11 Steps to Looking Like You Didn’t Just Ugly-Cry Your Face Off
Expert step-by-step techniques to erase tear stains, redness, and puffiness for a flawless post-cry appearance.
Crying—it happens to everyone, whether from heartbreak, stress, or just sentimental commercials. Unfortunately, tears leave noticeable evidence: red, puffy eyes, streaky and patchy makeup, and a flushed nose and cheeks. The key to post-cry recovery isn’t just about emotional healing; it’s about swiftly erasing those telltale signs from your face. Renowned makeup artist Joanna Schlip offers a foolproof, step-by-step guide so you can face the world again, looking fresh and unbothered.
Why Does Crying Wreak Havoc on Your Appearance?
Tears contain salt, which can dehydrate and irritate the delicate skin around your eyes. The friction of wiping your face exacerbates redness and swelling, while the physical act of crying dilates blood vessels, leaving behind a blotchy, inflamed complexion. Mascara and foundation don’t stand a chance against a full-blown sob session, so repair requires both speed and strategy.
The Step-by-Step Cry Recovery Routine
Use Oil-Free Wipes to Clean Up Your Mess
Start by gently dabbing away streaks of tears and smudged makeup using a gentle, oil-free makeup wipe. Oil-free options are ideal—they cleanse without leaving pore-clogging residue that could hinder your makeup touchups. Use circular motions to blend the harsh demarcation where your makeup was removed by tears. If the crying was heavy, remove all remaining makeup for a fresh, even base.
- Recommended: Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes or any hypoallergenic, fragrance-free option.
Apply Redness-Reducing Eye Drops
To counteract bloodshot, red eyes, use a couple drops of a proven redness-relieving product. The vasoconstrictors in these eye drops help constrict blood vessels, making your eyes look instantly clearer and less irritated.
- Apply the drops before redoing your makeup, giving a minute for the effect to set in.
- Try: Visine Original Redness Relief or a similar trusted brand.
Eliminate Puffiness with a Cold Compress
Eyes often swell after crying, giving that unmistakable puffy look. To reduce swelling:
- Hold a cold spoon, chilled gel eye mask, or a bag of frozen veggies wrapped in a towel gently to your under-eye area for 2–5 minutes. The cold reduces inflammation, soothes the skin, and minimizes vascular dilation.
- If at home, splash your face with ice-cold water for an immediate tightening effect.
Hydrate and Moisturize Dry, Patchy Areas
All that wiping leads to dehydration, especially around your nostrils and under eyes. Dab a lightweight moisturizer or hydrating serum onto any dry, irritated spots for instant plumping and comfort.
- Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe to soothe sensitive skin.
- Focus on areas that sting, burn, or look flaky—typically around the nose and the edges of your eyes.
Repair Foundation and Base Makeup
Use a damp beauty sponge—or clean fingertips—to blend any remaining foundation seamlessly into your skin. For larger tear tracks, remove patchy bits before reapplying a light, even layer of your go-to foundation or tinted moisturizer. Ensure coverage is natural and not cakey, avoiding a “painted-on” effect.
- If short on time, target only visibly streaky or red spots rather than redoing your entire face.
Give Your Lashes Some Love
Your upper lashes might have survived, but the lower lashes likely resemble a raccoon’s tail. Use a cotton swab or wipe to remove smudged mascara. If lashes clump, carefully separate with a clean lash comb or spoolie.
- For a full reset, remove all mascara and reapply a single natural coat—preferably waterproof to avoid future smudges.
- Try: Sephora Collection Contoured Lash Comb for declumping.
Bump Up Your Blush
Blush often vanishes or streaks after a crying episode. If you wear a powder blush, blend a fresh layer lightly onto the apples of your cheeks. For cream blushes, use your fingers to swirl and redistribute what’s left on your skin for a subtle glow. The aim is a healthy, rejuvenated look—not clownish intensity.
- Apply gradually and build up as needed. Too much will highlight post-cry redness.
- Product suggestion: Maybelline New York Dream Bouncy Blush for a soft, bouncy finish.
Camouflage Redness with Strategic Concealer
Focus on targeted coverage rather than slathering on tonnes of concealer. The most important zones are:
- Under your eyes: Cover darkness and lingering redness from swollen blood vessels.
- Around your nose: Hide the chapped, pink skin and any irritation from blowing your nose.
- Along your lash line: If your eyelids are puffy or red, sweep concealer gently across the eyelid, close to the lashes, to neutralize discoloration.
Tap and blend concealer in with a sponge, then set lightly with a powder to prevent creasing or further slipping.
