We'd never dream of knocking a good face mask, but, let's get real, sometimes (most of the time) popping one on and then kicking back with our feet up for half an hour is just not an option. So what's a girl to do when she's in crunched for time, but still wants glowy, de-puffed, refreshed skin? Enter flash facials (aka flash masks), the fast-acting skin-savers that offer the same benefits of traditional masks -- minus the time suck. Exactly how speedy are we talking? These 11 face masks all do their thang in five minutes or less. Now you'll always have time to get your glow on.
Yes, that's one minute, as in 60 seconds, as in that's all it takes to see the transformative effects of this product. Credit a 10 percent concentration of vitamin C, specially formulated to avoid activation or oxygenation before use to keep it at its most potent. Apply the gel on dry skin, then dampen your fingertips and massage it in; the H2O activates the vitamin C, leaving skin instantly radiant. And while these immediate results are impressive, vitamin C also helps stimulate collagen, so there are long-term benefits, too.
If it's good enough for our girl Gwyneth, it's good enough for us. In true GP fashion, this bestseller is made with 86 percent organic ingredients (think: natural alpha and beta hydroxy acids to quickly dissolve dead cells that dull your complexion) and plant-based beads (to buff them away simultaneously). You can leave it on for up to three minutes, but if your skin is on the sensitive side, wash it off after 30 seconds to a minute.
Perfect for anyone prone to clogged pores or breakouts, this product is packed with exfoliating glycolic and salicylic acids to deeply degunk pores, plus vitamin K to fade spots and chamomile to soothe any irritation. All in just 60 seconds. Sign us up.
Made with lactic acid, one of the gentler exfoliating options out there, this brightens skin in a hurry. Hylasome -- an ingredient five times more moisturizing than hyaluronic acid -- adds a heavy hit of hydration, and we're big fans of how refreshing the gel formula feels going on. Massage onto dry skin, and leave on for one to two minutes before rinsing it off.
