Spring Makeup Trend to Try: Bare Lashes

Imaxtree

Ready to get naked? Don’t freak—we’re talking about your eyelashes.

Mascara-free lashes showed up on spring runways at top fashion houses including Prada, Alexander Wang and Carolina Herrera. The understated fringes are the polar opposite of the Kardashian-esque lashes (klashes?) we’ve seen in the past, and to our eyes, they look refreshingly chic.

At Prada’s spring show, makeup artist Pat McGrath paired naked lashes with traffic-stopping red lips, while models at Alexander Wang sported minimal matte faces with naturally feathery lashes, courtesy of makeup artist Diane Kendal. She also worked her magic with MAC Cosmetics at Carolina Herrera, sweeping on sultry gray shadow but leaving lashes bare.

MORE: The Science Behind Spring 2013 Beauty Trends

Before you dismiss the no-mascara look as something only runway models would try (and only then because they’re paid to), consider these two things: First, bare lashes can look beautiful. Just think about the Grantham clan on “Downton Abbey”– the sisters look gorgeous, and there’s nary a swipe of mascara in sight. (Traditional wand mascara as we know it today wasn’t invented until 1957.)

Second, going mascara-free doesn’t mean that you need to leave the rest of your face au naturel. On the contrary, the right makeup is essential to doing the no-mascara look beautifully (as opposed to just looking like you forgot your mascara).

“Skin is the key factor to this look,” says makeup artist Charlotte Willer for Maybelline New York. Without mascara to hide behind, your skin has to be (or at least appear) perfect. "I suggest creating dewy skin and covering up dark circles with concealer."

Indeed, McGrath recommends Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation paired with Cover Girl & Olay Concealer Balm with this look to cover imperfections.

MORE: Step-by-Step to Dewy Skin

Curling your lashes is equally important. “It helps open up the eyes,” says Willer.

Beauty insiders (including this writer) swear by Kevyn Aucoin’s lash curler, which has a wide curling pad that leaves lashes nicely curved, not annoyingly crimped.