How to Do Teardrop Makeup

A mirror and good lighting are essential when applying makeup.

The way you apply your eye makeup instantly affects your appearance. Teardrop makeup can be interpreted in more ways than one. If you're a mime or theater actor, teardrop makeup may indicate the presence of a drawn-on teardrop below the eye, but in general everyday makeup terms, teardrop makeup refers to a teary-eyed look. The idea is to use shimmer and glitter makeup to create the appearance of tears, without actually crying.

Things You'll Need

• Eye shadow
• Eye shadow brush
• Eyeliner
• Eyelash curler
• Mascara

Instructions

1. Apply a bright-colored eye shadow on your eyelid. Use an eye shadow brush to spread the eye shadow from the upper eyelash line up to the crease of your eye. Use a shimmery silver color to open up your eyes.

2. Line the upper eyelid with black eyeliner. Place your eyeliner wand at the inner corner of your eye. Slowly move it toward the outer corner while you stay as close as you can to your eyelashes, and follow the natural curve of your upper lash line. Apply more pressure toward the outer part of the eye, so you get a thicker eyeliner application in the outer corner. Use a pencil eyeliner for a less dramatic effect.

3. Line your lower eyelid, from the tear duct toward the outer corner. Connect the upper and lower eyeliner in the outer corner of your eye. Avoid lining over the tear duct, because the excess moisture can cause smudging.

4. Smudge the eyeliner on the lower eyelid with the silver eye shadow. Dip your eye shadow brush in the silver eye shadow and lightly drag it over the eyeliner.

5. Trace over the smudged eyeliner with a glitter eyeliner, to create a teary-eye effect. Apply the glitter liner from the tear duct up to the outer corner of the eye.

6. Curl your upper eyelashes. Place your eyebrow hairs between the clamps of an eyelash curler. Place the curler as close as possible to the roots of the hairs. Squeeze the clamps together for five seconds to curl your lashes. Move the curler forward, toward the middle point of your lashes, and curl them again.

7. Apply black mascara to your upper eyelashes. Wiggle the mascara wand back-and-forth as your run it through your eyelashes. Apply one coat and allow it to dry for one minute before applying a second coat.

8. Apply two coats of black mascara to your lower eyelashes. Use a waterproof mascara or a translucent mascara, because mascara on your lower lashes smudges easily.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear false eyelashes to make your eyes stand out even more.

• Stick a few adhesive jewel stones below one eye to add drama to your teardrop makeup. Purchase the stick-ons online or at your local beauty supply store.

• Create one or more mime-like teardrops below your eye with black waterproof eyeliner. Place your elbow on a table for support and outline the shape of a small teardrop below your eye. Fill in the outline with black eyeliner.