We live in a world of instant gratification when it comes to just about everything. But, even though we can get a bevy of products and services delivered to our doors in seconds (thank you, Seamless), one thing still takes for-effing-ever. Read: our beauty routines. Thankfully, a few select products do the trick instantly — and that's not marketing speak; we mean it. From lipstick to face masks to dry shampoo, you can rely on these guys to do their job in seconds, if not sooner.
Ahead, the beauty team shares our favorite drop-of-the-hat, can't-live-without, one-and-done picks. Buckle your seat belts: These babies are fast.
"My hair is on the fine side, so a lot of the anti-frizz products on the market are too heavy for me and weigh down my natural curls. This formula is super lightweight — watery, even — and neither oily nor greasy. A few drops smoothed over dry, fuzzy areas instantly adds shine and control, especially on my bleached-out ends." — Anne-Marie Guarnieri, former beauty deputy editor
A Beautiful Life Unicorn's Mane, $16, available at Urban Outfitters.
"Okay, yes it's pretty expensive for a concealer. But it's not just a concealer — it's also an eye cream. One end of this little miracle contains a hydrating eye cream that uses hyaluronic acid, rice proteins, and cyclodextrins (a sugar molecule compound) to plump hydrate, smooth, and prime the undereyes. The opposite end is a tinted concealer made with light-reflecting microparticles to brighten, conceal, color correct and diffuse the appearance of undereye bags. The final effect makes your eyes (and face) look brighter, smoother, and generally less zombie like in just two clicks." — Megan McIntyre, beauty features director
Charlotte Tilbury, $58.00, available at Charlotte Tilbury
"A lot of mascaras will make your lashes look long and dark, but this one actually curls them thanks to its special constricting formula. The minute I sweep it on, my eyes instantly look more open and awake. (And that's without using a lash curler!) When makeup artist Gucci Westman complimented my lashes backstage at a fashion show, it earned a permanent spot in my bag." — Cat Quinn, beauty director
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara, $24, available at Sephora.
"When 4 o’clock rolls around and the yawns inevitably set in, a swipe of this caffeinated formula underneath each eye instantly makes me look awake and feel more lively." — Megan Cahn, senior beauty editor
H2O Plus, $20.00, available at Ulta Beauty
"Liquid illuminators are your best friend when you need a quick boost that doesn't take a lot of effort. This guy is made of what can only be described as the color of a freshly poured glass of Veuve. Add a little to your foundation for a crazy-luminous glow — don't worry, the shimmer particles are fine and will go undetected; you won't have glitter face — or, my favorite, spoon out your favorite cream eyeshadow and mix it with a drop of the liquid for a brighter, prettier, eye-opening effect. Then, tap the pure liquid on the tops of your cheekbones with your fingertips and blend nicely...and don't forget to pop the inner corners, too. You'll look wide awake...even when you're anything but." — Phillip Picardi, former senior beauty editor
NARS, $30.00, available at NARS
— SPONSORED —
Top editors and makeup artists swear by Vaseline to heal cracked lips in a matter of minutes. Here's how: First, scrub your lips with a washcloth to slough off dead skin cells. Or if you have a lip scrub, that works too. Then scoop out a thick — and we mean thick — layer of Vaseline from the Lip Therapy Tin. Let your lips absorb the moisture for five or so minutes, then dab off the excess.
Vaseline Lip Therapy Tin, $4.39, available at Vaseline.
"As a red lipstick devotee, I'm still pretty surprised that I've fallen so madly in love with this rich brown shade from Urban Decay. One swipe, and you're instantly whisked back to 1993 (hence the name) — and I do dig a '90s beauty moment. With loads of mascara and a brown smoky eye, I am the embodiment of my Liz Phair dream." — Maria Del Russo, beauty editor
Urban Decay, $22.00, available at Ulta Beauty
"This easy-to-use tinted brow gel makes grooming my unruly caterpillars daily exponentially easier. I can just swipe it on and they're automatically tamed, taking all of the brushing and filling in work off my plate. It's also allowed me to stretch out my time between threadings a little more without looking like a damn wooly mammoth." — Taylor Bryant, beauty news editor
Eyeko Brow Gel, $25, available at Eyeko.
