PM me if you are still trying to sell this! (or swap) This happens with most of the mattes for me (and the mattenes as well). What works for me is to use a balm first (I like the Tendertones, but I am sure good old petroleum jelly or whatever you like would work fine) then wait--I usually do face make up and brush teeth and give the balm time to sink in. Then, I dry the lips really good. If they were flakey to start with, I exfoliate before the balm (I use a Paula's Choice product, but honestly some coarse sugar or salt mixed with olive oil would work fine too). After I exfoliate (if needed) then condition with Tendertone or other balm of choice, then let that absorb, I blot dry, then apply Prep and Prime lip and wait about 30 seconds for it to get "tacky." Then apply your lippy. Much less flaking and dryness now!