Herbs
A number of green herbs, like parsley, coriander, rosemary and eucalyptus contain chlorophyll which has antibacterial properties that kill germs in the mouth. Chew on these fresh leaves between meals.

Dairy
The nutrients (such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin D) found in dairy products like cheese and yoghurt can help neutralise plaque. Eating cheese after a sweet snack is great for fighting sugar (which contributes greatly to bad breath). The active bacteria found in yogurt is also good for oral hygiene. Make sure you’re eating unsweetened yoghurt, as many yoghurts contain sugar which can further fuel bacteria growth.

Green tea
Sipping green tea will help prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to your teeth (thanks to the flavanoids). Green tea is also rich in the antioxidant polyphenols, which protects your mouth from bacterial production.

Citrus fruits
Fruits that are rich in vitamin C help fight odour-producing bacteria from living in your mouth by increasing your saliva production and maintaining a moist mouth. These acidic citrus fruits also prevent gum disease and gingivitis for better dental health.

Fun Fact: Did you know that breath mints can actually make your breath worse? Most mints have a high concentration of sugar, which can fuel bacteria with energy, thus amplifying the problem.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon has strong antioxidant, antibacterial and antiseptic benefits, which prevents germs from producing in the mouth. Also, unlike flavours such as mint, cinnamon doesn’t just mask the smell of bad breath, it combats the odour particles to fix the problem on a more permanent level.

Her teeth are a brilliant white, indicating she may, possibly, at some point, have had some in-chair whitening, but that’s truly all I can see. Her face is animated. It actually moves. A lot. Her eyes are slightly hooded, only slightly, mind you. They crumple endearingly at the corners when she talks about making her boys Vegemite sandwiches for their school lunches. Her lips are of normal size, not too plumped, not showing any real signs of age. They don’t go trout-like when she smiles, which happens to be a lot. They are just great lips – natural and beautiful, in a way that belongs only to Elle.

Sagging is an ugly word, and one I would never attribute to The Body, but let’s just say that while she no longer has the tight skin of a 20 year old, nor does she sport the scary stretched faces that some of her contemporaries do.

She embodies exactly what her brand has always been about – a natural, outdoorsy, down to earth beauty, that’s indicative of the Australian way of life. She is the picture of health, and an amazing representation of a woman who is nearing the big 5-0.

How does she do it? Two young boys, a hectic international career that includes being the spokesperson for iconic sunscreen brand Invisible Zinc and cosmetics giant Revlon and keeping her family ties super close, as she does, can’t leave Elle much time to primp and preen.

“[I just] keep it simple,” she smiles. “Keep it light. And [I use] a good combination of lots of water, scrubbing my skin and good products. I love Invisible Zinc for the sun, Revlon for colour. Protection is really important. That’s about it. You don’t want anything too complicated.”

Indeed. Outside of Invisible Zinc and Revlon, her go-to, favourite beauty product is budget beauty buy Lucas Paw Paw Ointment, around $5.99 at Priceline.

“If the kids hurt themselves, I put on the Paw Paw. If my lips are dry, I put on the Paw Paw.

If my cuticles are dry, if I want a bit of shine on my cheeks and I don’t have my gloss, I put on the Paw Paw! I use it on the tops of my eyelids, to highlight the brow bone. Invisible Zinc has a new limited edition product that is fantastic that multi-tasks make-up in a similar way. It’s called Tinted Lip + Cheek Balm, $18.”

More…

• Elle’s Favourite Beauty Buys
• Tinted Love – products that give good colour
• Hair Raising – what are the right hair extensions for you?
• Celeb Hair – Roaring 40s

As 50 looms in the not-so-distant future, Elle is employing some strategic youth-preserving tactics in her beauty regime, quite the opposite to the twenty-something rising supermodel who used to cover herself in baby oil and worship the sun.

“In your twenties, it’s all there already. So, you have a thick head of hair that doesn’t need grooming, tight skin, a lean body, white teeth … it’s all there! In my twenties I didn’t really need to do anything. It is when we get closer to 50 that we see the years of neglect or the years of care. It’s both what we put inside our bodies and what we put on them.”