"I can safely say that I've used this brush nearly every day I've worn makeup since I was 17. (I'm 21 now). I've had the opportunity to try a lot of other brushes between then and now, but I always go back to this one. It's the perfect size to buff out foundation, BB cream, and concealer and gives a beautiful air-brushed finish in seconds." — Mi-Anne Chan, beauty editorial assistant
Real Techniques, $8.99, available at Ulta Beauty
"Bear with me, because I know what you're thinking: This mask is how much?! Yes, it's very pricey, but in all my years working in beauty I've never seen a treatment or product work quite this quickly. I apply a thin layer to clean skin, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then gently wipe off. (You don't need to rinse, but I normally do just to be sure it's all removed.) It makes your skin feel crazy-soft, plumped up, and super-glowy." — Lexy Lebsack, West Coast beauty editor
La Mer The Intensive Revitalizing Mask, $165, available at Creme de La Mer.
"This smooth, non-pore-clogging primer is great for evening out your skin tone and texture (even on acne scars) and keeping your face from becoming an oil slick by midday — no foundation required." — Anne-Marie Guarnieri
Maybelline, $9.49, available at Target
"If you need acne scars or a monster zit to look less noticeable in a hurry, this sheet mask from Talika is your new superhero. Pop it on and the cinnamon, argan oil, and alpine herbs will go to work instantly, reducing redness and shrinking down visibly irritated skin." — Megan McIntyre
Talika, $12.00, available at Talika
"This cream has one of those long, poetic backstories about a flower ingredient that can be reborn under harsh conditions. But the thing is, I actually believe it with this one because of the way it makes my skin look on even my WORST mornings. It has the subtlest possible shimmer that gives an instant glow, and after a few weeks of using it I've noticed my skin getting clearer, brighter, and more balanced. (And that's coming from an oily-skinned-acneic girl so yeah. Big deal.)" — Cat Quinn
Giorgio Armani, $385.00, available at Nordstrom
"This primer not only helps hide imperfections and makes sure your makeup stays put, but it has a pearl tint that will give you an instant luminosity and glow. You can even wear it on its own for sheer coverage!" — Megan Cahn
Laura Mercier, $34.00, available at Sephora
"The concept of a 'one-minute facial' initially seemed like bullshit. But, this product utilizes water-activated vitamin C that you smooth on, rub in, and rinse off for an instantly brighter complexion. It's worth it for the citrusy scent alone." — Phillip Picardi
Ren, $48.00, available at Sephora
"Roll this bad boy onto your temples, pulse points, and third eye. Promptly inhale and prepare to have all of your stress and tension dissipate immediately." — Taylor Bryant
Soul Sunday Unicorn Oil, $18, available at Urban Outfitters.
"I'm all about making my skin look glowy, but since I have pretty oily skin, I tend to steer clear of anything with obvious shimmer or glitter. So when it comes to blush, I almost always opt for matte varieties. But this one had me intrigued. It's not necessarily matte, but it's not shimmery either. Hourglass describes it as 'multi-dimensional,' and I must say I agree with the claim. A light dusting on the apples of my cheeks makes me look imeediately energized and not
the slightest bit powdery or unnatural." — Mi-Anne Chan
Hourglass, $35.00, available at Sephora
"Used either under concealer or on top of (or by itself), this undereye brightener helps to banish those dreaded dark circles on days when you just don't have time to bother with eye masks. It does a great job of making you appear more awake and alert, even if your body is telling you otherwise." — Taylor Bryant
Becca, $29.00, available at Sephora
"Okay, so I'm one of those #blessed sorts whose eyelashes are naturally long and full. The kind that sometimes bang up against the lenses of my eyeglasses. (I know, poor me.) But after one pass of this amazing curler, my lashes are taken to hyperreal, Kardashian levels of glory. Even without mascara. (No, really.)" — Anne-Marie Guarnieri
Surratt, $30.00, available at Barneys New York
"You know how when you spray on those aerosol dry shampoos, your hair looks a bit better — albeit chalky — but has a kind of sticky, solidified feel to it? Not with this one. A couple quick spritzes and your hair not only looks clean, but feels like it, too. And there's no buildup, so you can spritz your way to clean for as long as you can stand not showering. ( You might smell rank, but your hair will be super on point.)" — Megan McIntyre
Living Proof, $22.00, available at Sephora
