Spotlight on Oral-B SmartSeries 6000

A smile can get you anywhere, I was once told. So having healthy teeth and gums is of prime importance when we open our mouths. Yet, so many of us do not brush our teeth for the recommended two minutes.

You should clean them twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. The best time is last thing at night and in the morning before breakfast.

Dentists also say that you should not clean your teeth for half an hour after eating, especially if you have had something acidic or sweet as the acids and sugars from food can weaken the teeth’s enamel. If you clean your teeth straight after eating you may brush away the enamel. Drinking water will help to get rid of any acid and debris.

A hygienist once told me to get into the habit of cleaning between the teeth with interdental brushes (also good to use after eating) and flossing once a day.

Whether you use a manual or electric is down to personal preference and also your brushing technique. But electric tooth brushes can make it easier to get it right as you guide the brush and the bristles will do the work for you.

 

 

 

 

 

Years ago, I was working on a national newspaper and I was given an Oral-B tooth brush. I found that its round head was the perfect size for my mouth and made it easy to reach the back teeth. It also has an oscillating head which, according to the British Dental Foundation, is the most effective at removing plaque (a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth).

My brushing habits soon got better and I made fewer trips to the hygienist. Over time, Oral-B has improved its technology and it has recently launched the Oral-B SmartSeries 6000 with Bluetooth Connectivity and Oral-B APP (£249.99).

The toothbrush connects to the Oral-B App so you can have “real-time” guidance as you brush. Using your smartphone as a remote control, you can create personal brushing programmes. You will also find tips and tricks for brushing and on dental health.

It also records your brushing activity so you can show your hygienist what you are up to (they will know if you have been brushing for two minutes or not) so he or she can correct you if you are going wrong.

And if you are travelling, do not think you can have a holiday from cleaning your teeth properly, the interactive electric toothbrush can store brushing sessions so when you next connect to the app your information is updated.

 

 

 

There are five modes: Daily Clean, Gum Care, Sensitive, Whitening, and Deep Clean and comes with a CrossAction toothbrush head, a 3DWhite toothbrush head, a Sensitive toothbrush head and  charging station with brush head storage.

The travel case that comes with the toothbrush is useful, and wireless SmartGuide which syncs with your brush so you can monitor how long you have been brushing. It will show you how long you are spending on each quadrant of your mouth. You can customise this, if you need to pay more attention to one particular area.

I love the new CrossAction toothbrush head which surrounds each tooth with bristles angled precisely to cover it and reach deep between teeth to remove plaque.

This new model seems to have been taken to another level. The 3D cleaning system oscillates, rotates, and pulsates faster than previous ones that I have used making my mouth feel exceptionally clean. Another plus is that the pressure sensor lights up if you brush too hard which I have a tendency to do.

Is it worth the money? There must be a reason that so many dentists and hygienists recommend Oral-B. They are seeing patients’ mouths all the time so they are the ones who know. It is worth using this app if you do have problems brushing your teeth correctly. If you feel you do not need the app, you can check out other models in the range. The more powerful the brush, the better it is at removing the dreaded plaque, which is why I am a fan of this brush.

My teeth and gums are certainly in a better condition thanks to Oral-B. A healthy mouth is important because there is a direct correlation between it and your physical well-being. Gum disease has been linked to increasing the risk of stroke, diabetes and heart disease. And, according, to recent research, gum disease may also be linked to Alzheimer’s.

This brush could save you time and money on visits to the dentist and keep your mouth healthy and that has to be worth the investment.

By Daralyn Danns

 

 

 

 

 

Spotlight on Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara, £19

 

 

For natural-looking soft, fluttery eyelashes, this mascara is hard to beat. It gives you long, well-separated lashes without any clumps. Another plus is that you can remove it with warm water. Eye make-up remover is one less item I will have to worry about when travelling. Comes in Black Onyx and Dark Chocolate.