“Today, protecting my skin from the sun is so important. I wish someone had told me that when I was much younger. I use Invisible Zinc sun protection products and have for many years now. I invested in the company when it first launched. I am a big supporter of Invisible Zinc.”

Protection and paying attention to what she puts inside her body are Elle’s major anti-ageing defences.

“I drink lots of water. It’s the Number One thing. I’ve always drunk three litres of water a day. It hydrates the body. It flushes out the system. It is great for maintaining weight and keeping the body functioning really well. It is great for the texture of your skin. My moods. Everything. And then sleep. It’s not so much what I put on the outside of my body, it is what I put inside.”

In terms of what she does put on the outside, on her skin, Elle is quite low maintenance and very realistic in her expectations. Aside from sun protection, which she is now stringent about, Elle likes to swap around her moisture creams regularly and scrutinises ingredients before choosing a product, realising that no wonder product can deliver miracle results.

“The ingredients are really important. Look at the ingredients in Invisible Zinc, there are no chemicals in there. I look for quality. I look for something that is as ethically sourced as possible. No toxins. Nobody gets it perfect. I just do the best I can while being realistic about it.”

Elle is at a point in life where she realises beauty is more about how you feel, than how you look. She favours acupuncture sessions over a spa treatment (“It’s so amazing for wellness”), and she is easier on herself when it comes to exercise, too.

What kinds of questions do you find yourself answering each day? Do you have a stockpile of answers you can draw from?

Not a day goes by that I don’t answer someone’s beauty questions. I’ve even joked in the office that I am going to put tickets on the door so people have to take numbers! Seriously though, the questions are many, and range in diversity. They could be as simple as, “what is the best mineral make-up?” to “which moisturiser should I use?” Or they could be as intricate as, “do you have a recommendation for my rosacea?”

There is no right answer for everyone, to any question. Each person is an individual and as such, product recommendations and advice will vary from person to person. On that note, your skin changes from day to day and from month to month, so what works for you today, may not be as effective as something else is tomorrow. So it’s not always easy for me to offer just one simple solution. I can however, point people in the right direction!

If it’s a skin care question, I always recommend that people see a qualified beauty therapist before trying a new product. Just as you would see a personal trainer before starting a new exercise routine, so too, you need to see a highly qualified skin specialist before investing in new skin care. I can also recommend great mascara for curling lashes, or a fabulous hydrating foundation, but unless people try it themselves, they won’t know if it’s right for them. With this in mind, I’ll direct them to the make-up counters I think are the most helpful and informative.

Of course, I try as many things as I can and share that with anyone who is willing to listen. I know the products that work for me and that have the scientific backing to prove their effectiveness, but in the same way my exercise routine might not work for someone else, the products that are suited to my skin, hair and complexion, might not quite be right for a friend or colleague.

Whether it’s make-up, skin care or salon treatments, I’m pretty luckily that I have the resources at my fingertips to point them in the direction, and to find a solution that suits their budgets.

When did you realise you were a beauty expert?

I actually prefer to think of myself as a beauty conduit! As a beauty and lifestyle writer and journalist, it’s my job to unearth and trial the latest and best in beauty products, treatments and procedures, then share the results with my readers. My aim is to give them an unbiased, factual account of my experience and the results I have enjoyed, so they can then make an informed decision as to what will work for them.

I guess in this respect, I am somewhat of an expert. I do know what to look for in terms of efficacy and results and it’s my job to deliver this to my reader. The reader always comes first and they rely on me to provide the best advice I can. This was drummed into me in the early days of my career and it has always stuck with me. Just as the industry is always changing and evolving, I am always learning about new developments, and it really gives me a thrill to be able to share this with readers.

Shonagh’s top Five Beauty Tips

1. Always leave your cleanser on for five to ten minutes in the morning. If it’s brimming with active ingredients, they will get to work on your skin, brightening it, clarifying it and waking it up for the day ahead. Rinse it off when you shower. My favourite is either Priori CoffeeBerry Facial Cleanser, or Priori Idebenone Facial Cleanser.

2. On that note, never sleep with your make-up on. Cleanse once at nigh to remove make-up and a second time to whisk away any cleanser residue or debris from the day. Use clean, warm, damp towels to remove make-up. The warmth assists the cleansing process and help to make skin more receptive to treatment products that will follow.

