Skin tightening compositions for application to the skin for providing an instantaneous and dramatic improvement to the appearance of skin. The skin tightening compositions typically include an oil phase comprising at least 5 wt. % of one or more hydrophobic film forming polymers; about 1 to about 40 wt. % of one or more thickening agents; about 30 to about 85 wt. % of one or more volatile hydrocarbon oils; and an aqueous phase comprising about 5 to about 40 wt. % of water; and at least 2 wt. % of one or more hydrophilic film formers with Tg less than about 80° C.