Going mascara-free: the bare-eyed look takes center stage at New York Fashion Week

The result, however, is far from a face left without intention. Nardos paired bare lashes with prominent blush, Sandy Liang with bold eyeliner, and Camps with a glossy red lip that complemented the eyelids. While mascara may be absent, another makeup element immediately takes its place.

This aesthetic did not emerge this week. The trend of “ghost lashes,” where lashes are intentionally understated, had already gained traction on runways and red carpets in 2026. At the Met Gala in May, Harper’s Bazaar notably highlighted several looks where intense black on the lashes gave way to bare fringes or more subtle brown formulas.

The New York shows primarily confirm that this trend can work with a variety of makeup styles. Who What Wear had already categorized it among the beauty movements of 2026, emphasizing that leaving lashes bare allows for greater emphasis on eyeshadow, complexion, or a bolder lip.

To adopt this look in daily life, it is not necessary to minimize all makeup. A well-prepped complexion, defined brows, a line of pencil, or a bold lip color can be enough to maintain a structured face without layering on multiple coats of mascara.

Those who prefer to keep some definition can also opt for a brown formula instead of black, an alternative already seen in some looks from the Met Gala 2026. The effect remains softer around the eyes while still showcasing a visible fringe of lashes.