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TEAR BLOWER - Artificial Tears
272110012
€23.00
27,83 € Tax incl.
27,83 € Tax incl.
Tear Blower: menthol crystal tube for producing artificial tears on actors. 5–10 ml container, reusable and refillable.
Tear Blower is a professional tool for makeup artists and special effects technicians who need to produce real tears on actors quickly and under control. It works through menthol vapours that, directed gently towards the eyes, generate an immediate and natural tear response. The tube is reusable and refillable, making it a low-cost, long-lasting accessory in any SFX kit.
Technical specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Contents | Menthol crystals |
| Container | Acrylic glass tube with nozzle |
| Volume | Approximately 5 to 10 ml |
| Uses | Multiple, until crystals lose effectiveness |
| Refillable | Yes |
| Recommended working distance | Approximately 10 cm from the eyes |
What it is used for
Tear Blower is designed specifically for on-set, stage, or any production environment where real tears are needed without waiting for the actor to generate them naturally. Menthol gently irritates the ocular mucosa, triggering a natural tear response with no risk when used at the indicated distance.
- Film and television production: crying scenes, grief or intense emotion
- Theatre and performing arts: visible tear effect from the audience
- Artistic and editorial photography with emotional effects
- Training and practice at makeup and special effects schools
- Music videos and independent audiovisual productions
How to use it
- Check that the tube has enough menthol crystals. If empty, proceed to the refill steps.
- To refill: insert a small piece of cotton into one end of the tube, without packing it too tightly, so it acts as a filter.
- Fill the inside with fresh menthol crystals and close the tube by placing the nozzle in position.
- Position the Tear Blower approximately 10 cm from the actor's eyes, pointing towards them at an oblique angle.
- Blow gently through the nozzle to direct the menthol vapours towards the actor's eyes.
- Tears appear within seconds. Repeat the process if you need greater tear volume.
- After use, store the tube with the nozzle in place to prevent vapours from dispersing and crystals from losing effectiveness prematurely.
Usage tips
Distance and angle are key
Maintaining the recommended 10 cm distance is essential. If you get too close, the vapour concentration is excessive and may be uncomfortable for the actor. If you move too far away, the effect is lost. Blow in a diagonally upward direction towards the tear duct to maximise vapour contact with the ocular mucosa.
Always communicate with the actor before using it
Although the Tear Blower is harmless at the indicated distance, the actor should know you are going to use it. Some individuals are more sensitive to menthol than others. Always carry out a test at a greater distance the first time you work with someone new to gauge their response.
Storage and shelf life
Menthol crystals are volatile: they sublimate slowly even when the tube is closed. Store the Tear Blower in a cool place, away from heat and direct light. If you notice that the vapours are less intense than usual, it is a sign that it is time to refill. As it is refillable, the maintenance cost is minimal.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use this type of tool near the eyes?
Yes, as long as the recommended working distance of approximately 10 cm is respected. The Tear Blower uses menthol vapour, a substance commonly found in hygiene and pharmaceutical products. The concentration generated at that distance is sufficient to trigger the tear response without causing severe irritation. Do not use it directly on the eyes or reduce the indicated distance.
How many times can it be used before refilling?
It depends on how hard you blow and how you store it. Under normal conditions of use and storage, a loaded tube allows for several working sessions. When you notice that the effect is less intense or that tears are no longer produced easily, it is time to refill the menthol crystals.
Where can I get menthol crystals to refill it?
Menthol crystals are available at pharmacies, herbalists and cosmetic raw material suppliers. They are a common and easily accessible ingredient. Make sure to use pure menthol crystals to avoid introducing impurities into the tube.
Does it work equally well on all actors?
Sensitivity to menthol varies from person to person. Most actors produce tears within a few seconds, but some individuals with lower sensitivity may require a second blow or a slightly different position. Always carry out a prior test before the shoot or performance to gauge each person's response.
Can it be used on children or people with sensitive eyes?
For children or people with particularly sensitive eyes, eye conditions or contact lens wearers, it is recommended to take extra precautions or avoid use altogether without medical supervision. Always consult the actor or their guardian before applying it, and remove contact lenses if they are being worn.
Does it affect makeup or prosthetics already applied?
The Tear Blower generates vapour, not direct liquid. At the recommended working distance, the impact on surrounding makeup is minimal. However, if you have applied alcohol-activated colour palettes very close to the eye area, bear in mind that real tears can carry makeup away. Plan the order of takes accordingly.
Is there a difference between using it on set and in theatre?
In theatre the distance between actor and audience is greater, so natural tears are perfectly visible without any additional aids. The Tear Blower is especially valuable on set, where close-ups demand real tears at the exact moment the director calls for them. In theatre it can be used during rehearsals to let the actor experience the sensation without depending on a specific emotional state.
Do I need any other product to complete the crying effect?
For a complete and convincing crying effect you can combine the Tear Blower with proper characterisation of the periocular area. Makeup palettes for characterisation allow you to simulate redness, swelling and skin changes that accompany real crying, giving visual coherence to the overall look.
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