It’s that time of year again where we celebrate LOVE! Whether you have a special someone or not, Valentine’s Day is celebrated all around the world and every year, there’s always a new activity to show how big your heart is. How perfect that Valentine’s Day this year landed on a Friday!

Here we look at 10 things you can do with your partner/special someone if you’d like to elevate your Valentine’s Day just a bit more:

1. Go on a cruise

Sailing around Sydney Harbour or possibly spending the night on a private yacht on the most romantic night of the year - yes please! Even if you don’t own a boat, you can hire one to help make your night special. A cruise out on the harbour is romantic enough as it is, so all you have to do to make it more memorable is add really good food to the mix. A private dinner for 2 or you can stop at any city wharf and make your way to the vast variety of restaurants Sydney city has to offer.

2. Bridge climb

If you’d like to do something a bit more adventurous, try the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb (just be sure your partner isn’t afraid of heights!). Experience amazing views of Sydney Harbour and learn about the iconic structure during the 440-foot summit.

3. Shark Diving

Daredevils come on out! Do something completely different and give shark diving at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium a go. The experience includes a theory class about the most misunderstood creatures of the sea as well as a scuba skill session to prep you before going in the water. You’ll be able to have various encounters with the sharks present at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium.

4. Cooking Class

Something a little more hands-on and a chance to learn/improve your skills. Choose something from a specific cuisine or maybe something a little more indulgent like chocolate. Either way, the experience should be fun for whoever you do it with, plus how can you say no when food’s involved?

5. Hot Air Balloon Ride

There are numerous deals including a hot air balloon ride that you can choose from on Adrenaline (some even include breakfast!). Make that sunrise a tad more romantic by taking to the skies and viewing everything from the comfort and safety of the many hot air balloon ride experiences Sydney has to offer.

6. Helicopter flight

Another exciting sky activity for you to try. Book a private helicopter ride for two and experience breathtaking views of Sydney. You can also view several deals for this on Adrenaline.

7. Drive-in Movie

Take it back to the 1950s and bring your date to a drive-in movie. They have become increasingly popular over the past couple of years and have also become an activity that you can do even with just friends or family. Just make sure it’s a movie you’ll both enjoy!

8. Stargazing

The Sydney Observatory is hosting a romantic night tour on Valentine’s Day, so if stargazing is your thing (or even if it isn’t) be sure to check this out. You’ll be able to visit the domes to look through the telescopes and learn about the basics of astronomy. Romantic and educational, what more could you ask for?

9. Couple’s Massage

Treat yourself and your special someone to a relaxing couple’s massage session. With life being so fast-paced, sometimes we just need to slow it down. And sometimes, to show someone you love them, the simplest gestures say everything. A relaxing massage could be exactly what your partner needs, they just haven’t had the time to plan it for themselves, so do it for them!

10. Weekend away

A classic romantic gesture that will never get old. Plan a weekend away with your partner and just enjoy being in each other’s company. A little break from life could be exactly what you need to keep the romance going.

There you have it, 10 different things you can do to elevate your Valentine’s Day this year. We’d love to hear what your plans are this Valentine’s Day, so pop in and get your teeth whitened while you’re at it! Be sure to also ask about our special Valentine’s Day deal we’re running (hint: it involves a FREE Premium Session!) or check out our website for more details.

We’re located on Macquarie St (inside Fitness First) walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, open 6 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

Photo by Simon Clayton from Pexels

So, as the weather is showing us, it seems like it’s going to stay warm for quite a while. Yes, the days are scorching and bothersome, and make us want to stay indoors where the air-conditioning is (your electricity bill says hi), but instead of complaining, why don’t we make the most of it? Get yourself up, out of your house and visit one of the many pools that Sydney has to offer.

1. Prince Alfred Park Public Pool

Prince Alfred Park public pool is next to Central station and has a 50m lap pool. The pool was part of the transformation of Prince Alfred Park and opened in 2013. It has many facilities including a splash deck, kiosks, energy efficient lighting and is surrounded by bleachers and umbrellas. It is so family-friendly that you and the family can enjoy it even on our summer’s hottest days.

2. Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool

Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool is of course named after the Olympic champion himself and is one of the most modern pools Sydney has to offer. It is only a stroll from the city to Domain and the Royal Botanic Gardens. It was refurbished in 2012 and now includes a heated outdoor pool allowing you to enjoy the pool even on cooler days.

3. Bondi Icebergs

Famous Bondi Icebergs is one of Sydney’s most picturesque pools. Right next to Bondi beach and underneath the Bondi Icebergs bistro where you can grab a bite to eat before or after your time at the pool.

4. North Sydney Olympic Pool

North Sydney Olympic Pool is located between Luna Park and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Not only does it have an outdoor pool, but it also includes an indoor 25m pool and gym, perfect if you’d like to squeeze in a workout before relaxing in the pool. And if you read our previous blog post, you’ll know that Luna Park is offering an awesome unlimited summer pass that gives you access to all the rides and free entry to the pool! Be sure to check that out this summer.

Read our best School Holiday activities.

5. Maccallum Pool

Maccallum Pool has become an icon of the lower North Shore and is one of Sydney’s best kept secrets. Maccallum pool is hidden amid historic mansions and the rolling green lawns of Cremorne Point. The pool itself has been around since the 1920s! How incredible to enjoy a day at a pool filled with so much history.

There are only 5 pools mentioned here, but we can assure you that Sydney has so many more amazing pools to offer (we just couldn’t fit them all!). Feel free to check these out or let us know of any pools you’ve been to and enjoyed. We’re located on Macquarie St (inside Fitness First) walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, open 6 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

School holidays have either just started or are just around the corner. Either way, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to keep the kids occupied this summer. Because we’re a family here at Smile Labs Parramatta, and we understand that you don’t just want the kids watching tv the whole time, we’ll give you a few ideas that even you too would enjoy these holidays.

Art Gallery NSW

If you and the family love arts and crafts, be sure to head to the Art Gallery NSW these school holidays! The Art Gallery NSW is holding a workshop for children with specific needs where they can learn about and create crafts related to Japanese Folklore (January 22, 2020). They are also hosting a workshop to celebrate the Lunar New Year, which will be the Year of the Rat. (January 26 + February 2, 2020).

Luna Park Sydney

Luna Park Sydney is a well-known amusement park, but with a new ride this summer! To welcome the summer holidays, Luna Park has introduced a water-based ride called the Pirate’s Revenge! Purchase an unlimited pass and cool off this summer at Luna Park Sydney. The unlimited pass includes access to all the rides, including the new Pirate’s revenge, and when you’re done with the rides, you can continue the fun with free entry to North Sydney Pool!

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

The awesome attraction for this year’s school holidays at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is ‘Sharks of the Reef’! (Until January 31, 2020) Bring the kids to learn about the most misunderstood creatures of the sea. Explore the Shark Valley Tunnels and learn all sorts of fun facts about sharks! Rest assured, they’ll be more excited than terrified once they’ve got all the fun facts.

Sydney Opera House

If your kids are the musical type and love interactive shows, then the Sydney Opera House has live shows for all ages! Watch as some of your favourite storybooks come to life on stage! Some titles include Spot the dog, The Snail and the Whale, and The Midnight Gang (shows from mid-December 2019 – mid-January 2020). Have your kids also join the Junior Adventure Tour (January 6 – 26, 2020). There they can play interactive games and learn all about the inner workings of the Opera House!

Taronga Zoo

Another family favourite is, of course, Taronga Zoo! Taronga Zoo is offering tons of activities for the family these school holidays. Watch animations, live shows or short films at the Taronga Centenary Centre. For the daredevils, try out the Wild Ropes. Go on suspension bridges, climbing walls and flying foxes! Don’t worry because there are courses for all ages, including the little ones. Then during the month of January, sign your kids (ages 5-10) up for the Zoo Adventure Program. This is an educational (but not boring) holiday program offered by Taronga Zoo where the kids can learn about various animals and the environments they live in. The program also includes animal encounters, animal shows, use of the playground and awesome missions!

The Big Bounce Australia

These school holidays, Australia welcomes the biggest inflatable fun park ever created! The Big Bounce Australia boasts the world’s largest jumping castle, as well as slides, ball pits, mazes and climbing walls! Everything is inflatable, so all ages are welcome! Bring the whole family and have a fun day out with this cool experience that everyone is sure to love (Arriving in Sydney on January 24 until February 9, 2020).

The Grounds of Alexandria

To celebrate the release of Frozen 2, The Grounds of Alexandria have transformed into a Frozen 2-inspired wonderland (Installation until January 29, 2020). Visit spots like the Enchanted Forest or Crystal Lane, and sample some of their delectable Frozen 2-inspired treats! And because Christmas is landing very soon, why not get your Santa photos taken at the Grounds? (Bookings essential) When you’re done, you can check out Snow Lane and experience a white Christmas in Australia! Other activities offered for both young and old include a candle and watercolour cards workshop. Be sure to also check out the Grounds on the weekend before Christmas (December 20 +21) and join in the Christmas Nights celebrations which include live entertainment, dancing and food installations. You’ll find that there’s something for everyone!

How fun is this list? We hope we’ve given you some ideas of what to do with the family these school holidays. It seems like it’s going to be a scorching summer, so wherever you, please don’t forget to stay sun-protected and hydrated! We’d definitely love to hear if you were able to check any of these places out, so pop in and tell us how your experience was. We’ll even whiten your teeth beforehand! We’re located on Macquarie St (inside Fitness First) walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, open 6 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

This recent wave of hot weather has us thinking that we’re in for a scorching summer. Sounds dreadful and uncomfortable, but we always like to make the best of any situation, so you should too. Summer means summer holidays, so what better to do than have some fun (protected with sunscreen of course) in the sun! Here we list the top 10 beaches you should check out with friends and family. By the end of this post, you’ll find that there’s a beach for just about everyone.

Bondi Beach Of course, Bondi is on the list, it is one of the most popular tourist spots when it comes to beaches in Sydney. Despite it being one of the busier beaches, you can’t deny that it is picturesque and a fun spot for folks young and old. Close by is the famous Bondi Icebergs where you’re welcome at the bar and bistro, not to mention the breathtaking view of the beach from the balcony. The public is also welcome to use the 50m pool if you want to get away from the waves for a little while.

Manly Beach Another famous tourist spot is Manly Beach. Get to Manly by ferry and have a fun day with plenty of activities to do. Experience picnics, tours, surfing, cycling and walking.

Bronte Beach Bronte is just over a kilometre’s walk south of Bondi. It is quieter compared to Bondi, perfect if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of tourists. The rocks surrounding the beach create a sheltered natural pool which is perfect for the little ones (and big ones!).

