While we know that some of the best things in life take time, there's something to be said about a beauty product that produces immediate results.
Because if you have dry, itchy skin, a breakout, dark circles or any other common beauty woe, you don't always have time to wait around for the problem to sort itself out. Thankfully, there are a number of products that promise to help transform your skin in a matter of days (or in some cases, just hours).
On Reddit, one user polled people in the Beauty subreddit on the products that surprised them by how quickly they showed results. And the thread turned into a treasure trove of helpful recommendations, with people sharing the things that helped clear up acne scars, brighten their skin and more in just a few treatments.
We compiled some of their responses below. We were also inspired to poll our editors about the beauty products they swear by that have an immediate effect on their skin and hair as well. Keep reading to see all the picks.
Best beauty products with immediate results, according to Reddit
Rena Chris Gua Sha Facial Tool
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Should use with oil or lotion
One person on the thread shared that gua sha and facial massage provided immediate relief for facial tension (though you’ll get even better results with time), and multiple commenters agreed about the instant benefits of the tool.
Experts say that by using the tool, you may be able to see lifting, toning and firming results immediately, but with time, you should also notice a difference in fine lines and wrinkles.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
- It has multiple uses
- Protects minor cuts and burns
- Can feel greasy in big amounts
One person shared that the Aquaphor healing ointment has helped their skin heal from everything from sunburn to chapped lips. According to the brand, the multipurpose treatment is designed with dry, compromised skin in mind and can provide relief for your feet, hands, face and more.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Exfoliating Serum
- Helps with dark spots
- Smooths uneven texture
- Not for sensitive skin
One Reddit user, who says they are perimenopausal, wrote that they noticed results fairly quickly after using this serum.
"In less than a week my neck looks fresher and pores appear blurred/smaller," they wrote. "Noticing a much smoother makeup application now."
According to the brand, this formula can be used once per day (ideally, at night) to slough off dead skin and reveal a healthier-looking complexion.
L’Oreal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water
- Works "in 8 seconds"
- Moisturizing treatment
- May cause a warming sensation
L’Oreal’s Wonder Water Treatment was another popular pick from the thread. According to the brand, it targets damaged areas to smooth and moisturize your hair. The best part? It’s said to work in just eight seconds.
One Shop TODAY writer who tried it said that after just one use, “I immediately noticed my hair was silkier, smoother and more alive-looking.” She continued, “In terms of texture, it looked like I’d gotten a Brazilian blowout. More importantly, it felt like I’d gotten a Brazilian blowout.”
Frownies Forehead and Between Eyes Wrinkle Patches
- Wear overnight
- For forehead and eye wrinkles
- Slight odor
Multiple people shared how wrinkle patches, like Frownies, helped smooth out their fine lines and wrinkles overnight. Experts say that the benefit of wearing them is likely pretty short-term as they can smooth out some of those “sleep wrinkles” that can sometimes form as you snooze, and they might creep back as you move your face throughout the day. But these can be pretty beneficial if you have a big event or something where you need your skin to look its best.
Crest 3D Whitestrips
- Enamel-safe
- "8 levels whiter"
- May cause tooth sensitivity
The original poster of the thread mentioned Crest Whitestrips as one of the products that surprised them with how quickly it worked. According to the brand, by using them regularly for 30 minutes a day, you can remove up to 14 years of set-in stains.
Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
- Controls flyaways
- Softens hair
- Enhances shine
- A little goes a long way
This pick comes both Reddit- and Shop TODAY-approved. Formulated to deliver softness, shine and heat protection, this oil can be used on both wet and dry hair. One user said they apply towards the bottom third of their strands in order to reap the benefits, while Shop TODAY contributor Katie Jackson notes she uses it before styling with heat.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
One Redditor wrote that they use this exfoliant "as a spot treatment" to treat acne. While the brand doesn't specify whether it can be used as a spot treatment, Shop TODAY staffers like using it all-over for its intended purpose.
"Some BHA exfoliants have been a little to harsh for my sensitive skin, but this one has been the only one I can use multiple times a week and still feels gentle on my skin," says associate commerce editor Shannon Garlin. "Since using I’ve noticed a more even skin tone, clearer pores and overall improvement.”
