True confession: Though I'm good about getting annual mole checks, my dermatologist and I don't see all that much of each other. He's a great guy, but I'd rather be out running or biking than sitting in his office. That's why I'm lucky to work with genius beauty editors and other gurus who've tipped me off on how to fake a terrific complexion—no appointment necessary! When it comes to makeup, they're magicians. Follow their quick tricks to make scars, sun spots and other blights disappear.

Skin problem: Scars
Presto, change-o! After your injury has had about a month to heal, blend two concealers—one the same shade as your skin tone and another that's a several hues darker. Apply the mixture with a foundation brush, tapping it gently over the mark. If your scar is bumpy or raised, a matte powder works better than concealer. To prevent boo-boos from becoming big deals, keep wounds moist and covered, using antibacterial ointment and a silicone bandage, for the first few weeks. You'll speed healing and minimize scarring.

Skin problem: Spider and varicose veins
Presto, change-o! Slather any visible lines with tinted moisturizer to make your legs look even-toned. Then apply a bronzing lotion with luminizing particles all over. It glistens, camouflaging veins and (bonus!) making your legs appear slimmer.

Skin problem: Birthmarks
Presto, change-o! To hide these splotches, which are actually an overgrowth of blood vessels, use an undereye concealer with peach tones in it. It will subdue the purple discoloration that's a signature of birthmarks. Use a damp sponge to blend makeup over the mark, moving in a crisscross motion.

Skin problem: Sun spots
Presto, change-o! Lighten up these pigmented brown blotches by applying a thin layer of foundation or tinted moisturizer. Want to make cover them up completely? Pat on a water-based foundation using your finger (not a sponge). To minimize sun spots without makeup, try an over-the-counter fading cream containing glucosamine—you'll notice a more even tone in about six weeks. (Stay safe in the sun! Treat and prevent sun damage with these strategies.)

Skin problem: Stretch marks
Presto, change-o! Apply self-tanner to hydrate skin and minimize these silvery lines, which are triggered by elastic tissue breaking down, sometimes as a result of gaining or losing weight. Moisturizing daily can also make them less noticeable.

Skin saboteur: Broken capillaries
Presto, change-o! To dial down the appearance of blood vessels that have become visible due to sun exposure, use a foundation with "luminous" or "soft finish" in the name. Light-deflecting makeup diverts light away from your capillaries, making skin look glowy and illuminated. You can prevent broken capillaries by applying sunblock containing an SPF 30 daily all year round. Look for a formula with zinc oxide, which reflects UV rays, helping skin stay cooler and less vulnerable to the rays.

Discover your skin's true age by taking the complexion quiz on Self.com.

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