A gentle lip scrub once or twice a week helped more than changing balm. My lipstick used to look patchy because there were dry flakes, not because the lipstick was bad. Now I use balm overnight, lightly exfoliate when needed, and use only a tiny amount before colour. Less product under lipstick is usually better.

For lipstick prep, I avoid shiny or slippery balms. Thick overnight balms are great before bed but terrible under lipstick. I use a lightweight waxy balm in the morning, let it sit, then remove the excess. Matte lipstick looks much smoother when my lips are hydrated but not greasy.

I apply lip balm at the very beginning of my makeup, not right before lipstick. By the time I finish my face and eyes, the balm has softened my lips. Then I blot with tissue before applying lip liner or lipstick. If I put lipstick directly over fresh balm, it always moves around.