As cheesy as it sounds, one of the things I’ve missed the most this past year is seeing people’s smiles. Of course I’ve longed for more smiles from loved ones, but I’ve missed seeing strangers smile too. An acknowledging smile when you meet someone’s eye or a stranger smiling at my toddler wearing a tutu and goggles at the grocery store are always instant mood boosters!

Important as they are for preventing the spread of sickness, masks don’t leave much room for facial expressiveness.  I recently heard Liz Craft of Happier Podcast explain that her ‘word of the year’ for 2021 is ‘butterfly,’ meaning she wants to emerge from the pandemic transformed, beautified, and renewed in a positive way. Like Liz, I’d love to emerge from the pandemic as a better version of myself with a glowing smile to boot!

Week 12 of Weekly Wellness: Wellness Boosts for Morning, Noon and Night

For this week’s #WeeklyWellness2021 Challenge, I tackled an at-home teeth whitening experience with Luster Premium White’s Pearl Infused Pro Light Dental Whitening System. I’ve whitened my teeth in the past with some success and major sensitivity. Teeth whitening has been on a temporary hold as I have two small children—and pregnancy and nursing are typically contraindications I’ve run into.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn I was in the clear for Luster’s Pro Light Dental Whitening System, which includes four products: Pearl Infused Whitening Rinse, Whitening Serum, Dual-Energy Pro Light (batteries included), and Pearl Infused Whitening Mint Toothpaste.

Innovative Oral Care Products fore a Healthy and Beautiful Smile

2 Minutes to White Teeth

What’s great about Luster’s Whitening System is you can whiten on your own schedule, several times a day for fast results or daily for gradual results. It was developed by dentists for professional results with some pretty impressive clinical studies. Luster recommends 15 treatments for noticeable results, is safe on the enamel, and doesn’t leave you with any tooth or gum sensitivity.

For just over a week I’ve whitened once daily for a three-step oral nightly ritual. The first step is Pearl Infused Whitening Rinse, used like a mouth wash followed by Whitening Serum. After the serum has dried, a push of the button activates the light, which you hold over exposed teeth. After two minutes the light will beep and automatically shut off for a quick, painless, and affordably at-home option. Food and drink should be avoided for at least 10 minutes afterwards.

Week 11 of Weekly Wellness: Oligomer Does the Body Good

The brand patented the Xenon whitening light, which uses both light and heat, accelerating the process and activating the peroxide applied in the previous products to work its magic. In addition to the two-minute daily whitening experience, I’ve incorporated Pearl Infused Whitening Toothpaste, designed to remove surface stains and deep clean teeth with fluoride. I loved the minty flavor and can’t wait to try their new Activated White Charcoal Toothpaste next!

Something to Smile About

The quick, two-minute ritual of whitening with Luster was both calming and effective. My teeth felt cared for and fresh after every session. I noticed a brighter smile the very next day and have continued to see an increase with each passing day. Luster recommends 15 treatments for noticeable results which I plan on doing.

With spring in the air, vaccines being widely distributed, and wellness practiced every week, there’s a lot to smile about!

Price: $33.99

Available: Amazon.com

I’d love to hear how you practiced self-care this week! What’ your favorite teeth whitener? Tag me on instagram @SLCBeautyBabe or @SpaandBeautyToday with tips and suggestions for next week.

[Images courtesy of Alisha Racker]

Alisha Racker’s beauty career has spanned over a decade as she's worked as a master esthetician, skin care PR-pro and freelance writer. She lives in the beautiful mountains of Salt Lake City with her husband and daughter. Follow her on Instagram: @alisharacker