Paula's Choice Brighten Up

Bottom line

Paula's Choice Brighten Up is convenient, easy to use and it doesn't cause tooth sensitivity. It only provides minimal results, however, and is best for maintaining previously whitened teeth. If you prefer more pronounced whitening, experts say Crest 3D White Whitestrips Advanced Vivid (*Est. $40) are an excellent option.

Performance

Best for touch-ups. Paula's Choice Brighten Up is a brush-on formula that looks and feels a lot like a lip balm. It's best for users with minimal staining and those wanting to maintain already-white teeth. Each tube contains approximately 30 applications.

Testers at Good Housekeeping say that Brighten Up works. It visibly lightened two-thirds of testers teeth but exactly how much isn't clear. Half of the reviewers commenting at MakeupAlley.com are happy with their results while the other half saw no improvement at all. One user says, "Brighten Up will not make your teeth dazzling white, but it will brighten them up noticeably." A couple of users say they use the formula to maintain white teeth in between stronger treatments.

Ease of use

As easy as applying lip balm. Maggie Gallant, a beauty expert, tells CBS News that Paula's Choice Brighten Up is a convenient option for fast whitening. She explains that it fits in a purse for easy on-the-go touch-ups. Users also praise the formula for being easy to use. It only requires a quick swipe on the teeth and five minutes with no eating or drinking. No rinsing is required. A few users, however, say they wish detailed instructions were included with the tube. Instead, users are directed to the Paula's Choice website to watch an instructional video.

Safety

No sensitivity. Gallant says Brighten Up is an excellent option for sensitive teeth, and users agree. We didn't see any user complaints about tooth sensitivity or discomfort. The formula is safe to use as long as you don't have any cavities and your gums and teeth are in good health.