If ever there were a time to throw the beauty rule book out of the window, it would be fashion's biggest red carpet event of the year. The Met Gala 2025 and it's horde of best-dressed celebrities introduced, among many things, a departure from the traditional emphasis on long, voluminous eyelashes with the emergence of the no-mascara makeup look on its blue-and-floral carpet.
We'd usually associate such a glamorous event with gravity-defying lashes (we're looking at you, Zendaya at the Met Gala 2024) but this year, the highlight of any fashion calendar coughed up a makeup trend so subtle, it's practically whispering: “ain't nobody got time for mascara”.
Many celebrities, including our pioneer of understated elegance, Sofia Richie, and queen of catchy introspective lyrics, Lorde, opted for a more minimalist approach to their makeup, embracing a subtle aesthetic with barely-there lashes. Think: an elevated version of the viral clean girl.
The look, also adopted by FKA Twigs and Vittoria Ceretti among others, is part of a newly-emerging beauty trend, known as ‘ghost lashes’, focusing on natural lashes without mascara. The ‘no frills’ look sees wispy, barely-there lashes take centre-stage, achieved by subtly defining the lash line for a natural and refreshed appearance.
Whether through a delicate application of mascara or professional lash enhancement for a ghost lash effect, the result is understated, aligning with the popular, pared-back "no-makeup makeup" aesthetic.
Lorde is the perfect example. She didn't just go sans mascara, she went almost entirely makeup free, save for foundation and a peachy nude lip, leaving her outfit to do the talking. Sofia Richie pared her off-theme, floor-length ivory gown with an equally quiet luxury makeup look comprising a muted brown smokey eye, contoured cheeks and pinky nude lip – a masterclass, surely, in bridal makeup for years to come.
Vittoria Ceretti got the same memo, albeit with cooler brown tones. While FKA Twigs made two smudged-out wings of brown eyeliner on her top and lower lash line the defining feature of her makeup look.
GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director, Fiona Embleton, explains: "We've seen the no mascara trend gain steam over the past few months with the viral clean girl aesthetic still going strong on TikTok and famous faces like Hailey Bieber leaving their lashes au naturale.
“I've even been trying the look out for the past two months, opting for a punchy lip colour rather than a full-on flutter.”
However, going mascara-free is a daunting prospect for many of us, and so easing in with a transitional brown mascara might be the way to go. “If going naked is too extreme for you, you could try dialling down the drama of your lashes by choosing a brown rather than black mascara or pushing a little dark eyeshadow into the roots of your upper lashes for a hint of definition,” Fiona adds.
Softer and less intense than classic black, shades like chocolate or chestnut help create a natural, soft look that enhances the eyes without overwhelming them.
Now, excuse us, but we need to get back to pouring over the pics of the best Met Gala 2025 looks. Can you tell we're obsessed?