Best beauty products with immediate results, according to editors
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
- Use on face and body
- "Super hydrating"
- Hard to rub in
“The night before my cousin’s wedding I was in a pinch at Target and needed something to reverse years of ashiness on my legs,” says editorial operations manager Jill Ortiz. She found this cream, which she says “feels like a drink for your skin.” “I use it on my hands because they are so dry they crack and it makes them feel so much better.”
Physicians Formula Butter Glow Bronzing Serum
- Little bit goes a long way
- Natural-looking glow
- Can feel it on your skin
If your skin is feeling lackluster after a winter of little sun, you’re not the only one. Ortiz says that she’s sporting her “winter white right now” but says that this serum does “a nice job at giving me enough color that I don’t look ill.” She adds, “I also like to mix it with foundation or a skin tint because the glow peeks through and gives you a little oomph.”
L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Tanning Drops
- Dermatologist-approved
- Buildable glow
- Doesn't contain SPF
Shop TODAY contributing writer Colleen Sullivan is a former beauty editor and says she loves "that these drops aren’t sticky, don’t change the texture of my moisturizer, and are easy to use."
To reap the benefits, simply mix the drops with your favorite moisturizer and apply to your face. According to the brand, you shouldn't wash your face for up to eight hours after applying the product in order to let tan full develop.
Nexxus Slick Stick Strong Hold Hair Wax
- Has 72 hour humidity shield
- Buildable formula
- Sticky feel for some reviewers
No one wants to deal with flyaways, but no one wants greasy hair as a result of trying to tame them, either. This "slick stick" might be the perfect solution for not only calming hairs that want to do their own thing, but for even helping to perfect the trendy slick back bun hairstyle.
Shop TODAY page Beatrice Graubart says this is her go-to for quick styling.
“I use the Nexxus wax stick to slick back my baby hairs and flyaways when I style my hair in a ponytail," she said. "It’s shiny enough to give that slicked-back look, but it doesn’t make your hair look or feel greasy. I’m not a hair expert, so I love that it is easy and intuitive to use and it holds my hair in place all day.”
Paula’s Choice Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
- Suitable for all skin types
- Fights future breakouts
- Can sting
- Can be over-drying
“I have struggled with breakouts and hormonal zits for a majority of my life, so I have tried just about every face wash and spot treatment on the planet,” Ortiz says. “Then, last year, I tried this treatment. And it changed my life. Whether I have a fat pimple pop up ahead of my period or am just struggling with a random breakout because I have been eating like garbage, I can always count on this treatment to save the day.”
In fact, she says that it really did on one important occasion. “I had a nasty pimple come in before my cousin’s wedding and I credit this for saving my face!”
Tan Luxe The Face Self Tan Drops
- Can customize your glow
- Easily blends
- Easy to overdo
Although the label might state that it can take up to four hours for a "radiant glow" to develop, senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil says she can notice a difference "right away."
"When I use them in the winter, I feel like I look more awake, and my skin looks healthier," she added. "And I tend to feel comfortable wearing less makeup because my skin looks great without any!”
All it takes is a minimum of two drops mixed with your favorite moisturizer or oil, and an even application, in order to develop. According to the brand, the more drops you use, the deeper you can expect your tan to be.
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump Shift
- Has staying power
- Doubles as a lip plumper
- Color results varies
Though this pick has been on the market for quite some time, Shop TODAY social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo says she "still loves" this pH-adjusting lip gloss-balm. Once applied to your lips, the brand says it "shifts like magic" into a custom shade.
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Repair Perfector
- Works on hair's bonds
- Helps prevent future damage
- Can be heavy on fine hair
Garlin says that she sees “instant results” when she uses Olaplex’s pre-shampoo No.3 Repairing Treatment. “When I haven’t been treating my hair very nicely from hair dye or using a lot of heat products, I always treat it to a little pre-shampoo spa day. You’re supposed to leave it on damp hair for 10 minutes then shower and condition and my hair immediately feels softer and back on track.”
Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil
- "Instant hydration"
- Safe for kids and adults
- Need to use multiple pumps
Deputy editorial director Ali Deabler says that after using this cleansing oil, she was “very amazed at how soft my skin was immediately out of the shower.”
When applied on wet skin, the formula works into a lather to both cleanse and hydrate dry skin, the brand says.
Kosas Revealer Extra Bright Color Corrector
- Cancels blue and purple tones
- Has silky serum feel
- Best when used under concealer
- Large wand for application
If you are looking for a fix for under eye discoloration, Shop TODAY editorial assistant Madison San Miguel says this color corrector from Kosas is a fast-working find that provides "seamless" coverage.