Shelly Beach Shelly Beach is located in Manly and has become very popular with scuba divers and snorkelers due to the exotic marine life which can be seen even in shallow water. There are also facilities nearby for barbeques and picnics as well as a bush track if you feel like exploring.

Balmoral Beach For those going as a family, this is the beach for you. Balmoral Beach has calm waters, perfect picnic spots and a lovely swimming enclosure. There are also plenty of activities to do such as snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing. Balmoral Beach also offers walking trails if you’re not a water lover.

Palm Beach Palm Beach is reasonably quiet compared to Bondi and Manly, but there are still a variety of things for you to do there. One particular iconic spot is Barrenjoey Lighthouse, which you can visit just up the hill from the beach. You can also go on their walking trails or tours, there’s a tour in particular which allows you to visit the sights from long-running tv show Home and Away.

Coogee Beach Another family-friendly beach in Coogee. Better suited for swimming rather than surfing, thanks to its calm waters. It’s also where you can begin the coastal walk to Bondi Beach, and experience stunning coastal views along the way.

Read ‘Top 10 Hikes in Sydney’ to get an idea of what trails you can do if the beach isn’t your thing.

Tamarama Beach Tamarama Beach sits between Bondi and Coogee. It is a little more secluded but still worth checking out, nonetheless. Tamarama Beach is also referred to as ‘Glamarama’ because its where beautiful people hang out (we’ll see you guys there!).

Freshwater Beach Freshwater Beach, commonly known as the beach where surfing originated thanks to Hawaiian surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku giving a demonstration in 1915. Freshwater offers various facilities to have the perfect family day out, and great conditions if you enjoy surfing.

Byron Bay – Main Beach Main Beach Byron Bay is the closest beach to the town Byron Bay. It boasts a lot of amenities that include a playground, barbeque area, large grassy area, picnic tables and parking. It’s also a good spot for beginner surfers as the waves are smaller. Main Beach Byron Bay is also home to one of the oldest life-saving clubs in Australia, The Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club.

There you have it, our top 10 beaches you should check out this summer! We’d love to hear what beaches you’ve been to and which ones are your favourites, or if you’re not a beach person, what you have planned for these summer holidays. Pop in, and maybe get your teeth whitened while you’re at it! We’re located on Macquarie St (inside Fitness First) walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, open 6 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

Photo by Alex King on Unsplash

Teeth whitening is becoming more and more popular these days, and people have become more conscious when it comes to the appearance of their teeth. A lot of people have come to realise that teeth whitening actually does make a big difference and is worth it, if you go to the right place.

There are obviously still a lot of doubts about it, which is perfectly fine. Here we will look at what you can do to prepare yourself before getting your teeth whitened, so you feel comfortable and secure about the service you are getting done.

Ask yourself ‘why’

Why are you getting your teeth whitened? This is also a question we like to ask our clients, so that we may help provide them with the session that caters to their needs. Knowing ‘why’ can help you decide if you’d like to do a longer session (in which the results are most visible) or a shorter session (to have a more natural look). Some examples from past clients are weddings, birthdays, improve appearance, remove stains. These are the most common reasons why our clients want to get their teeth whitened.

Know the cause

It is most helpful to us and to you, if you know what the main cause of the stains on your teeth are. Coffee, smoking, red wine and dark juices are just some of the causes we’ve had so far from past clients. During the consultation before the treatment, we determine your main eating and drinking habits, so we can properly assess the best session for you. Unfortunately, some stains cannot be removed with teeth whitening and may require dental work. If you are unsure what causes the stains on your teeth, we recommend paying a visit to your dentist first, to ensure that our service is right for you.

Manage your expectations

We like to be very realistic when it comes to the expectations of our teeth whitening service so that our clients aren’t disappointed with us. Our longest session is our Premium (1 hour) Session. That session gets your teeth at least 8 shades whiter, which is a very visible difference. However, that doesn’t mean that your teeth will automatically be ‘Hollywood’ white. We use a shade guide to show you what shade your teeth start at and where they could end up. If your teeth are already quite white, you do have the potential to get ‘Hollywood’ white. But if they are quite stained and are more yellow in colour, they will still get 8 shades whiter, but probably won’t be ‘Hollywood’ white. So, depending on what shade your teeth start at, you may need only one session or you may need two or three.

Be aware of any issues

Please let us know if there are any issues regarding your teeth. We will also ask you this but mention it anyway. We can’t exactly tailor the treatment as it is a straightforward process, however we can pay extra attention to certain things to make sure you’re comfortable and get the results you want. Some people have sensitive teeth, so we check between intervals to make sure they are still okay. We’ve had clients who have both veneers and their natural teeth, so sometimes we focus more on the natural teeth/veneers, depending on which the client prefers. Knowing these details helps us help you get the results you want.

Eat something

If you’re getting your teeth whitened, we recommend that you have a light snack/meal before coming in as we ask you to refrain from eating for 1 hour after the treatment. We also recommend that for the first 24 hours after the treatment, you avoid any food or drink that could stain your teeth.

Read ‘What to Avoid Consuming After Teeth Whitening’

We hope that this has helped you prepare for getting your teeth whitened. We know it can be overwhelming trying a new service and researching to make sure your needs and expectations are met, which is why we provide free consultations to first-time clients. We’re happy to answer any questions regarding our process, and would love if we can be a part of your journey to achieving the smile you want. So, give us a call, message or just pop in! We’re located on Macquarie St (inside Fitness First) walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, open 6 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

Teeth whitening is growing in popularity.

Especially in the warmer months, where people start to venture outside of their home again!

There are a range of reasons why people choose to whiten their teeth, but what you may not know are the positive impacts that come with it.

Confidence building

A smile is one of the first things that are noticed when you first meet someone, and as part of body language, can make all the difference in how you portray your character.

A teeth whitening session helps reduce any insecurities with yellowing teeth, and gives the confident boost to show of that dashing smile.

It is common for our clients to book a session prior to a job interview, to give themselves more self-confidence, helping convey a positive image and positive portrayal of character.

Easy to maintain

After a one-hour session, your teeth will become at least eight shades whiter, with results lasting between three to four months.

For the first 24 hours, we recommend you avoid foods and drinks that could minimise the results of your session, particularly those dark in colour. Think of what you’d avoid when wearing a white shirt!

Makes you more attractive

This one is up for debate, as who says you’re not already attractive ;)

For more information on teeth whitening and the session types offered, book a free consultation here and we will guide you through the process and answer any queries or concerns you may want to address ahead of your session

Here’s the big misconception.

Teeth Whitening = Sensitive Teeth

While a small percentage of clients may experience slight teeth sensitivity after a treatment, it generally only lasts between 24 to 48 hours and is a temporary effect.

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The main ingredient in most teeth whitening products is hydrogen peroxide.

In Australia, we have specific rules that ensure all practices look after their clients and their teeth with a limit of 6% hydrogen peroxide. Dental practitioners are the only ones who may use more than that.

The higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the higher chance of experiencing sensitivity

The difference in in-chair sessions, such as that with Smile Labs Parramatta compared to take-home kits is that we are careful to ensure that the gel only touches your teeth and not your gums as it can cause burns if not applied properly.

While you may see products that offer “peroxide-free” treatments, you should clarify what they actually contain. While they may state it is peroxide-free, the product may release hydrogen peroxide when activated, which have a minimal whitening effect.

Once you’ve had your teeth whitened, you aren’t required to regularly attend as often for a session, as the results can last around 3 to 4 months with the results fading gradually over time.

While our premium session is guaranteed to give you at least eight shades whiter teeth, one limitation is that veneers, crowns, fillings and any dental restorations won’t be able to go whiter than their initial colour.

If you want to find out more about teeth whitening and our treatments offered, book a free consultation here and we will run you through everything you want to know ahead of any treatments.

Stuck with sensitive teeth? Disappointed that you can’t enjoy the pleasures of ice-cream?

If you have a whitening session coming up or you simply want to kick that sensitivity to the curb, we have some great tips that will help:

1. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth

There are various brands on the market that have a range of toothpastes targeted for sensitive teeth, that contain compounds which protect nerve endings from irritants. If you want to alleviate some sensitivity, we recommend brands such as Colgate or Sensoydone that seem to do the trick!

2. Soft-bristled toothbrush

Soft bristled toothbrushes are advised for those with sensitivity, as the medium to hard bristles can damage the gums, root surface and protective enamel and therefore aggravating the gums and teeth.

3. Fluoride or low-acid Mouthwash

Kick the bacteria out with a minty fresh mouthwash that has either fluoride or is low-acid to help protect teeth against decay. Decayed teeth can lead to further sensitivity!

4. Saltwater rinse

Whether you have a tickle in your throat, inflammation or a sensitive smile, this quick and easy intervention will be your best friend. It’s a great antiseptic and will help you out by reducing inflammation.

Gargle twice a day for up to 30 seconds with it to alleviate pain symptoms.

5. Honey

Believe it or not, honey is used for wound management because of it’s antibacterial properties. It can reduce inflammation, pain, swelling and even promote rapid recovery.

Simply rinse your mouth with warm water and a spoon of honey.

If you are preparing for a teeth whitening session, we would recommend you try any of the practices above a week prior to your treatment and to continue it for a few days post whitening session.

For more information on teeth whitening and teeth whitening session types offered, book a free consultation here and we will guide you through the process and answer any queries or concerns you may want to address ahead of your session.

Continuing from our previous blog post, here we give you 8 easy workouts that you can do from the comfort of your living room. These workouts are so easy, that you can fit them in anytime, even if you’re so ridiculously busy!

Push Ups Everyone knows what push ups are, but not everyone can do them. You should still try though. Even if you can only do 2 push ups a day, continue to do 2 push ups a day. Push ups build our upper body strength as they work the triceps and shoulders. They can also strengthen our lower back and core (strengthening the core can help prevent future back pain). As you get stronger and can do more push ups, try aim for doing 20 a day.

Lunges Lunges are a simple workout you can do around the house. You might look a little funny, but at least you’re helping yourself. Lunges are the best workout for our quads. They also help with our core – making it stronger and more stable, and our balance. Aim for 2 sets of 10 lunges on each leg.

Planking Planking is probably the best workout for overall bodyweight toning. Planking helps increase our flexibility as it mainly stretches the lower half of our body. It also builds strength and stability in our core. Sidenote: You’re probably wondering why already 3 of these workouts are related to benefitting our core. That’s because we constantly engage our core everyday – lifting, turning, reaching, bending etc. Therefore, our core is one of the most important areas of our body that we need to work on, hence these core strengthening workouts. Aim to hold your plank for 1 minute.

