Matte lipsticks hide nothing. So make sure that your lips are smooth and flawless to begin with by using a lip scrub to slough away flakiness. Rinse, and pat dry. Then add just enough lip balm to moisturize and prep lips (but don’t make them look glossy). The perfect two-in-one for this task is Clinique Sweet Pots Sugar Scrub & Lip Balm.

Lip liner in a shade that matches your lipstick gives you a template to color in. But more importantly, it acts as a base that helps your lipstick really go the distance. Use an easy-on lip liner like Quickliner for Lips to follow the shape of your natural lips, then fill them in completely. Blend with a lip brush for a plush wash of color.

Yes, it’s true. Matte lipstick can also be moisturizing. Thanks to the unique, hydrating formula of Clinique Pop Matte Lip Colour + Primer, it won’t bleed, fade or feather, yet still delivers serious color payoff and a chic velvety finish—think minimal touch-ups and maximal comfort. After all, both of those things lead straight to confidence (always pretty). Apply to lips, blot, repeat, then prepare to turn some heads.