Zendaya embraces ghost lashes, the trend dethroning mascara
Is mascara losing its status as a beauty essential? That’s certainly what the rise of ghost lashes would suggest. Pamela Anderson, Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid and Addison Rae have already embraced the art of leaving lashes almost bare. Now Zendaya is cementing the trend, appearing multiple times with this ultra-minimalist look during the promotional run for The Odyssey.
Ghost lashes, or the art of doing less
After ghost layers, the hair technique that creates movement without any visible graduation, the word “ghost” has now made its way into makeup. The concept is straightforward: keep lashes as natural as possible. Multiple coats of mascara and dramatic false lashes are officially out.
In their place comes a more understated eye that lets the rest of the face do the talking. The approach bets everything on luminous skin rather than an intensified gaze. The result is deliberately pared-back, almost imperceptible.
This trend is part of a broader return to minimalist beauty. For several months now, glowing complexions, second-skin finishes and barely-there makeup have been overtaking heavily worked looks. Ghost lashes are the natural next step.
A trend driven by celebrities
Several major figures from fashion and entertainment were early adopters of this look. Pamela Anderson, Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid and Addison Rae led the way. Yet it was Zendaya’s appearance that truly put the trend in the spotlight.
During the promotional campaign for The Odyssey, the actress was spotted multiple times wearing this minimalist makeup. Her status as the new face of Prada Beauty only adds more weight to the aesthetic choice. As a result, ghost lashes are shaping up to be the beauty look to watch in 2026.
“Luminous, subtly sun-kissed skin, with deliberately very minimalist makeup.”
How to wear ghost lashes every day
When lashes take a back seat, the complexion becomes the true star of the makeup look. That was the approach taken by makeup artist Ernesto Casillas for Zendaya’s look at the New York premiere of The Odyssey. Speaking to Cosmopolitan US, he explained that his goal was to create luminous, subtly sun-kissed skin.
To bring radiance to the eye area despite the absence of mascara, he relied on a Prada Beauty illuminating concealer. The result is a bright, wide-awake gaze without a single coat of mascara, a simple approach, but a highly effective one.
- Leave lashes mascara-free for a natural, understated effect
- Use an illuminating concealer to brighten the eye area
- Apply blush to the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, the temples, the forehead and the chin
- Recreate the areas the sun naturally warms for a fresh, healthy complexion
- Shift the focus to a glowy, ultra-luminous skin finish
Ernesto Casillas also applied blush not just to the cheeks, but to the bridge of the nose, the temples, the forehead and the chin. The aim is to recreate the areas the sun naturally warms. Notably, no mascara or false lashes were used to weigh down the eye.
Complexion: the new star of minimalist makeup
Adopting ghost lashes isn’t simply about skipping mascara. The whole idea is to shift attention towards a fresh, glowy and ultra-luminous complexion. It’s a fundamental shift in beauty priorities.
What’s more, this approach adapts effortlessly to any occasion. A simple, summery and thoroughly of-the-moment routine, it works just as well for everyday wear as it does for a night out. Makeup becomes a second skin rather than a mask.
Why this trend is resonating so strongly in 2026
The return of beauty minimalism speaks to a desire for simplicity and authenticity. Second-skin finishes and barely-there makeup are overtaking heavily worked looks. Ghost lashes fit perfectly into this mood.
This look also prioritises skin quality over product layering. The emphasis is on natural radiance and a fresh complexion, a beauty philosophy that celebrates what you have rather than concealing it.
That said, pulling off this look does require some attention to your base. An illuminating concealer and well-placed blush are all it takes to achieve a surprisingly striking result. The secret, however, lies in the balance between restraint and luminosity.
Bare lashes don’t mean a dull gaze. On the contrary, they make room for a radiant, natural complexion to shine. That’s the real power of ghost lashes: letting your skin glow, not your eyes.
