Brighten your beauty with Optic smiles and long lashes

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Colgate-Palmolive. All opinions are mine alone. #OpticSmiles #CollectiveBias.

As much as I hate to admit it, I’m only wearing makeup two out of seven days a week. That’s a far cry from what my beauty regimen used to be.

But, I love makeup. In my twenties, I used to freelance at MAC cosmetics. I would apply makeup to fellow eyeshadow lovers and help those who wanted to learn what shades worked best.

For three years, I was on a morning TV show and was makeup ready by 7 a.m. every day. So, I definitely know my way around a cosmetic bag.

(Photo Courtesy: Bonnie Bryden/WPRI)

But, since having children, I’ve been doing less for me simply because I choose to do other things with my time. Like sleep.

I now work part-time at the TV station and begin my day there at 6 a.m.

So, instead of putting on a full face of makeup that early, I catch a couple of winks.

Those winks mean the world to me since I’m still getting up at night to nurse my 8-month old.

It won’t always be like this and I kind of don’t mind. It’s just how it is today. And tomorrow. And the day after that.

Don’t get me wrong, I am by no means leaving the house looking like a ragamuffin. I get my eyebrows sculpted every three weeks and sometimes spend $40 on mascara.

Sounds crazy, right? But, if I find a product that truly works and I see a difference, I will splurge on it because I’m not wearing much else on my face.

I also pay close attention to my smile. That’s one accessory you wear all day, every day.

While I don’t have any place special to go anytime soon, I still enjoy having white teeth.

I couldn’t even think of brightening my smile when I was pregnant because doctors advised against it. Now, that my son is 8-months-old I’m ready to focus on my chompers.

Bright eyes and a white smile can make a difference in your appearance, especially if you’re wearing minimal makeup.

Since my three little biscuits keep me busy 24/7, I needed to find something that worked fast.

I headed to my local Walmart and picked up a tube of Colgate® Optic White® Express White Toothpaste. Just by brushing, you’ll see whiter teeth in three days.* No fuss, no muss!

The reason it only takes three days* to whiten is because the toothpaste contains the professionally recommended ingredient hydrogen peroxide.

Colgate® Optic White® Express White Toothpaste actually has 2x more of that recommended whitening ingredient versus Optic White® Sparkling Mint Toothpaste.

Whether you want to take this toothpaste with you on vacation or place it on your bathroom vanity for everyday use, there are three sizes to choose from.

3 oz and 4.5 oz tubes are now available, and the 1.45 oz travel size will hit select stores on March 14th.

If you too have toned down your beauty routine but still want to look like your old self, keep these tips in mind.

• Find a great mascara and use it daily to widen those tired eyes.
• Get yourself a bright, affordable smile by brushing with Colgate® Optic White® Express White Toothpaste.
• And if you have time, put some bronzer on to get rid of the pale, winter look.

These steps will probably take a minute or two and it will really make a difference.

*For best results, use as directed for 4 weeks.

How important is it to you to have a white smile?