How to Look Good After Crying

Calling all lovebirds—the most not-so-wonderful time of the year is upon us. While some may be celebrating cuffing season over the next few months, many of us are falling victim to the infamous pre-holiday breakup. Yes, that’s right, ‘tis the season for couples to split in order to avoid weathering the holidays together. But just because your relationship may have a tragic ending doesn’t mean your beauty look has to. After all, there’s still time to find someone new to cozy up with this winter; it will just require the help of a few makeup tricks to disguise any unwarranted sniffles. Even if you swear you have no tears left to cry, consider this your go-to post-breakup makeup look. Keep reading to find out how to look good after crying.

Tip #1: Prep properly

Whether you’re the one breaking the bad news or you have an unwavering hunch a split may be in your future, prep yourself for any tears by using waterproof, long-wearing products to create your makeup look—especially when it comes to your eye makeup. A few of our favorites? The L’Oréal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel, L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner, and L’Oréal Paris Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Waterproof Mascara Blackest Black. All have long-lasting formulas that won’t budge mid-sniff.

Tip #2: Don’t skip primer

Primer is an essential part of any long-lasting makeup look, so take precaution this season and make it a part of your daily routine. We personally love the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Makeup Lock Primer because it will not only blur imperfections and create an even surface for your makeup application, but it will also give your skin a radiant, healthy glow—no boyfriend required.

Tip #3: Set your makeup

Another no-skip step? Setting your makeup. Consider setting all of your liquid products with their powder counterpart. So, set your liquid foundation with a face powder, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder. Set an eyeliner by applying a powder eye shadow of the same shade over top. You can also lock in your makeup with a setting spray to keep it looking as if it were just freshly applied—even after you’ve shed a few tears. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray or, if you love a little illumination, the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi-Shake and Glow Dew Mist.

Tip #4: Bring back up

While priming and setting your makeup will help keep your makeup look in place, there’s always the risk that a few tears will turn into many—leading to the horror story of smudged mascara and blotchy foundation. Be prepared for anything by having back up products with you at all times. Some must-haves to include in your makeup bag? A no-rinse cleanser to wipe away any makeup that’s gone astray (we recommend pairing the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types with a few cotton swabs), a full coverage concealer like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage, and a voluminous mascara to refresh your lashes. Pop a bright, confidence-boosting red lipstick in your bag as well so you can give yourself the instant pick-me-up you deserve! Use the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte High Pigment, Lightweight Lip Ink in I Achieve, I Am Worth It, or I Don’t to color your pouting pout.

Tip #5: Blot, never wipe!

If you do shed a few tears this season, try not to wipe your tears away! This can emphasize that dreaded smudged mascara look and make it much more difficult to recover from your crying session. Instead, blot away your tears with some soft tissues—you’ll probably have them present for the occasion already, so put them to use!

Now that you’re back on the market, it’s time to step up your makeup look for your future better half. Head over to our article, Your First Date Makeup Routine.