HEALTH

The more you touch the zit, the more you risk transferring more zit-enhancing bacteria to your face. And that's a major no-no. Try to keep your hands away from your face. And if you must examine the thing, head to the bathroom and wash up first.

Step #2: Don't pop it!

It's way harder to cover up broken skin than an unpopped zit, so do your best to fight the urge to make it go away...because honestly, popping it isn't gonna help your big night sitch. But if you must, do it only with clean hands and when you can see white pus at the tip of it. Use a tissue and the pads of your fingers (not your nails) or two cotton swabs to gently apply pressure. Squeeze until all the pus is out and you see a dot of blood. Then clean the area with a swipe of rubbing alcohol and leave it alone to heal.

A spot treatment containing 2.5-percent benzoyl peroxide is your best friend. Keep a tube in your cosmetic bag for emergencies, and follow the directions on the tube as soon as a zit raises its ugly head. Other than that, keep your hands away from your face, avoid pore-clogging products and wash your face with a gentle cleanser once or twice a day.

Hiding a zit is a delicate process. If you're dealing with a lot of redness, a green-tinted concealer will help cover up the irritation. Dab it on using your clean fingertip or a makeup sponge. Let it sit for a moment, then cover with your normal skin-colored foundation or concealer. Spend time getting it in every nook and cranny, then set with powder so it stays put. Voila!

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