Squats Squats are known for mainly helping build our leg muscles – calves, hamstrings and quadriceps. However, they can benefit our whole body as they create an anabolic environment (muscle building), meaning they promote body-wide muscle building. Aim for 20 squats a day.

Bicycles For those who don’t know what bicycles are, here’s a simple explanation. Lie on your back with your feet in the air and have your knees bent. Place your hands behind your head. Pump your legs in a bicycle motion, vigorously. This workout is good, especially for weight loss. It also helps with muscle building as various muscles are involved. You will find after a couple of weeks of doing this workout, that you have gained toned and strengthened abdominal muscles. Aim to do this workout for 1 minute.

Dips To do your dip workout at home, sit on a sturdy chair with your hands holding the edge of the seat. Push your butt forward until you’re suspended in front of the chair and your weight is supported by your arms. Bend your elbows and drop your hips towards the floor, then straighten your arms again. Dips work our chest, front shoulders and triceps as well as strengthening our core. They also activate a lot of our stabilising muscles. Aim to do 20.

Jumping Jacks Hands up if you did jumping jacks as kids! Now, who would’ve thought that jumping jacks would become such a beneficial workout? Jumping Jacks are great for getting your heart rate up, but they also get you to move your body out of its normal plane of motion, in turn improving your stamina and overall endurance. Jumping Jacks also increase the amount of blood and oxygen that reaches your muscles. Just make sure you do them properly and that your hands go over your head each time. Aim to do 20.

Sit Ups Last but not least, a classic. Sit ups help strengthen our core and more specifically, aids our lower back, which as mentioned before, can reduce the risk of back pain. Aim to do 20.

There you have it, 8 easy workouts that you can do from the comfort of your living room. These workouts are simple enough that you can do them when it suits you but helpful enough to get your body in better shape. Even if your goal isn’t necessarily to lose weight, these workouts will still help with strengthening and stability, allowing you to move around better, as well as giving you more energy.

We’d love to hear what type of workouts you do, so pop in and say hi! We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta (inside Fitness First), open 6 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

Winter has ended and spring has sprung! Before we know it, it’s summer. Anyone else way behind on their summer bod?

Staying fit, or trying to start can sometimes be difficult, especially if you’re not motivated or you just have no idea what you’re doing! There are so many different workouts and food rules, that it’s just so hard to keep up.

Here we’ll give you 5 easy tips that you can follow and do in your own time if going to the gym isn’t your thing or you don’t have much time in your day:

Drink Water

This is self-explanatory and something you should be doing daily anyway. Studies say we should be drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day (or 2 litres). This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t drink anything else, but water should be a priority. It keeps us hydrated throughout the day, full for longer, and keeps our brains functioning as well as decreasing the frequency of headaches.

Eat Breakfast

Sometimes when we’ve had a long day and haven’t eaten properly, we tend to overeat dinner, and we shouldn’t go to bed on such a full stomach. Therefore, we should always try to eat breakfast. Studies aren’t lying when they say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A healthy and hearty breakfast can set us up for the day and kickstart our metabolism which helps us burn calories. If you don’t have much time in the morning, look for healthy breakfast options which you can still have on the go. Starting your day with a good breakfast can help your meals flow for the rest of the day.

Portion Your meals

Portioning your meals is a great way to maintain healthy eating habits on your fitness journey. If you create well-portioned meals throughout the day, you’re less inclined to snack, especially at night before bed.

Match Your Workouts to Your Lifestyle

Design your workout to your lifestyle. If you’re super busy during the day, schedule your workout in the morning or the evening. Look for workouts that you can do in the time you have. Remember that you don’t have to do 1-hour sessions every day. If 30-minute sessions 3 days a week suits you better, then stick to that and build on it when you get the time. Working out 3 days a week is better than not working out at all.

Find A Buddy

Last but not least, find a workout buddy. Most of the time, we’re not motivated to work out because we’re alone. Being able to share our fitness journey with someone who is struggling with the same things can be helpful to keep us going. Ask a friend, family member, or co-worker if they’d like to join you. They don’t have to work out with you all the time (but if they can, that’s great!), but even meeting up with someone once a week and working out together can make a big difference. If you can’t find someone to workout with, find an alternative that is just as helpful. E.g. Take bub or your pet for a walk or create a super-fun playlist to listen to while you work out.

Staying fit doesn’t have to be a drag. It can be really fun and beneficial if you keep a positive mindset and are consistent with it.

We’d love to hear your fitness journey (no matter what stage you’re at), so feel free to pop in and have a chat with us! You can even check out Fitness First Parramatta if you’re not already a member. We even have a special discount for members, so be sure to ask us about that! We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta (inside Fitness First), open 6 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

Can’t believe we’re here already, a little over halfway through the year. Does anyone remember what happened in the past 6 months? Kidding, the memory’s not that bad yet.

It’s around this time that we re-evaluate our lives. We check to see if we’re still going in the right direction, and if not, how do we get back on track? This is also usually when the 2nd semester of university starts. Halfway through the year, a lot of questions pop up and sometimes it gets a little daunting.

Staying motivated to get on with our lives can be a tricky task, especially if something suddenly changes, but it doesn’t have to be. Here we explore a few tips and tricks to stay motivated to get through the rest of the year without having a nervous breakdown!

Try a different approach

If you’re feeling unmotivated, maybe you need to try something new. Everyone is different, and what works for someone else may not necessarily work for you. If that’s the case, don’t freak, just try a different approach. Keep trying until you find a way that you’re comfortable with. That will not just motivate you but benefit you as well as you’ll be able to continue to achieve whatever goal you’ve set.

Visualise the result

If you’re questioning where you are in that particular moment and don’t know if you should continue, visualise the result. Visualise where you want to be/what you want to be doing at the end of the year/when you’ve achieved your goal. It sounds hard, but it helps. It will help you to see how far you’ve got to go and if that’s still the direction you want to be going in.

Ask why

If you’re questioning yourself and need motivation, ask yourself the most important question: why? Ask yourself why you’re doing these tasks and why you need/want to complete them. Once you get to the core of why you’ve chosen to do something, motivating yourself to continue will get easier.

Prioritise

This seems like common sense, but not everyone does it. Look at your tasks and divide them. Divide them into clear categories such as Urgent, Secondary and Long Term. Having clear priorities will help motivate you as you won’t feel so bombarded with a million things to do because you’ll have a clearer idea of when you need to get things done.

15-minute rule

If you’re having trouble starting a task, try the 15-minute rule. This is when you set your timer for 15 minutes and start a task. Do the task for 15 minutes and then stop, if you want. Usually, once we start something, we want to continue, and before you know it, you might have a completed task. It may not work for everyone but give it a go anyway.

Change location

Sometimes when we’re feeling stuck, it’s because we’re comfortable and somewhere familiar. Try going somewhere new, somewhere you don’t usually go to. You may find that different surroundings inspire creativity and motivation.

Set goals with rewards

Pretty straightforward this one. Set a goal for yourself, it doesn’t have to be big, just as long as it’s realistic. Then set a reward for when you achieve that goal. Usually, when we have something to look forward to, we’re more motivated to continue until we achieve our goal. Don’t get carried away though, try match your reward to your goal e.g. Goal: Complete half your assessment by the end of the week. Reward: Watch the new Lion King movie in the cinema with friends.

Cut distractions

This is a big one. Distractions prevent us from doing what we’re supposed to be doing, in turn piling up the work we need to do, and big piles of work turn us off, therefore, unmotivating us to complete them. It’s not always easy to cut distractions, so don’t just straight up say that you’ll turn off all your devices until you finish what you need to do (unless that works for you). Create specific blocks of time where you will turn off your devices (the ones you don’t need!), even if it’s only 30 minutes. That way, it’s gradual and eventually, you may be able to last even longer without them.

Stay positive – Don’t worry about what you can’t control – Recognize progress

This is also a big one. Sometimes when we bombard ourselves with questions and overthink things, we get a bit down. You must try to stay positive when motivating yourself to keep going and stop worrying about what you can’t control. There will always be things that are out of our control, so the best thing for you is to move past that and continue with what you need to do. You also mustn’t forget to recognize what you have achieved and the progress you’ve made. Any progress is good progress.

Make sure they’re your goals

Lastly, make sure the goals you set are yours. It’s well and good that you want to accomplish something to make your parents proud/get recognition at work, but it’s most important to do things for yourself as well. It seems like nothing feels greater than knowing you’ve accomplished a goal that’s just yours. There’s a difference between doing something nice for others and doing something you’re passionate about. If you’re unhappy or only doing it half-heartedly, it will be more difficult for you to motivate yourself compared to something you enjoy. So, when you set a goal, make sure it’s yours.

We hope these little tips can keep you motivated, at least until the end of the year! We’d love to hear how you stay motivated and what your goals are, and if your goal is to have a whiter and brighter smile, then we can certainly help with that! We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta (inside Fitness First), open 6 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

The process of using bleach/other materials to remove stains/discolouration from the tooth surface to make teeth look whiter.

Nowadays, teeth whitening is becoming more and more popular. People want the appearance of whiter and brighter teeth, and we love that we’re able to provide that service.

On our past blogs, we’ve mentioned the ideal candidates for teeth whitening. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work for everyone. People whose teeth are more yellow in colour are more likely to get a better result than those with a blueish-grey hue to their teeth. We’ve also found, throughout the years we’ve been providing this service, some teeth can only whiten to a certain extent.

When our permanent teeth come out, they are generally naturally whiter. It’s a combination of what we eat/drink/do, as well as ageing, that stain and discolour our teeth.

In the case of blueish-grey teeth, these are some of the causes:

- Early antibiotic exposure: Specifically, to the antibiotic Tetracycline. Early exposure as a child could result in the adult teeth coming out with a blueish-grey colour, which is permanent.

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- Dead teeth

Teeth whitening can still improve the appearance of blueish-grey teeth, however there is no guarantee they’ll get the same results compared to someone with yellow teeth. The best way to treat blueish-grey teeth would be to go to your dentist and discuss your options.

We also mentioned that some teeth can be whitened, but only to a certain extent. Therefore, our shade guide is so important when we start treatment. Our shade guide ranges from S40 – S2, S40 being the darkest and S2 being the whitest. As much as possible, we want to give our clients the best results, but more importantly, the clearest expectation. Even though our adult teeth are naturally whiter (unless there are special circumstances), some people can have naturally whiter teeth than others. This means some people’s teeth have the potential to go almost as white as paper, while others only the first 8 shades (a 1-hour treatment from us).

Whatever the case, we want to help you achieve the best smile you can have. So, come on in to our salon and let’s discuss if our service works for you. We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta (inside Fitness First), open 6 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

Put yourself in the running to win a FREE Premium Teeth Whitening Session on us and get up to 8 shades whiter teeth! How?

