Sometimes I prefer my eyes to look Very Wide Awake and fresh.
But sometimes I want them to look all smouldery and dramatic.
I know! I know. It really is terrifically exciting waking up and discovering which shade I will opt for.
For the times I want to look fresh and bright, I use a white (or a pinky, fleshy toned, such as Benefit Eye Bright) eye pencil, and when I want it all defined and sexy-ish, I go for a black or brown eye pencil. And where do I use them? My waterline! A not-even-made-up area that’s definitely worth toying round with.
Zoe Foster is an author and columnist and Contributing Editor for Mamamia. She has previously been the beauty director for both Cosmopolitan and Harper’s BAZAAR magazines, and the Editor at Large of Primped.com.au. Zoe has published four books; Air Kisses, Textbook Romance (which she wrote with Hamish Blake), Playing The Field and Amazing Face. You can follow Zoe’s tumblr here and her Twitter here. You can and should buy Amazing Face here.
Comments
88 Comments so far
Zoe – I have been told that when you do black eyeliner on the bottom, it should only be from the centre (about in line with the pupil) to the outside, not the inner half of the ‘waterline’. What is your view on this? I believe the intention is to ‘open’ the eye more, rather than closing it in with the full line.
Totally agree with you that black all around the eye isn’t a great look for day. I often see young teenaged girls with this look and want to tell them how bad it looks on them (like they’re made up for a dramatic dance routine, rather than enhancing their eyes for everyday) but of course I’m not so rude!
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ZOE- Just wondering whether you’re allowed to use mascara on your bottom lashes when using white eyeliner? Or will that look a little odd? I know you are a fan of no mascara for a more youthful appearance but I cant say im as brave….
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Since watching this I’ve started using my white liner (I did own one, but didn’t really know what to do with it) and my boss has stopped asking me if I’m upset by something. I chose to believe that’s not a coincidence.
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Zoe – I’ve never seen or heard of you before but you are absolutely stunning and gorgeous – and I love your voice!
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I had a dream recently where I tried on a white liner on one eye and a black on the other, so ur demo was like a dejavu moment for me.
Btw what white & black liner are you using?
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I was a bit slow to watch this post but I’m pretty sure she said Gorgeous Cosmetics, which is a brand not just her description
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I watched that video and all I could think about is how PERFECT your teeth are!
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just a thought, if you are using these eye-liners on such a delicate part of the eye, and they aren’t causing irritation, does that mean they have been tested on animals,, maybe animals like the poor beagles ina recent post who had been locked up in cages for many years. this is why i personally have a problem with wearing a lot of make up and i know many brands say they dont test on animals but how reliable are they.
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good point.
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I love the benefit eye bright, it truly brightens up my eye area which is needed since my dark circles won’t go away. White ends up being to harsh on me, so the soft pink does wonders. It’s also a perfect hangover-coverup.
On a sidenote, when I was 18 and scratched the side of our family car my dad bought a waterproof eye liner which matched the shade of our car at h&m and managed to cover it up for a while. Until it rained or snowed of course:) just goes to show makeup is very versatile.
http://Www.glossy-beauty.blogspot.com
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I love the Benefit Eye Bright as well, use it every day as I have problem with dark circles as well. I use it together with the Bobbi Brown concealer and powder together or Tuche Eclat. Just a shame I can’t find a permanent solution to my dark circles
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I feel very vindicated…I’ve been using the white liner on the my waterline for a couple of months now! Love it!
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every time i wear white eyeliner..my mum says i look like a doll. haha….it might be my penchant for nars orgasm and soft pink lip gloss, when paired with white eyeliner…is a bit much!
might need to invest in a fleshy toned pencil
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I have the Nars Orgasm powder blush and it’s the most natural looking one I’ve ever used…really gorgeous! I also have the NARS bronzer and use it on my forehead, nose and cheeks and it’s equally fantabulous!
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I discovered the wonders of black on the waterline (never knew it was called that) ages ago but white? Ooooh. I don’t have a white pencil, but I have a silver one? ;D
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Miss Zoe you are all kinds of fabulous!
I’m buying my teenage sister Amazing Face as part of her chrissy present. She is going to love me
You have single-handedly changed the way I do my makeup routine, so thank you xx
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Great clip Zoe. I religiously use my white liner on the lower waterline (basically every day) and really love the effect.
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No joke I bought a white eyeliner about 2 weeks ago and have been using it like crazy along my waterline! There you go Zoe!
