innovation from Colgate Optic White, the new Colgate Optic White Platinum High Impact White Toothpaste, whitens more than the leading whitening strip* to give you 4 shades, visibly whiter teeth** starting in just 3 days.

·         Colgate Optic White High Impact White Toothpaste formula is professionally designed with Hydrogen Peroxide.

·         In addition to being safe for daily use, this product protects your enamel and contains anti-cavity fluoride protection.

·         3.0 oz tube for $3.99-$4.99

·         4.5 oz tube for $5.79-$6.99

·         Availability: Mass, Food and drug stores nationwide starting February 2016

*Toothpaste used as directed for 6 weeks vs. 1 box treatment of the leading whitening strip, used as directed.

**When brushing twice daily for six weeks

My Thoughts 

We all want a whiter smile. I know for me, years of coffee and tea have stained my teeth. I have tried some of the advanced whitening kits, but they made my teeth feel sensitive to hot and cold, and many of them just take too much time. When you have four kids, you're lucky to find time to brush at all, let a lone sit around with gel on your teeth for hours. The new Colgate Optic White Platinum High Impact White Toothpaste is the perfect way to get a whiter smile without any aggravation or discomfort. It works great and doesn't take any longer than your normal dental routine.

The Colgate Optic White Platinum Toothpaste works really well. Just brush as normal and your teeth will be four shades whiter in only a few weeks. As an added benefit, it also seals out new stains before they start. It comes in several varieties including Glistening Mint that leave your breath minty fresh and your teeth sparkling white. The  fresh mint flavor freshens your breath and the advanced stain prevention technology prevents new stains from forming.  I also love that it doesn't leave my teeth feeling sensitive like so many other whitening products I've tried in the past.

The Colgate Optic White Toothpaste is a force to be reckoned with. My teeth are looking whiter than they have since my teen years and I am thrilled with the results. If you want to give the new Optic White line a try, you can find it now in retailers nationwide. To learn more, be sure to visit the Colgate Optic White website.

Power Energy Toothpaste with caffeine!

Power Toothpaste launched the world’s first caffeinated toothpaste on Indiegogo: http://powertoothpaste.com/campaign. After international press coverage from the likes of CBS, Daily Mail, and VICE, and 30,000 sign-ups on www.powertoothpaste.com, this first-of-its-kind oral care product is now available to the public.

Power Toothpaste is the world’s first toothpaste to contain caffeine. Unlike coffee, which takes up to an hour to fully absorb through the stomach, Power Toothpaste begins working immediately, absorbing through the gums and mouth, providing a quick boost of energy before the user is even finished brushing. And like a standard toothpaste, Power Toothpaste still leaves the teeth clean and mouth feeling fresh.

Power Toothpaste has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.com. This campaign will allow Power Toothpaste to produce its toothpaste at a scale that enables the startup to offer its product to consumers nationally. Special promotional pricing is available during this Indiegogo campaign. A single tube of Power Toothpaste starts at $12 with free shipping, and there are numerous early-bird specials and significant bulk discounts available.

Power Toothpaste was founded by Dan Meropol, a millennial entrepreneur looking to insert a jolt into the multibillion-dollar oral care industry. After learning from an ADA study that only half of Americans floss daily and half of Americans only brush once per day, Dan set out to find a way to get people to take better care of their teeth. Dan spoke to a friend about the problem he was trying to solve – and his friend suggested a caffeinated toothpaste.

“Too many people aren’t taking care of their teeth, even when they know they should,” said Meropol. “At Power Toothpaste we believe a big part of this is that oral care hasn’t been exciting for decades, and the products that Big Toothpaste is offering just aren’t good enough. Our mission is to make oral care fun and exciting again, and above all else, to get people brushing.”

Feedback on early prototypes was so positive that Dan knew he had to turn Power Toothpaste into a business. After a year of development, a partnership with an FDA-compliant American toothpaste manufacturer, and a drove of press coverage, Power Toothpaste is ready for launch.

Power Toothpaste has received coverage from over one hundred media outlets as well as a number of high profile blogs.

Some of the key benefits of the product include:

REVOLUTIONARY SPEED: Power Toothpaste kicks into gear much faster than coffee, absorbing through the mouth and giving the user a boost within minutes after brushing. Power blasts away the morning fog, so users can feel good almost immediately upon waking up.

AFFORDABLE: 90 cups of coffee can cost up to $260. A single tube of Power Toothpaste contains 90 brushes, each of them comparable to a cup of coffee, for the price of $15 with free shipping. Power Toothpaste is $245 cheaper, allowing users to stay energized while saving money.

CONVENIENT: Energy drinks taste horrible in the morning, and obtaining coffee usually requires stopping at a cafe or spending 20 minutes with a coffee machine. In today’s busy world, some people require a quicker and more convenient way to get their morning fix. Power Toothpaste is a revolutionary solution to this problem.

HEALTHY: Power Toothpaste contains the same healthy ingredients as the leading brands to eliminate plaque, reduce stains, and freshen your breath. Not to mention that Power whitens your teeth, compared to coffee which stains and darkens.

About Power Toothpaste

Power Toothpaste is bringing innovation to the oral care market by changing the way people brush their teeth. Power is the world’s first caffeinated toothpaste, giving the user a rush while they brush that is faster, more convenient, and more affordable than coffee and energy drinks. 50% of Americans don’t brush twice a day; Power Toothpaste gives the brusher a boost while incentivizing proper oral hygiene.