3. Never, ever, ever smoke. Nothing ruins your health or your looks faster. It depletes skin of moisture, it turns teeth yellow, it makes your complexion dull and grey and it starves skin cells of oxygen and nutrients. It also stains your hair and your fingers, and it makes you stink. Oh, and it kills you. Call the Quit Line if you’re having trouble giving up (it’s hard, I know).

4. Beauty doesn’t stop at your chin! Extend ALL your skin care along the length of your neck and to your décolletage. Take it to where your nipples start. This includes cleansers, exfoliants, masks and moisture products. Remember as well, that the skin on your body needs as much love as that on your face. Swap to a gentle body wash over harsh soaps, use a quality body scrub weekly (I love Priori Face and Body Scrub) and moisturise all over after every shower. As you get older, use more big gun ingredients to smooth, firm and keep skin supple. I’m currently obsessed by Priori CoffeeBerry Body Shaping Complex.

5, Use a serum. It’s like a personal trainer for your skin care. With targeted ingredients, serums get straight to the source of your skin issue, be it pigmentation, fine lines, dry skin or blemishes. Monoderma single dose serums are great, as they keep the active ingredients stabilised. They’re also wonderful for travelling. Slip a few in your carry on luggage to keep skin protected and bright in-flight.

Lipstick + SPF protection

Providing broad spectrum sun protection with SPF 15, Clinique High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15, $36, also gives lips a high pigment of colour, long lasting coverage of up to eight hours, and a moisturising formula.

Lipstick + lip balm

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick, $31.95, comes in 12 vibrant shades. The formula also features a blend of moisturising ingredients, including polypeptides, hyaluronic acid and natural collagen, for intensely hydrated lips. This lipstick has the added benefit of SPF 20 protection too.

For those who prefer a liquid lipstick, try Maybelline NY Superstay 24hr Lip Color, $21.95. The 24-hour colour stay formula will impress, and this dual-ended product also has a comforting balm that helps keep lips soft and smooth throughout the day.

Lipstick + anti-ageing benefits

Dior Serum de Rouge, $58, combines an elixir of active skincare ingredients with a pure pigment of lip colour. The hyaluronic acid microspheres increase in volume when they come in contact with the lips, filling in fine lines and improving the appearance of the lip’s skin texture. This lipstick also hydrates and provides a sun protection of SPF 20.

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Anti-Age Serum, $26.95, is targeted at women over 40 years of age whose lips need  re-shaping and re-defining. An anti-age serum is formulated at the core of this lipstick and works to moisturise the lips’ contours, prevent drying and rebuild their protective barrier function. Hyaluronic acid, pro-xylane and collagen also give your lips an anti-ageing boost.

Lipstick + teeth whitening

Clinique have a range of lipstick shades that they have identified as helping improve the appearance of your smile. These select shades create a complementary contrast to any yellow tones in your teeth, making them appear at least one shade whiter. There are 12 shades to choose from, including High Impact lip Colour SPF 15 in Red-y to Wear, Butter Shine Lipstick in Raspberry Rush, and Long Last Lipstick in Twilight Nude, all $36 each.

Lipstick + plumping

Lips coated in a rich colour look great when full and luscious too. Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip Plumper, $54, a two-in-one lipstick, contains spearmint and peppermint oils, and ginger root extract, which stimulates blood circulation, making lips appear fuller. This lipstick (available in five shades) also nourishes with shea butter and exfoliates dead skin cells with essential oils of lemon and tangerine.

Another great lip plumping lipstick is Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Lipstick, $46. It plumps the lips while delivering full coverage colour. In addition, this multi-beneficial lipstick also re-texturises, soothes and strengthens the lips for a reduced appearance in fine lines.

His eerily taut and smooth new visage unveiled for Sir Elton John‘s annual White Tie ball would do Madame Tussaud proud. You can’t blame a bloke for wanting to spruce up and slim down for luscious Liz Hurley, but he’s gone that step too far. Shane’s weathered larrikin appeal was, well, more appealing.

Debate has raged as to what he’s had done. Shane himself has said it’s because he’s lost weight and had his teeth whitened.

