Larger-than-life lashes are a mainstay on red carpets and runways alike, and we don’t see that changing anytime soon. After all, there’s something ultra-glamorous about full, long lashes, especially since they do a marvelous job of making your eyes pop.
Still, every so often, an eyelash trend tries to swoop in and give falsies a run for their money. Spring 2026 is all about ghost lashes, so Parade was curious to know what the makeup trend is all about and whether it has staying power.
To learn more, we chatted with Markphong Tram, a professional makeup artist based in New York, and asked him what ghost lashes are and why some makeup artists are skipping mascara altogether as we head into the warmer months.
Tram shares plenty of tips for achieving the ghost lashes look on your own and breaks down some common mistakes to avoid when trying the trend at home.
To help you decide whether or not ghost lashes are right for you, the makeup artist offers insight into who the trend flatters the most. So, if you’re interested in making your eyes look defined without mascara, his insights will help you nail the look.
Related: 11 Best Mascaras for Older Women To Lengthen Thinning, Aging Lashes
Courtesy Markphong Tram
What Are ‘Ghost Lashes’?
The term “ghost lashes” sounds mysterious, but it’s really quite simple.
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“Ghost lashes can mean going without lashes, wearing just a light touch of mascara (or none at all), allowing your natural lashes to breathe and stand on their own,” Tram says.
Related: 10 Best Drugstore Mascaras for Thinning Lashes, According to Makeup Artists
Courtesy Markphong Tram
Why Some Makeup Artists Are Skipping Mascara Altogether
False lashes and lengthening mascaras are perfect when you want your eyes to really stand out. But this spring, some makeup artists are favoring the ghost lashes look. Curious to know why the trend is gaining traction, we asked Tram—and he cites the rising popularity of natural beauty.
“Ghost lashes are all about embracing your natural beauty with that clean-girl aesthetic,” he says. “Honestly, who doesn’t love a beauty trend that promotes something so positive?”
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While working with clients, Tram doesn’t usually skip mascara unless they ask him to do so. However, he often incorporates elements of the ghost lashes trends into his work.
“Even with natural lashes, I’ll often apply a very light coat just to restore a bit of definition after the foundation process,” he says.
Overall, the rising popularity of ghost lashes signals a shift in women’s ever-evolving relationship with beauty.
“At the end of the day, it really comes down to what makes the client feel most comfortable and confident in how their makeup is done,” Tram says.
Related: The French-Inspired Eye Makeup Trend That’s Flattering at Any Age
How To Get the ‘Ghost Lashes’ Look
Considering giving the ghost lashes trend a try? Tram has a few tips for mastering the look.
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“The simplest approach is to skip heavy falsies and heavy-coated black mascara all together,” he says. “Instead, gently curl your lashes and use a small amount of clear mascara or brow gel to hold the shape.”
Additionally, Tram says a “softer” mascara shade like brown can provide a more natural look.
“Or, consider a lash tint or lift to cut down on daily effort. The goal is to lift and separate your lashes, creating the appearance of brighter, more open eyes,” he suggests.
Courtesy Markphong Tram
Who the ‘Ghost Lashes’ Trend Works Best For
Before you try a new makeup trend, it’s always best to consider how it will flatter your features. Tram notes that ghost lashes are generally “great for anyone who wants to try out a new makeup style.” The trend can also work well in the workplace.
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“It’s especially perfect for 9–5 beauties who prefer a minimal approach. Think quick, effortless, out-the-door in five minutes and ready to take on the day,” he tells Parade.
Anyone who was blessed with full, thick lashes can easily rock the look.
“Because honestly, no one wears that soft, natural lash look better than they do,” Tram says.
Related: 9 Best Tubing Mascaras, Tested by Celebrity Makeup Artists
3 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Trying the ‘No Mascara’ Trend
While you’re mastering a new makeup trend, you’re bound to make a few mishaps along the way. Luckily, you can avoid some common mistakes with Tram’s professional know-how.
1. Don’t totally neglect your lashes
For starters, the ghost lashes trend is certainly minimalistic, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give your lashes any love.
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“The goal isn’t to do nothing. It’s to create a refined, barely-there look. Even if you skip mascara, your lashes still need some attention,” he explains.
Leaving your lashes uncurled can make them appear “tired or flat,” per Tram, so giving them a quick curl can “instantly open them up without adding product.”
2. Highlight other areas of your face
Mascara frames the eyes, so when you skip it, Tram says you’ll want “subtle definition elsewhere.”
“Try lightly filling in your brows or tightlining your lash line. Otherwise, your features can fade,” the makeup pro says.
Related: The French-Inspired Lip Trend That’s Flattering at Any Age, According to a Celebrity Makeup Artist
3. Aim for a balanced makeup look
Keeping the rest of your makeup in balance can take your ghost lashes look to the next level.
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“Heavy foundation, strong contour or bold lips can clash with the no-makeup effect,” Tram says.
In the end, the ghost lashes trend is about “harmony with skin, brows, eyes and lips” as they all “work together in a soft, understated way.”
Related: 11 Best Natural, Clean Mascaras, Tested by Professional Makeup Artists
How To Make Your Eyes Look Defined Without Mascara
Worried that your eyes won’t look defined without mascara? Tram says it’s all about enhancing their shape and adding both contrast and depth.
“Try applying a dark eyeliner (brown or black) along your upper waterline, right beneath your lashes. This subtly thickens the look of your lash line without any obvious makeup,” he says.
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You can also softly define the lash line by smudging a pencil or dark eye shadow at the base of your lashes.
“This offers a gentle, smoky effect and adds definition without feeling heavy,” Tram says.
Lastly, a lash curler can provide much-needed lift and help your eyes “look more open and awake without needing mascara.”
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Markphong Tram is a makeup artist based in New York
This story was originally published by Parade on May 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Life section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.