Secrets to a Brighter Smile

The Violet Files consults a top cosmetic dentist and celebrity makeup artist on the best shortcuts to flashing those pearly whites.

Written By JAYME CYK

All red carpet regulars know that an irresistible white smile is just as essential as the designer dress you knew was perfect from the moment you slipped it on. And while your dentist should be your guiding light for a brighter expression, you can do a lot of at-home maintenance as well. “Take care of your smile as you would your skin,” advises Dr. Michael Apa, cosmetic dentist and creator of Apa Beauty. “I created my line to stop people from talking about dental products as dental products and instead as another element of beauty.”

Here, Dr. Apa and Jamie Greenberg (makeup artist to Rashida Jones of the idyllically perfect teeth) share their tips for finding your more brilliant smile.

MOUTH MANAGEMENT

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THE SETUP FOR SUCCESS
Lips are the gateway to the teeth, so it is essential to keep your pout smooth to set up your smile for success. Apa’s gentle lip scrubis infused with jojoba oil, shea butter, orange peel, and sugar and sweet almond seed to exfoliate. Use twice a week before applying your favorite red lipstick.

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THE CONTRAST RATIO
The juxtaposition of a bold lip color against the white of your teeth will give the illusion of an even brighter grin. And while the old adage of wearing a blue-toned red lip is still relevant when enhancing your pearly whites, the finish is just as important. “A creamier texture works better for making the smile brighter,” explains Greenberg. She suggests a berry hue to really make your expression pop, and notes that slightly overlining the lip is never a bad thing.

GIORGIO ARMANI ROUGE ECSTASY LIPSTICK 400 FOUR HUNDRED
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THE WHITENING SOLUTION
The key to immaculate white teeth lies in this at-home bleaching system. For five consecutive days, paint each tooth with the bleach pen and layer on the no-slip whitening film, pressing it on for a snug fit. After 90 minutes, remove the film to reveal a brighter smile.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Sensitivity to the bleach should not be an issue, even for those who fear whitening treatments. Dr. Apa’s unique and carefully measured combination of peppermint oil and potassium nitrate shields the sensory nerves to help reduce pain.

APA BEAUTY APA WHITE DUO
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MOUTH MAINTENANCE
Protect your mouth’s crown jewels between and after whitening treatments with this wash, which promotes healthy oral hygiene with a combination of essential oils, CoQ-10, and echinacea.
Whether you need to refresh throughout the day or require rinsing as a part of your nightly ritual, swish this gentle formula for 20 seconds to revive breath and keep teeth clean.

OLAS MARINE BIO-ACTIVE MOUTHRINSE
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THE BRONZE BRIGHTENER
When your complexion appears healthy, so does your grin. “Bronzer will help brighten your smile,” says Greenberg. “A dewy, healthy glow makes everything lighter pop.” Your best bet is a formula with a creamy consistency. She suggests dabbing the face with a velvety bronzer where the sun naturally hits.

CHANEL SOLEIL TAN DE CHANEL BRONZING MAKEUP BASE
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Learn the Secrets to a Brighter Smile & more at VIOLETGREY.com