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No matter what anyone says, crying is simply a part of being human, whether they’re happy tears or bitter ones. A good cry is even good for you, but hell on your makeup.
Whether you’re going through a breakup, enjoying a Nicholas Sparks marathon, or being maid of honor at your bestie’s wedding, you can let it all out without losing your look. You just need the right products.
From bright lip stains to lengthening mascara to matte foundation — these makeup products were made for weeping. So let the tears flow and keep it golden, Pony Girl.
1. Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
As far as we’re concerned, this mascara belongs in the makeup hall of fame — despite the fact that it doesn’t exist. The Better Than Sex mascara is legendary for its plumping effect. The volumizing formula thickens, curls, and lengthens with a few swipes, giving you that doe-eyed, anime-girl look. And yes, it’s waterproof. It’s not just waterproof — it shames water into submission. Be warned, the makeup is tough to scrub off, but…. totally worth it if your lashes look stunning through the tears.
2. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
The streaks that tears create in your foundation are not cute. Riri gets it, so she released this impeccable foundation that lasts through it all. And it won’t just last through your tears. Climate-adaptive technology will survive sweaty situations too. Aside from its cry-proof capabilities, it’s a stellar foundation with an airy texture and soft matte finish. It comes in over three dozen shades, catering to every complexion.
3. Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray
Urban Decay’s All Nighter setting spray is particularly magical because it amps up the waterproof qualities of any makeup you’re wearing. Even if your foundation isn’t waterproof, the odds of it surviving a good sob are excellent with this setting spray. It lasts up to 16 hours — perfect for a long, hard day. When you combine this with the other waterproof makeup products on this list, your tears won’t stand a chance.
4. MAC Liquidlast 24-Hour Waterproof Liner
When MAC says 24 hours, you can take that as a solemn oath. This long-wear eyeliner is waterproof and transfer-resistant, so it won’t smudge or fade. Even if you’re not exactly an eyeliner pro, the fine tip makes it easy to use. It’s sensational for creating dramatic designs or subtle outlines to mask your puffy red eyes. So you can let the waterworks rip and still have that sharp cat eye at the end of the day.
5. Benefit Cosmetics BADgal BANG! Waterproof Mascara
We’re thrilled to include Benefit Cosmetics’ recently launched BADgal BANG! mascara. The volumizing mascara will plump up those lashes like never before. It feels light on your eyes but has a huge impact, practically doubling the length of your lashes. Benefit Cosmetics promises that it’ll last a full 36 hours! Plus, the brand wants it to uplift you to be the badass woman you are, even when things aren’t going your way. So pick your head up, bat your lashes, and remind yourself that you’re THAT girl.
6. NARS Long-Lasting Liquid Blush: Afterglow Collection
You can cry and still have that rosy, flirty, blushing look, thanks to NARS liquid blush. Dab a little on your cheeks for a subtle pink, or layer it on for an intense blushing-bride look. We love this product for the times when you want to look adorable but are also feeling emotional. It’ll hold you up if you ever need to shed some crocodile tears and charm your way out of that speeding ticket. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do, right?
7. Charlotte Tilbury The Famous Airbrush Flawless Routine
Charlotte Tilbury was kind enough to curate a cry-proof kit for us! The Famous Airbrush Flawless Routine kit comes with the Flawless setting spray, bronzer, and foundation. So when those crystal tears roll down, your skin will look like glass. First, the foundation creates a poreless, satin appearance. Next, the bronzer gives you that luxurious, sun-kissed look and effortless contours. A few spritzes of the lightweight setting spray lock it all into place — so your skin stays stunning even if you fall apart.
8. Haus Labs Hy-Power Eye, Cheek & Lip Pigment Paint
An empress of an actress and emotional artisté, Lady Gaga knows how critical waterproof makeup is. We love the cry-proof kits, but this single product is terrific when you’re on the go. The hyperpigmented formula offers a clean feel and appearance — whether you use it as eyeshadow, blush, or a lip color. Formulated with plant squalane and hyaluronic acid, it’ll leave your skin feeling nourished and hydrated — super important when you’re crying buckets.
9. Charlotte Tilbury The Feline Flick Eyeliner
This cat-inspired eyeliner is waterproof, smudge-proof, and humidity-proof, giving you 12 hours of panther-like fierceness. It even dries quickly. We love thin eyeliner, but that’s not what this is. If you want a dark and daring look, Charlotte’s here to give it to you. Cry wolf all you want, but keep the flirty feline look.
10. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color
Mascara isn’t the only makeup that a serious sob messes up. We want your lips to stay lovely, and Rihanna does too. This long-wear lip paint has a lasting matte pigment that makes your lips stand out. You don’t have to worry about smudging or fading because this lip product needs no reapplication. Choose from six alluring shades, ranging from a dark burgundy to a pretty pink. These work with all skin tones, because Fenty is all about that inclusivity!
11. Urban Decay Quickie 24HR Full-Coverage Waterproof Concealer
Maybe you’re feeling extra emotional because you got zero sleep last night. Enter Urban Decay Waterproof Concealer. This full-coverage concealer will hide any redness or puffiness and make those dark circles simply vanish. The formula lasts 24 hours, so you can wipe away your tears without revealing any blemishes or imperfections. Feel free to blubber and bawl like a baby because you’ll still look fresh afterward. Plus, it’s made with Vitamin E, so it’ll really refresh your skin!
12. Bobbi Brown Dual-Ended Long-Wear Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow Stick
Waterproof eyeliner and mascaras have come a long way, but excellent waterproof eyeshadow is still tough to find. Bobbi Brown understands, which is why she created this 24-hour, crease-resistant, waterproof cream eyeshadow stick. It creates decadent eye looks with a rich pigment that will last through sad movies, swimming pool dips, and sweaty workouts. The dual-end design helps you create thoughtful eye looks that keep you sophisticated, even while sniffling.
Your Defense Against All the Moisture
Thanks to these products, you can cry a river and still look smashing. But these aren’t just cryproof. Pop these in your bag for gym sessions, rainy days, steamy summers, and even steamier nights. When everyone else’s makeup melts off, you’ll still look fresh, fabulous, and flawless.