"Got five minutes? Pop eight of these suckers in your hair, let them cool while you brush your teeth and wash your face, and unroll them to get the most AMAZING BLOWOUT EVER. The rollers give insane lift, and thanks to their velvet coating, also impart incredible shine. Every time I use them, my friends ask if I came from the Drybar. Heyyyy." — Cat Quinn
T3, $99.00, available at Sephora
"On those days when I’m too tired, lazy, or hungover (maybe all three) to really put the effort into wearing a lot of makeup, a swipe of this red lipstick is my go-to trick. It may seem a little fancy for this state of mind, but it instantly makes me feel glamorous, adds life to my face, and takes the attention away from my droopy eyes." — Megan Cahn
Charlotte Tilbury, $32.00, available at Charlotte Tilbury
"When I've been naughty on a weeknight — and I'm talking glasses of wine, margaritas, and Negronis — I will generally wake up with all of 20 minutes to get my act together before work. While I normally prefer eye patches to rescue my puffy peepers the morning after, I sometimes need a much quicker fix. Sisley's eye mask is a super-lightweight gel that you can apply in a thin layer, let it go to work for five minutes, and then press into the skin or tissue off before putting on your concealer. You will look and feel noticeably refreshed — plus, it won't slow down your routine." — Phillip Picardi
Sisley Paris, $145.00, available at Nordstrom
"True story: At my birthday party last year, my friend Phil walked in with some killer, tousled texture. I complimented his hair, he complimented mine, and when I asked what was in his hair he told me Surf Infusion. Turns out, I had Surf Infusion in my hair, too. Basically, this is French-girl-hair-goes-to-the-beach in a bottle, and it's quickly becoming a staple in the bathrooms of beauty editors everywhere — or, at least, at Refinery29." — Maria Del Russo
Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion, $29, available at Bumble and Bumble.
"Although the process of applying and keeping still while this mask does its work is no easy feat, the results are well worth the 20 minutes you're stuck lying face up to avoid having it slide down your face. The serum, filled with active ingredients, will soak into your skin, leaving you with a noticeably brighter complexion by morn." — Taylor Bryant
Dr. Jart+, $7.50, available at Birchbox
" Upon first swatch, this product felt a little too 'hard' for my liking but I gave it a try anyway — and boy am I glad I did. The formula is full of hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, but because of its waxy texture, it doesn't move all day. But the best part is definitely the finish. Unlike most tinted lip balms, this one looks almost matte and stains the lips a gorgeous shade of magenta that instantly brightens my face." — Mi-Anne Chan
Ilia, $26.00, available at Ilia
"The ideal entry-level self-tanner: It's not too dark, not too thick, not too smelly, and you can even be a little sloppy with it — the formula is easy to remove, even on dry patches." — Anne-Marie Guarnieri
Kiehl's, $22.50, available at Kiehl's
"I am a perpetual haver of chapped lips. Maybe my pout is more sponge-like than most, but no matter how much balm I slather on, two hours in, the stuff has disappeared and the perfectly applied (read: haphazardly dashed on) lipstick I layered on top has turned into a flaky, red, lip desert. This no-nonsense lip balm alleviates that problem thanks to a perfectly balanced mix of jojoba and coconut oils. It goes on more like an oil, makes the flakes vanish, and keeps my lips soft all day long — so no more lipstick wasteland." — Megan McIntyre
Skinfix, $4.99, available at Target
"You know those dry shampoos that promise 'grit!' and 'texture!' and end up making your hair look like crap? This is not that. The airy formula makes my hair big and lush and sexy. More model-on-the-runway than model-off-duty, and that's just the way I like it." — Cat Quinn
R+Co, $29.00, available at Birchbox
"If you are looking for an easy way to make your peepers pop, add a bit of white eyeliner to the inner corner of each eye. Your eyes will instantly look bigger and brighter." — Megan Cahn
Stila, $20.00, available at Stila
"For all the busy bees who don't have time or patience to sit around for 20 minutes waiting for their face mask to work its magic, I introduce to you the splash mask. This new innovation out of Korea will provide you with an on-the-go glow. After cleansing, pour a capful of the mask into a clean bowl of water, stir gently, and gently pat on your face. You follow up with your typical skin care routine, and your visage will be noticeably smoother." — Taylor Bryant
Blithe Patting Splash Mask, $48, available at Glow Recipe.
