I want my eyeliner to last. Which should I buy? I have sensitive eyes, FYI.
—Valerie, Boston

Here's some terrific advice by way of makeup artist Jillyan Scarpa.You asked what to buy, and Scarpa cannot recommend enough the pencils by MAC called Powerpoint.

"The longevity is incredible," Scarpa promises. "It goes on very easily, has about a 10-second setting time and you can even use it as a base over the whole lid." And, yes, Scarpa says, most of the colors shouldn't prove irritating. If they do, she says, consider the color. Most neutrals carry less potential for irritation than, say, purples, because red dyes sometimes have ingredients that can bother more sensitive eyes, she says.

If you have your heart set on your own favorite eyeliner already in your makeup drawer, a simple Q-tip can assure that you aren't putting on too much liner and running the risk of, well, running.

Finally, take a small amount of any cream concealer and dab it along the lash line before applying liner. The concealer works like a primer and provides an adhesive base. Then you'll be able to hold onto to your favorite color all day, no worries.