Pimples have this obnoxious way of stealing the spotlight. So if you happen to break out the exact same weekend you’re headed home, follow these tips for covering up your zit.

The number one rule? Don’t pick. It is so tempting to squeeze that sucker, but trust us, picking will only make the situation worse. Have a little patience — it will pay off big time.

Instead of scrubbing your face into oblivion (this will only increase oil production in your skin and aggravate the blemish), use a spot treatment with salicylic acid, like Bliss’ No Zit Sherlock Spot Treatment, $18. A spot treatment will zero in on the problem area, absorb excess oil, and shrink the zit. Once the zit isn’t so red and massive, you can dab on a little concealer like Benefit’s Erase Paste, $26, and suddenly … poof! Your zit has vanished.

For even more blemish-blasting tips, check out our story Acne Sucks, Get Rid of It.