That’s it.

That’s all they’re good for. They’re not an accurate representation of what the product is going to look like on its designated body part. So when people do those arm swatches of lip products? Yeah, they look nice and swanky, but you won’t really know if they’ll end up in every crack or crevice of your lips when you wear that baby for the first time.

I learned this lesson when I took a chance on the new e.l.f. High Shine Liquid Lipstick in Naked Nude. That shit went straight into the cracks in my lips and stayed there. The fact that the shade is actually lighter on my skin than in the container does not help.

Or you won’t know if it’ll highlight the craters or bumps on your face if it’s a highlighter. And no, this isn’t negativity: this is being realistic. Just look at how many guys can’t tell a woman is wearing makeup and cite women who have a “natural” appearance, but are really rolling with the “no makeup makeup” look.

I can’t tell you how many swatches I’ve done on my arm with product testers, thinking they’re gonna be hot shit when I wear them. Only to find out that they weren’t so hot when I wore them as they were supposed to.

I’m looking at you, swatches-in-true-color-on-my-arm-but-not-on-my-lips red lipstick.