The Budget Babe

by The Budget Babe's Beauty Expert
I was really excited to try those new Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips because I thought that the concept was great—after all, who wants to have to take out that spitty strip of plastic post-whitening? But after trying the product, I'd have to give it a thumbs down.

Overall I would have to say I was really disappointed with this product, to the point where I dreaded using it (and often skipped sessions because I really couldn't force myself to do it.)

Let me tell you why. First off, getting the strips out of their wrappings was a PAIN! The thin, clear, delicate strips stick to one side of the metallic silver packaging and have to be peeled off (if you manage to see the strip, or haven't already torn it in half trying to open the package). Putting them on is standard, however what happens next made me cringe just thinking about it. The strips tasted vile—they're extremely bitter and just all around gross.

And then there's the whole "dissolve" thing. The package claims they dissolve and are gone in around 5 minutes. Hours later I still found myself picking out from between my teeth what looked like mini jellyfish and had the irritating properties of corn stuck in your teeth, yuck!!!

The combined taste and then tooth-picking really grossed me out. Not to mention I have to admit I'm a little afraid of something that completely dissolves and I'm consuming, how healthy can that be?

And the icing on the cake? I wasn't even impressed with the whitening. I can honestly recommend any other whitening strip on the market over these (and I have tried them all).

If you want whiter teeth without getting them professionally cleaned, opt for an electric toothbrush and some Arm and Hammer toothpaste. Combined, they create and maintain the whitest smile you've ever had on a daily basis—and on a budget.

Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips are available at Drugstore.com; $26.99 $23.99