You can style your hair, line your eyes, paint your pout and even bronze your arms and chest, but it’ll all be for naught if the only thing you can focus on when you glance in the mirror is that zit on your cheek. Sure, acne affects almost everyone, but that doesn’t stop us from wanting skin that’s as smooth and flawless as the celebs who walk the read carpet. Luckily, as those very stars prove, you needn’t have a crystal-clear complexion to fake like you’ve got perfect skin.

If your blemishes are red or inflamed, you’ll want to start off with a concealer that’s tinted green. This subtle hint of color will cancel out the red in your skin, making your blotches and spots easier to cover with foundation. Do you just have a rosy complexion in general? Opt for a green-tinted primer instead.

Speaking of primer, it should always be the first step to any makeup routine – especially in the hot summer months. Not only does primer give your makeup something to stick to so it’ll last longer, it also puts a protective barrier between your foundation and your skin, which means your cosmetics are less likely to clog your pores and worsen acne problems.

If your pimples are tough to get rid of, you have many options when it comes to skin clearing makeup. Look for a foundation that contains salicylic acid – that way, it won’t just cover your spots, it’ll actually help to heal them! Don’t forget to pick up a product with a high SPF to prevent against other types of damage, too.