How to really make your eyelashes stand out, according to celebrity make-up artists Lucy Bridge and Carolina Pizarro, with help from Chanel, Hourglass, La Mer, Sisley and Augustinus Bader products

Mar 19 , 2025

Sisley’s Phyto-Noir Mascara and Ligne Noire Eyeliner. Photo: Handout

Harris Reed, Dries Van Noten and Ganni all featured artistically styled lashes on their spring/summer 2025 runways

Lashes are making a splash. On spring/summer 2025 runways, they caught the eye as they were transformed into attention-grabbing miniature sculptures. At Harris Reed, clumpy, exaggerated lashes channelled porcelain doll aesthetics, turning “messy” into something mesmerising. The creative genius of make-up artist Lucy Bridge delivered a burst of surrealism at Dries Van Noten, with gravity-defying lashes in electric pinks and yellows. Meanwhile, Ganni’s debut at Paris Fashion Week featured fluttery, ethereal lashes that practically floated off models’ faces.

Sisley Phyto-Noir Mascara. Photo: Handout

Off the runway, mastering the fluttery lash look without lurching into chaos comes down to understanding your arsenal. Mascaras, like the lashes they transform, aren’t created equal. Each formula offers its own kind of magic, and choosing the right one can mean the difference between runway-level drama and a clumpy, spider-lash misstep.

For those drawn to long, wispy elegance, lengthening mascaras are the ultimate enablers. “They are packed with fibres, often nylon or rayon, and can latch onto lashes and stretch them to incredible proportions, creating an almost celestial effect,” says Los Angeles-based celebrity make-up artist Carolina Pizarro. Think extensions minus the glue. For bulking up volume, however, you need thick, high-impact formulas. “Volumising mascaras can beef up lash lines with a more dramatic intensity, turning even the shortest lashes into a bold frame for the eyes,” Pizarro adds. Noir Allure by Chanel sits comfortably at the top of this category, balancing bold volume with a clump-free finish that feels luxurious and easy to apply.

Chanel Noir Allure Mascara. Photo: Handout

The quiet star of the lash revolution is tubing mascara: a technical marvel that coats each lash in polymer tubes for a polished yet natural-seeming look. Smudging, flaking and drooping are banished, leaving lashes fanned and flawless all day. Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara is a strong player, delivering the kind of salon-worthy finish that typically requires an appointment (and a good dose of patience). Best of all, removal is effortless as the product melts away with warm water – no need for tugging or tantrums.

But the artistry doesn’t stop at the formula. Even the most luxurious mascara is only as good as its application. Make-up artist Lisa Moore says a lash curler is non-negotiable, coaxing lashes into the perfect curve before a wand even enters the scene. “The key here is precision. Starting at the roots, a quick squeeze locks in the curl,” she explains. From there, a mascara wand swept upwards in a zigzag motion ensures each lash is coated from base to tip while maintaining lift and separation. For extra drama, Moore recommends adding a second coat to the outer corners, creating a cat-eye effect that perfectly elongates and fans out lashes.

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara. Photo: Handout

Nailing the fluttery lash requires walking a line between full, fabulous volume and the dreaded clump fest. For starters, that frantic pumping of the mascara wand needs to be retired. Not only does it invite air into the tube, drying out the formula, but it also turns a favourite mascara into a flaky nightmare. “A gentle twist of the wand is all it takes to gather just the right amount of product. And when clumps inevitably appear, a clean spoolie brush is all you need to separate your lashes with more precision,” Pizarro says.

Lower lashes, often an afterthought, deserve their moment, too. A light touch is key here, using the tip of the mascara wand to delicately coat them without overloading. For those serious about their lash game, a mascara specifically designed for lower lashes can make the difference, not to mention save under-eye concealer from unnecessary sabotage. “Being patient is a must here. Allowing each coat to dry slightly before applying the next is a safe way to keep ‘fluttery’ from turning into ‘sticky spider web’ territory,” Pizarro suggests.