When I was in high school experimenting with makeup for the first time, spider-like lashes coated with centimeters of mascara were the tell-tale sign of it-girl beauty status. Today, though, we've started to transition out of the era of bold glamour and into a more pared-back, experimental approach to makeup, with the "no-makeup makeup" trend taking over everything from our "For You" pages to the red carpets.
Enter ghost lashes—the latest product of the minimal makeup movement. Despite the spooky name, ghost lashes essentially refer to a makeup look that features zero or very minimal mascara. So, how did we get from spider lashes to ghost lashes, and how do you know if the trend is right for you? We tapped New York-based makeup artist Natalie Dresher—whose high-end clientele includes Campbell "Pookie" Puckett, Jessica Vestal, Kennedy Eurich and more—for the inside scoop.
Everything You Need to Know About Ghost Lashes, According to an Expert MUA
It seems like new makeup trends pop up on the daily, but a trend that completely abandons one of the most universal makeup products was a shocking one, even for me. So, where did ghost lashes come from? According to Dresher, "Ghost lashes are trending because a more bare eye is very much in right now. Gone are the days of spidery lashes and in are the beauty of natural long, thick lashes without obvious enhancement."
Ilya S. Savenok/Stringer/Getty Images
Ilya S. Savenok/Stringer/Getty Images
The idea of ditching mascara entirely can be a scary one, but luckily for us Dresher has all the tips for styling your bare lash look with the most confidence. "I personally prefer a no eye makeup look if doing the ghost lash trend," she begins. "Eyeshadow and liner can look overwhelming and off balance paired with no mascara, so I opt for a strong cheek or bronzer moment to really let the other aspects of the makeup shine." In terms of products, Dresher recommends working on your natural lash quality or opting for a clear mascara for added lift and hold without pigment. "A good lash serum or using castor oil in the evening can help enhance ones natural lashes," she says. "Clear mascara can also aid in helping separate lashes without building them up."