Rehydrate and Plump Up Your Lips
All those tissues likely left your lips as dry and chapped as your mood. Smear on a nourishing balm or mask to add shine and moisture. If you apply lipstick, dab off excess and choose a hydrating, slightly sheer formula for a perky finish.
- Add a dab of gloss for a fuller, fresher look (a trick seen in “crying girl” makeup trends).
Brighten Up With a Highlighter
A subtle highlighter can lift your face, especially if you still have some residual puffiness. Apply a small amount to the inner corners of your eyes, along your brow bone, and atop the cheekbones to catch the light and reflect away shadowy dullness.
- A swipe of shimmery cream on the upper cheekbones can mimic the dewiness of tears while looking intentional and radiant.
Finish With Setting Spray or Powder
To lock everything in—but keep it natural—mist your face with a hydrating setting spray, or use a dusting of translucent setting powder. This ensures your efforts last all day and guards against any further waterworks.
Tips for Preventing Future Makeup Meltdowns
- Waterproof everything: Use waterproof mascara and long-wear, transfer-resistant foundations if you anticipate tears (hello, weddings and sad farewells).
- Skip heavy eyeliners: Strong, dark liners make tear streaks more obvious. Instead, try a soft pencil or skip it altogether for a fresher look.
- Consider minimalism: The less makeup you wear, the less you have to fix when tears strike. Focus on skincare and complexion-perfecting products.
The Science: Why Do We Look So Puffy After Crying?
Crying triggers a stress response, dilating the capillaries around your eyes and nose. The constitution of tears—containing salt—also draws water out from skin cells, creating swelling. This is compounded by rubbing and wiping, which exacerbates irritation and sometimes breaks tiny capillaries, adding even more redness.
FAQs About Crying and Makeup Recovery
How long does post-cry puffiness last?
Usually, most of the swelling around the eyes will subside within 30–60 minutes if treated promptly with a cold compress and gentle care.
Can I wear makeup right after crying?
Yes, but it’s crucial you remove any leftover tear residue first and rehydrate skin before applying fresh makeup. Otherwise, makeup will cling to dry patches and look uneven.
Are there any makeup products designed specifically for post-cry touchups?
Many brands offer color-correcting products and soothing concealers targeted at redness and puffiness. Look for formulas with calming ingredients and good staying power, and always keep travel-sized wipes and drops handy.
Is the “crying girl” look a legitimate trend?
Yes! Some TikTok creators and makeup artists have celebrated and even exaggerated the post-cry look, adding extra blush to the nose, dewy highlighter, and ultra-glossy lips for a raw, emotional, yet strangely alluring effect.
Comparison Table: Crying Makeup Fixes vs. The “Crying Girl” Trend
| Classic Cry Fix | The “Crying Girl” Trend |
|---|---|
| Conceal all redness | Embrace flushed cheeks & nose |
| Matte, even complexion | Dewy, highlighted skin (mimicking tears) |
| Natural, groomed lashes | Lifting mascara, sometimes clumpy or glistening |
| Lips hydrated or nude | Glossy, blurry lips for a soft pout |
| Set makeup for longevity | Optional gleam and shimmer for “emotional” effect |
What others are reading
When to Let It Show—Owning the Crying Look
Sometimes, authenticity is powerful. The so-called “crying girl” trend—seen on TikTok and in celebrity selfies—embraces the vulnerability and rawness of a post-tear face. If you choose to rock your flushed cheeks and glistening eyes, enhance the effect purposefully with extra highlighter, blush, and clear gloss for a more intentional emotional glow.
- Swipe highlighter on cheekbones, brow bones, and down the nose for a ‘dewy’ finish.
- Add blush concentrated on the nose and high points of the cheeks to mimic a just-cried flush.
- Keep lips hydrated and glossy to maintain a plumped, emotional-lip effect.
Final Thoughts: Be Ready for Anything
Emotional moments may be unpredictable, but your recovery can be flawless and quick. Keep a mini makeup kit—oil-free wipes, eye drops, a stick concealer, and a small blush—on hand for emergencies. Whether you’re choosing to erase all evidence or transform your tears into a fashion statement, you’ll be ready to show up beautiful, no matter what just happened.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/a40323/ways-to-cover-up-youve-been-crying/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/crying-makeup-trend
- https://www.lemon8-app.com/paulisabeeel/7193015088293380609?region=ph
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gcu9NGjHIs
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/a42824495/sad-girl-beauty-trend/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arwl74E0Jng
- https://instyleaustralia.com.au/beauty/crying-makeup/
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