Let me first start by stating that I am NOT a product junkie. Don’t get me wrong, I love great beauty products (I have definitely been known to drop $200 at Sephora, no problem), but these days, every penny counts. When it comes to buying make-up, body care products, or even something like toothpaste… I’m squeezing it’s little tubey neck for every last drop!
For the past month and a half, I’ve been doing some testing on a couple of different toothpastes, and let me tell you….it has really sparked a toothpaste enthusiast inside of me that I never even knew existed! Along my paste testing journey, I’ve also been using the toothbrush from Acca Kappa’s BIOCETA line: made from a biodegradable material derived from cotton, and boar hair for the bristles. Love it!
First up is Couto toothpaste: Efficacy: A+ Taste: B+ Design: A+ Price: $8.00
Originally created in 1932 by a Portuguese pharmacist who was looking to treat the overwhelming amount of gingivitis cases around him, this great toothpaste hasn’t changed much since it’s earlier days. It’s vegan, made without creepy ingredients, and tastes…… like licorice. While I did enjoy how clean my mouth felt while using this toothpaste, I am not a huge fan of fennel flavoring. This would be my only criticism, but that’s just my personal taste!
Next up is Marvis toothpaste: Efficacy: A+ Taste: A+ Design A+ Price: $10.50
Imported from Florence, Italy, this little gem has somehow gotten me wrapped around it’s….uh, tube? Not only is it amazing to use and covers all the dental hygiene, tooth and gum care elements, but it comes in awesome flavors. Ginger mint? Are you kidding me?? Not to mention, it’s beautifully packaged and looks amazing on my sink. I’ve even kept the box….
For $10.50, you might think that’s over the top for toothpaste. Even for a non-junkie like myself, I may have to agree with you a smidge. But really, isn’t it worth it to have a super effective toothpaste that makes your mouth feel like it’s relaxing in a day spa in Florence, Italy for a few minutes, twice a day? My mouth says ‘yes please!’.
So – I just got back from vacation in Italy with my husband and no matter how much time I spend time there I still learn something about La Dolce Vita. On this trip I learned the following:
- The reason for Hawaiian Tropics enduring success can be totally attributed to the Italians. August is beach time and they do not believe in SPF. Oil all the way, Baby.
- Only Italian men are capable of hugging and kissing each other while wearing very small, brightly colored Speedos and still exude extreme amounts of testorone.
- Man purses are making a comeback.
- As are thongs.
- Waxing amongst Italian men is not as popular as it is in America. Funny considering how tight their shirts are.
- White wine with slices of peaches in it is a perfect summer drink. I think we should make it the official drink of Georgia.
- The key to being able to consume large amounts of pasta and wine and still look good in a bikini is to walk. Everywhere. All the time. Take the stairs -and drink copious amounts of water. Oh yeah, and apparently smoking helps as well….
- You do not have to stop wearing a bikini once you are over 45. Sagginess be damned – if you want to wear a bikini at 65 more power to you!
- Family is really the most important thing.
