Make-up for when you're going through a break-up

Break-ups: they're inconvenient and have the uncanny ability to put your life and functioning brain on halt. Unfortunately, we cannot wallow in bed all day, watching Netflix (I'm still using my ex's account), trying not to stalk his new girl's Instagram page while scarfing down chocolate and potato chips. 

However, it is important to feel whatever you need to feel, and this usually involves crying most nights and waking up with puffy eyes and smeared mascara because you never removed your makeup. (What is the point honestly?).

READ MORE: "Your boyfriend was trash" - and other things you should never say to someone with a broken heart

While you are dealing with losing a lover and best friend and feeling hysterical on the inside, it is important to still look good, for the sake of your self-esteem and confidence which often takes a knock if you're the one who has been dumped. In fact, the old saying, "If you look good, you feel good" has a lot of truth in it. 

Here are some break-up make-up tips that would work even if you're going to an event you know your ex will be at or if you just need to hide the fact that you've been stressed-out, crying, eating pizza every night from your boss or that cute guy who works in your office.

Hide the stress (it's possible)

Our skin tends to suffer when we're going through a break-up. Swollen, spotty or rashy skin? However, do not immediately run to lather on foundation. Apply Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - it instantly moisturises tired and stressed skin - before adding light layers of L'Oreal Paris Anti-Redness BB Cream.

Instead of caking on your foundation, use a concealer like Revlon PhotoReady Concealer to hide those inevitable tired eyes. 

READ MORE: Strategies of highly self-loving people - plus do our quiz to see if you give yourself enough self-love

Fake that you're sleeping through the night

You'd be surprised what patting on Benefit High Beam highlighter on your cheekbones and using NYX HD Photogenic Concealer Wand Porcelain under your eyes and on the bridge of your nose can do to brighten up your face and give off the impression that you are happy and sleeping like a baby, even if you're actually up late most nights watching rom-coms on Netflix. 

Stick to the make-up you're comfortable with

Now is not the time to rock that daring red lipstick that you never had the guts to try. Stick to the make-up you know makes you feel confident but comfortable.

Avoid sparkly eyeshadows as it emphasises swelling. Go for the flattering MAC Eyeshadow in Goldbit, which will give you a great natural looking yet shimmery smokey eye instead. To make tired eyes look brighter, try applying a beige eyeliner like Rimmel Scandal Eyes Eyeliner in Nude. 

Only use waterproof mascara. (I cannot emphasise this enough)

Mascara that curls, lengthens lashes wonderfully and won't smudge if you shed a few (or lots) of tears? Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara is the perfect product for this. 

Say goodbye to this look:

READ MORE: 'I love my scars': women share their stories

Keep those eyebrows on fleek

Lustrous, shapely, well-groomed brows will always make you feel like you have your life together and not to mention, they're flirtatious. Subtly highlight and shape your brows with Benefit's Brow Contour Pro 4-in-1 defining and highlighting pencil. 

Apart from these fab makeup tips, remember, to be patient with yourself while you try and move on. Take as little or as much time as you need. As long as you are honest with yourself, you will know what’s right for you, and you will come out stronger than you ever thought possible.

You got this!

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