It’s that time again where I answer your questions.

Michelle: Should I use liquid eyeliner on the top of my eye instead of the pencil? Or just use the pencil?

NJ: Actually you can do either. Both give a very different look. Using liquid on the top lash line looks lovely and adds depth the lash while giving a hard defined line. This is a great look to really pop open the eye. Using pencil will give a softer look. Pencil never lays down as hard as a liquid, so the line will not be as bold or straight. Pencil lines give definition but they are a bit more diffused. I am also a big fan of smudging the pencil. This gives an immediately sultry look. Liquids can get messy fast if you try and smudge them.

Why not try the best of both worlds. Lay down the liquid line and after it dries, follow it with the pencil and then smudge that. The result will be a subtle, sultry smokiness with ridiculous depth and definition at the lash line.

Amanda Asks: I LOVE my makeup but I rarely use my brushes. I have the typical brushes, but I’m not sure which ones to use for what. Can you give me some information on this?

NJ Answers: If you want to get the best out of your make-up, you really do have to utalize the right tools. Here are a few basics that will get you up and running in no time.

Jumbo Powder

This brush is very large and fluffy. It feels great, but it will deposit very little product.

Use it to

· dust setting powder over  liquid make-up

· apply a VERY light layer of powder foundation

A favorite of mine: Sonia Kashuk Powder ($19.99, www.target.com)

Powder/Blush

The smaller head and denser bristles ensure a greater lay of color.

Use it to

· apply blush to apples and cheek bones

· apply a bronzer to the high points of the face for a healthy glow

· apply a cover of setting powder all over the face

A favorite of mine: Make-up Designory Powder/Blush Brush ($27, www.mudshop.com)

Kabuki/Bronzer

The dense bristles apply a richer lay of color

Use it to

· apply bronzer to the high points of the face for a healthy glow

· buff a deeper shade of foundation under the cheekbones for contour

· apply blush for a very rich payoff

· buff foundation on for the airbrushed finish

A favorite of mine: Cover FX Kabuki Brush ($36, www.sephora.com)

Foundation

The synthetic bristles make for the perfect streak-free application of liquid products

Use it to

• apply liquid foundations
• apply cream or gel blushes

· dampen the brush and use the powder foundation wet

· dampen the brush and use the blushes wet for a cream/gel finish

A favorite of mine: A Design Foundation Brush ($27, www.adesign.com)

All Over Shadow

· one sweep over the lid will lay color from lash line to brow bone

· apply foundation/setting powder under the eyes and around the nostrils (to ensure it wont melt or run)

A favorite of mine: MAC Large Fluff Brush 227 ($36, www.maccosmetics.ca)

Angled Eyeliner

· apply eye shadow to the lash line as liner

· dampen the brush and use eye shadow to mimic liquid liner

· load the brush with eyeshadow and tap it into the brow to add depth or fill in sparse areas

· smudge liner-shadows on the upper and lower lash lines.

A favorite of mine: Professionnel Platinum Angle Liner Brush #22 ($18, www.sephora.com)

Blender

This fluffy brush is ideal for ensuring that all eyeshadows blend flawlessly with no harsh lines.

· sweep this brush back and forth several times over a completed eye make-up to smooth and soften hard lines

· apply a mid-tone color to the crease or lid for a very sheer application. this will add soft definition

· apply highlight colors to the cheekbones

A favorite of mine: Smashbox 10 ($28, www.sephora.com)

Detail Shadow

This smaller/denser eyeshadow brush will lay more color

· apply color beautifully to the lid

· smoke or smudge colors along the lash line

· lay a hard line of color in the crease (be sure to follow it with the shadow blender)

· apply highlight colors under the brow bone

A favorite of mine: Professionnel Platinum Natural Small Eyeshadow Brush #15 ($18, www.sephora.com)

Concealer

· use to tap face powder under the eye and around the nose. It mimics concealer

· dampen and use the powder as a liquid

A favorite of mine: Three Custom Color Specialists ($22.50, www.threecustom.com)

There you have it ladies….Keep your questions coming!