There are emergencies, and then there are emergencies. Pimples aren't of the 'bugger, the house is on fire' kind. But, before a big presentation/party/wedding, one is certainly enough to cause a few sparks ... even if they are purely emotional. Here's what to do if a volcano-sized eruption threatens.
Take a stick to it
The first sign of a pimple is a red mark, which can be easily covered with stick concealer. Cream concealer is too liquid and won't stay on. An added advantage of stick concealer is that it's thick enough to apply before foundation, rather than after (foundation just slides over it), which means your attempts at camouflage are more likely to be successful.
Smother it
Already raised pimples require a slightly different approach. Apply foundation and, using stick concealer and a brush, draw concealer around the blemish, blending in towards the centre. Then, take another clean brush dipped in translucent powder and lightly buff the concealer so that it looks less obvious.
Pop it
We did not tell you to do this. Popping pimples is not a good idea. But sometimes – just sometimes – it happens. If you are feeling the pressure (and know you won't be able to resist) warm your skin (taking a shower helps) and then press very, very gently around the pimple with a cotton bud. This means a) you won't use your fingers and spread any infection and b) you'll be less likely to scar. Disinfect the area with a benzoyl peroxide solution, and never ever do it again.
Banish it
The decongestants contained in eye drops like Clear Eyes or Visine will help lessen the redness in a pimple in the same way they take the red out of red eyes.
Cover it in acid
Specifically glycolic or salicylic acid. Both have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and will not only help pimples heal but also prevent them from coming back.
Blast it into invisibility
When it comes to looks, just-healed pimples are sometimes as bad as erupting ones; the skin is often bumpy and flaky. To get rid of any dry skin, moisturise the area first and then blot gently with a tissue. This should remove it. Now cover with stick concealer, working the product into any raised areas with a brush.
