All about make-up > Lips > STEP 1: Prep Your Lips

Color will clump on dry skin, so make sure your lips are smooth and hydrated. If your lips are flaky, lightly rub a damp washcloth over them to exfoliate dead skin. Next, apply a lip balm that's neither too tacky nor too slick. Or dab on an eye cream, says Brown: "Eyecreams are gentle and absorb well." Whatever you use, apply it sparingly. Too much moisturizer will make lipstick separate and slide off.