When it comes to skincare, we’re all for playing the long game (retinol, we still salute you). But sometimes, your skin just needs a quick win. Enter the newest wave of instant-effect formulas: smart, high-performance products that deliver visible results the very moment you use them.

From a viral face cream that dramatically tightens lax skin in minutes to serums that calm, hydrate, and blur on application, these are the fast-acting fixes that actually deliver. For fresher, smoother, glowier skin – immediately, with the added bonus of long-term benefits.

Whether you’re prepping for a big event or just want to fake eight hours of sleep on a regular degular Tuesday, these are the skincare power players worth your time (and your top shelf).

Laneige - Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask

It may not work instantly, but overnight comes pretty close. This peptide-powered sleeping mask firms, plumps and hydrates skin while you sleep, so you wake up looking visibly fresher.

Biossance - Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue Ultra Rich Cream (only at Sephora)

Anti-inflammatory ingredients soothe sensitivity and irritation fast (like, three minutes fast) while helping to strengthen the skin over time. A must for reactive, easily stressed-out skin.

Bioderma - Sensibio Soothing Defensive Serum

For visibly smoother, brighter and refreshed skin, after one single use. This at-home exfoliator blends physical, chemical and enzymatic actives for results that rival in-clinic treatments.

Murad - Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial

Tired eyes, meet your five-minute match. These cooling patches depuff and firm instantly with cucumber extract and fatigue-fighting caffeine. Pro tip: they work even better out of the fridge.

Sephora Collection Eye Masks