How to Rock Bare Lashes Without Your Eyes Looking Flat
No mascara, no problem!
Going mascara-free might be the switch your makeup routine needs. Ahead, we break down the “no mascara” trend and how to make it work for you.
For decades, mascara has been the ultimate ride-or-die in makeup bags everywhere. But believe it or not, one of this year’s biggest beauty trends is all about leaving behind the very product we once swore by. Yes, you read that right: mascara is no longer the star of the show. Instead, the spotlight has shifted to barely-there lashes that lean into the ever-popular “clean girl” aesthetic. Think radiant skin, brushed-up brows, and glossy lips, minus the clumpy, spidery effect of mascara weighing everything down.
Several celebrities are also ditching dramatic falsies in favour of fresh, understated glam. Long-time minimalist beauty muse, Hailey Bieber, has also been championing the trend—proving that your lashes can feel just as polished (if not more) without a full, fluttery fringe.
So, why are bold lashes taking a backseat this year? Ahead, we break down why it might be time to put down the wand and how to nail a makeup look sans mascara.
WHY IS EVERYONE SKIPPING OUT ON MASCARA?
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Like most beauty trends of late, the “no mascara” look is rooted in minimalism. More people are reaching for pared-down makeup that celebrates skin and subtlety over heavy definition. Mascara, especially in its thicker forms, can feel out of place in this softer approach. Skipping it altogether allows lashes to look light and natural—perfectly in line with the “less is more” mantra.
Beyond aesthetics, going without mascara has its perks. It reduces the risk of brittle lashes from daily wear and makes removing makeup at night a whole lot easier, especially if you’ve applied a waterproof mascara. With less tugging and scrubbing, your lashes get a break, which can help them stay stronger over time.
And of course, there’s the practicality. Skipping mascara means fewer smudges, no mid-day flaking, and one less step in your routine. It’s a small change that spares you time while taking away the risk of last minute slip-ups.
READ: 9 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Mascara—From Bad Hygiene to Formulation Fails
HOW TO ROCK THE ‘NO MASCARA’ LOOK
Going mascara-free doesn’t have to leave your look feeling incomplete. With the right tweaks, you can keep your makeup polished and intentional without a single swipe of black pigment. Here’s how to pull it off:
TIP #1: FLUFF UP YOUR BROWS
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Think of eyebrows as the frame of your face—when they’re sculpted and defined, everything else looks sharper. Start by brushing them upwards with a spoolie for a clean, lifted effect. A tinted brow gel adds fullness without crossing into heavy or blocky territory, so the result remains subtle yet flattering. It’s a small step, but it instantly grounds the rest of your look.
READ: How Do You Fix ‘Bad Brows’? A Guide to Owning Your Face Framers
TIP #2: TRY A GRAPHIC EYELINER
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If you’re skipping mascara, eyeliner makes the next best statement piece. Think of it as jewellery for your eyelids: just one stroke can turn a simple base into something striking. A pop of cobalt, emerald, or even metallic silver adds a pop of colour to the eyes while drawing attention away from the lashes. This trick was seen all over the 2025 Met Gala blue carpet, proving it’s as chic as it is easy.
TIP #3: SWITCH UP YOUR EYESHADOW
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Eyeshadow is the quiet hero of a no-mascara look, providing definition without ever feeling overdone. For subtle depth, reach for earthy tones like taupe, terracotta, or rosewood. Alternatively, on days where you have little time to spare on your eye makeup, you can opt for a shimmery eyeshadow. With no mascara weighing them down, your eyes keep that dewy, glass-like finish all day.
TIP #4: CHOOSE A BOLD LIP COLOUR
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When the eyes are kept minimal, the lips get to take centre stage. Whether you’re reaching for a matte red lipstick, a rich plum gloss, or a burgundy tint, a strong lip balances out bare lashes and ties the rest of your face together. Depending on the mood you want to create, there are plenty of bold lip colours that can help you get there!
READ: 8 Lipstick Shades That Are Perfect for Everyday
TIP #5: CURL YOUR LASHES (AND SET THEM!)
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Say it with me: skipping mascara doesn’t mean neglecting your lashes! A quick curl instantly opens up the eyes and makes you look more awake. To keep the lift from drooping, set them with a clear mascara—or, for an even lighter feel, a lash serum that holds the curl while nourishing your peepers at the same time. This way, you won’t have to worry about your makeup looking unfinished.
READ: The Best Mascara Primers for Thicker, Fuller and Longer Lashes
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