Exfoliate. To keep lip gloss from globbing, exfoliate dry, flaky patches from the lips by gently rubbing a damp, soft-bristle toothbrush or washcloth over the mouth. When the surface looks smooth, blot it dry with a towel. If you frequently suffer from dry, chapped lips, apply a heavy ointment or balm with glycerin or petroleum every night before bed to restore moisture and help heal cracks.

Line lips. Select a lip pencil that matches the natural color of your mouth. Hold it firmly, and trace carefully along—but not beyond—the lip line before filling in the mouth completely. Blend any visible lines with the pad of a finger or a Q-tip. Then, apply a clear, waxy (not slippery) balm or anti-feathering product to fill in lines and create a moisture-resistant film over the mouth.

Add gloss. Put a small dot of lip gloss on the fingertip, or if you're using a wand applicator, wipe off any excess against the rim of the tube. (Working in thin layers gives you the most control.) Dab the gloss on the center of the lips, and blend outward by patting gently just inside, but not touching, the border of the lips. Repeat with another coat of gloss for more intense color.