Learn more at: http://powertoothpaste.com

Connect with Power Toothpaste

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

My Thoughts

This toothpaste did give me a kick of energy. I felt much more alert when I finished brushing and didn't feel like I needed to reach for a caffeinated beverage to help me get my wake up. The effect did last for a bit. The jolt of energy it gave me didn't make me feel like I needed to run a marathon, but instead it felt as though I'd just drank the coffee down very fast.

While I did like the energy the toothpaste gave me, I wasn't crazy about the taste. It didn't have that minty flavor I'm used to. I can't quite describe the taste, but it left a weird after taste and drinking after brushing your teeth is usually gross tasting as well. It also left my mouth with that cooling effect afterward to for quite some time.

This would be good for someone who doesn't like to enjoy a morning drink, or if you're in a hurry and need some energy. Also great for an afternoon pick you up, and can help you avoid over snacking since you've just brushed your teeth. For me, however, this wouldn't be something I used daily, mainly because of the taste. I could see using this from time to time, though.

Colgate Total Daily Repair Toothpaste

Colgate Total just launched a new toothpaste called Colgate Total Daily Repair Toothpaste. Colgate Total Daily Repair Toothpaste contains a multi-active formula that helps repair early teeth and gum damage before you may know it even exists. 

I got to test our the Colgate Total Daily Repair Toothpaste and it's a wonderful addition to the Colgate family. It's a refreshing blast that leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean for hours. But the great taste is only the beginning of the advantages.This amazing toothpaste keeps both your teeth and gums looking their best. Brushing with this toothpaste protects your gums as well as your teeth. Often times, it's unhealthy gums that cause people to loose their teeth. This happened to my own grandmother, so I love that this toothpaste can help keep my gums healthy.  When it comes to my teeth, I noticed a marked difference in buildup after only a few uses. They looked whiter, and the enamel on my teeth has improved and looks less translucent.

With Colgate Total Repair Toothpaste, your breath will stay fresh for hours, but more importantly, you're reducing plaque and tartar build-up and greatly reducing the risk of gingivitis.  This one toothpaste really gives your the total package you need for a bright and shiny smile.

 If you'd like to learn more about Colgate and all the oral care products they offer, be sure to visit the Colgate Total Daily Repair website. To keep up with new products and promotions, you can follow Colgate on face book.  

Try Xlear for National Children’s Dental Health Month

Just in time for National Children’s Dental Health Month, Xlear Inc., the leading manufacturer of xylitol products on the market today, has released a fun video to share with your families!  More and more parents are leaving the dentist’s office in shock at the amount of dental work their young children are in need of.  Even when you think you are teaching your kids proper dental hygiene, it is sometimes just not enough.  Xlear has put together a video showcasing the most effective way to keep your kids pearly whites healthy and strong! 






My Thoughts 

Xlear is  the leading manufacturer of products made with Xylitol, an all natural way to prevent tooth decay.   Xylitol is a white crystalline substance that looks and tastes like sugar, and is now being used in a variety of products to help promote good oral health.  From candy to toothpaste, this amazing discovery is changing the way we think about oral hygiene.  Here are just a few examples.

 SparX are tasty candies that are made with Xylitol. They come in three fantastic flavors including citrus, berry, and fruit. Each one is a sweet treat kids of all ages can enjoy. You can suck them or crunch them. Enjoy them one at a a time or by the handful. The fun tubes make them a great snack for on the go. They'd also be a a nice treat for Easter baskets. 

If you have a baby getting ready to start brushing, Kids Spry Tooth Gel is a great way to get started on the path to sparkling white teeth. It has a yummy strawberry banana flavor and it's safe to swallow. It's an all-natural, flouride free option that will leave kids and parents smiling. It also comes in original and bubble gum varieties.

The products from Xlear are fun, functional, taste great, and best of all, they can help prevent cavities. If you'd like to learn more about Xclear and all the products they offer, head over to their website. 

 

Holiday Gift Guide - Colgate Optic White

We all want a whiter smile this holiday season. I know for me, years of coffee and tea have stained my teeth. I have tried some of the advanced whitening kits, but they made my teeth feel sensitive to hot and cold, and many of them just take too much time. When you have four kids, you're lucky to find time to brush at all, let a lone sit around with gel on your teeth for hours. The new Colgate Optic White system is the perfect way to get a whiter smile without any aggravation or discomfort. It works great and doesn't take any longer than your normal dental routine.

There are three products and three easy steps to your whiter smile. First, there is the Colgate  Optic White Toothbrush & Whitening Pen. Just use the pen to apply a layer of gel that adheres to your teeth. You don't have to rinse or wait. Just apply to your teeth and move on with your day. The toothbrush has special bristles that polish your teeth and remove stains for a deep-down shine

Next there is the Colgate Optic White Platinum, Whiten, and Protect Toothpaste. Just brush as normal and your teeth will be three shades whiter in only a few weeks. As an added benefit, it also seals out new stains before they start. It comes in two varieties including Cool Mint & Crystal  mint that leaves your breath fresh minty fresh and your teeth sparkling white.

Last, but certainly not least, there is the Colgate Optic White Whiteseal Mouthwash. The Icy Fresh Mint flavor freshens your breath and the advanced stain prevention technology prevents new stains from forming.

When used together, these three products are a force to be reckoned with. My teeth are looking whiter than they have since my teen years and I am thrilled with the results. If you want to give the new Optic White line a try, you can find it now in retailers nationwide. To learn more, be sure to visit the Colgate Optic White website. Give yourself the gift of confidence this holiday season, and help keep your teeth as white as the snow with Colgate Optic White!