One national newspaper quoted a beauty industry expert that it was down to having his eyebrows shaped. Warnie may well have done that too but if a few deft whisks of the tweezers is indeed the answer, plastic surgeons and cosmetic physicians may as well hang up their scalpels, lasers and needles and go home.

We asked cosmetic physician Dr Joseph Hkiek of Sydney’s All Saints Cosmedical Clinics and cosmetic injector Nicole Bell, RN, of Face Today in Chatswood, Sydney, for their verdict. Let it be a warning, chaps, of where to draw the line. For other

Shane and ex-wife Simone in 2005 and heading out with Liz to Elton's White Tie ball

Says Dr Hkiek: “Shayne’s eyebrows are higher and his forehead is smoother which means that he possibly could have had brow lift procedure. These results could have been achieved with Botox and maybe some laser resurfacing. His face is still slightly red so laser resurfacing is very possible.

“He seems to lost some of heaviness of his neck from the side. This could be achieved by the “Nefrititi lift” with Botox.

“His cheeks seems a little fuller. It could be the makeup but dermal fillers in the Nasojugal fold (under the eyes) gives you the same results.”

Nicole Bell says Shane has been Boytoxed, and badly, along with having several other clinical procedures.

“Has Shane had work done? Yes,” says Nicole. “The real question is what `work’. In my opinion he has had:

• Skin resurfacing. Compare the texture of his forehead in both photos.  The thick, dead epithial cells on the surface  of his skin have been removed, leaving the birth of newer baby cells underneath. A much more youthful look.
• Intense Pulse Light. Shane’s skin has changed in colour. Gone are the red, broken capillaries from years of sun damage. This will also have contributed to the change in his skin texture. I congratulate him for doing this as, to create the  illusion of youth in an older person, you need to  restore the even colour in skin that young people have pre-sun damage. This has been done well on Shane. Also, from a medical perspective, it is good to remove lesions that can progress into potential skin cancers. And who wants age spots anyway?! Working in an anti ageing skin cancer clinic we do this on men as a normal part of the journey in turning back the clock.
• In my opinion he has had his teeth veneered.
• Botox – yes. But the fault lies with Shane’s cosmetic injector, who has created an arched feminine brow in a  masculine male. At Face Today we “design” faces with Botox. Every male needs a T-shaped brow – imagine the nose being the central stroke of the T and the eyebrows are the straight strong top of the T. This creates the look of masculinity and strength. The female brow is the “ Y brow” – the nose is the straight stroke and the Y is the lovely upward shape of a female arched brow.

Today show hosts Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson, the perfect T and Y brows

Think of two well known TV personalities – Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson from the Today show. Karl has the perfect male T brow and Lisa has the perfect Y brow.

It’s not Shane’s fault to try to look fresher, it is the responsibility of the injector. Alas, being able to hold a needle does not mean you will have an artistic outcome. Face Today has many a male who has Botox and no-one knows … even their wives. It needs to be done with indepth knowledge of muscles’ design for an artistic, subtle outcome.

As we age, teeth tend to become yellower, hastened by factors such as smoking, drinking tea, coffee, cola drinks and wine and, of course, poor dental hygiene.

Fortunately there’s an ever-evolving arsenal of cosmetic dentistry procedures and products to restore – or at least boost – youthful brightness. (For home use, the Younger You crowd is loving Colgate’s MaxWhite ONE.)

But however white they may be, teeth that are too crowded, crooked or spaced (conditions that also tend to deteriorate with age) can cause us to look older and less attractive, as well as a range of health issues including jaw misalignment (leading to chronic head and neck aches) and sleep problems.

In many cases, a significantly improved smile can only be achieved by orthodontics (and even surgery) – aka good old-fashioned braces.

Except they’re not old fashioned anymore and nor are they just kids’ stuff. People in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond are returning to the orthodonist’s chair in record numbers.

Recent research* conducted on behalf of Invisalign Australia, pioneers of the invisible braces market  (*by Galaxy among 1007 respondents aged 18-39 across Australia in June, 2011) has revealed that teeth top the list of facial features they would most like to improve, ahead of skin concerns and nose. And 54 per cent said straight teeth are linked to a person’s overall attractiveness.

“There is  a phenomenon called the halo effect, which means we judge people on one characteristic such as bad teeth, says Dr Suzy Green of the Positive Psychology Institute, commenting on the research.

