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.