It can be endlessly annoying, buying the wrong lipstick because you didn’t understand the finish and now it isn’t the look you want. Well now we explain all the terms, and what looks they give. Now you’ll never be confused again…er, about lipstick.

*Cream: Cream lipstick is pretty self-explanatory, it’s creamy! It isn’t too glossy, it isn’t too flat, your lips will feel softer and the color is dramatic. Unfortunately it doesn’t always last as long, and trips to the bathroom to touch up can be required often to maintain it. For this look, we reccomend CG Smoother's Hydrating Lipcolor.

*Shimmer: This can also be called ‘frost’ and is just like cream, but with a sparkly edge. It can really spice, perk and brighten up your look, but beware looking like a Vegas showgirl if you use shimmer on your eyes too. For this look, we reccomend Maybelline's Wet Shine Diamonds.

*Matte: This gives a fantastic dressy, sophisticated look. It isn’t at all sheer or shiny, but sadly dries out your lips. Luckily, most formulas last long. This shouldn’t be paired with dark eye makeup or be used unless it is a formal occasion. For this look, we reccomend Cover Girl's TripleLipstick.

*Gloss: Gloss is a colorless wet look for your lips that not only moisturizes but is a great look for any occasion. Gloss can be simple when paired with simple eye makeup, giving a clean “girl next door” look. Also, when used over dark lipstick or with dark eye makeup it can be intense and sexy. The downside is that it easily rubs off of when you eat, drink or kiss. It can also sometimes be too sticky and if you layer it on top of another lip color which isn’t 100% dried, it’ll wipe it off (onto the gloss wand you’re using, eww). For this look, we reccomend Maybelline's Lip Polish in "Crystal Clear".

*Sheer: A sheer is just like a gloss (with the same perks and downfalls) except it is slightly tinted. For this look, we reccomend Revlon's Skinlights Glosslights.