“While we may think making judgements of others based on physical appearance is superficial, we often do it unconsciously. The survey proves that people actually do notice each others’ teeth and are making judgements about their overall attractivess and personal pride based on their teeth alone. ”

Another survey conducted by Oral B in the UK in 2009 revealed that stained, yellow teeth can make a person look 13 years older than if they had  gleaming white teeth.

Researchers showed photos of a model – one with gleaming white teeth and another with stained yellow teeth – to 2000 people. They were then asked to guess the ages. The one with perfect teeth was put at 31 while the (same) model with computer-generated, discoloured teeth was thought to be 44.

Of course, any of us who have weathered a mouthful of metal for years in their teens aren’t keen to relive the orthodontic experience at a more, er, mature age on the basis of how it looks and feels. But today’s options don’t have to involve the full metal jacket.

Invisalign before and after treatment for spacing

Invisalign before and after treatment for severe crowding

Invisalign before and after treatment for crossbite

Invisalign before and after treatment for overbite

I recently opted for 7 “sub-lingual” small metal brackets on the inside of my lower teeth, which over the past 12 years had become increasingly crooked and recessed, making my bite deeper (not a good look) and more uncomfortable. I felt I had to practically stretch my lips over my teeth to smile.

My orthodonist, Dr Lesley Short, warned they would continue to recede and eventually my top teeth would follow in sympathy. Nice.

Four months and $3200 later the difference is phenomenal. I have another 6 or so months to go but already my lower teeth have straightened by 80 per cent. The most crooked tooth that had previously looked black (and I had considered replacing with a crown) is now near white as the rest; it’s come out of the shadows and is being cleaned more effectively.

But more impressive than even this is that my top teeth have moved forward; I didn’t realise how recessed they, too, had become. The shape of my whole mouth has changed and smiling is a pleasure.

For those who still don’t fancy metal in their mouth, Invisalign technology has evolved so much since its inroduction to Australia in 2002 that increasingly complex orthodontic issues can be addressed. In more severe cases it may need to be complemented by another teeth-straightening technique.

Bondi Rescue's Anthony ("Harries") Carroll

Just signed as an ambassador for Invisalign Australia is Bondi Rescue hottie Anthony (“Harries”) Carroll and he can’t stop smiling – literally. He’s had the clear aligners (which some orthodonists refer to as “contact lenses for the teeth”) for a month and apart from the fact his smile has already straightened significantly, no one has noticed.

“The lifeguards [at Bondi Beach] are like women – 100 per cent whatever you do, they’ll notice, like if you shave your body,” says Anthony. “But they didn’t pick up on the braces until I told them.

“Fixing my teeth has been something I’ve always wanted to do, but because I have such an active lifestyle and spend so much time in front of the camera, braces simply weren’t an option for me.

“A friend introduced me to Invisalign and they really are virtually invisible.”

Invisalign uses 3D computer imaging technology to depict the series of movements a patient’s teeth need to go through. A series of custom-made aligners formed of medical-grade, non-toxic plastic are then produced. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series till the final position is achieved.

The computer imaging allows a patient to view their own virtual treatment plan; see the result before they start.

In most cases, the cost and treatment time are comparable to traditional braces:

• Cost ranges from $6000-$8000 but if only minor corrections are needed it can be as little as $4000.
• Treatment time varies from 6 months to two years, with the average taking around 12-14 months.

One of the great benefits over traditional braces is that Invisalign is removable; indeed it’s essential the aligners are taken out when eating and, of course, flossing. Also for special occasions. The aligners are kept clean by brushing them with toothpaste as you would your teeth, or soaking briefly in vinegar.

“Results all depend on patient compliance,” says Sydney dentist Dr Michael Finkelstein. “If your patient wears their plates all the time you get a great result.”

For more information go to www.invisalign.com.au

So it’s fair to say I am obsessed with my teeth. Amid all the (re)construction work, I at least want them as white as possible cos otherwise what’s the point of spending a fortune on the foundations and covering it with a cheap and nasty façade?

I was blessed with very white teeth until around my late 30s when the stealth of ageing caught up. Teeth naturally yellow over the years but mine were exacerbated by being a big espresso coffee drinker (a habit I’ve finally kicked).

