Have you ever had one of those moments when you wrapped a big presentation or a daunting task then thought to yourself, “Wow, I crushed that.”? Well, that’s your confidence speaking, and she’s right: You crushed it because you managed to show up as your most brilliant self.
But the thing about our inner brilliance is that sometimes it can feel difficult to access — which is why it’s key to have a secret weapon for unlocking your confidence before high-pressure moments. Enter Colgate® Optic White® Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen — an easy, effective way to whiten your teeth while you sleep, so you can wake up and take on that job interview, first date, or major meeting with confidence.
And since nothing reflects self-assurance quite like a beaming smile, Bustle met up with three women who are prepping for big, defining moments to talk about how they tapped into their inner brilliance. The learning? Whether you’re embarking on a new career journey, performing in front of a camera, or stepping onto the green for the golf tournament of a lifetime, displaying confidence is paramount to presenting your best self.
Keep reading to learn more about their impressive journeys, plus find out how to steal their best confidence-boosting tips.
For Author, Chef, And TV Host Samah Dada, Confidence Comes From Bringing Others With You
Samah Dada realized early on that she was born to stand out. Inspired by her own mother's cooking, the chef’s deep passion for food led her to innovate recipes that blend plant-based cuisine with her Indian heritage. (Her cookbook "Love To Cook It" reflects this fusion.) And as part of her journey as a cookbook author and recipe developer, Samah seeks motivation in the community around her.
“My goal with my work and with my food is to make other people happy and to serve other people,” Samah tells Bustle. “It’s really important to me to make other people feel seen.”
Part of the way Dada does this is by sharing her recipes in a cooking segment on a popular morning show — something she always shows up to confidently thanks to the help of Colgate® Optic White® Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen. “Unlocking your brilliance means finding confidence in yourself, but then also being able to give that to other people,” she says. “To me, what's it all for if you can't bring other people up, too?”
Faith Xue’s Brilliance Starts By Listening To Herself
From covering the biggest beauty events and launches to leading a team of editors as they shape the culture of today, BDG’s Executive Beauty Director Faith Xue is on the pulse of what matters right now in beauty.
“We did a story literally about how oral care is the new frontier of beauty,” Xue shares while prepping for a big photoshoot. And while she’s a known proponent of flaunting your confidence by way of your smile (“I want to blind you with how white my teeth are!”), when it comes to telling readers how they can be their absolute best selves, Faith encourages people to look inward.
“Being in this industry, there’s a lot of outside voices. But to me, the moments that I'm most proud of in my career happened when I really trusted my own voice.” That’s a big reason why Faith believes her mission as a beauty editor is to help people unlock their brilliance at a level that goes way beyond skincare and makeup. “I am doing this [job] because I want to have an impact and I want to share a message, and I want to make other people's lives better.”
Pro Golfer Lily He’s Brilliance Comes From Within
As a brilliant golfer, passionate beauty and lifestyle creator, and one half of the ultimate Gen Z power couple, Lily He is the perfect blend of chic lifestyle and sports prowess — and her secret for unlocking her brilliance begins with trusting herself.
“I think it's just a matter of being able to realize that the thing that makes you special is already within you. I want to tap into myself. I want to listen to myself, really figure out who I am and what I like, then stand by that and be confident in that,” Lily explains.
As for what Lily already has? An upcoming major golf tournament, a fun creative outlet via her social media work, and a radiant smile that grounds her in her authenticity. “Smiling makes me feel like the true version of myself,” she says.
For these women, unlocking brilliance is not just about outward appearances; it's about embracing authenticity, empowering others, and staying true to oneself.
With Colgate® Optic White® Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen, you’re one step closer to confidently showcase your brightest self. True brilliance comes from within, and a dazzling smile is just the beginning of the journey towards greatness.
Photographer: Danilo Hess; Art Direction: Angela Poccia/BDG Studios; Wardrobe: Kimberly Nguyen, Nina Attal; Hair + Makeup: Mayela Vazquez; Hair: Adam Long, Akihisa Yamaguchi; Makeup: Maya Rene; Props: Sharon Reiss; Talent: Mikaela Baruch/BDG Studios; Associate Director, Production: Danica Butkovich/BDG Studios; Production Coordinator: Hertie Gutierrez/BDG Studios; Branded Lifestyle Director: Allison Berry/BDG Studios
