Beauty Advice 5 Ways to Whiten Your Teeth—Fast!

Next to a million dollars and legs like Carrie Underwood, whiter teeth are one of the top things pretty much any woman would like to have. (Right??) But unlike Carrie's body or a mountain of cash, gleaming pearly whites are actually totally attainable. Here, five quick ways to brighten your smile right now.
1. Try at-home whitening strips. They work! Really! (We like Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips. For the best results, dentists recommend using them at least six hours after brushing and drying your teeth with a tissue before applying the strips.
2. Dip a washcloth in hydrogen-peroxide. Then, rub your teeth with it. The peroxide lightens stains; the nubbiness of the cloth further helps scrub them away.
3. Switch to a whitening toothpaste. They're not strong enough to dramatically whiten discolored teeth on their own, but they can help get rid of new stains by scrubbing them away with a mild abrasive called silica.
4. Wear blue-based colors--and gloss. Cherry red, wine, and berry colors make teeth look whiter. (Or choose a product like Clinique For A Brighter Smile--the colors all have blue undertones.) And steer clear of matte lipsticks which can make teeth look dingy.
5. Brush after every meal. Sounds obvious, but don't forget—it makes a big difference. Keep a mini disposable brush, like Colgate Wisps, in your purse for on-the-go cleaning.
For more at-home whitening tips, check out the September issue of Allure, on newsstands now.