Don't worry about getting it perfect. Unrealistic expectations of perfection typically lead to disappointment and as a perfectionist I've spent significant portion of my life being disappointed.

ZIPP Service Course CX tape is excellent - cushy but not tacky and shiny like Lizard Skins and less than half the price. It is a little stretchy and so somewhat forgiving.
Practice with cheap tape a few times. I don't worry about which direction to wrap it or whether it should be reversed after the brake levers and never use the extra piece under the hoods.

Finishing the end is the important part and good 3M electrical tape, the expensive kind that comes in a plastic case, works great. If the end by the stem is finished properly, the tape is tight and the bar end is plugged then it won't give you trouble.