As a result, I have become a connoisseur of whitening toothpastes over the years. In fairness they’ve all been pretty good but I have found my Holy Grail – Colgate MaxWhite ONE.

As per the promise on the packet, my teeth are distinctly whiter after 10 days; moreover they feel much, much cleaner. The blue gel formula is unlike anything I’ve tried before – fresher, lighter and easy on the palate. And, call me pernickity, but I love that the packaging stands on its head – no more messy half-squeezed tubes.

Now that braces have brought my teeth almost back into alignment (6 months leftand counting), the whiter hue gives me even more reason to smile.

 Jenni Gilbert, Editor, Younger You

Like good beauty investigators we hit the streets to see if we share the same sentiments when it comes to our idea of what makes us beautiful. Here’s what some guys we pounced on had to say:

Brad (left), Jesse and Paul

“If a girl has confidence in themselves and an active lifestyle, then I’m sold!” – Jesse

“A beautiful girl to me has a relaxed, friendly nature. Amazing eyes are definitely one of my favourite features on a girl.” – Paul

We think a lovely smile, standout eyes and groomed brows (our favourite secret weapon) are winning assets on any woman, too, like smiley Kylie above. Our tips for highlighting these assets:

A Stunning Smile

The first step is to actually smile, to look happy and positive. The next step is getting your teeth pearly white: you’ll be amazed at how much of a pick-me-up this can instantly give you!

Start with a teeth-whitening toothpaste like Colgate MaxWhite One Toothpaste (103g), RRP $5.99. This formula contains white strips that dissolve as you brush and get to work removing your stains (as well as fighting cavities and all the other qualities you expect from your toothpaste, like minty fresh breath). To be inspired by celeb smiles, click here to see our photo gallery, The White Stuff.

In addition to regularly brushing (at least twice a day, morning and night), there are a couple of other temporary tricks you can try:

1. Wear a blue-toned lipstick – they counteract any yellowness in your teeth
2. Sweep bronzer over your cheeks and forehead to warm your skin tone
3. Wear silver jewellery rather than gold as it tends to play up the yellow tones in your teeth.

Look-At-Me Eyes

Stunning eyes begin with eyeliner and end with mascara. These two powerful tools highlight your lashes, open up your eyes, and brighten your entire face. Stick to eyeliner on the upper lash line only (lining the lower lash line can narrow your eye shape) and smudge slightly for a sultry finish. If you’ve got a couple of spare minutes up your sleeve, try curling your lashes before applying mascara for added definition.

Divinely Defined Brows

The beauty of a bold brow is that when it’s done correctly – no one should even be able to see the traces of your handiwork. To begin, pluck strays (without damaging the shape of your brows) and brush the rest into place. Find a brow pencil that matches your darkest brow hair shade, and draw light hair strokes throughout the brows, filling in any gaps. For extra definition, go over them with a brow powder too, using the same hair stroke action.

Congratulations, both these extremely positive attributes could very well be because of one simple little feature – your rocking (that’s rocking, not rotting) teeth.

According to a recent study conducted by  Oral-B (they do wonderful electric toothbrushes by the way), a welcoming smile that’s flashy and white and bright and fabulous, makes you look 14 years younger and can boost your earning power by a Jimmy Choo-worthy $10,000.

The company gathered 1000 Aussies and asked them to make general assumptions on the age and salary of the poor girl in the picture below  (bags not be that chick). The results were actually quite surprising, showing that a good gob can make serious changes to the way people perceive you.

Looking at these pictures, I can see why the results varied. I too made assumptions on the age of the girl in the picture, favouring the brighter smile.

More than half of the Aussies surveyed assumed that the whiter smile was under 30 and earned $10,000 more than her mate in Picture 1.

Who looks younger and a bigger breadwinner?

All these assumptions aside, I think there’s something to be said about good dental hygiene. I, for one, have been reminded by my parents since my first tooth sprouted that the dentist is my friend, not my worst nightmare, and have gone to the dentist every six months since I can remember.

Flossing your teeth can help prevent heart disease, including stroke and heart attack, so I do take the time to quickly floss everyday … okay, more like 4-5 times a week, but my dentist is definitely impressed.

