Getting rid of acne is always our first priority but while you're working on improving your complexion what can you do to help cover up your trouble spots? Makeup is always a big help but proper application and products that offer full coverage are key. Check out this video to learn how to cover up acne using makeup:

1. Clarisonic Mia: This nifty skin cleansing tool is simply amazing. Your skin will feel incredibly clean and smooth. There are several different brush head attachments including a sensitive brush for those who want a gentle cleaning, deep cleaning for those who want to get a thorough pore cleaning and even a brush head for your body.


2. Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash: This wash is our favorite for fighting acne. It contains Salicylic Acid to help fight and prevent breakouts but still manages to be gentle without drying out your skin.


3. Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment: This spot treatment is the perfect companion to the Oil Free Acne Wash. On-The-Spot contains 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide which makes it an effective acne fighting treatment without being irritating.


4. Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer SPF 30: This moisturizer offers great SFP coverage while hydrating your skin and working to even out your skin tone. Talk about more bang for your buck at the drugstore!


5. St. Ives Naturally Clear Apricot Scrub: Exfoliating is important and when you can add blackhead control into the mix it's even better. St. Ives offers an apricot scrub specifically for acne prone skin that will help slough off dead skin cells while cleansing your pores.


6. Murad Acne Clarifying Mask: This mask contains sulfur to help with oil control and is perfect for reducing the size of a pimple. It can be placed directly on a breakout as a spot mask or all over your face to help prevent future acne flareups.


7. Boscia Luminizing Black Mask: This mask is great for brightening your skin and tightening your pores. Clearer and radiant skin is only one peel away with this innovative mask.

What are your favorite acne skincare products?

Youtube can be dangerous. One minute you're watching a music video and before you know it you've wasted an hour watching cat videos. You know it's happened to you. But every now and then you come across an informative video you can actually use, which brings us to this great video on how to make your own pore strips. Anyone with blackheads knows that the constant purchase of the drug store pore strips can become costly—especially if you find yourself addicted to the process. There is something very gross yet satisfying about seeing all those little black heads sticking to the strip after you're done, right? If you find yourself on a tight beauty budget you'll definitely want to do this, we tried it and it really works!

Top five tips to clear skin:

1. Wash your face twice a day. Never go to bed with makeup on or begin your day without clean skin. Not washing off makeup or cleaning the skin can cause a buildup of bacteria that can cause breakouts. Choose a cleanser with an acne fighting ingredient like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.


2. Keep your hands off your face. You spend the day touching lots of things (i.e., phones, keyboards, and door knobs) where other hands have been and where bacteria can collect. Keeping your hands off your face will reduce the chance of acne caused by bacteria.


3. Don't pick your skin. When you have a breakout, do not pick at it or squeeze it. As tempting as it is to pop a pimple it will only cause further inflammation and may leave a scar that will last far longer than a pimple will. Instead carry an acne spot treatment with you, so if you feel a breakout forming or have one you are tempted to squeeze you can medicate it instead of aggravating it.


4. Relax. Stress can cause breakouts. Take time to do something to help you relax, like listening to music, reading a book, and exercising. Whatever helps you stay calm will help keep your skin feeling calm too.


5. Choose acne friendly makeup. Not all makeup is created equal. The concealer, foundation, and powders you are using to hide your breakouts may be causing or aggravating them. Look for makeup that is non-comedogenic (meaning it will not clog your pores) which will help reduce your chance of developing new breakouts. Mineral makeup (like Bare Minerals) is a good option for acne prone skin because it is non-comedogenic and it is safe for sensitive skin.