You've got to apply lip balm persistently for smooth, crack-free lips.


Mistake #2: You're not exfoliating your lips enough

If there's one thing that's going to ruin an immaculately-painted pout, it's flakes. Results last longer on a smoother surface.

But if you start to notice flaking, it's best to clean off your lips and start from scratch.

To gently banish dead skin cells, use a gentle scrub with moisture.


Mistake #3: You're not priming your lips

Primer adds a smoothing layer of moisture that's a perfect color-free base for underneath your lipstick. It's the ultimate blank canvas.


Mistake #4: You're not using a lip liner

A waxy lip liner serves as a barrier between the formula and the outside of your lips.

Line along the lips outer edge to enhance their shape and prevent color bleeding.

Make sure you're using a color that matches your lipstick perfectly or a clear formula if you're worried about treading into '90s territory.


Mistake #5: You're beginning to apply lipstick at the wrong place

A tricked learned from a fellow editor, you should always start at the center of your lips and move outward.

It's the best way to quell shakiness when you reach the ever-tricky outer lines of your lips.


Mistake #6: You're not setting your lips

While formula plays its part greasier formulas will always bleed more you should always safeguard your lip color by holding a tissue over your pout and lightly dusting on face foundation or translucent powder with a brush.


Mistake #7: You're not blotting

Lipstick all over your coffee cup or worse, your teeth? That's a direct result of going too heavy on your application and not dabbing off the excess afterwards. To ensure no unsightly oozing, simply place a tissue between your lips and pat lightly.


Mistake #8: You're not paying attention to undertones

Take it from us, all is lost if you don't have the right shade of your choice color.

As a rule of thumb, remember that blue-based shades (classic red) complements people with fair skin tones, while orange-based shades (brick red) complements warmer skin tones.