It's getting hot in here, so take off all those heavy lipsticks that make you feel like you're melting this time of year. The chicest trade off? A sexy, stay-put lip stain. They're the perfect way to go sheer while imparting a . Once you've mastered how to use these game changers, you'll find there's just about no look they can't create. But they do come with their own set of rules.

Since most lips stains are, by definition, drier than your lipsticks, they can (and will!) emphasize any flaws-think flakes, small lines, and general dryness. Plus they're usually thinner in texture than creamier products so they just aren't very forgiving. So don't even think about reaching for one until you've prepped lips properly. Trust us-the extra minute it takes to do this will be more than worth it to make the long wearing color look perfect all day long. Just take a wet toothbrush and rub it onto lips using a gentle circular motion, says DC makeup artist Victoria Alexander. Voila! A few other tips to get you ready for our tk favorite lip stains:

Your One Must-Have Product for Nailing the Sexy Stained Look

The biggest amateur mistake you can make before reaching for your new fave stain, isn't the stain you choose, but skimping on lip balm. That little layer of moisture keeps that flaky dryness you sloughed away from coming back and gives you an overall smoother, softer surface with which to work. Throw a tube in your bag too to keep lips looking fresh and juicy throughout the day. Try: Maybelline Baby Lips Dr. Rescue Medicated Lip Balm

Lock it in with Lip Liner

Yes, the stain is designed to stick around, but it's not going to apply as precisely as a good old-fashioned lipstick with a point and the creaminess to trace a line. Reach for a lip liner in a matching color (or clear, if you're going for a more natural look). The goal here is use a soft stroke, just to have a guideline. Super important: Blend, blend, blend the lip liner so there's no obvious outline.

Choosing the right color

Once upon a time, lip stains were all about berries-looking like you munched on them and left behind a pretty purplish stain. But all that has changed-with glossy stains, matte stains, thick stains, thin stains-the range of colors has exploded. Now it's all about finding the right shade for your skin tone, says Alexander. Cooler tones--those that are blue-based-- work better for fairer skin. Warm tones-those closer to orange or red-look gorgeous on olive complexions. The hot new tangerine shade is better (or at least less intimidating) when it goes sheer-as in start with an orangey stain, and top with a clear gloss. With pink blowing up and moving way past princess realm and into board meetings, it's important to find one that's the tone for you. Warm, peachy pinks light up olive or darker complexions, while cool ones look tres romantique on fair skin. Back to berry, the reason it's the original lip stain? It looks fabulous on everyone.

Check out our top picks for best long-wearing lip stains.