For years, lashes have been all about drama — ultra-long, jet-black and thick enough to brush against your brows. But now, the tides are turning.

The beauty world is embracing a gentler, more natural approach, and at the heart of this shift is the rise of ghost lashes — the barely-there, softly defined lashes that whisper beauty instead of shouting it.

It’s screaming a clean girl aesthetic — a soft, minimal, effortlessly polished look that’s been taking over TikTok. Gone are the days of chunky falsies and lash extensions that need refills every two weeks. Instead, we’re entering an era where lashes are light, airy, and just enough to open the eyes without overpowering them.

According to Elise Tabin’s article about the trend, “We are in a new era of beauty, and this type of clean and natural-looking lash, which lifts the face, is all about intention, elegance, and balance,” says celebrity eyelash extension expert, licensed esthetician, and makeup artist Dionne Phillips. “We all crave a fresh aesthetic, and these lashes elevate the face by opening the eyes with a little bit of lift without any heaviness—just clean, soft, effortless beauty.”

According to celebrity makeup artist Manuel Espinoza, from a Real Simple report, they “are much like the no-makeup makeup look, really focusing on enhancing your natural lashes in an almost undetectable way.”

Ghost lashes are not just a passing trend — they’re a response to beauty fatigue.

After years of bold, sculpted, and often high-maintenance routines, today’s beauty lovers, especially Gen Z, are opting for looks that feel light, easy and real. “Clean, bare, or barely-there lashes offer a sense of individuality, allowing the rest of your makeup to shine,” shares Houston-based celebrity makeup artist Tonya Riner in an interview also with Real Simple.

Gone is the “bigger is always better” mindset.

Instead, a minimalist lash moment allows your skin, your natural eye shape, and your full look to feel more balanced. Makeup artist T. Cooper of Major Face breaks it down best based on TZR report: “Think little to no mascara and no chunky lash strips, but rather clean, natural-looking lashes with some definition that still looks polished.”

It’s no surprise the soft lash trend has found its way to red carpets and editorial beauty. Celebs like Lorde, Sofia Richie and Addison Rae have all embraced the ghost lash look.

The best part? It’s low maintenance.

“It focuses on enhancing natural beauty while giving a pop to the eye area without being overdone,” says celebrity makeup artist Nydia Figueroa.

So if you’re building your soft girl routine, consider dialing back the drama and letting your natural lashes take the lead. Skip the clumps, the glue and the weight and opt instead for something that feels a little more like you.