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I have a question… I am Indian and I find white liners a bit too much for browner skin tones. What would be a good alternative?
Also, re: black eyeliner on my lower waterline. I’ve started saving it for nighttime lately. HOWEVER. I’ve noticed that most girls with my skin tone always wear lots of black eyeliner. All ages, all occasions, upper and lower lashlines… is it only too dramatic for daytime if you have fairer skin? I find it looks quite a bit more natural on darker skin. The only reason I’ve started saving it for nighttime is because I’m lazy!
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I’m indian and notice the same thing! I don’t really like it though, they look too done up ALL the time!, don’t you think? I always use mascara and a golden highlighter underneath my eye area I think the one from benefit called ‘watts up’ is excellent!
am thinking a white pencil may be too light…. maybe a nude/fleshy tone?
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Dear Zoe + Anybody who knows anything,
I need help-ies with the waterliner thing. I line, my eyes eject. I find whatever it was I put in my waterline marching full steam down my face within approx 12.5minutes of sticking it there.
My fail safe trick of translucent powder cannot be applied to the waterline nor can sticky tape so… I need advice!
Yours in waterline wonder,
P.S: Aside from being Beauty’s Little Helper your blogging style is covetable. I bought your book for my sister not for the makeup tips (because you can lead a horse to water…) but because of your snazzy writing style.
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I reckon gel liner is the way to go! I’m hopeless at eyeliner but I can do this and it stays! Good luck!
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Try Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes. They are waterproof eyeliners which I started using when I got contacts, as non waterproof liners would move around and irritate my eyes. My fav colour is the gold and you can also use as an eyeshadow for quick touch ups anywhere. Love a multipurpose product!!
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I have been using white eyeliner for ages and it is awesome. I think it is perfect for work with a light base, some light blush and mascara. It makes me look youthful and put together but not too make upy or that I have tried too hard.
Winner again Zoe!!!
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My daughter is overseas for Christmas. I sent her a copy of Amazing Face and vouchers for $100 from Priceline. Another blogger suggested this option and may I say to them: ‘thank you’. My daughter can come home and spend those vouchers to her heart’s content buying product recommended in the book.
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your daughter is going to be VERY happy!
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Thank you! (She also got Cadbury chocolate and Tim Tams – you can’t buy them there!)
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Aaaaaaand who said you can’t buy happiness, psh.
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What a great pressie. But how will she the Priceline voucher overseas?
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I just rang David Jones’ to order my favourite fragrance for Christmas. While I had the consultant on the ‘phone, I asked her to find me the best gel black eyeliner (chanel) and the best white eyeliner (Estee-Lauder). Done. Paid for and sent. I should have it within a couple of days. Although I love Benefit (only available through Myer), I love the service of David Jones’ much more!
PS I really hate shopping…….
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Susan, (I’ve been told that’s what I can call you): I am impress!
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You can buy benefit through their website. It’s about half the price it is here, arrives in about three weeks and if you spend over $125 the shipping is free! My order arrived Tuesday…love!
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Zoe, you have a new fan. As a lady of a certain age with smallish eyes, I’m off to find some white liner NOW.
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I love Benefit’s Eye Bright
Definitely helps me look awake! but I’m still looking for the perfect undereye concealer to get rid of massive darkish bags 
Ohhh… and if anyone knows of anywhere that has the NAR’s Danmari palette in stock in Australia I’ll love you forever!
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The Covergirl Olay concealer is the bomb! Have you tried it? Other than that (and more pricier) I definitely recommend Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage…it’s insanely good.
http://www.thebeautyblot.wordpress.com
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I bought a Clinique mineral foundation about two weeks ago, and they gave me a beautiful concealer as a ‘gift’. A great one at that!
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Zoeeeeeeeeee. Which of the priceline level white eyeliners would you recommend? I enjoy Maybelline and Rimmel!
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Zoe, you must be a mindreader – I did the white eyeliner trick the other day. I had woken up with puffy eyes from crying the night before – i did the whole put some dessert spoons in the freezer and placed them over my eyes (as well as eye cream to reduce the puffiness) as I didn’t have eyedrops, I used white eyeliner to “freshen” my eyes…. and it worked like a charm!
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I’ve turned my back on black eye liner and have fallen in love with brown. Being fair skinned it doesn’t looks as harsh as the black. I also love brown mascara for just day to day and go with black for nights out. I love the look of a dark smokey eye, it just looks terrible on me. I look punched in the face with liner on my bottom waterline. Having small eyes makes eye make up so much harder.
http://beautyinabottleat.blogspot.com/
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I use brown liner for night time too. Black eyeliner on my bottom waterline makes me look like a hooker.