"BB creams claim to be a moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation all-in-one. But unlike most of what's out there, this one from Dr. Jart actually delivers on all fronts. I buff this into my skin straight after my serum, dust a bit of powder over the top, and BOOM my skin feels hydrated and my complexion is even all day." — Mi-Anne Chan
Dr. Jart+, $39.00, available at Sephora
"This is one of those products that I wish I'd never discovered because its price-to-size ratio is painful: $105 for one teensy ounce. And I'm always shocked at how quickly I go through a bottle. But when I'm using it, I notice that my skin is glow-ier, brighter, and somehow more everything-er than when I'm not. They got me hooked." — Anne-Marie Guarnieri
Sunday Riley, $105.00, available at Sunday Riley
"This wavy-brushed fringe lengthener creates lashes for days, but thanks to a high-tech formula it won't leave your fringe feeling spiky. Instead, you get crazy volume, tons of definition and length, and a petal-soft finish. It's Disney-princess lashes in a tube." — Megan McIntyre
Shu Uemura, $28.00, available at Shu Uemura
"I get my brows tinted by the incredible Bob Scott here in NYC. But unfortunately, he isn't able to come to my apartment and whip my brows into gorgeousness every morning. (Still working on that.) So between tints, he suggested I try Grande BrowFill. And let me tell you, this stuff is bananas. It adds a subtle tint to even the tiniest brows, and is practically foolproof to apply." — Maria Del Russo
Grande Naturals, $19.95, available at Grande Naturals
"Nobody needs to know that you're utterly exhausted — so fake it 'til you make it (to bed) by tracing this peach-toned brightening pencil along your waterline. You will look like you got eight hours, even if the reality is more like five." — Anne-Marie Guarnieri
Three Custom Color Specialists, $18.50, available at Three Custom Color Specialists
"You know those people who just waltz around day after day looking like they took a big ol' gulp of sunshine? Yeah, this stuff makes your skin look like that in seconds. I swipe it along my cheekbones, down my nose, on my Cupid's bow, and on my eyelids every morning, and it makes me appear sunny and bright — no matter how sinful the night before was." — Maria Del Russo
Benefit Cosmetics, $26.00, available at Sephora
"Cushion compacts in general are some of the absolute best quick-fix products out there. Dabbing them across the skin gives you immediate coverage, blurring out red marks, pigmentation, and sallowness, but still keeps your skin looking like actual skin thanks to its glowy finish. It also reapplies brilliantly, so you can touch up midday without any of the drama. This one from Iope is one of the best-known, most-revered cushions on the market, and it totally lives up to the hype. I keep one at home and carry one on me at all times for whenever I need a quick complexion boost." — Megan McIntyre
Iope, $41.00, available at Soko Glam
"Winter weather is headed our way before we know it, and with it the inevitable dry hair and flaky scalp. Spray on this Scalp Smoother before washing your hair and — with the help of ingredients like peppermint oil and Vitamin E — feel instant itch-relief before your mane even dries. " — Taylor Bryant
Head & Shoulders, $9.99, available at Drugstore.com
"Confession: for all the gospel I preach about taking good care of your skin, I sometimes slip up. Whether its a missed evening wash or indulging in one too many glasses of wine, my face can sometimes look a little... like I don't follow my own advice. That's when I pull out this mask from 111Skin. Pop it on for 20 minutes, peel it off, and you're left with a face so glowy, no one will be able to know you opted for that third drink. It will be our little secret." — Maria Del Russo
111Skin, $160.00, available at Barneys New York
"The next best thing to actual ocean saltwater, this texturizing spray gives hair the perfect amount of texture and tousle, without feeling too sticky or clumping up on fine strands. Spritz it on damp hair, give it a scrunch, and be prepared to look like you just spent your whole day by the beach." — Megan McIntyre
Kevin Murphy, $36.26, available at Amazon
"This deep conditioning mask is the answer to my weekly wash-day-dread. It's not only a super-quick alternative to the one-hour treatments I usually do (cutting it down by 57 minutes), but it melts right in, makes detangling a breeze, and instantly softens and moisturizes my typically coarse and dry hair." — Taylor Bryant
Aussie, $2.99, available at Target
