When someone asks you if you’ve whitened your teeth because your smile is so bright it makes you feel good — and you know the products you’re using are working. I’ve been using Lumineux whitening strips for years, and despite drinking a lot of black tea, black coffee and red wine, I always notice a big difference in my smile. They’re so good, not only were they rated one of NBC Select’s Top Oral Care Products of 2026, but I give them to my friends and they’re always excited because they know from my results that they work. The gel formula is made without peroxide, so it’s safe for sensitive gums and teeth, and each strip contains dead sea salt, lemon peel oil, coconut oil and sage oil to remove yellow plaque and break up stains on the teeth, according to Luminex. Plus, they even work on your implants. —Shalwah Evans, senior editor