By Daralyn Danns

Spotlight on System Professional with Energycode Complex

System Professional is the haircare brand that always seems to have its finger on the pulse. Well, it does come under the Wella umbrella so you would expect the products to be cutting edge and perform to a high standard.

Having been under the weather with one of the many viruses doing the rounds, my hair was in much need of a boost. So, I wanted to try out the new System Professional with Energycode Complex. 

What appealed to me about this treatment is that it has been geared to your hair type. The scientists at System Professional, in collaboration with leading stylists, have discovered the Holy Grail to creating great hair. They found that all of us has, in their words, “our own hair energy profile” which they conclude is as unique as our fingerprint.

My hair after treatment

According to Dr Ramon Grimalt, independent hair biologist and professor of dermatology at the University of Barcelona, managing the right levels and condition of both keratin and lipids in an individual’s hair is the key to influencing its structure which ultimately will determine whether hair is smooth or frizzy, shiny or dull, limp or full of bounce.

Apparently, hair with the right energy levels is well-behaved and does exactly what it is told. It holds a style and has that mirror shine which we all lust after. Glossy hair can instantly make you look younger. 

Can my limp and lifeless locks be transformed that easily? Paris, my stylist, at HOB Salons, Baker Street, started by asking me about the state of my hair, what I liked and did not like about it. This was all part of System Professional’s new Energycode Mapping hair and scalp analysis to diagnose my unique hair energy profile. Using an in-salon app, she asked a series of questions regarding my crowning glory.

When Paris created a hair energy profile for me, she gave me my personalised regimen of goodies which was packed full of Energycode Complex. Like me, you are probably wondering what exactly this is wondering what exactly this is.

Here is what you need to know. Galvanised by the world of luxury skincare, this potent elixir is a melange of five naturally occurring ingredients help to revitalise the hair. It comprises scalp active ingredients to improve blood circulation (caffeine), moisturiser for the scalp (vitamin B3 Amide) and active ingredients (two natural lipids) to revive and hold hair keratin together as well as histidine, an amino acid, said to recharge every strand and help fight free radicals.

With over 174 million care systems to choose from, this was my personal prescription.

Hydrate Shampoo (H1)

Smoothen Conditioner (S2)

Luxe Oil Reconstructive Elixir (L4)

Smoothen Curl Definer

Treatment: Hydrate Mask plus Smoothen Mask

My hair was washed, a treatment applied and a touch of Smoothen Curl Definer applied before blow-drying.

There was certainly a difference in my hair, thanks to the treatment. It was incredibly sleek and smooth with just the right amount of body and the shine was almost mirror like.

I am now using the products at home and have been really pleased with the results. When your hair looks good you feel good. 

By Daralyn Danns

The new System Professional treatment and at-home product range with Energycode Complex as well as the Energycode Mapping hair and scalp diagnosis is available at HOB Salons and selected partner salons. Prices start from £21.25. For further information visit www.systemprofessional.com   

 

 

Spotlight on Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation by Chanel

For a barely-there finish, the new Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation SPF 25 / PA++ (£36), with state-of-the-art optical techniques, is superb. It makes the skin look healthy, as if you have come back from a country walk. 

Easy to apply with your fingertips, it evens out skin tone as well as protecting the skin. Enriched with a hyaluronic acid derivative, it leaves your complexion feeling hydrated yet it has the staying power to last all day, thanks to a polymer that combats sweat and sebum. Another plus is that the bottle is easy to carry around with you which makes it ideal for travelling.

Comes in a variety of shades (N°10, N°20, N°30, N°40, N°50, N°60, N°70 and N°12 Rosé, N°22 Rosé) so you should find one that matches your skin tone. If you are in between shades, you could always try mixing two together. You can also customise it to suit your needs. Apply it lightly on days you do not need too much coverage and more intensely on the days when you need a little extra help. 

If you normally shy away from wearing foundation but feel you need a bit more coverage than a BB cream then you should get yourself down to the Chanel counter and try it for yourself.

By Daralyn Danns