At Truth In Aging, we are always looking for the real deal – cosmetics that will genuinely improve our skin. This, of course, takes time – weeks if not months. But what to if you can’t wait that long. Say, you have a big event, a new date, job interview coming up. In this seven-day countdown, there are all the products I reach for when I need results that will help me look my best. They aren’t transformative, but they go a long way to giving a shot of self-confidence to make that looming event something to look forward to.

Day 7 – Start firming things up

Start using LED and – even better LED and ultrasonic. This is probably the single biggest bang for your buck that you are going to get. They plump and firm the skin like nothing else. Although it is recommended to have no more than three to four at-home LED sessions a week, daily use for one week (15 minutes will suffice, but don’t go longer than 30 minutes) will give you the kick-start that you need. Alternatively, a salon LED or ultrasound treatment the day before the special event would also be a great investment if funds permit. Read more on the Ultra Renew LED/Ultrasonic device ($89 in the shop).

Day 6 – Get serious about your day and night routine

To be honest, there are no quick fixes when it comes to good anti-aging products. However, it’s always a good idea to step up your routine, and there are some serums that give your skin a well-rested look. In particular, BRAD’s Biophotonic Essential Elixir Multi-peptide ($95 in the shop). If I put this on at night, my skin in the morning is super soft and rested. Plus, the chic packaging will make you feel that you are on your way to something special. The formula is packed with peptides, so you can have confidence in the longer term effects as you use the generous 1.7oz bottle well past your big event. Facial oils can bring short-term as well long-term benefits. A good one won’t make your skin clogged and oily, but soft and dewy. Try using Your Best Face Private Reserve ($75 for 1.7oz in the shop). As our reviewer put it: “It was like the Skin Goddess had reached down and brushed my face with magic dew!”

Day 5 – Peel and reveal

There is a double whammy with Osmotics Micro Peel Skin Resurfacing System  ($86 in the shop) – it plumps as well as exfoliates and so there is an instant diminishing of fine lines and clearer skin, as well as the longer term potential for collagen. Don’t be put off by the term “peel,” this three-step kit is gentle enough to be used every day. Micro Peel is one of my favorite new finds. Another good exfoliator is Arcona The Solution Pads ($42 in the shop). They are pre-soaked with a powerful concentration of glycolic acid, my favorite free radical scavenger – spin trap, glucosamine and some antioxidant grape seed extract. And that’s more or less it.

Day 4 – Focus on your eyes

I sometimes wake up with puffy lids and under eyes and find that AQ’s Eye Serum ($99 in the shop) depuffs them in a matter of minutes. There are no less than three ingredients that are supposed to help depuff the eyes: dipeptide-2, which is supposed to improve lymphatic circulation, hesperidin methyl chalcone, which can help strengthen the capillaries, and N-hydroxysuccinimide, supposed to eliminate blood-originated pigments. Another instant relief for puffy eyes is Retrospect Flash Firm Eye Gel ($70 in the shop). Firm in a flash is exactly what it does and the roller ball applicator is cooling and soothing. The mercifully simple formula is based on keratin and lactic acid. There's no time in our countdown to benefit from a lash growth product, but the next best thing is a lash conditioner, such as Code:ai Lash Extend Primer ($40 in the shop)

Day 3 – Keep calm

Stress can wreak havoc on the skin. A fantastic soother of unhappy, irritated skin is Arcona’s Wine Hydrating Mask ($38 in the shop). I have used it on stubbornly red, flakey and dry skin with immediate results. And even your skin isn’t so stressed, you’ll get a hydrating boost from this mask. Another fast worker is  Sevani’s Complexion Corrector ($39 for 2oz in the shop), excellent for evening out blotchy skin tone and taking down redness.

Day 2 – Get a glow

For a last-minute glow, the bee venom face mask by Royal Nectar ($65 in the shop) is a must. Beloved by the British Royals, this mask is a great pick-me-up for skin that is deflated and defeated. I also find that Sevani’s Serum Vitale ($75 in the shop) gives me an instantly hydrated look. The blend of antioxidant oils feels almost warming when applied and the skin looks and feels as if it can survive anything nature has to hurl at it.

Day 1 – Put your best face forward

For instant gratification, get a lip plumper. I like jane iredale Just Kissed Lip Plumper ($25 in the shop). Forget the heavy foundation – it can be so aging. RMS Luminizer ($38 in the shop) looks at little shiny at first, but this soon dissipates leaving the skin looking younger and healthier. You can finish with RMS Un Powder ($34 in the shop) for a matte porcelain look and, for a dewy glow, mix it with your moisturizer or foundation. And talking of foundations, there’s the hugely popular La Vie Celeste Crème Foundation ($39 in the shop).  Although you've spent a week pampering your skin, there's always something that required concealer, such as Osmosis Age Defying Concealer ($29 in the shop) (Finish with a swipe of mascara (Living Nature’s ($29 in the shop) or jane iredale $33 in the shop) and a smear of Juice Beauty’s lip gloss, called – appropriately – Kisses ($15 in the shop).