And that’s what I find so interesting about this whole study, and dental health as a whole. We spend thousands of dollars a year on hairstyling, hair colour, makeup, fake tan …  yet fail when it comes to taking less than two minutes to floss our teeth, or gargle.

Isn’t it odd, when you really think about it, that some women wouldn’t be seen dead without makeup on, yet can cruise around knocking people out with their killer breath?

So my advice to you is this:  ditch your crappy old toothbrush for an electric one immediately, as they help remove plague far more efficiently than the manual ones.  Change the heads regularly to prevent bacteria build-up.

Also, give your teeth a floss a few times a week (if not daily) and turn your tongue on its head with a gargle of the hard-stuff, too.

Cancel your weekly spray tan twice a year to get your teeth cleaned professionally, and if you’re into getting your chompers a tad whiter, either go for the professional whitening treatment, or a whitening toothpaste like Go Smile Luxury Toothpaste Toothpaste Trio, $23 (available at Mecca Cosmetica). I tried these some time ago, and they made my pearlers sparkle. Seriously!

So go on, take care of your teeth and smile, you look beautiful.

Now tell me …

• Did you agree with the survey results?

• Do you take good care of your teeth?

• Do you floss? Go on, be honest.

But everyone deserves royal treatment for the big day, whether you’re the bride, a member of the wedding party or the proud mum. Here’s our wedding day beauty countdown.

GOOD FOUNDATIONS

“Go mineral,” advises L’Oreal Paris Make-up Director Rae Morris. “It gives a velvety finish, which looks beautiful in photos.”

Bonus: mineral make-up contains natural sunscreen.

”Most brides have pictures taken outside and walk into the reception with sunburn,” says Rae. “Mineral make-up prevents this. Another plus, it lasts longer.”

Try:

• L’Oreal Paris True Match Minerals, $36.95
• Kit Cosmetics Mineral Foundation, $39.95
• bareMinerals Matte Foundation, $59

Alternatively try airbrushing, says make-up artist Emma Haddock, who uses the technique regularly. ”It gives a flawless, lasting look without pastiness.”

The technique diffuses foundation through a compressed air gun, airbrushing it over skin, much like a spray tan, eliminating the need for powder.

”I use a water-resistant formula, which means brides can perspire or cry and their make-up will stay put.”

Eye brightening hint: Ask your make-up artist to apply a little highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes. It will really make them pop!

BACK ON TRACK

If you’re prone to “bacne” and have a backless gown planned, it’s best to start treatments several months ahead.

“This is a common problem and I have found one of the best solutions is Microhydrabrasion,” says clinical skin therapist Douglas Pereira, of Pure Aesthetics in Sydney.

Microhydrabrasion is a system that exfoliates the skin with diamonds but simultaneously cleans the skin with water, then soothes and cools it with aloe vera.

“The first stage of the treatment gently lifts away dead skin cells,” says Douglas.

“Then we the conduct the hydrabrasion to draw out the bacteria and oils clogging the skin which cause breakouts.

“I follow that with a antibacterial mask and finish with an oil-free moisturiser.”

Depending on the severity of the condition, Douglas recommends one treatment a week for 6-8 weeks, completing the course 2-3 weeks prior to the big day.

“If the patient also has scarring and pigmentation, which is quite common with back acne, I would always suggest to 3-6 BHA skin peels at the conclusion of the micro course.”

Cost: Microhydrabrasion and BHA skin peel back treatments are $165-$350 each per session depending on severity of the condition of the areas affected.

To maintain results at home, Douglas suggests using an anti bacterial wash to cleanse the back with each time you shower and Rationale Skin Refining Seru, RRP $92 (call 1800350821 for stockists) to assist with the skin renewal and detoxification process.

Also worth trying are Omnilux medical light treatments (1800 808 993) which combine glycolic skin care and specialised rays of light to stimulate skin’s repair and immune responses, while preventing the spread of acne-causing bacteria.

For best results, have two per week over four weeks, backed up at home with a glycolic-based wash, exfoliant and lotion.

At home, try:

• MD Formulations Facial Cleansing Gel, Body Scrub, $85 and Hand and Body Cream, $85 each, 1800 808 993.