CURSE your luck if you have a zit or pimple breaking out hours before an important date. Of course there’s a plethora of makeup choices available but, we say, stick to foundation and concealer. Forget about the pimple cream even if it contains some secret ingredients from the mountains of Japan.

Here’s how to apply foundation and concealer to achieve a blemish-free look. If it fails to work, you can always wear a party mask to the ball or to your date. We’re kidding, of course.

• Choose your type of foundation. Liquid, cream or powder. Liquid gives a more natural look while cream covers flaws very well. Powder foundation is more suitable if you have oily skin as it has a dry look. But go with cream since you’re covering up that zit.
• Sheer or maximum coverage? Go for the maximum. And remember to match it with your skin tone.
• Before you apply the foundation, apply your daily face moisturiser. Then wait for a little while for it to be absorbed.
• Now, work on your concealer first . Apply little dabs under the dark eye circles and of course, that zit or two of yours.
• Now, it’s time for your foundation. Use a makeup sponge and not your fingers. Fingers can be dirty and you might apply unevenly. Dampen the sponge so it won’t soak up too much foundation. Make sure you drain the water after dampening it.
• Start dotting and dabbing . That is, spots of foundation on the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin and neck.
• Use the sponge and blend those spots with the rest of the uncovered areas . Work on all parts evenly to avoid uneven thickness. Don’t forget to apply on the sides of the nose and all the way to your ears and beyond the jaw line.
• As for the zit, don’t over powder just because it is there. It might end up more obvious than you think.

Don’t worry if you can’t achieve a blemish-free look. These steps are supposed to hide them, not completely remove them. Also, your date can’t be that important if he or she actually notices your blemishes and brings them to your attention!