With so many products available, it can be hard to figure out how to choose lipstick that fits your desired look. We’re here to help you take the guesswork out of shopping with this quick guide to the three most popular lip finishes.

Matte

In short, matte means free of shine. Matte lipstick packs a flat, yet bold punch of color that can quickly steal the show when it comes to your overall makeup look. Matte products have been topping the trend list for awhile now, especially since liquid lipsticks exploded on the scene. Our favorite is theBalm Meet Matte Hughes Liquid Lipstick in Adoring, a creamy, vanilla-mint-scented formula that stays put for hours.

NOTE: Wondering how to choose lipstick for your skin tone? Check out this lip shade-finding post for tips and advice.

Pro Tip: Like most great things, matte lip colors have one teensy drawback: they can sometimes feel a little dry on the lips. Luckily, you can easily prevent dryness by applying a lip balm, like FixMySkin Healing Lip Balm Vanilla with 1% Hydrocortisone before going in with your matte color. This will prevent caking and flakiness and keep your lips comfortable all day.

Glossy

If you’re like us, you began your makeup journey as a teenager with a touch of gloss, so you’re more than a little familiar with its sheer, ultra-shiny finish. Lip glosses have come a long, long way as of late—you’re far from limited to a watery, strawberry-scented rollerball. Try a high-quality mauve or nude-pink shade that’s close to your actual lip color. We love glo minerals Gloss in Plumberry because it’s super hydrating, packed with nourishing antioxidants and not too thin or thick.

Pro Tip: All that shine can actually attract UV rays to your lips. If you’re going to be sporting a lip gloss, apply a balm with SPF first. We like EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 31—you won’t find better protection against dryness and sun damage than this 5% zinc oxide formula!

Classic

Classic, natural, cream . . . the terms are interchangeable, and they all mean an easy, timeless lip look with a finish that’s neither glossy nor matte. With a classic lip color, you can expect creamy, high color payoff with a hint of sheen that naturally catches the light. Achieve vivid color with jane iredale PureMoist Lipstick in Theresa. This moisture-rich lip color comes in 24 universally flattering shades, and it offers antioxidant protection and conditioning benefits.

Pro Tip: Instead of applying lipstick directly from the tube, try using a lip brush for added precision. Just brush jane iredale Retractable Lip Brush lightly across the top of the lipstick in the tube and carefully outline your lips before filling them in. For an ombre look, you can use the brush to line your lips with a darker shade, then fill them in with a shade that’s a step or two lighter.

What’s your favorite tip for how to choose lipstick this fall? Let us know in the comments below, or tell us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #LovelySkin!