We know what you're thinking -- how complicated can lipstick possibly be? True enough -- it isn't brain surgery. But somehow, by the end of the day, women around the world catch themselves in the mirror to find uneven, flaking, smudging, bleeding lip color that makes them want to (almost) resign lipstick altogether.

So what gives? According to M.A.C. Senior Artist Keri Blair, Lipstick Queen Founder Poppy King and Nars Lead Makeup Stylist Jenny Smith, there are a few key mistakes, myths and misconceptions most women have about lipstick. And often the most common ones are also the most fixable. You just have to know the right techniques.

Forget every lipstick fear and rule you've ever known. Because even though pulling off perfectly smooth, filled-in, flattering lipstick isn't as intuitive as you might think, luckily, everyone is capable. Really, everyone. Keep scrolling for your foolproof guide to killer, makeup artist level lipstick.

Photograph courtesy Makeup for Life

One of the most common lipstick mistakes people make happens long before they even choose a color. "It's when they don't exfoliate their lips regularly," says Blair. "That affects the wear and application of their lipstick." Think: Dry, dehydrated lips and flaky, peeling color. Just as facial exfoliation helps skin-care products penetrate better, removing dead skin cells from your lips helps lipstick absorb and stay put.

Incorporating lip exfoliation into your routine gives you an even, smooth surface to work with -- a clear canvas -- and is especially important for people with superdry lips. Blair recommends making your own DIY lip scrub (all it takes is a teaspoon of sugar, mixed with a dollop of lip balm) to prep your lips.

After exfoliating, it's important to follow with a nice hydrating lip balm. (Try Nars Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment, $25). Smith recommends applying your balm several minutes before you plan to do your makeup, so it has time to sink in.

Smith also stresses that a little goes a long way. "Too much lip balm makes lipstick move -- as in, bleed or feather out," she says. If you have excess balm on your lips, make sure to "blot it off pre-lipstick application."

The same way that a foundation primer helps keep your makeup from slipping off, lip primer "gives the lipstick something to hold onto," Blair says. "A lip primer with silicone prevents the color from feathering or sinking into fine lines." (We recommend Stila Lush Lips Water Plumping Primer, $21).

Don't have lip primer? Blair says lightly dusting your lips with powder, concealer or foundation pre-lipstick application has the same effect, while enhancing your lip color.

Highlighting your Cupid's Bow (that's the little dip in the center of your top lip) with a touch of light-reflecting concealer defines the color and shape of your lips. Many people wait until they've finished applying their lip color to highlight, but Blair suggests doing it the other way around.

"Highlighting the Cupid's Bow before you apply your lipstick will give you a more natural highlight and won't alter your shape," she says. Plus, you won't have to risk messing up your finished color with a slip of the brush.