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I do the same! I use a brown kohl Rimmel eyeliner from the chemist… And it’s amazing how much softer it is on my pale face! I’ve also been using brown eyeliner for the post couple of months, and I’m amazed at how less harsh the two look
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Amy – also try just doing the outer half of your bottom waterline with a thin line, close to the lashes and not all the way across to your inner eye. It’s less heavy and doesn’t give you the “punched” look.
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Ummmm …. What is the ‘certain age’ you are referring to when saying to back off black eyeliner on bottom? Am approaching a significant birthday starting with a 4 – is this going to make me of ‘a certain age’?!
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I think over a certain age would be when you are trying to hide, or not draw attention, to lines or wrinkles around your eyes. Depending on your skin and lifestyle it could be anywhere from mid 30s to even 50s. Julianne Moore is 51 but looks so much younger and could get away with it because she has amazing skin.
Maybe instead of black, use brown liner as it isn’t as harsh. I love it because I have small eyes and black is too much for me.
Remember rules are made to be broken, so if you love black eyeliner go for it
http://beautyinabottleat.blogspot.com/
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I am above ‘that certain age’ and I use green eyeliner as it accentuates my green eyes.
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My mum does this and she has green eyes!
I’m going to call her tonight and say “I’m onto your tricks mum!!”
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I’m a green eyed girl too. Green does make green eyes pop, but try purple tones. You’ll be amazed!
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Non, non, non, Cathy! Certainly not.
And Amy’s response is terrific. Go with that.
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Zoe, I know you meant no harm using the term “of a certain age”. As a 40 year old, though, my ego felt a little bruised when I read it. It makes aging sound so unspeakably horrible that it requires softening with euphemism.
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Zoe – i just bought your book for my xmas present to myself (we all do that right? get gifts for ourselves?!!!! haha) and i read the first 20 pages and it was hard to stop! i just learnt so many awesum tricks and tips and just wanted to say thank you! i love it and i cannot wait to read it all the way through!
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I bought it as a birthday gift for a friend of mine, had a flick through it and read the whole thing in one sitting. Then had to go guy her another one coz I wanted to keep it!!
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On a bit of another topic. I was reading another one of Zoe’s blog and one of the commenters emtnioned how amazing the new Garnier BB cream was. I tried it last night and I totally recommend it to anyone. It’s amazing and less than $15. It called Miracle Skin Perfector (http://www.garnier.com.au/_en/_au/bb-cream/index.aspx?gclid=CL3or-nL8awCFQklpAodGByNJg)
Thought i’d pass on the tip x
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I’ve heard it’s no good for oily skin, how did you find it?
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I’ve just re-read my comment and I didn’t actually write what I meant to write. I’ve been using it for about two weeks and it’s cleared up some blemishes I had and totally evened out my skin tone and made it look so much healthier. I don’t have oily skin as such, but it isn’t dry. I’d probably say normal to sensitive.
The formula is a crème and it blends into the skin really quickly even though it’s quite thick. I put it on after moisturiser and then wait about 15 mins for it to sink in before I put anything over it. I’m usually someone who ALWAYS wears foundation to work but I’ve found that all I need now is tinted moisturiser. Pretty cool
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Yeah if you have oily skin I’d give the BB a miss. I have normal skin and it still looks shiny on me unless I allow it to sit for a few mins and then brush on some powder. I like it but I’d like it more if it was oil free!
http://www.thebeautyblot.wordpress.com
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Ditto! I’ll save for winter.
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I don’t often wear eyeshadow because I’ve always been terrible at applying it, but I watched your vid on how to do smoky eyes last week, and tried it out on Saturday night – you wouldn’t BELIEVE how many compliments I got!! My mum (who was there) even called me again Tuesday to mention it and ask me to teach her how I did it! Thanks Zoe!!
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Yeh, I don’t get the white… looks very odd IMO… not awake more just very odd… But I’m a diehard black eyeliner fan… don’t need alot but I wear it every day, and when I don’t, even if I have full makeup on people always say ‘you look tired’. But yes, I do have quite big eyes.
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I don’t like white eyeliner either, looks unnatural on me…but flesh toned liner like the Benefit Eye Bright pencil, now that I can get on board with!
http://www.thebeautyblot.wordpress.com
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I agree! I bought a white eye liner years ago in the hopes it would brighten my less bright days and it looked really obvious. I like the flesh coloured idea though…..