"While I don't cleanse my face in the morning, I have been exfoliating, and I'm convinced its changed my skin for the better. My favorite exfoliator is Lancer's The Method: Polish. It gently warms the skin while sloughing off the flaky bits, so your face feels instantly refreshed and revitalized. It's like a cup of coffee for your complexion — and what could be better than that?" — Maria Del Russo
Lancer Skincare, $75.00, available at Nordstrom
"In addition to smelling delicious, this treatment lipstick also leaves even the most parched pouts feeling nourished and drenched in moisture. Add to that a super-flattering bronzed-amber finish and you've got the makings for your new go-to lippie." — Megan McIntyre
Lipstick Queen, $22.00, available at Lipstick Queen
"One major issue with dry shampoo? The texture — they're often super-chalky, and seriously difficult to work a brush through. That is until Moroccanoil came around. Spritz this stuff on, brush your hair, and voilà — instant blowdry realness, with zero white residue or crunch." — Maria Del Russo
Moroccanoil, $26.00, available at Moroccanoil
“You know that powerful feeling you get when you slick on a layer of bold lipstick? Well, liquid lipstick — especially in a deep-brown hue like this one — offers those results and then some. There's something magical about the opaque, crisp lines you get when you wear a product like this. It does take a bit of time to apply this fella (I would recommend wiping off the excess product on the top of the lipstick bullet), but once you've got it on, it won't budge — just like your confidence.” — Mi-Anne Chan
ColourPop Liquid Lipstick in Kae, $6, available at ColourPop.
"I recently started heat-styling my hair after a long break from my blowdryer. The number-one thing I was nervous about was that my hair would lose its shine and luster as a result of taking up the often-damaging habit again. Luckily, I discovered Color Wow's Coconut Cocktail. It's a leave-in treatment that mimics the lipid layer of your hair — the part of your strands that keeps them looking shiny and manageable. All you do is apply a quarter-sized dollop to damp strands, focusing on the ends, and heat-style as usual. After one use, your hair is silky and insanely healthy-looking. It's like a shot of coffee for your mane." — Maria Del Russo
Color Wow Coconut Cocktail Bionic Tonic, $24, available at Color Wow.
“YouTuber Jaclyn Hill collaborated with Becca last summer to create a limited-edition shade of the brand's popular Shimmering Skin Perfector, and as of January of this year, the brand officially inducted the powder into its permanent line. I can't say I'm surprised: After all, whether you watch Hill or not, there's no denying Champagne Pop's allure — it's super-pigmented, finely milled, and can produce a "strobed" effect in a single swipe. It's one of those products that you catch yourself admiring when you look in the mirror.” — Mi-Anne Chan
Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop, $38, available at Sephora.
"These tubes may be tiny, but they pack a colorful punch. The tinted cream gives an instant, flushed glow to my cheeks on days when I want to appear more 'put-together.' Since it's so compact, I can even apply it on the go...it takes up next to no space in my bag." — Taylor Bryant
Chosungah22 So Tiny Lip & Cheek Face Color in Burgundy, $14, available at Sephora.
"I hadn't fully jumped on the whole 'skin-brightening' bandwagon until I completed my Perricone Diet. Because, damn, eating nothing but green veggies and omega-3s made my skin glowy. Unfortunately, that result kind of dulled once I started eating a few of my 'normal' foods again, which had me scrambling to find that glow-in-a-jar. Enter: Sunday Riley Tidal. It's an insanely lightweight (yet incredibly hydrating) gel moisturizer that makes you look all dewy and gorgeous the second you swipe it on. It's now a regular part of my morning routine." — Maria Del Russo
Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream, $65, available at Sephora.
"Hyaluronic acid is a godsend for those with parched skin. I don't necessarily fall into that category, but it was a savior for me this winter, nonetheless. It's super-lightweight and rapidly absorbs into your skin — providing long-lasting hydration." — Taylor Bryant
Mizon Hyaluronic Acid 100, $42, available at Peach & Lily.
"My eyes get puffy at the drop of a hat — salty food or too many cocktails, allergies, my dog's snoring waking me in the middle of the night — there are countless issues that will leave me with undereye bags come morning. Luckily, this roll-on serum helps to de-puff immediately, thanks to a dose of caffeine and its cooling metal roller. It's been a skin-care staple for me for years — I even keep it in my fridge for extra efficacy." — Lexy Lebsack
Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage, $30, available at Clinique.
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