Who doesn't want a perfect, blemish-free complexion? Even if the answer is "everyone," there are still those of us who just can't resist making things worse by picking at any bump we find. Oops! This leads to discoloration called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Translation: A spot that seems impossible to cover up.

But it's not a lost cause! While makeup goes a long way, we've got a sneaky solution for better disguising blemishes that works even when you're not wearing makeup. It's self-tanner!

While the sun can make scabs and blemishes darker, the subtle bronze of self-tanner decreases the contrast between those red marks and the rest of your skin, so they're less obvious and easier to cover up.

To experience the complexion-evening magic of sunless tanner, just apply a product made for the face to clean, dry skin once a day. We love Lancôme Flash Bronzer for this.

Try to stay away from aggressive exfoliating products until blemishes heal. This is both to keep from further irritating them, and to give your newly bronzed face more staying power. And, if we're in a bind without sunless tanner at the ready, we've found an allover covering of bronzer, like Giorgio Armani Beauty Maestro Bronzer can create a similar effect.

What's your secret to covering up discoloration? Tell us in the comments below!