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ohhh im jealous, big eyes would be so nice to have. I have small eyes, so a black eyeliner is too harsh for me.
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It CAN look odd. I agree.
I am only new to the white, being a flesh-toned fan for years. I usually put it on first and let it sink in and melt in and then it looks invisible-but-present-and-fresh about 30 mins later.
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my optometrist once told me that it’s not good for your eyes to wear makeup on the waterline. Despite this, I still often wear white liner on the bottom because I saw it in one of your other videos and thought it was a great idea!
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I wear antique gold on my lower waterline sometimes. It’s pretty and a bit unexpected.
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Ive beady eyed your flesh-toned pencil previously and its does look freshly-fabulous. Its amazing seeing the two side-by-side how the white lifts your face, cheekbone, browbone, the black lifts your face out and down.
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Hi
Love the videos – what brand of black eyeliner are you using (I’ve been using a maybelline one, but I find it often comes off)? And could you recommend a black gel eyeliner and a brush?
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They’re both Gorgeous cosmetics liner, and they last beautifully. I like MAC or Bobbi Brown for my black or dark gel liners and Napoleon does a terrific white gel liner, would you believe.
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Thanks Zoe!
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Zoestar! I’ve heard that waterproof liners are a no no for the waterline as they come right off, is that correct? Also I’m fair, with dark blonde hair and have never really ventured to black liner, always grey or brown – should I or am I too pale? thanks and MWAH!
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I’m not Zoe but don’t think anyone is too pale for eyeliner, just use it for maximum impact with fresh skin & strong brows. Like this:
(I’m also wearing white eyeliner on my waterline in this pic)
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Thanks for the reply, this photo looks amazing. It was more the black on the waterline I haven’t risked before, love the white/flesh look. I play around with make up a lot, not sure why I haven’t really tried the black so I guess I should just give it a go
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I wouldn’t recommend black on your water line with very pale skin, I think it looks too dark. What I do is use an angled brush to line my lash line with dark eyeshadow (I don’t use a liner) on the bottom. That is what I’ve done in the above pic.
But for you to decide here’s me 4 years ago with black eyeliner on my waterline.
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You are gorgeous.
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I always find putting liner on my lower or upper waterline really irritates my eyes.
Any tips?
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Does for me sometimes too. Could be the prodz you’re using? Or maybe you are simply a sensitive bird, and for you, liner is best kept on top of the lashes/the skin.
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Hi Zoe, Have tried lots of different brands of liner and have the same issue.
Thanks for replying
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Totally agree I am loving the videos and the tips!!!
Especially that the products are so afordable and the advice so easy to follow
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Ness – as in Tasch’s sister??
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I freaking love waterlining with my eyebright…. Bronzed face, fresh waterlined eyes, and soft pink lippie = a very happy Cat – who said you need 8 hours to be beautiful?
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You are amazing! Thank you! x
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omg I just got the link to share the Benefit Eye Bright Pencil… I LOVE IT
http://www.myer.com.au/benefit/Eyes/Eyebright-Pencil/438/
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i am boredline obsessed with your videos. la-la-love them. You have completely converted my entire make up routine. (and my skin is so thankful!)
one question I have re: white liner is that when i’ve tried it it tends to highlight a slight yellow tinge to my eye ball or if there is any red, it highlights that too. Is this solved by using a creamy pink?
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I would think so, yes? The white can be a bit stark and full on.
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Hi Candice and Zoe
You are correct.
White will make the whites-of-your-eyes appear not-so-white in comparison.
(Similar to the effect of wearing dark lipstick to make your teeth appear whiter.)
Using an off-white or creamy pink tone will do the trick nicely!
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I don’t think I have ever worn black eyeliner on my lower lash or water line. I’m pretty sure when you do the top waterline it’s called ‘tightlining.’
What colour are your nails, Zoe? Love it!
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You may well be right, Alibee. you may well be right.
Polish is three coats of OPI Bubble Bath. Takes longer to dry, but I prefer the colour.
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Ah……. Zoe’s how to’s make my day!! PLEASE keep them coming!!! <3
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Thank you!
That does help.
I’ve just bought the Benefit Eye Bright, which Santa is going to put in my christmas stocking, and it’s been on my mind how to go about it.
So thanks Zoe, you read my mind.
Heres to lovely fresh bright eyes for me on christmas day.
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