Simply answer our 25 words or less question .

Our mission as teeth whitening specialists is to whiten as many beautiful smiles as we can and help prepare our clients for whatever reason they choose to whiten their teeth. We especially love if we can be a tiny part of someone’s big day. Weddings are simply our weakness.

Earlier this year, Smile Labs Parramatta owner Nelson got married, and it was certainly a night to remember.

Here we will look at 10 wedding trends that have taken place in 2019 and will probably spill into 2020. Some of these trends were actually present at Smile Labs Parramatta owner Nelson’s wedding.

1. Larger floral installations

If you’re stuck on decorations, no matter your venue, floral installations are vividly eye-catching and can be arranged to suit pretty much any colour scheme or theme. But larger installations aren’t just to fill space, they can also be statement pieces that might be more practical.

2. Personalised place settings

Personalised everything has quickly become a 2018 trend that moved into 2019 and will probably hang around for a while. Personalized place settings are a cute touch to any celebration and can sometimes even be the remembrance from that event (instead of a separate wedding favour). Some examples are: little messages, cute illustrations, alternate designs for each place setting or a little trinket at each one.

3. Bridal gown sleeves

Sleeves are making a comeback! Puffy, lace, ruffles, glitter, feathers, and so much more. Statement sleeves can elevate any outfit, even wedding dresses. You can opt for classy, simple or since it’s your big day, why not make a statement! The wedding dress trend for 2019 is no longer about the sweetheart or strapless, but the sleeves.

4. Sustainability

Look around, and you’ll see that sustainability is everywhere. Everyone is trying to help the environment by swapping plastic with paper and using more biodegradable materials. In 2019, weddings are no different. Eating utensils are made from biodegradable cardboard, small local businesses are supported, invitations are sent our electronically and food is organic.

Sidenote: Smile Labs Parramatta owner Nelson actually sent out his wedding invites electronically. They sent a link that brought guests to a website with all the details regarding the wedding and reception. Totally paperless!

5. Edgier colour schemes

Edgy or moody as some would describe them, colours such as burgundy, dark purple, black, brown and dark greens are coming into light as the main colour schemes for weddings this year. It’s refreshing to see unconventional colours making an entrance in the wedding game!

6. Experiences for guests

A classic wedding reception would include first dances, speeches, eating, drinking and dancing. 2019 is about vibes and experience. Some examples are: tarot card readers, crafting tables, circus performers (on a smaller scale, or big, up to you), and basically what you want to make your day memorable for everyone.

7. Statement wedding cakes – hand-painted

Pretty sure when guests go to a wedding reception, the wedding cake stands out and besides the bride’s dress, is gossiped about (no one likes bad wedding cake). The wedding cake is the centrepiece of the food, and what everyone is dying to taste by the end of the night. Hand-painted cakes are an especially popular trend, starting out with birthdays, they have made their move on weddings. That kind of artistry kinda doesn’t make you want to eat the cake (kind of).

Sidenote: Smile Labs Parramatta owner Nelson’s wedding cake was beautifully unique and simple. There was a quaint little cake surrounded by a tower of Krispy Kreme donuts simply decorated with lovely little flowers in between. Guests didn’t even need plates (you’re welcome environment).

8. Individual food stations/Charcuterie boards

Sit down dinners are becoming less of a thing at weddings, couples are instead setting up food stations so guests can roam freely and eat when (and how much) they want. A unique wedding menu I experienced was a buffet style food station, except everything was all breakfast food because the couple fell in love over numerous breakfast dates. Food stations are also a fun experience that can make your wedding much more memorable and maybe even save you money.

Sidenote: Smile Labs Parramatta owner Nelson had a lovely charcuterie station near the entrance of his reception and near the bar so guests could freely mingle while snacking. He also had a food truck which served a variety of dishes that served as the main. A very relaxed vibe throughout the whole night.

9. Velvet

Velvet + moody colour scheme = class. Something classy about those two combinations, I can just imagine seeing them at a wedding. Velvet as a trend doesn’t mean we’re talking about the drapes or tablecloth. Velvet at a wedding can mean the groom’s jacket, the ribbon around the place setting, the bride’s veil or the cushion on the chairs. 2019 is all about experimenting with different textures, and velvet is a great place to start. It’s a fabric that can be dressed up or down.

10. Alternative seating

Just like dinners, allocated seating is also becoming a thing of the past. We’re talking cushions on the floor, benches, smaller tables for anyone to sit at and even some lone chairs against the wall. If your wedding is more relaxed and non-traditional, alternative seating is the way to go. Don’t stress yourself about which family members you can’t sit together and let them figure it for themselves!

Sidenote: Smile Labs Parramatta owner Nelson had alternative seating at his wedding. There were 2 long tables that anyone could sit at, as well as lone chairs and benches in and out of the venue. The person you were talking to changed throughout the night, depending on how many times you moved seats.

There you have it! Mind you, these are only a handful of wedding trends for 2019. There is so much more out there, but we thought we’d condense it for you, so you’re not overwhelmed.

We’d love to hear what your wedding was like or will be like, and if any of these trends made the cut. So, come on into our salon and let us know! We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta (inside Fitness First), open 6 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

Put yourself in the running to win a FREE Premium Teeth Whitening Session on us and get up to 8 shades whiter teeth! How?

Simply answer our 25 words or less question .

Often, we get clients asking about our teeth whitening treatment and if it will make their teeth sensitive. Sensitive teeth is an issue that many people deal with. It can be caused by receding gums or enamel loss.

It is understandable that some people would be hesitant to get teeth whitening done because they’re concerned about the pain. Being completely honest, after a teeth whitening treatment, it is normal and expected that you will feel some sensitivity afterwards, however the sensitivity only lasts between 24-48 hours. Of course, everyone’s teeth are different, and we have had some clients who didn’t experience any sensitivity at all.

Another concern our clients have is the effect of teeth whitening on their enamel. This is a valid concern because enamel loss can cause sensitive teeth. Our treatment doesn’t hurt your enamel. Our whole teeth whitening treatment process basically just breaks down the stains that have built up on your teeth over time.

People’s teeth are naturally lighter when they’re young. They only get stained because of the things we do, eat and drink. Our treatment just removes those stains, bringing back the natural colour of our teeth.

We have had several clients with sensitive teeth, including our employees, who have gotten their teeth whitened. Their experiences have been good overall as the sensitivity was either bearable or went away a day after their treatment.

As much as possible, we at Smile Labs Parramatta want our clients to feel comfortable throughout and after their treatment. We have 4 different sessions available, 3 shorter sessions if the 1 hour is too long. We can also discuss other options to cater to your situation so that you still get the whiter and brighter smile you want.

So, don’t worry if you have sensitive teeth because we guarantee we’ll still get you a whiter and brighter smile! If you have other concerns, our team is ready to talk you through them, so pop in and we’ll take good care of you! We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, (inside Fitness First) open 6 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

Does anyone remember what happened to 2018? 2018 flew by faster than 2017, and here we are, in 2019. With time flying by so fast, it’s important to remember to take a breath and slow down. A new year means a fresh start and creating new resolutions. Always remember, your resolutions should reflect how you want to grow as a person to accomplish goals, and not what others expect from you. Whether the resolution is big or small, it should be one that has close significance to you, which can be worked on throughout the year.

There are plenty of ideas for resolutions, which vary depending on what aspect you prefer to focus on for the year.

Here are the 10 most shared resolutions for 2019.

1. Appreciate Yourself

Self-appreciation is important for personal growth, as being able to accept yourself as for who you are, allows you to assist others in learning to appreciate themselves in the same way. In having this mindset, we are able to carry out our lives, without being afraid of judgement from others.

2. Learn Something New

As the saying goes, “Knowledge is Power”. There is no limit to the number of things we can learn. Whether it be to develop your career, improve your lifestyle, or you simply have a hunger for learning new things; no matter what it is you learn, it empowers you to become a better version of yourself. When learning something new, you may discover an unknown passion, or be able to use that knowledge and skills to help others in need. The opportunities are endless!

3. Eat Better & Exercise More

The most common New Year’s Resolution, and also the hardest one to follow! Trying to become a healthier version of ourselves, mentally and physically, is important for self-care. Our minds and bodies co-exist; taking care of your body and having a balanced diet is not only good for our health, but also improves your mental health too. Lifestyle changes like this take time and perseverance, however, make sure you know your limits and seek professional advice before making any drastic changes.

4. Love

Love is a universal language, and the most beautiful form of gratitude. Be open to loving others this year in all aspects of your life, whether it be within friendships, family or with your significant other. Spreading love will not only make yourself feel better, but also others surrounding you.

5. Read A Book Once A Week/Month

Reading is the perfect activity when you want some self-care/downtime! If you don’t know where to start – it’s a good idea to ask for advice from local bookstore or browse through Top 10/Top 100 lists online and read reviews. Usually books have a lot more detail and background story than a movie, so if there’s a book-based movie that you loved, read the book version and indulge yourself deeper in the character! Nowadays, books can be hard-copy, electronic or even audio – so take your pick and get a start on this resolution!

6. Travel/Go On An Adventure

The world has endless wonders to discover. Turn your wanderlust from a desire to a reality. No matter how close or far, it can be adventure if you want it to be. Work those extra hours to save! Travelling doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive; there are so many options available for ranging budgets. So, buy a world map and slowly pin each destination you’ve travelled. By the end of the year, see how many wonders of the world you were lucky enough to see!

7. Budget

You never know when you’ll need some extra cash – whether it be an emergency, or you forgot your mum’s birthday (oops!). It’s easy to budget with the good ol’ Microsoft Excel, with various templates available online. Break down your income, to cover expenses, spending and your desired savings amount. If your income varies each pay period, with the right formulas, it will automatically adjust accordingly.

Download this if you need some help getting started.

(ASIC, 2019)

8. Be On Your Phone Less

Did you know, according to researchers, that the high frequency in our phones increase stress levels and high mobile phone use is associated with sleep disturbances? Phones and developing technology have proven beneficial, particularly when networking across the world. However, this confronting information serves as a reminder that excessive phone use is more detrimental to your health than you realise. Take a moment, to appreciate what’s in front of you and spend time communicating with others face to face, rather than online. So many moments are missed when your eyes are glued to a screen, so if you don’t have the willpower to put your phone down, there are apps available on both Apple and Androids that can assist in limiting screen time, such as “Freedom”, “Space” or “Off the Grid”. Set your time-based limit and enjoy the outdoors!

