The 10 Commandments of Lipstick

If you think of a complete makeup look as all the components in an ice cream sundae, then lipstick would be the cherry on top. It’s the bright pop of color that makes all the difference; that finishing touch that pulls your whole look together. Getting a perfect red (or pink or nude) lip shouldn’t be a daunting task. It should be as simple as topping that sundae with a cherry! To lend your lippie game a helping hand, we’ve rounded up the top 10 rules for wearing lipstick. You’re welcome.

#1. Exfoliate: Dry, flaky lips can seriously impact how your lip color settles on your lips. Slough away dry skin by exfoliating with a sugar lip scrub or by gently rubbing the lips with a damp washcloth.

#2. Moisturize: Hydrated lips are key to smooth application, but you don’t want to apply lip balm immediately before putting on lipstick. It will create a barrier and your lipstick won’t adhere properly. Instead, apply lip balm before you go to bed and when you wake up in the morning.

#3. Consider your skin tone: There’s no perfect science when determining which color looks best on you, so be prepared to test a bunch of shades. But here’s a general rule of thumb to guide you.

• Fair skin tones: Peachy hues look great on fair skin. A bold red is also a pretty way play up porcelain skin.
• Medium skin tones: Lucky you! Generally, most lipstick shades complement medium to olive skin tones.
• Dark skin tones: Deep berries or wine-colored reds look fantastic. A vibrant fuchsia is also a great pick.

#4. Mix and blend: Don’t restrict yourself to just one color.  Play the role of a mixologist and blend colors together to create a one-of-a-kind shade.

#5. Consider your formula: This really comes down to personal preference. Matte lipsticks are known for their staying power, but they can also dry out your skin. Creams are moisturizing but may slip off after a while, whereas gloss finishes give extra shine but can be a little sticky and thick.

#6. Start with a base: Apply a thin layer of foundation or concealer to your lips. Just like a primer, this helps create a blank slate to start with and will help your lipstick last longer.

#7. Be a lip lining pro: Lip liner gets a bad rap for being outdated, but it’s a key tool in upping your lipstick game. It makes your application more precise and helps it stay put. Just make sure that your lip liner isn’t darker than your lipstick shade. The easiest route? Go for an invisible or colorless liner — it’s foolproof.

[see also: How to Wear Weird Blush Colors]

#8. Avoid lipstick on the teeth: Your grandma might have taught you this trick way back when. It’s one of those passed-down pieces of motherly advice that really works: After you’ve applied a bright shade, close your mouth around your ring finger and pull your finger out.

#9. Blot: Blotting might seem like an unnecessary step, but it helps remove excess color and helps prevent lipstick from getting on your teeth (see above). Take a tissue and lightly press it on top of your mouth. Just don’t press too hard!

#10. Never throw out a broken tube: Instead, try this genius tip. Hold the base of the lipstick over a lit candle, and as it starts to melt quickly stick the broken tube to the base. Put it in the freezer for a few minutes to successfully salvage your favorite lipstick.