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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 (she/her) is an associate editor at her campus where she oversees the wellness vertical and all things sex and relationships, wellness, mental health, astrology, and gen-z. during her undergraduate career at chapman university, julianna's work appeared in as if magazine and taylor magazine. additionally, her work as a screenwriter has been recognized and awarded at film festivals worldwide. when she's not writing burning hot takes and spilling way too much about her personal life online, you can find julianna anywhere books, beers, and bands are.