9. Take Better Care of Yourself Mentally

Naturally, we get caught up in the whirlwind we call ‘life’. Busy schedules and life changes may often leave little room for us to take care of ourselves emotionally and spiritually. A “sickie” is not only for the days you have the flu, or you tripped on your kid’s toy and broke a bone, it is highly recommended to take these mental health days to take a step back and spend the day doing something you love. Burnout takes a toll both physically and emotionally, and it’s important to utilise these days to regenerate your body and mind and prepare yourself for what life has in store for you next. A simple conversation with a friend or family member may alleviate any stress and if you find it hard to understand how you’re feeling, speak to a professional. There is no shame in taking care of your mental health! There are also over the phone/online counselling services such as Beyond Blue or Headspace for the days life gets in the way a little too much.

10. Motivate Yourself

Motivate yourself to be a little better than you were last year, in all aspects of your life. You can accomplish anything, as long as you believe you can. Never think about how many steps it will take to get to your goal, rather, think of how proud you will be of yourself for achieving that goal. Remind yourself every day, so your motivation never falters. Set yourself daily reminders on your phone or put sticky notes around your room. Be creative!

Each person will have their own resolution for 2019. We’d love to hear what resolutions you’ve made for yourself, so come visit our Parramatta salon and get a whiter, brighter smile while you’re at it!

We’re located walking distance from Parramatta Station and Westfield Parramatta (inside Fitness First), and open 7 days a week with after work bookings available.

We hope 2019 is the year for you. Why not start it out with a great smile!

Naturally, people may have concerns regarding the impact of cosmetic whitening treatment on their teeth and health. As with all treatments, the effects of treatment will vary depending on the individual. This blog will cover the most frequently asked questions we have received, to provide clarity to our clients prior to treatment.

Fluoride Spots

After whitening treatment, some clients may find there are white streaks or marks on their teeth, commonly caused by possible discoloured areas of the enamel. However, not long post-treatment, as the teeth gradually rehydrate, these marks become less prominent.

Crowns/Veneers

Composite resin and porcelain doesn’t stain as easily as your natural tooth enamel, however discolouration can occur over time. As crowns and veneers are not natural teeth, whitening treatment can only return it to the original shade. Our Smile Labs clients who have undergone a whitening session with either a crown or veneer, however, have been satisfied with the results as there is not a greatly visible difference in shade, when comparing it with the natural tooth.

If you have any further concerns, it is best to speak to your dentist prior to treatment!

Sensitivity

Not all clients will be affected by sensitivity, however, it is a common effect of teeth whitening that generally only lasts 24-48 hours post treatment, due to the hydrogen peroxide based agent. The whitening gel used by dentists contains 12% of peroxide on average, whereas our Smile Labs gel only contains 4%, to reduce the sensitivity on our clients teeth, and to improve their experience with treatment. Teeth sensitivity is particularly common with higher concentrations and longer contact with the agent, and it is recommended that for clients with naturally sensitive teeth, that you book a shorter session for initial treatment.

These are the main concerns past clients have had when inquiring about our service, and we hope this has been helpful in providing clarity prior to treatment. Whilst we can’t always guarantee flawless results, we strive to do the very best to take care of each of our clients and concerns they may have.

If you feel our service is right for you, then visit our Parramatta salon to get your whiter and brighter smile! We’re located inside Fitness First, only a walking distance from the train station and Westfield Parramatta. We’re open 7 days a week, and take after work bookings.

Okay, so the last blog post was dedicated to the women, but guys need to keep warm too right? Here we will list the top 10 winter wardrobe staples that are trending for guys. Given that you already have most of these items in your closet, it’s always nice to know you’re staying on trend.

Winter Boots I think that’s self-explanatory. Winter boots will help you get through the winter weather as they will keep your feet warm and protected, as well as take you through what winter has to offer, which is mostly cold and…cold. They’re sturdy enough to last the 3 months (probably even the next winter seasons) and stylish enough that they’ll go with most of your outfits.

Gloves Gloves are a must-have. Leather ones are preferable as the material can withstand the winter cold and match with most outfits. If leather’s not your thing then wool gloves are always a good choice.

Jumper/Sweater This item is a major staple, not just for winter. Great layering piece or it can be worn on its own if the material is thick enough. There are hundreds of styles and it’s a very easy item to dress up or down. For winter, wool and cashmere are the types of jumpers/sweaters that you want to opt for. They’re thick enough to keep you warm and thin enough to layer.

Scarf Like gloves, scarves are just common sense. Dark colours such as black, navy and grey are perfect as they go with most colour combinations. Also, if you’re attending a more formal event, these colours don’t stand out too much.

Cardigan Cardigans can be stylish. Neutral colours and patterns are a safe choice for winter, however, some of the funky prints also look good when paired with a basic. They’re also an alternative if the weather’s a little warmer and you don’t feel like wearing a jacket.

Beanie Beanies have been around forever. They keep your head warm and are trendy as well. There’s also nothing complicated about them, you just put them on your head and that’s it. Of course, look for the ones that don’t make your head itchy.

Overcoat Something a little more formal, but you can still wear on an everyday basis. Overcoats will keep most of your body warm and polish up your look a little if that’s what you’re aiming for.

Socks You’re probably wondering why this is on the list. Socks aren’t just a staple, they’re a necessity. But, we’re not just talking about your ordinary white/black socks you wear with everyday shoes, we’re talking about the wool, cashmere, funky patterned socks that look fun when they’re showing a little under your pants. Patterned socks are a staple in men’s fashion that will probably stay throughout fashion history. Get yours.

Parka Jacket If you don’t know what a parka is, it’s basically a coat/jacket with a hood that’s lined with fur (but since we love animals, faux fur). It's heavily insulated and the perfect winter jacket if you want to survive. It’s still stylish despite its bulky nature. Colour choices mostly consist of black, navy or army green, but they’re smart colours because they go with anything.

Roll Neck This is just another way of saying turtleneck. Good for work if you don’t feel like wearing a shirt and tie all the time (and if you’re allowed), or good for every day under a casual jacket or blazer if you’re wearing it at night. It’s also another good layering piece, especially for the colder days.

There you have it guys. Your top 10 winter wardrobe staples. Going through this list, you’ll notice you probably have most, if not all these items in your closet. That means you know your staples and trends well. Wardrobe staples are usually meant to take us through countless seasons before they give in, but I find winter staples are extremely important as they can be a bit, to begin with, and most importantly have the main function of keeping us warm through winter. That being said, it’s better to invest in something a little more expensive but at least it's good quality.

Come on into our Teeth Whitening Parramatta salon and let us know what your favourite winter wardrobe staples are. You could also get a whiter and brighter smile while you’re there! We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, (inside Fitness First) open 7 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

Winter. The coldest out of the four seasons, where the days are shorter, and the nights are longer. Personally, I love it because let’s be real, winter fashion is amazing! That being said, we can’t deny that winter fashion is just a little bit more expensive, maybe because most of the items we buy for winter are meant to last us the whole 3 months. That is why we have compiled a list of the top 10 wardrobe staples that you’ll need to last you this winter season. These items are also worth investing in because they can also carry you into the other seasons.

Knit Sweater We all know that winter time is when all the jumpers, sweaters, cardigans and oversized pieces come out. Also, pretty sure that everyone has at least one knit sweater in their wardrobe. Sometimes knit sweaters can look unflattering, especially if they’re really chunky. We suggest buying a knit sweater that isn’t too chunky and neutral in colour. A neutral knit is perfect for wearing under a cosy jacket during the day or over a slip dress for a nice night out.

Wide-brim Hat If you feel like adding a chic accessory to your wardrobe, then swap your beanies for a wide-brim hat. This staple will elevate any outfit be it winter or summer. For winter, we recommend choosing colours such as black, grey or navy blue because they go with pretty much any colour palette.

Turtleneck Turtlenecks are making a comeback! They’ve been around forever and weren’t always considered stylish, but with most trends coming back, we think turtlenecks deserve a second chance. They’re a perfect layering piece and go with just about anything you put over them. Plus, they keep your neck extra warm.

Knee-high Boots Knee-high boots are perfect for winter as they keep your legs warm, especially if you feel like wearing a mini dress/skirt/shorts. They’re also the in-between if you’re not brave enough to don thigh-highs.

Wool Coat Of course, you need to have a wool coat in winter, how else will you survive? There are so many variations of the wool coat, that just about any style will do. Wool coats not only keep you extra warm, but they’re also stylish and perfect for both day and night.

Puffer Jacket You might not think that puffer jackets are stylish and should only be worn in the snow, but fashion has a way. Puffer jackets are so essential as we know how cold our winters can get, but they’re also coming out in more colours and styles that they are considered a wardrobe staple for winter. As casual outerwear, they are becoming the go-to jacket for just about everybody.

Top-handle Bag An accessory that compliments all outfits, the top-handle bag is a wardrobe staple. A change from the usual cross-body or shoulder bag, the top-handle bag is a little sophisticated and a little ladylike. It also comes in different sizes so it can suit all occasions.

Skinny Jeans I don’t think it matters what season it is, skinny jeans are here to stay. They are a true wardrobe staple. Dress them up or down, they go with boots and heels, coats and cardigans and long sleeves and short sleeves.

Blanket Wrap Scarf This kind of scarf is on this list because it’s an effortless accessory that you can pair with any outfit. I’m not talking about the long scarves that we wear out of necessity, these types of scarves are big (like a blanket, but not really) and can be thrown over your outfit while still looking chic. If you don’t feel like wearing a jacket, throw a wrap scarf over your outfit and you’re good to go.

Ankle Boots This is a given. It's not winter fashion without ankle boots. This staple is so versatile and recognizable that you know its winter once you see the ankle boots coming out.

There’s our list. The great thing about winter fashion is that you can wear the same thing over and over again and you won’t be judged for outfit repeating! Buying wardrobe staples is also a good way to save money in the long run because you’re investing in something that’s versatile and can be used for a long time, no matter the season.

Come on into our Parramatta salon and let us know what your favourite winter wardrobe staples are. You could also get a whiter and brighter smile while you’re there! We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, (inside Fitness First) open 7 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

A while back we wrote about the things you should avoid after getting your teeth whitened. This time we write about the foods that are generally damaging to your teeth regardless of whether you had your teeth whitened. We’re not saying avoid these foods altogether, maybe just take them in moderation, your teeth will thank you later.

You might be surprised when you see some of the things on this list, we know we were.

Here are the top 10 foods that are generally damaging to your teeth:

1. Citrus Fruits Fruits such as oranges, lemon, lime, grapefruit etc. can be harmful to teeth if eaten in large amounts and all the time. The acid content in citrus fruits is higher than other fruits, therefore the acid can erode the enamel on our teeth which can make them more vulnerable to decay. So, if you enjoy citrus fruits, be sure to eat them in moderation.

