Matte
When rendering objects that have matte finishes, such as the underside of a leaf, be sure to keep the highlights diffuse and shadows soft. Add no reflections. Matte surfaces will absorb nearby colors subtly. Look for occlusion shadows.

Translucent
With objects that are translucent, such as skin, fluids, certain fruits, and insects, the sunsurface scattering of light causes a glow to bloom inside the object, away from the highlight. Look for transmitted light within the cast shadows projected onto nearby surfaces.

Shiny
When rendering objects that have shiny finishes, such as the eye, glass, chrome, and polished plastic, be sure to keep the highlights hard-edged and shadows strong. Include reflections from nearby (and off stage) elements to add realism + visual interest.