A new TikTok beauty trend just dropped – and it’s divisive.
Over on the app, which is known for its weird trends, people are using makeup to make it look like they’ve been crying (and it actually looks really good).
Makeup artist Zoe Kim Kenealy first shared the crying makeup trend last month, touting it as ‘one for the unstable girlies’.
In a video that, at the time of writing, has 3.7 million views, she says: ‘You know how we look good when we cry? It just comes with the territory.
‘But, anyway, if you’re not in the mood to cry, here’s how to get the look with makeup.’
First of all, we know what you’re thinking: who looks good when they cry?
However, this look is all about the aftermath of a good blub, focusing on soft, puffy features (particularly the lips) and using blush to redden the cheeks and eyes, as well as using glitter to create a brightened effect on the eyes.
While there have been a few think pieces about the trend, with some saying it’s indicative of a youth mental health crisis, makeup artist and founder of Trigwell Cosmetics, Zoe Trigwell, reckons that, taken at a base/technical level, ‘it is just a dewy, fresh look with the touch of a glittery eye – and it’s really pretty.’
Zoe tells Metro.co.uk: ‘The other side of the look is definitely one which has been picked up on already – its connotations connected with mental health.’
She says that, as long as it’s used as only a replica of how our skin appears after crying ‘and no more than this,’ then the trend itself isn’t harmful.
‘People should use this and other trends to explore and have fun,’ she says.
‘I feel like trends such as these often catch on the more shocking they are – and this one definitely seems to have people talking and engaging.
‘Maybe not for everyone, but definitely a good one to try if you are after a bright makeup look.’
Analysis aside, there’s definitely an element of people merely getting creative with this aesthetic, which is sort of like Euphoria meets soft-glam meets E-girl.
So if you want that to give it a go, here’s how to achieve weepy makeup without shedding a tear.
TikTok’s crying makeup look tutorial
Step 1: Base
First, Zoe says, you need to start with a good base.
‘As I would recommend with any make-up look or trend, ensure you start your look with pre-primed skin,’ she says.
‘With a look like this, I would always also recommend applying a neutral base, so light foundation and concealer.’
Step 2: Lips
To achieve the puffy-lipped look, Zoe recommends overdrawing your lips with lipstick in an off-red shade.
‘Use your finger to lightly smudge it, which will give you a volumized look,’ she says.
‘Then, finalise this with a subtle lip line.’
(Zoe Kenealy, who created the look, also adds gloss, which she says is the most important aspect.)
Step 3: Blush
You want your cheeks to be quite rosy for this look, as if you’ve been wiping your tears a little too aggressively.
‘To get the effect of subtle redness within the face, I would recommend using a blusher to start to fill out the cheeks and nose,’ says Zoe. ‘Either a standard powder blush or lip stain would work well for this.’
If you want to add a little bit of drama, she says, you can also fill the top of your forehead: ‘I would always recommend using a powder puff to blend this out to give a more natural look – the overall look should feel blended and not harsh.’
Using your finger, Zoe also recommends adding add some blush to your eyelids for depth. Many TikTokers also add a little bit of blush to the tip of their noses, giving an anime-style feel.
Step 4: Eyes
So you’ve got some blush on your eyelids, now it’s time for the final, and most important, steps.
‘To start, I would use mascara which you can really define all of your lashes with. right to the very corner,’ Zoe says.
‘Use this to create pronounced lashes – starting at the very root will give off the effect that they look wet, like you have been crying.’
And finally, the step that will bring the whole look together: the eyeliner.
‘You want to apply glitter eyeliner under and above your eyelids,’ says Zoe. ‘This will give off a glistening effect in and around your eyes.
‘For a next-level look, apply your glitter shadow or a highlighter on the top of your cheekbones and cupid’s bow.’
Who needs real tears when you’ve got highlighter, right?
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