On the New York red carpet, the spotlight was on Zendaya’s ball gown, but one detail especially got people talking: her almost invisible eyelashes. No mascara, no extensions, just a naked look that contrasted with the usual smoky eyes. Something to intrigue everyone.
This assumed choice put a name to a trend that was already rising on TikTok and Instagram: ghost eyelashes. An ultra-natural look that appears almost naked, right at the moment when summer promises to be scorching and when the slightest layer of makeup is felt. And then the mascara almost becomes too much.
Zendaya and ghost eyelashes: the red carpet that kicks off summer without mascara
At the premiere of in New York, mid-July 2026, Zendaya arrived with almost imperceptible eyelashes, worked without mascara or XXL fringes. The result gave a softened, almost angelic face, which let the light catch the complexion rather than the volume of the eyelashes. A very noticeable shift on the networks.
This gesture is part of a movement already adopted by Gigi Hadid or Hailey Bieber: almost bare eyes, while the rest of the face takes over. Make-up artists are already talking about a “no-mascara summer”, where we favor comfort and naturalness even on the red carpet, without giving up sophisticated beauty.
Phantom lashes: definition, new discreet luxury and comfort at 40°C
Ghost eyelashes refer to eyelashes that are barely visible, brushed, curled, but without an intense black effect. For some editorialists, they are the equivalent, for the face, of a nude manicure: discreet, but studied. They are part of the logic of “less is more”, often associated with quiet luxury beauty.
Contrary to popular belief, leaving your eyelashes bare is no longer perceived as a lack of effort. Makeup artist Lisa Eldridge sees it, as she explained in an interview relayed by Vogue UK. And in the middle of the heatwave season, when the mercury exceeds 40 degrees, no longer fearing running mascara is also a real daily comfort.
How to adopt ghost lashes at home this summer
Concretely, ghost eyelashes require a minimum of technique, but few products. Pros often advise curling the eyelashes, then taming them with a transparent mascara or a simple fixing gel. The gaze remains open, without any clutter. The rest of the makeup then becomes more important to balance the face.
To reproduce the Zendaya spirit at home, we can focus on three key actions:
- A luminous complexion, lightly worked, with a discreet highlighter on the points of light.
- Well-blushed cheeks for a healthy glow, like sun caught at the end of the day.
- Lips in golden or pink tones, glossy, for a fresh and clean look.
Those who don’t feel ready to abandon black can go through an intermediate step: a brown mascara applied in an ultra-thin layer, concentrated at the roots, before gradually switching to transparent. Because ultimately, the idea of ghost eyelashes remains simple: lighten eye makeup to gain freshness, especially when it’s very hot.
Do ghost lashes suit all eye shapes?
Yes, because the trend is mainly based on texture rather than a precise shape. Whether your eyes are round, almond-shaped or hooded, the important thing is to slightly curl the eyelashes and adjust the rest of the makeup (blush, lips) to maintain harmony.
Can you use clear mascara with ghost lashes?
Transparent mascara is even one of the star products of the look. It coats, separates and fixes the lashes without darkening them, ideal for those who want to keep a little structure without a makeup effect. An eyelash curler just before reinforces the result.
What products should you choose for Zendaya-style ghost eyelashes?
A reliable eyelash curler, a clear gel or mascara, an easy-to-blend cream blush and a luminous gloss are more than enough. The goal remains light makeup, which resists heat and leaves the eyelashes almost bare while maintaining a worked face.
