Runway riot: the clumped lash trend taking over beauty
The rain is falling, a perfectly imperfect backdrop for a look straight out of a cinematic romance. Forget the carefully constructed, flawlessly blended eye – the obsession now is deliberately messy, a doll-like exaggeration achieved with a technique straight from the fall/winter runways.
Embrace the chaos: the ‘wet lash’ effect
Makeup artist Cindy-Paula Rodriguez has been championing this ‘wet lash’ aesthetic for seasons, pointing to Christian Dior’s 2016 ready-to-wear show as a pivotal moment. That collection, a deliberate pivot for the house, utilized bold, intentionally clumped lashes to create a strikingly feminine, almost uncanny effect. It's not about precision; it's about a deliberate distortion, a hint of vulnerability.
The secret? It’s deceptively simple. A lengthening black mascara – think L’Oréal Paris Telescopic, or YSL Beauty Lash Latex – is your starting point. But then comes the meticulous, almost surgical application of tweezers. Rodriguez advocates for gathering the lashes in small, deliberate clumps, working primarily at the outer corners of the eyes. “I think it looks better when they aren’t perfectly aligned,” she explains, suggesting a slightly off-kilter allure.
Adding a touch of clear mascara or a very light moisturizer to the tips – a strategic swipe with a clean brush – elevates the look, catching the light and boosting the illusion of moisture without sacrificing the signature clump.
Key products for the look
Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara ($35) offers serious lengthening. NORDSTROM is carrying this Beauty tool. Alternatively, Amore Perez Natural Aloe Gel Lash + Brow Mascara ($28) provides a natural finish. Don’t overlook the budget-friendly option: L’Oréal Paris Telescopic ($15, currently $12 at Amazon).
The inspiration is clear: Zendaya, Dua Lipa, Sarah Pidgeon, Selena Gomez, and Amelia Gray have all embraced this trend, demonstrating its versatility across different aesthetics. This isn’t a fleeting fad; it’s a deliberate rebellion against polished perfection, a reminder that sometimes, the most captivating Beauty lies in a touch of calculated imperfection. It’s a statement, not a standard.”