2. Soft Drinks Not only do soft drinks contain a lot of sugar, they also enable plaque to produce more acid which could then attack our teeth enamel. Drinking soft drinks can also dry out our mouth and dry mouths = less saliva. Less saliva means there is less liquid to wash away food particles stuck in our teeth. And let’s not forget that soft drinks can stain our pearly whites!

3. Alcohol Alcohol has pretty much the same effect on our teeth as soft drinks, although pretty sure soft drinks don’t give us hangovers!

4. Dried Fruits Although dried fruits may seem like a healthier alternative to candy, most dried fruits are sticky. Sticky is bad for our teeth as little bits can get stuck in the crevices of our teeth as well as leave behind sugar, which means they are in our teeth longer.

5. Sports Drinks Unfortunately, the top ingredient in sports drinks is sugar. While sports drinks can still be consumed by people doing a vigorous physical activity, they should be consumed in moderation. Too much sugar exposure to our teeth can result in tooth decay, and nobody wants that.

6. Chewy Candy This is a given. As kids, I’m sure we were all told not to eat too much candy or else our teeth will fall out or some version of that. It’s true though, like dried fruits, chewy candy is sticky. It also contains a lot of sugar and bacteria burns sugar to create acid. And as mentioned before, acid erodes the enamel which can make our teeth more vulnerable as well as cause cavities. So, let’s be sure to treat ourselves only occasionally.

7. Ice Random right? Did you know ice was bad for your teeth? We didn’t. It’s the form that’s most damaging to our teeth. Chewing on something hard like ice can damage our enamel as well as make teeth susceptible to chipped and cracked/broken teeth. So, you better find a different way to cool down in the summer, if chewing ice cubes is your thing.

8. White Bread This one was also a surprise. When we eat bread, our saliva breaks down the starches into sugar, and as constantly repeated, sugar is a no-no. On top of that, the formed bread becomes once we chew it is gloopy and a little bit sticky, therefore it gets stuck in our teeth and can cause cavities. If you love bread (which I’m sure most people do), you can minimise the effect by eating it moderately or switching to whole wheat as it contains less sugar.

9. Cough Medicine We know this can’t be helped, especially if you have a cough, however, the truth is most cough medicines do contain high amounts of sugar/ fructose corn syrup. If possible, try to buy sugar-free cough medicine so your teeth aren’t being damaged in the process.

10. Potato Chips Last, but not the least (this is a very condensed list, we just didn’t want to freak you out too much). Potato chips are loaded with starch, and we all remember what happens to starch? It becomes sugar. Also, like most foods, it can get stuck in our teeth and create plaque build-up.

You’re probably thinking, well what can you eat? Pretty much everything, we just need to have everything in moderation so we’re not damaging our teeth too much. Flossing and brushing twice daily is also a must, regular visits to the dentist also help you stay aware of any problems your teeth may have. So, if you’re in control of that, there’s no need to worry.

If your teeth are okay and you just want to smile a little brighter, then come on into our Parramatta salon or make a booking with us and get a whiter and brighter smile! We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, (inside Fitness First) open 7 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

Weddings, who doesn’t love weddings? We certainly do, especially if we can play a small part in it (give you those pearly whites for the big day). But we all know that there’s so much more that goes into a wedding, venues for example. Some couples know exactly where they want to get married, while others have no clue. We’ve compiled the top 10 wedding venues here in Sydney for those couples who need a little inspiration.

1. Gunners’ Barracks

Gunners’ Barracks is one of those venues that delivers historic elegance along with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour. This venue not only has a variety of function rooms to choose from, depending on the size of the wedding, but you can also hold both your ceremony and reception there as well.

2. Dockside

If views are your thing, then what better view than the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Holding your wedding at Dockside provides you with a magnificent view of these icons as well as the harbour.

3. Sergeants’ Mess

Sergeants’ Mess also provides wonderful views of the harbour as well as privacy, that way you and your guests can truly enjoy your magical day. Like Gunners’ Barracks, you can also hold both your ceremony and reception in the same area, and if you like, you and your guests can arrive by water transfer provided by the venue.

4. Taronga Centre

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, then Taronga Centre is your venue. It not only overlooks the harbour, but the Royal Botanical Gardens as well. Its spaces are a mix of contemporary and sophistication and caters to a variety of events, even weddings.

5. Dunbar House

Dunbar House is another historic venue utilizing its refurbished 1830s mansion. It is an enchanting location that provides elegance and style for whatever type of wedding you choose to have. If you’re not looking for something so traditional for your ceremony, you can also have it at Dunbar House under their fig tree overlooking the harbour.

6. Luna Park

I think the word ‘fun’ is the first thing that pops up when you think Luna Park. That being said, Luna Park is still a leading wedding venue offering the same spectacular harbour views and timeless service, with their own little touch. Adding vintage attractions and contemporary dining, it’s safe to say that you can still have your special day at one of the most enjoyable places in Sydney.

7. Curzon Hall

If you’re dreaming of a fairy-tale wedding, then Curzon Hall is your venue. Sweeping cedar staircase, decorative fountains and crystal chandeliers, doesn’t that just scream fairy-tale? Not only that, you can also hold your ceremony on site in one of their beautiful gardens or maybe even on their lovely balconies, like a real princess.

8. Gledswood Homestead & Winery

Holding historical significance, Gledswood Homestead and Winery provides a more rustic and authentic atmosphere for your wedding. Whether your wedding is relaxed or large-scale, this wedding venue screams romance.

9. Starship

Compared to the above venues, Starship is remarkably different. Most couples don’t really consider a cruise as the first choice for a wedding venue, however Starship provides the same attention to detail and service that you would expect from a wedding on the ground. A venue like this, truly ensures the incredible Sydney Harbour as the backdrop for your wedding.

10. Three Blue Ducks

Unique, intimate and relaxed. Three Blue Ducks delivers these three qualities in your wedding. Set in an urban warehouse that can be styled how you want or left as is, Three Blue Ducks also boasts a unique menu and garden courtyard that is perfect for an outdoor garden ceremony.

These are our top 10, but there’s obviously so much more to choose from. We hope that we have inspired some ideas for those of you yet to be married, and we hope that we can also play a small part in your big day.

We have wedding packages not just for the Bride and Groom, but for the entourage as well. If you want those pearly whites, then come on into our Parramatta salon or make a booking with us and get a whiter and brighter smile! We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, (inside Fitness First) open 7 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

Photo: Gunners Barracks' - http://www.venues2events.com.au

The holiday season is over, and a new year is upon us. What better way to start the year off than a nice rejuvenating hike. Even if you’re not the outdoors type person, a hike could do you some good. Clear your head, get your goals in place and rock 2018!Here are 10 hikes you should try around Sydney

1. Manly to Spit Bridge

Distance: 10km

Time: 3-4 hours

The Manly to Spit Bridge walk is a mix of lush bush-land and stunning coastal scenery. The walk gives you some magnificent views of Sydney Harbour as well as access to some great beaches if you feel like taking a break from the trail.

2. Bundeena to Otford

Distance: 26km

Time: 2 days

Bundeena to Otford, also known as The Coast Track, is a much longer walk and would require an overnight stay at the North Era campground. The walk can be achieved in 1 day, but it’s best enjoyed in 2. The walk offers plenty scenic stops for picnics and swims, and if you go between May and October, you may be lucky to spot some humpback whales.

3. Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Distance: 2.2km

Time: 1.5 hours

The Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk offers 2 different tracks that you can take to get to the lighthouse. The Access Trail is the easier track with only a few steep areas. The Smugglers Track is shorter but more difficult. It contains bush-land and lots of steps as well as being quite steep. The lighthouse itself provides a stunning ocean view which will be worth either of the tracks.

4. Bondi to Coogee

Distance: 6km

Time: 2-3 hours

This is one of Sydney’s most popular walks and is postcard perfect. During the walk, you will discover secret rock pools and cliff top views. If you love the coastal scenery, this is a walk to try.

5. The Federation Cliff Walk, Watsons Bay

Distance: 5km

Time: 1.5 hours

The Federation Cliff Walk is a clifftop walk that gives stunning sea views that overlook the Pacific Ocean. The dramatic features of the sandstone cliffs are also a sight to see.

6. Mount Ku-Ring-Gai to Berowra, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park

Distance: 10km

Time: 3.5-4.5 hours

This walk is ideal for picnicking and experiencing Aboriginal and historic heritage. It will take you through thick forestry and rugged bush-land.

7. Sydney Harbour Bridge to South Head

Distance: 18km

Time: 8 hours

Sydney Harbour is one of the most beautiful sites Sydney has to offer. The Sydney Harbour Bridge to South Head walk allows you to experience the natural beauty of the harbour. On this walk, you can explore secret bush tracks and historic sites as well as many breathtaking stops along the way.

8. Mount Solitary, Blue Mountains

Distance: 12km

Time: 6 hours

This walk is a bit more challenging than the rest but offers just as much beauty. The walk will take you through woodlands and rainforest where birdwatching is a bonus. If you’re up for a challenge, then give this walk a try.

9. Kiama Coast

Distance: 22km

Time: 1.5-3 hours each section (walk divided into 3 sections)The Kiama Coast walk is divided into 3 sections, each section consisting of a variety of headlands, rivers, beaches and cliff tops. Along the way, you can learn about the history of the area while taking in the spectacular views each section has to offer.

10. The Grand Canyon Loop, Blue Mountains National Park

Distance: 6.3km

Time: 3-4 hours

This walk will take you into the heart of this Heritage-listed landscape. You can experience waterfalls, creeks and native plants along the way. Although challenging, it’s still achievable even if you’re not a professional hiker.

And that does it! Let us know if you’ve tried or are planning to try any of these hikes when you come in to get your teeth whitened.We’d love to help you start off the year with a gorgeous white smile, so come on into our Parramatta salon ormake a booking with us

It’s nearing the end of the year and that means holidays! Holidays can either be planned or spontaneous, either way, they’re something we always look forward to. Some people prefer to stay where they currently are while others love to travel to various places. For those jetsetters, here’s what the web says are the top 10 countries you should visit for the year 2017.

1. Canada Canada has some of the world’s most amazing natural wonders such as mountains, glaciers, lakes, and forests. Some popular tourist attractions are Canadian Rocky Mountains, Dinosaur Provincial Park, and Niagara Falls. It is also a very multicultural country with clean and safe cities, allowing it to be named one of the most liveable countries in the world.

2. France

Two things come to mind when I think of France: fashion and food. But of course, France has so much more to offer. The villages and castles in France are some of the most beautiful, with most still retaining their historic architecture. It also has a mix of both beautiful big cities (Paris!) and quiet countryside.

