Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Style > Beauty

How To Get The Crying Makeup Look Without, Like, Actually Crying

I’m unashamed to admit that I am an ugly crier. My eyes get all swelled up, snot goes everywhere, my face gets all red and puffy
 let’s just say, I don’t look like Bella Hadid when I’m emotional. For all of my life, I’ve envied people that are pretty criers. Something about the slightly puffy eyes and blush-like tint to the skin just looks so pretty. And now, with the “crying makeup” trend on TikTok, I too can be a pretty crier. (Without crying!)

The “crying makeup” look is absolutely taking over TikTok. With #cryingmakeup amassing over 5.8 million views (and counting), beauty lovers and TikTok users have been emulating the puffy, soft look using tools already in their makeup bag. And honestly? I’m kind of obsessed with it.

TikTok makeup artist @zoekimkenealy popularized the trend after going viral with her “rockstar” makeup look earlier this year. In this tutorial, Zoe uses monochromatic creme products to create that perfect “just-got-done-crying” look, without spilling any actual tears

@zoekimkenealy

#greenscreen crying makeup look tutorial 😅 Can I go as a crying person for Halloween or is that not a thing #cryingmakeup #tearmakeup #cryingeyes #makeupforhalloween

♬ Show Me How (Album V) – Men I Trust

How do I get the “crying makeup” look?

The best part about this trend is that you don’t actually have to cry. Easier said than done — especially with Midnights out — but this look is perfect if you want something soft, subtle, and easy for every day. NGL, this is my new go-to.

After prepping your face with some tinted moisturizer, go in with a blushy-red lip liner, like the Suede Matte Lip Liner in Cherry Skies from NYX. (Ulta, $4) With a brush, or your fingertips, blend out the edges of your lips to create a soft look before going back in to lightly define them.

To give the illusion of glossy, Disney princess tears, apply a silver shimmer to your waterline. Then, with either that same shimmer or a creme highlighter, apply to any other place that you want shine: on the eyelids, on your cupid’s bow, the tip of your nose, and your cheeks. Finally, curl your lashes (a must) and apply a tinted gloss — Zoe shouts out the Lip Quip from ITEM Beauty. (Kohl’s, $14) It’s just that simple. Have fun not crying!

Julianna Marie is the Wellness Editor at Her Campus — leading the site's coverage of health, wellness, sex, relationships, and mental health. Additionally, she oversees our College Try franchise, the LGBTQIA+ vertical (Free To Be) and occasionally covers astrology, entertainment, fashion and beauty, and internet culture.

Julianna's work as a screenwriter and filmmaker has also received recognition at major film festivals such as LA Shorts, Tokyo International Film Festival, the NYC Horror Film Festival, and more. Currently, she is in the process of writing her debut novel.

She graduated with a B.F.A in Screenwriting from Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts in May 2022, where she formed very strong opinions on movies and a love for the beach. (She's a Pisces.)

When she's not writing burning hot takes and writing about her personal life for the masses (sorry, mom), you can find Julianna cooking, going out with the girls, doing yoga the morning after going out with the girls, watching reality television with her fiancé, playing chess, or advocating for the food scene in Pittsburgh, PA. It really is that good, BTW.

If you like blurry Instagram Stories and food reviews, you can follow her on Instagram at @juliannammarie.