"I appreciate the full and longwear coverage the Revealer Color Corrector offers because it equals to less product used," she said. "But as it helps conceal dark circles and discoloration, the product treats these areas, too."
DpHue Exfoliating Scalp Detox
- Made for sensitive scalps
- Gentle exfoliation
- Feels cooling
“I’ve heard about all the beauty benefits tied to apple cider vinegar, but I never used the ingredient for my hair care routine until I came across this scalp product,” shares senior editor Jess Bender about this gently exfoliating pre-wash treatment. “While the initial benefits were immediately noticeable on my oily scalp, I didn’t see any signs of hair growth until about three months of usage. I have some bare patches on my head on account of overitching, but I’m starting to feel and see some bits of new hair coming in!”
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow
- Doesn't cause breakouts
- Brightens skin
- Light herbal smell
I will always sing the praises of this product. Not only does it have long-term benefits (it’s been a staple in my daily and nightly routines for almost two years now), but I also noticed a difference in my skin from the very first time that I used it. It made a huge difference in the brightness of my skin and helped create a more even tone overall. I’m always wary of oils, since I’m prone to acne but this one is super hydrating and doesn’t cause breakouts.
Chris Appleton + Color Wow Money Masque
- "deep hydration"
- Heat protection
- May make shower floor slippery
Ortiz says she bought this hair mask over a year ago and is just starting to see the bottom of the container. “Every time I use this and then blow dry my hair, people always say, ‘Jill, your hair looks so good today!’ and who doesn’t love that?” she says. “It’s super thick, hydrating and I can definitely see a difference in my hair after I use it.”
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish
- Doesn't emphasize pores
- Doesn't settle into fine lines
- Blurring effect varies
- Little shade variety
If you have oily skin or prefer a matte complexion, this setting powder might be worth adding to your makeup routine. Commerce writer Danielle Murphy says she "always" relies on this powder from Charlotte Tilbury to prevent a shiny complexion.
Not only does it prevent shine, but also promises to smooth and blur pores. You can apply it with a brush to lock in your look.
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
- No strong fragrance
- Good for dry skin
- Not for sensitive skin
Garlin says this cream provides "instant moisture." Not only does it hydrate the skin, but it promises to reduce dullness and fine lines, thanks to ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and Japanese purple rice.
Neova SmartSkincare Cu3 Tissue Repair Cream
- A little goes a long way
- Moisturizing
"I started using this moisturizer in the winter after getting a laser treatment that left my skin very dry and sensitive so I needed to give it a bit of TLC that wasn’t going to irritate my skin while giving it moisture," shares editor Vivien Moon. "The combination of the laser treatment and the drying New York radiators, I was hoping for any reprieve for my skin and overnight, I felt a tremendous relief when using this moisturizer. Because I loved using it as my skin was recovering, I have since started to reach for it more and more on days when I know my skin is desperate for moisture and I know I will wake up with softer and plumper skin. I will say, a little goes a long way as this is a rich cream that you will feel on your skin but for me, it’s just what my skin needs."
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Universal Daily Peel Pads
- Two-minute treatment
- Also comes in small test size
- Better result with regular use
Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach calls these "instant gratification in a pad." She adds, "Whenever my skin looks dull or tired, I start using these in my nighttime routine and wake up with glowier skin!"
The two-step daily treatment features exfoliating acids, antioxidants and vitamins to help improve skin tone and texture and diminish fine lines, the brand says.
NuFace Mini Starter Kit
- 5-minute sessions
- Customizable treatment
- Better results with time
After speaking to experts about the many benefits of at-home microcurrent devices, I decided to treat myself to the NuFace Mini — and I'm so glad I did. From the first use, I could see a difference in my skin, it looked tighter and brighter. However, I see the best results when I am being consistent with it, using it almost every day. The nice thing is that the treatment is customizable, so you can see results from just a five-minute session going over your whole face or spend more time on problem areas, like your jawline or around your eyes.
How we chose these products
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
To find the best beauty products that work "instantly," we scoured this thread in the r/beauty subreddit for products that Reddit users recommended. We took into account how many users reacted to their posts, the type of products mentioned and how the users used the product. We also tapped Shop TODAY staffers for the products that they love that provide immediate results (and even noticed some overlap between their picks and the picks of Redditors).