3. England

England has got some of the most beautiful gardens, namely the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Buckingham Palace Gardens, and the Kensington Palace Gardens. England is also home to many historical landmarks, such as Hadrian’s Wall, which allows visitors to see a piece of England’s history and culture firsthand.

4. Spain

Several architects and artists were born in Spain (Salvador Dali, Antoni Gaudi, Francisco Goya), leaving behind beautiful buildings and artworks which can be viewed in the various museums around Spain. Spain is also famous for their festivals that happen throughout the year. Each one filled with colour, energy and crazy!

5. Denmark

Denmark boasts food, design and culture. Denmark gives visitors the proper taste of local culture through their food which can be tasted in their restaurants or in the street. They’ve also risen on the fashion radar with many of their designs being seen on the catwalk as well as in elegant vintage stores. And, like Canada, Denmark is also named one of the most liveable countries in the world.

6. Portugal

Portugal has some of the most stunning rock formations and volcanic caves along its sands, providing history and culture to its visitors. Like Spain, Portugal boasts its festivals as well as its people. Their festivals allow the community to come together and celebrate their roots.

7. South Africa

When I think of South Africa, I think wildlife and the outdoors. If you love wildlife and animals, then South Africa is the place to go. South Africa offers various safaris that visitors can go on to explore the animals, ranging from the anteater to the leopard, habituated in South Africa. Aside from the safaris, South Africa also has plenty of other outdoor activities for those adventurous types, such as hiking, paragliding, horse-riding and more!

8. Chile

Chile has one of the biggest variety of landscapes to offer, ranging from volcanoes, deserts, glaciers and vineyards. A popular activity to do in Chile is visit their many vineyards and go on biking wine tours where visitors get to indulge in wine tastings and stay at the villas in the vineyards. There is also of course, the famous Easter Island where the Moai statues are situated.

9. Peru

Peru is a country rich in culture and history. The mysterious Machu Pichu can be found within the ancient Inca ruins which you can hike to on their Inca trail. Peru is also well-known for their renowned handicrafts. Their textiles, wood carvings, paintings and more depict Peruvian history in the most intricate ways. But, above their history, Peru also has some of the best surfing spots that can’t be missed.

10. Thailand

I’m pretty sure almost everyone has experienced eating Thai food, but I think we can all agree that it’s always a different feeling eating it in the actual country. I would especially love to try their genuine street food. Aside from food, Thailand is one of the best places to do water activities as they offer stunning beaches, scuba diving, snorkelling and hidden waterfalls. It is also said to be a reasonably affordable place, so your money can go a long way!

There’s the web’s top 10. Which country are you looking forward to visiting?

But before you do, wouldn’t you love a nice bright smile to go with the millions of pictures you’re going to take?

Come on into our Parramatta salon or make a booking with us and get a whiter and brighter smile! We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, (inside Fitness First) open 7 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

Men this one’s for you. I think by now it’s been established that women can be quite high maintenance when it comes to pampering themselves, so why can’t men be the same?

Look around and you’ll see dozens of services dedicated to the pampering and self-care of oneself. Services ranging from mani/pedis, hairdressers, facials, etc. A lot of these services are targeted at women, but hello! It’s 2017, men need some pampering too. Men need not be shy if some days they feel like they need a facial, a mani/pedi (maybe even just a mani), or a teeth whitening session.

It’s equal, but majority of our clients have been women. Smile Labs Parramatta provides a service to make both men and women feel comfortable. Teeth whitening may not be considered a necessity, but it’s a pretty handy service to have around, especially if there’s a special occasion coming up or you just feel like it. We’ve had various reasons from our clients ranging from weddings/birthdays coming up to wanting to treat themselves because they quit smoking.

Below are some services that are mainly targeted at women, but men can enjoy them too. Stereotype, schmereotype.

Facials

Everyone needs a good facial every now and then. Why? Because they’re actually healthy for us. Facials can improve blood circulation as well as get rid of dead skin cells. We don’t want dead skin cells on our face because they can clog our pores which can cause acne and other blemishes. Along with irritation caused by a shaving routine, men have coarser skin than women and have larger pores. Facials can target specific skin concerns that regular soap and water won’t fix. So, guys, take the image of white robes, face masks and cucumbers on your eyes out of your head, because that’s not what facials are all about…at least not entirely.

Laser Hair Removal

We started with shaving, moved on to waxing, now laser hair removal. Hair, it can be such a hassle! Like with facials, the clientele for laser hair removal initially started with women as they tend to have more concerns regarding this issue (face, underarms, legs, bikini etc). However, men also have concerns when it comes to hair, most commonly the chest and back area. I don’t know about you guys, but you’d have to be flexible to be able to shave your back, and I think we can agree that waxing is just painful, so with advancing technologies, laser hair removal is your next best bet. It’s a simple, easy treatment that will save you money on grooming in the long run.

Mani/Pedi

For a long time (even now), mani/pedis are a woman’s pamper favourite. Us girls love getting our nails done, sometimes because there’s a special occasion, but most of the time because it gives us some ‘me-time’…or we’re just not bothered to do it ourselves. Men can enjoy this too. Guys, there are actual benefits to getting a manicure! Mani/pedis will improve blood flow and shape your nails and treat your cuticles. This will lead to strong and healthy nails. Why do you need this, you ask? Because treated cuticles mean less chances of developing fungi and other infections. Treat those hands and feet, they deserve it!

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening only became popular in the last couple years. Dentists started offering it, but then independent salons started popping up for a fraction of the cost. Eventually home kits became available as well. Teeth whitening isn’t really something you think about until it’s mentioned, and then you’re like “Wow, maybe I should get my teeth whitened”. Now, it’s becoming one of those services that you include when preparing for a special occasion. Other times, it’s because you just want whiter teeth. Compared to facials and mani/pedis, teeth whitening is low key, but we still get some reluctance from the guys that walk past our store. There’s nothing invasive about our treatment and it will last you about 4-6 months, so you don’t have to do it that often (or you can do it as often as you like, it doesn’t harm your teeth anyway). You can get it done alone or with a mate, either way, you get a whiter and brighter smile.

The time has come for men to enjoy the same pampering services offered to women. It could even be a thing you do as a couple, or you could just be a bachelor who likes to look and feel his best.

Either way, come on into our Parramatta salon or make a booking with us and get a whiter and brighter smile! We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, (inside Fitness First) open 7 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

It’s your turn guys!

After every teeth whitening treatment, no matter how long or short, we always advise clients to stay away from certain food and drinks for the first 24 hours. We advise this because after treatment, the pores in our teeth are still open so they are more susceptible to stains. The next question we get always immediately after saying this is: ‘What can I eat?’ Our answer: ‘White food and drinks, or pretty much anything that won’t stain a white shirt.’ This being self-explanatory, we still like to give some examples as to what white food and drink is okay, as some clients are still a bit unsure.

Here is a general list of what you can and can’t eat/drink after teeth whitening treatment.

Yes

ChickenFishFoods with white saucesMilkPasta with white sauce basePotatoesRiceWaterWhite wine (for the cheeky ones)

No

CoffeeColoured juicesFoods with red saucesFoods with soy sauce baseRed meatRed wineSodaTeaSmoking – This you can’t eat or drink, but still a no-no

This list is basic, but covers most of what people would normally eat. This may seem like a lot to avoid after getting your teeth whitened, but if you think about it, it’s only for the first 24 hours anyway (plus it’s not like you’re going to have all this in one day, right?).

So, don’t fret and come on into our Parramatta salon or make a booking with us and get a whiter and brighter smile! We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, (inside Fitness First) open 7 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

Selfies as defined in the Urban Dictionary as a style of photography where the photographer’s own face is included in the photograph and held by the photographer.

1. Lighting

Having a solid light source is an essential part of taking any kind of photograph, and selfies are no different. If you try to take a selfie in a dimly-lit room or one with harsh fluorescent lighting, it won't turn out the way you want it to. Natural light is the most flattering kind, so try to take your selfie near a window or outdoors.

2. Know Your Face

Whether it’s angling your camera to one side of your face over the other, duckface pout, extending your neck to hide double chin, or holding the camera a bit higher than face level. Practice and know what position flatters your face the most.

3. Edit, Crop + Filter

Image is not 100% but you want to post it online anyways? All the social platforms have edit functionality and filters – use it. There was bad lighting, change the shadows. You want your face to sit in the middle of the shot, adjust the rotation. Play around with features, download photo editing apps, the options and results are limitless.

4. Get a Selfie Stick

It seems weird to use a selfie stick at first, but there's a reason you see them all over the place–they make the photos look really good! It captures more of you, the background you’re trying to take a photo of and gets rid of the ‘extended arm in the photo’ look.

5. Have Fun With It

Don’t forget to smile, show some expression, grab some props or some people whatever it may be, don’t take yourself too seriously. A great selfie is usually one that’s spontaneous and fun.

With the increase of “selfies” taken it’s no wonder people have become more conscious of how they look in their selfies, particularly their smiles. Who doesn’t want a whiter smile? Take a selfie today for National Selfie Day and see if your smile could do with a little help. If it does why not come into our Parramatta salon and we can give you a brighter smile in just 1 hour. We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, (inside Fitness First) open 7 days a week, and we take after work bookings. To book click here.

Lipstick has been around for a very long time, you could say it’s a daily essential. It’s only these past couple years that it’s been noticed that certain shades of lipstick help make your teeth look whiter. Sometimes we can’t always afford to get our teeth whitened when we want, so knowing what shades of lipstick to use can be a handy little trick. In this post, we will look at what shades to use and what shades to stay away from.

Pink

Pink is generally a safe colour for those who don’t really like bold-coloured lipsticks. However, there are certain pinks that you should stick to and some you should avoid. You should lean more towards berry pinks than those that are yellow/orange based. Berry pinks help teeth appear slightly whiter while yellow/orange based pinks tend to accentuate the yellow colour in teeth.

Red

Red is the lipstick colour that provides the greatest whitening effect. Most red lipsticks are blue-based which benefits the appearance of your teeth as deep colours reflect off your smile boosting the brightness and whiteness of your teeth. Like pink lipstick, you should stay away from orange-y reds or yellow/orange based.

Nude

Nude coloured lipstick is another safe choice; however, you should try pick pink nudes rather than brown nudes as brown makes your teeth appear slightly more yellow.

Dark

Darker shades of lipstick will generally make your teeth appear slightly yellower, especially if they are brown-hued. It is better to choose dark lipsticks that are either blue-based or berry-hued as like red lipsticks, they reflect off your smile and help your teeth appear whiter. Brown-hued lipsticks highlight the yellow tones in your teeth therefore not being a good colour choice.

