If you've been testing concealer on your arm, you've been doing it wrong. See how it's really done (+ 8 hacks)

For many of us, learning about makeup and its application happened spontaneously. It's no wonder we made mistakes. After all, before YouTube and Instagram we were pretty much on our own. Take away the Internet completely, and we'd be forced to read beauty magazines or just learn on the fly.
If you're still mastering your technique, then the following tricks will be invaluable. And if the wide world of cosmetics still confounds you, this information may be the holy grail of tips you've longed to find.
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1. Test foundation or concealer on your neck
If you're like most women, you've probably been swatching colors on your inner forearm when looking for a suitable color match. Sadly, this doesn't usually work because your arms tend to be a little darker than your face. The best way to match concealer or foundation to your skin is to test it on your neck. The skin there tends to be closer to your true skin tone.
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2. Apply foundation from the center outward
Most women apply foundation haphazardly, hoping that everything will work out. But there's actually a method to getting a good finish. Begin at the center of your face and blend out. This will prevent you from accidentally ending up with a heavy line of demarcation on the jawline. No one wants that.
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3. Demystify color names
Picking the correct shade of foundation or concealer is confusing enough without companies inventing names for every shade under the sun. There are a few words, though, that are helpful. Beige, cream and ecru work for those with pink undertones, and ladies with yellow undertones should look for things labeled buff, ivory or tan.
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4. Pick eye shadow colors that enhance your eyes
Mother Nature gave you a distinct set of features, and enhancing them means understanding what colors work with your eyes. For example, blue and orange are complementary colors when viewed on the color wheel. Although you probably don't want to wear orange eye shadow, you can definitely make your baby blues stand out with shades of terra cotta, brown and bronze.
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5. Coordinate your blush and lipstick
Ever notice how stylish women have coordinating handbags and shoes? There's a reason. Items that share a color palette go well together, and that works for your face, too. Your cheeks and lips should share a common color or else you'll look out of balance.
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6. Know your undertones when going nude
With the "no makeup makeup look" in full swing, going nude means knowing your undertones. These range from pink to golden to olive to deep. For a natural look, keep the shade on the lighter side; for more drama, go a bit darker.
7. Refresh your look once in a while
We all have favorites, especially when it comes to makeup products. But if you haven't changed up your style in a few years, it could be dating you. A new shade of lipstick or a different color eyeliner may be all you need to look fresh and on point.
8. Learn to apply blush properly
Blush is a tricky thing. Applied too high, it looks like you have a fever. Too low, and it drags your face down. Worst of all is the cherub cheek variety where blush is applied only to the apples of your cheeks. The general rule is that blush should not extend below your nostrils. And, of course, blending is everything.
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9. Fake a youthful, dewy glow
Despite all your best efforts, your skin can look a little dull and lifeless on occasion, but you don't have to live with that. To amp up your glow factor instantly, swipe a luminizing product on the high points of your face and blend out carefully.
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