I Tried Color-Correcting Toothpaste — Here's What Happened

Updated on March 26, 2017 at 4:50 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Emily Orofino

Though it isn't a new technique, color-correcting makeup has surged in popularity over the past few years. The concept is simple: it plays upon the color wheel from your elementary school art class. Shades that are direct opposites cancel each other out. For example, if you use a green concealer formula on a red blemish or a peachy tone on blueish circles, those imperfections instantly become less glaringly obvious. Add a foundation on top and you'll appear like you have naturally flawless skin.

I've been pretty faithful to the concept for a while now, so I was immediately intrigued by the launch of Popwhite, a dental care system that relies on color correcting to make your teeth look brighter and whiter. Instead of traditional peroxide, which can be irritating and damaging, the products are formulated with gentle xylitol and coconut in a deep violet shade. Purple cancels out yellow tones, so the logic is pretty sound. The Popwhite team says that the results are cumulative, and teeth can be brightened up to four shades when the system is used twice daily for two weeks.

Because I was both impatient and excited to see the efficiency of dental color correcting, I tested the two products just once and I was pleasantly surprised. Keep reading for before and after photos (they have not been edited at all, so you can get a true look at the color-correcting results!) and to shop the Popwhite products.

Teeth Before

Here's what I'm working with. Not too stained, but I drink plenty of coffee and am always lured in by the promise of a brighter smile. It has been over a year and a half since I received a professional whitening treatment.

Popwhite Color-Correcting System

This duo consists of two steps: a whitening primer (aka toothpaste) and a whitening toner, which is a minty oral rinse.

The Popwhite Whitening Primer

I knew this toothpaste would be violet before I started this test, but I was kind of surprised by just how purple it was IRL.

Mid-Brush

That royal purple color translates into very vivid foam. (And equally vibrant spit.) The toothpaste was not quite as minty as I'd usually like, but my teeth felt very clean afterward.

After Brushing With Popwhite Whitening Primer

I'm already immediately pleased by how much brighter my teeth look. Initially, I was concerned that the violet cast of the toothpaste would leave some aggressive residue behind, but as you can see, my teeth don't appear lilac at all.

The Popwhite Whitening Toner

I'll admit, I was a little freaked out to rinse with this. Most mouthwashes I've used are completely transparent and this was rather opaque. I persevered despite my trepidation, and once the liquid hit my tongue, I was immediately hit with a blast of intense mint flavor (the formula contains a generous dose of peppermint oil). I swished this around for about 15 seconds.

After Using the Popwhite Color-Correcting System

Well, color~~-correct~~ me impressed! The purple cast of the mouthwash faded almost instantly, making my teeth look superbright. Just as important (to me, anyway), I felt squeaky clean and fresh.

Because I don't have too much whitening to do, I plan on saving this set for use before special occasions, or possibly before future selfies. However, if you've tried traditional whitening products in the past and found them irritating or even painful, I think this is an excellent, effective alternative to brighten your smile. You can get both products in the Popwhite Color-Correcting System for $36, or you can buy each item individually for $24.