Going through these main lipstick colours, you may notice a similarity in all of them: Choose blue-based, avoid yellow/orange based. Would you believe the explanation for this goes back to art? I don’t know if you remember learning about the colour wheel, but that is how we can determine which shades of lipstick to use and which ones to avoid.

Blue and orange sit across from each other on the colour wheel. Blue tends to cancel out orange/yellow tones when they are put together, vice versa. So, blue-based lipsticks will cancel out the yellow undertones in the teeth, hence making them appear whiter. Yellow/orange based lipsticks will cancel out the blue, thus removing the contrast and instead bring out the unwanted yellow appearance in teeth.

Who would’ve thought that certain lipsticks help the appearance of teeth?

Still, it wouldn’t hurt if your teeth were already a little whiter. Come on into our Parramatta salon or make a booking with us and get a whiter and brighter smile! We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, (inside Fitness First) open 7 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

Have you thought about getting your teeth whitened and wondered if it was for you? Of course everyone who still rocks their own teeth could do with a bit of brightening, but there are particular candidates we think are ideal for getting the treatment.

1. Coffee, Tea, Soda and Wine Drinkers

Think about it if you’re drinking a cup of coffee or tea at least once a day 5-7 days a week, your regular consumption of these teeth stain liquids start to impact your smile. Our teeth is not flat or smooth, the enamel contains microscopic pits and ridges that can get particles of food and drinks stuck in it. Pigments from dark-coloured drinks such as coffee, tea, soda and wine can become embedded in those cracks and ridges and, if the proper steps are not taken, can cause permanent, yellowing stains on your teeth.

2. Past and Present Smokers

Even if you don’t smoke any more your teeth probably still shows signs of your previous lifestyle. One of the effects of smoking is staining on the teeth due to the nicotine and tar in the tobacco and it can make your teeth yellow in a very short time.

3. 30+ Overs

Your teeth can also start to yellow as a natural part of the aging process. Over time the strong, white protective coating on teeth, known as enamel, fades leaving your teeth looking yellow.

4. Something Special

Today teeth whitening aren’t just for the rich and famous anymore. People are getting their teeth whiten for their wedding, graduation, upcoming holidays, job interviews, rewarding themselves for an achievement like losing weight or even reaching age milestones.

If you’ve been looking at your teeth thinking it’s lost its brightness, come see us. Our teeth whitening treatments will get your teeth visibly whitened in an hour. Come to our Parramatta salon where a professional technician will administer your treatment. Our salon is inside Fitness First, which is a walking distance from Parramatta station and Westfield Parramatta. We’re open 7 days a week, and take after work bookings.

Put yourself in the running to win a FREE Premium Teeth Whitening Session on us and get up to 8 shades whiter teeth! How?

Simply answer our 25 words or less question via the link.

This post is about the different methods of teeth whitening, as you’ll be surprised to know that there are quite a few. This post stems from the inquiries we’ve had regarding the actual process of teeth whitening. Most people like to do their own research before deciding if they’re going to use a certain service or not. So, we thought we’d lend a hand and go into the various methods of teeth whitening and hopefully ease a few minds out there who are still unsure about trying our method – in-office light accelerated bleaching.

Here are the various teeth whitening methods:

In-office Light Accelerated Bleaching

This is the method we use and the one we like to recommend. This process is simple and we’re with you every step of the way. We use a retractor to open your mouth, then we apply the gel (dentists can use about 12% or more hydrogen peroxide in their formulas, the legal limit for non-dentists in Australia is %6, we only use %5). The gel then reacts to our LED light which accelerates the bleaching process as the gel becomes activated and breaks down the stains on the teeth, not hurting the enamel.

In-office means you physically come in and we do the process for you. The biggest benefit of this is that we can explain everything to you and can answer any questions you have throughout the whole session. We’re also careful enough to make sure you experience as little discomfort and irritation to your teeth and gums as possible.

Internal Bleaching

This type of teeth whitening is directed more towards teeth that have internal staining of blood or other leaked fluids, mostly due to root canal procedures performed on the tooth in the past. This method is also in-office and only performed by dentists due to the intricate nature of the procedure. To put as simply as possible, a small access hole is drilled into the back of the affected tooth which then allows for the removal of the internal stains. This is then replaced with a bleaching agent and temporarily sealed, hence the term “internal bleaching”. After a few days and another visit to the dentist, the tooth should be the desired shade and the hole is permanently closed.

Home Kits

Home kits were mentioned in a previous post which you can view here. There are so many types of products included in home kits such as gels, mouthguards, whitening strips, and toothpastes. Home kits are convenient for those who don’t have time to go to the dentist or a salon, however they may not always produce the best results. Instructions can get confusing, especially if you’re doing it yourself and sometimes several treatments are required before you reach the shade you want. At Smile Labs, most clients are happy after just one session and only come back for touch-ups.

Whitening Toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes are well and good; however, they only contain a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (which is the main ingredient in most teeth whitening formulas as it is used as a bleaching agent). Many people also seem to think that the harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth will be. This is not the case and doing that with whitening toothpastes can cause tooth abrasion. This could long-term thin the enamel of our teeth. A suggestion we’d recommend is to use whitening toothpastes as maintenance after getting your teeth professionally whitened (without brushing too hard).

Natural

Not too many people may have known about natural methods before, but currently, almost everyone is health conscious and looking more at natural alternatives to everyday things, even teeth whitening. A natural method coming to light is the use of malic acid. Malic acid can be found mainly in green apples as well as strawberries, nectarines, cherries and lychees, to name a few. Malic acid can remove the surface stains on our teeth, however over-consumption of malic acid can damage the enamel of our teeth. Another suggestion is to eat these fruits in moderation to maintain a white smile without damaging our enamel.

Hopefully this answered some questions and lessened the research for some of you. If you have any more inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

If this post has helped ease your worries, then come on into our Parramatta salon or make a booking with us and get a whiter and brighter smile! We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, (inside Fitness First) open 7 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

Teeth discolouration and staining is common especially as you get older in age and depending on your lifestyle.

We at Smile Labs Parramatta aim to give you a brighter smile in just 1 hour. Using light to whiten your teeth, we apply a photosensitive and specifically formulated gel on your teeth, then using mouth retractors expose teeth to our Blue Infinity™ Pro SL whitening light. With our teeth whitening process expect to see immediate results after your treatment.

Our customers often ask us how they can help maintain their brighter smiles post treatment? How long your results lasts depends on your maintenance, so here are a few of our top tips* to help maintain your results:

1. Avoid Foods That Causes Teeth Staining

Try and minimise the consumption of or exposure to products that stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as smoking.

2. Always Rinse Your Mouth After You Eat

Try and rinse your mouth after you eat, especially if you’ve eaten teeth staining foods. Also brush your teeth twice a day, floss at least twice a week to remove plaque, rinse with antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria that causes plaque.

3. Drink Through A Straw

Drinking from a straw can help keep stains away from the surface of your teeth. Use a straw next time you have soda, juice, even with your tea and coffee.

4. Eat Strawberries

Believe it or not eating strawberries can help whiten your teeth. Strawberries contain malic acid which helps increase salvia (your mouth’s own self-cleaning facility) which helps clean your teeth and removing stains.

5. Touch Up Treatments

Whitening treatments don't permanently whiten teeth. Returning to Smile Labs for touch up treatments can help maintain your brighter smile. We offer shorter sessions for customers who would like to maintain their brighter smile, or if you’re after very noticeable results consider getting treatments every 6-12 months.

*Following tips are for maintaining your brighter smile post treatment not tips for general teeth hygiene.

This is a common question we get asked. People want whiter teeth but are worried about the effects of bleaching may have on their teeth.

Hydrogen Peroxide is the active ingredient, which helps in whitening teeth and is both very effective and safe and has been used by the dental industry for years. It is the same ingredient we used in whitening toothpastes, mouth washes, and in our specifically created gel. It does not change or damage the structure of teeth, there is no harm done to the enamel, dentine or the teeth at all; it merely makes teeth whiter and brighter.

While whitening products have a very good safety record, it is possible to injure your teeth if you use them incorrectly, overuse them or use one of poor quality. Some people may experience irritation or sensitivity on gums due to the hydrogen peroxide.

This is why at Smile Labs one of our professional technicians we assist in administering the whitening gel, avoiding gums. We explain the process pre treatment, monitor you during your treatment and provide post care information.

We apply a photosensitive and specifically formulated gel on your teeth, then using mouth retractors expose teeth to our Blue Infinity™ Pro SL whitening light. With our teeth whitening process expect to see immediate results after your treatment. Our process has proven to provide 30% better results than home whitening products, and depending on your lifestyle should last 6-12 months, longer if you monitor your teeth hygiene frequently.

If you have any more queries about teeth whitening or about our process contact us and we’ll be more than happy to answer your questions.

To get your teeth visibly whitened in an hour why not come into our Parramatta salon. We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, (inside Fitness First) open 7 days a week, and we take after work bookings.

There are many affordable teeth whitening products on the market today, particularly home kits. With so many different brands all offering similar kits, it’s understandable why purchasing one would be a confusing decision. But before you buy one, we’ve identified four main reasons why a home kit might not be the best option.

1. Professional technician completes the process

The main obvious difference between a salon teeth whitening treatment versus a home kit is that a professional technician completes the whole process for you. Your technician will be able to explain the whole procedure, answer all your concerns, administer the treatment, monitor you throughout your session to ensure no pain or discomfort and will provide you post care information.

With home kits you are sent instructions to follow, and they assume you’ve understood them clearly and followed them correctly.

2. Higher grade of hydro peroxide than take home kits

Although not as high as dentist grade, salons are able to stock higher grades of hydro peroxide than home kits because treatment is administered by a technician. Hydro peroxide is the active ingredient that helps in the teeth whitening process.

3. One Treatment

Most take home kits have several treatments included with the pack for multiple treatments. You are instructed to complete a few treatments when you first get your pack to see results.

Our salon treatment only need one treatment to see visible results and lasts around 6-12 months depending on the person’s health and lifestyle.

4. No Teeth Guard or Tray Moulding Required

Some take home kits require you to create a plastic mould of your teeth first before you can even start the teeth whitening process. Creating teeth moulds can be tricky and whilst there are instructions included with most kits, a misread or interpreted step may result in ruined moulds. In addition, moulds and trays press the whitening solution on your gums for an extended period which may cause irritation.

At Smile Labs, we don’t need to create teeth moulds or trays. We administer the gel solution directly onto your teeth and with the use of mouth retractors, keeping your mouth open and exposed to our blue Infinity™ Pro SL whitening light.

To get your teeth visibly whitened in an hour and performed by a professional technician, why not come into our Parramatta salon. We’re located walking distance from the station and Westfield Parramatta, (inside Fitness First) open 7 days a week, and we take after work bookings.