Being a teenager is tough, and wearing the wrong makeup can make your awkward years even tougher. To get through your teens with as little turbulence as possible, there are a few makeup tips and tricks you should try to look your best.

Acne is the scourge of the teenage population, and it’s not going anywhere. If your skin is giving you problems, you might be tempted to smother it in cover-up and foundation, but preventing your face from breathing can actually make acne worse. Apply a bit of concealer over any blemishes that are red and inflamed, then use a sheer powder foundation if you need a little extra cover. Thick, wet, goopy foundations will clog pores and exacerbate your acne instead of hiding it.

Since you’re still living on mom and dad’s dime, you probably don’t have a lot of money to spend on makeup – which means you’re going to be hitting up the cheap drugstore brands when you get your mascara and lipstick. However, if there’s one beauty item you can’t live without – like a favorite eyeshadow or a skin-healing foundation – it might be worth the splurge. Don’t be afraid to make a real investment in a beauty product that will last.

Getting through high school is tough for everyone, but with these makeup tricks, at least you’ll look great doing it!