It may seem unusual to think of eyelashes as subject to trends, but lash aesthetics have long reflected the beauty ideals of their time. From the exaggerated, mascara-laden lashes of the Swinging Sixties – epitomised by the doe-eyed look of Twiggy – to the pared-back, barely-there mascara that defined the 90s grunge era, the tiny hairs framing our eyes have undergone countless transformations.
The latest lash trend to pepper the beauty sphere is the so-called 'ghost lash'. Defined by minimal application of mascara, the look subtly tints and enhances the lashes while maintaining a soft, weightless finish. The result is a naturally fluttery effect with an effortless, undone elegance.
Far removed from the spidery, ultra-voluminous lashes synonymous with the glamour of the 1960s and 1980s, ghost lashes lean into a more understated aesthetic. The look evokes the allure of Kate Moss's signature morning-after beauty – ethereal and perfectly imperfect, as if you’ve woken up looking that way naturally. Somewhere between the clean-girl aesthetic and the undone grunge look.
© Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesDuring the 2026 Met Gala, the likes of Gigi Hadid and Hunter Schafer opted for stripped back makeup looks enhanced by natural lashes tinged with brown mascara. The look has also been embraced on the runway. At Burberry’s spring/summer 2026 show, models wore smoky eyes and sultry liner while forgoing mascara altogether. At Chloé, rosy lips lent a softness to the beauty look, while Dior's couture presentation saw lashes subtly lifted with nothing more than an eyelash curler.
© Ron Galella Collection via GettyFortunately, ghost lashes are easy to achieve when it comes to our makeup agenda. Simply take a less-is-more approach to mascara, applying no more than a single coat and opting for a slim wand rather than a thick, volumising brush. For an even softer finish, gently comb through your lashes with a clean spoolie after application to separate and define them.
© Getty Images for The Met Museum/Swapping jet-black mascara for a softer brown or plum shade can also help create the subtle tint without overwhelming the eyes. And don't skip the lash curler, as lifting the lashes beforehand is key to achieving the wispy, fluttery effect.
As for the rest of the look, opt for contrast. Pair ghost lashes with a bolder lip or subtly tightline the waterline to add definition, while keeping the complexion fresh and dewy.
Shop our favourite mascaras:
© Dior BeautyDiorshow Overvolume Mascara
Dior Beauty
This mascara enables lash-by-lash definition for a fanned-out look. Opt for the plum hue for a more subtle tint that will look perfect in the sun.
© Victoria Beckham BeautyFuture Lash Mascara
Victoria Beckham Beauty
This product has a skinner wand with a micro-bristle brush to allow for silky, lifted lashed for a more natural finish. We recommend the cocoa shade.
© Tower 28MakeWaves Lengthening & Volumising Mascara
Tower 28
Tower 28's mascara features a triple-wave wand with three flexible, suspended bands to help define every single lash for that subtle, soft look.
© Prada BeautyPradascope Mascara
Prada Beauty
The micro-film formula is infused with a hyaluronic acid complex that helps nourish the lashes while offering a lift and tint.
© L'Oreal ParisTelescopic Mascara
L'Oreal Paris
This mascara is designed for extreme length without being too volumising for that natural finish. Crafted with supple bristles, the brush coats each lash from root to tip.
© YSL BeautyLash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara Brown
YSL BEAUTY
With a brown hue, this mascara works to offer your lashes that fluttery, wispy effect.
© BBB LondonLash Lift Tubing Mascara
BBB London
This tubing mascara has a buildable application for a look that avoids lash clumping. It wraps the lashes in weightless tubes that hold their shape for smudge-proof finish.
© Anastasia Beverly HillsLash Sculpt Lengthening & Volumising Mascara
Anastasia Beverly Hills
If you're after that natural, feathery eyelash look, this mascara is the top pick. Due to the tapered tip, the mascara seamlessly coats through the lashes for a fanned-out and separated look.
How we chose:
- Performance and personal testimony: The mascaras chosen are products that our writer personally rates.
- High performance and consistent use: All the picks selected have been used consistently and selected carefully. The products vary, spanning from different luxury brands but are united in the fact that they are all high-performing products.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
