Exfoliate and Moisturize
Because lip stains are really, really thin, you’re going to see imperfections a lot easier than if you were using a lip cream or a lipstick. The consistency matches something similar to a liquid, which by nature just skims the surface. That means dry, flaky pieces of skin will be in full view. Moisturize often (make this just as much as a habit as washing your face before bed) and use a product with little or natural fragrance so your lips don’t dry out quickly.

Use a Lip Liner
The color is going to stick around, but it’s not going to apply as precisely as something like a standard lipstick tube that comes to somewhat of a point. The liquid in and of itself makes it a little less easy-to-apply, even when it’s soaking up on a doe foot applicator. An easy way to combat this is to use a lip liner of the same exact color or something a little bit lighter, just so you have some guidelines when applying the lip liner. After applying lip liner, really blend those lines in so there isn’t a stark difference between the lip stain and the lip liner.

Layer Under Regular Lipstick
This is your must-use tip when you want the creamier, thicker finish of a lipstick but know the color isn’t going to last all day. Apply lip stain (something with a matte finish, like the Milani Power Lip Lasting & Moisturizing Gloss Stain  that leaves a matte finish with the option of making it glossy) before putting on your gloss. Some lip stains have incredibly long wear, so by the time your lipstick rubs off after only a few hours, you’ll still have a whole lot of tint showing. You’ll totally rid yourself of a splotchy look where only the outer rim of your lips are still holding on to the pigment.

Layer Over for Intensity or Gloss
A lot of lip stains leave a glossy finish in and of themselves, but you can make a creamy lip color glossy and even hold more of an intense color on your lips by layering a lip stain on top. It doesn’t have to be the same exact color, though. Pick different shades in the same color family for something customized to you—getting personal with fashion and beauty isn’t only done with monograms.

Need Lip TLC? Check Over the Ingredients
As the barriers between cosmetics and skin care continue to blur, lip stains are taking strides in what they offer to a customer in the ingredients list. Many products are made with nourishing oils that will bring hydration and a heavy repair to lips that are chapped or suffering from flakiness or dryness.

Use It as a Cheek Tint
Not exactly a way to make it look better on your lips, no, but lip stain is an amazing multitasker. Dab a bit on your cheeks for blush that won’t budge—just make sure you apply the smallest amount and blend out towards your ears.