Cry babies and big girls alike, we all have our rough nights. Sometimes, the morning after what my mother calls a “good cry,” your eyes will appear puffy, bloodshot, and tired. This is something I’ve battled for years (yes, my friends say I’m a wee bit oversensitive!) and I’ve developed a fool-proof system that will work no matter how many tears you’ve shed.

STEP ONE: SPOON + EYE DROPS = SOOTHE

The moment you’ve calmed down, take two standard teaspoons from your cutlery drawer and fill to brim with redness removal drops (I like Rohto V, drug stores, $5). Gently place in the freezer. Leave there overnight. In the morning, retrieve your frozen drop spoons, lie on the couch, and apply to closed eyes until drops begin to melt. This process removes redness, soothes iritation, and helps to reduce swelling in the eye area.

STEP TWO: ROLL WITH IT

I am all about the Clinique All About Eyes serum de-puffing eye roller. The product feels cool on your skin, tightening and brightening the eye area as you roll it on. This is a must for post-cry eyes, but you should buy it anyway, as it feels great every day. Clinique.com, $26

STEP THREE: CONCEAL, CONCEAL. (YES, DO IT TWICE)

The best way to correct contouring issues the morning after is to try a light concealer that won’t cake, but will truly hide dark circles and the shadows caused by swollen skin. I recommend using two different concealers to get the right balance. Diorskin nude concealer makes a perfect concealing base (dior.com, $29); follow with Maybelline Fit Me concealer for a dewy finish. Maybelline.com, $6.49.

STEP FOUR: GET SHADY

Dark shadow makes eyes look bigger which is usually great, but when you are puffy you want to minimize this effect. Try a heavy coat of nude shadow to take out any remaining pink tones in the lid area and make sure you avoid shimmer. This palette from Bobbi Brown has a perfect nude shade for moments like this… and plenty of cool darks for later in the day when you’re ready to amp it up. Sephora.com, $60

STEP FIVE: MAKE IT UP

Photo credit: elle.com

You’ve opened up the eye area with a pale, matte shadow. Now it’s time to give your peepers a somewhat-done appearance, so you can avoid the “What’s wrong?!” reaction from your friends and colleagues, and appear somewhat made up. Line the upper lid with a solid pencil liner, starting thin at the tear ducts and winging out at the tips slightly thicker to make eyes pop, and follow up with two coats of thickening mascara on top and bottom lashes. I like CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus self-sharpening liner black onyx (beauty.com, $5.79) and CARGO TexasLash mascara, ulta.com, $20.

…and kiss those sad eyes goodbye!