I joined this unknown online community a couple months ago, and only recently started receiving products to review and share. Called Influenster, it’s a place for “culture junkies to come together and share their unique opinions of products and experiences.” Active members get exclusive access to deals, promotions, and products from brand. And since I’m already a person of influence online and off, I wanted to share this community and its brands with you (if you want an invite, leave me a comment!).

My first Box included a product that I already use on a semi-regular basis: Crest 3D White Strips.

And I can openly admit here that my teeth whitening regimen has recently gone the way of non-existence… because if you’re not whitening you’re yellowing! I even had a package of the 5-minutes-a-day white strips UNOPENED in my bathroom’s beauty closet. As a 30-something — and lover of daily coffee and happy hours filled with red wine, which I have no plans to give up either — I experience tooth discoloration. And by all means, I don’t want to appear OLDER. So, I was happy to get back into the habit of daily whitening with this product.

Well, I lasted about three days before I had SIGNIFICANT teeth sensitivity (it usually ceases in a day or two); however, I was already seeing results. After THREE DAYS. Regardless, I lessened the treatments to twice a week because the sensitivity proved to be too much. Hey, I have a few extra days worth in the treatment calendar now!

From Crest: “sensitivity from tooth whitening is common and varies from person to person, and can be expected when using peroxide-based tooth whiteners like Crest® Whitestrips. We wanted to make sure you were aware that tooth sensitivity is a temporary side effect of any whitening treatment, does not cause any permanent damage to your teeth, and should go away soon, if it hasn’t already. If you notice continued tooth whitening sensitivity, consult with your dental professional.”

Based on the Whitestrips I’ve used in the past, I love the upgrade to the Advanced Seal — these strips stick to your teeth very well. And while I didn’t take before pictures, trust me, this is a product that works.

Disclosure: I received a free product from Influenster, for personal use, under no bias for compensation or review. Thoughts and opinions contained within are my own and only from personal experience. See my disclosure page for more information.