In this quick Photoshop tutorial I would like to bring your attention to this unique technique on how to make realistic tears.
Final Image
Note: Original tutorial published on Photoshopstar.com some years ago. Tutorial was updated and now republished.
Resources
Step 1
Open up the picture and reduce the size to 600 x 328 pixels with Image > Image Size. Then select the Pen Tool and try to make a good shape of the tear with black. Make sure that the shape is uneven, similar to a real tear.
Step 2
Change the layer mode to Screen for the current layer and go to Layer > Layer Style > Blending Options.
Step 3
Looks good, but not so realistic right now. We need to add some white glare to the tear. Select the Pencil Tool set to about 1 pixel, then make a few dots with white on a new layer as shown on my picture below.
Step 4
Apply the Blur Tool to the current layer.
Final Image
We end up with a nice, realistic tear. Don’t be afraid to experiment and you will get your own cool effects!