Sad girls are in. These days, emotional expression has more to do with celebration than suppression–tearing up on social is almost as common as weeping (quietly) on the Tube–and the shift puts the aesthetic merits of a good cry on full display. Rosy cheeks! Glistening eyes! Defined lashes! The term ‘crying girl’ make-up is making its rounds. It’s on TikTok (another trend popularised by creator Zoe Kim Kenealy) and even on-screen in HBO’s Euphoria, and for good reason: once the actual tears are wiped away, the remaining effects converge for a look that veers into romantic territory.
@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
“Crying gives us a natural flush to our face!” says make-up artist Jen Tioseco, a go-to for the likes of Camila Mendes. “Pink-hued lips, cheeks, and eyes give that youthful glow.” In addition to the blushy notes, make-up artist Tobi Henney suggests a soft, glistening pop of eye make-up, all the better to recreate your eyes post-cry.
To tap into the feels, crank up Lana Del Rey’s “Pretty When You Cry” and reach for a cream blush–Henney suggests Jamie Make-Up The Blighlighter in The Pink One, while Tioseco prefers Tarte’s Cheek Stain in Flush–and dab across cheeks and nose, and a bit around the eyes as well. For the glisten of recent tears, apply Stila Cosmetics Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Diamond Dust, and echo with a trace of Saie Starglow along the cheekbones and Cupid’s bow.
Henney lines lips with Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer #2, blurring out the edges before topping with Mac Cosmetics Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in Date-Maker. “Use your finger to press and smudge into the lip for that just-finished-crying effect,” she says. Finally, finish with a generous swipe of Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Glass Slippers and curled lashes. If you need further inspiration, check yourself out after your next sob session.
This article was first published on British Vogue.
