From Ghost Lashes to Smoky Eyes, These Fall Makeup Trends Are Turning Heads

From Ghost Lashes to Smoky Eyes, These Fall Makeup Trends Are Turning Heads

Brigid Weiss

written by brigid weiss

November 11, 2026

4 minute read

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Makeup trends come and go, but some are interesting enough to at least try. Best-case scenario, you could incorporate them into your usual routine. Try out some of fall’s latest trends like ghost lashes, anti-blush and more.  

1. Ghost Lashes

The idea behind ghost lashes is that the eyelashes are subtle, almost giving a barely there look. At most, it’s light and lifted, still with that angelic look. Ghost lashes allow the rest of the eye makeup to take center stage, though they also look good on their own. 

Why It’s Trending

Ghost lashes have been trending for a while now, but they’ve truly picked up around this fall. It could’ve been hard to predict, given that 46% of women wear mascara regularly, according to a 2023 survey. However, its popularity may be attributed to the rise of the no-makeup makeup look. Celebrities like Zendaya have also popularized this kind of look.  

How to Achieve It

The simplest way to achieve ghost lashes is to just skip the mascara altogether. It can save time in your routine and keep mascara subtle. However, if you want to add a little volume and separation without being too heavy, it’s time to revisit the old-fashioned clear mascaras. 

Completing the Look

Ghost lashes are best paired with minimalist makeup. You can do just a hint of brown shadow, a little blush and a lip tint before calling it a day. However, you can also go the other route—put on colored eyeshadow and eyeliner for a Y2K moment. 

2. Anti-Blush

Blush blindness needs to move out of the way for anti-blush work to work. This is another subtle look that involves applying neutral and softer shades of blush. Ideally, you choose one that matches how naturally flushed your cheeks look or how your skin tone appears. 

Why It’s Trending

Similar to ghost lashes, the main reason anti-blush is trending is because of the no-makeup makeup craze. Compared to a drunk blush, this nude version can help lead to a more natural and mature-looking appearance. 

How to Achieve It

To desaturate your cheek makeup, choose a lighter shade. Some makeup artists suggest using a fan-style brush across the cheekbone to pick up and add the slightest hint of color. However, you can also achieve the same look with a light hand.   

Completing the Look

Anti-blush can complement many variations of the no-makeup makeup look. You can brush up your brows, add some mascara and add a lip balm. That said, anti-blush can truly help freckles shine, so it may be time to try that freckle pen. 

3. Purple Blush

Purple blush is a complete 180 from the anti-blush trend that favors violet and mauve shades. While it can turn into a wonderful purple shade that’s beautiful on all skin tones, people with olive skin tones can enjoy the pinkish finish that it gives. 

Why It’s Trending

Purple has been a very trendy color for a while, especially with things like ube grabbing the spotlight. While there have been amethyst shades in the makeup world in the past, they haven’t really taken off like they are right now. 

How to Achieve It

You can certainly put on purple blush just like any regular blush product. However, the magic is in the shade that you choose. You want to select a blush that offers just enough depth to your skin without overpowering it. If you have light skin, consider a lighter purple blush. 

Completing the Look

Purple blush looks phenomenal with cooler-toned makeup, so think of cooler-toned eyeshadow and lips. You could also go the monochromatic route and have violet eyeshadow, lip stains and lip glosses. 

makeup black and white

4. Waterline Eyeliner

Lining the waterline has been a key makeup step in completing the look. However, it’s become a more popular step that people are integrating into their makeup routines to add some depth to their makeup. Even without regular eyeliner up top, it can be pretty eye-catching. 

Why It’s Trending

Waterline eyeliner could be seeing a surge in popularity because of trends that showcase the difference between white or nude eyeliner for doe-eyed looks and black eyeliner for foxy eyes. Many makeup brands are also releasing gel liners that are perfect for adding a pop of color to the eyes. 

How to Achieve It

Truthfully, you can go plenty of ways with your waterline. Heavy eyeliner can widen the eyes when applied on the full lower waterline with complete opacity. Meanwhile, a gold or brown shade can tie the whole look together without being too overwhelming. 

Completing the Look

Waterline eyeliner can look good with a variety of other makeup elements. Some like adding full eyeliner and eyelashes to really help the eyes pop. Some keep the ghost lashes on so that all emphasis is on their waterline. 

5. Smoky Eyes

Picture a brown-to-black eyeshadow gradient that beautifully frames your eyes.  Smoky eyes are an iconic addition to your makeup, especially when the night calls for full glam. 

Why It’s Trending

Smoky eyes have also been making another comeback during this fall season, proving that trends tend to repeat themselves over the years. The rise of this timeless makeup could be attributed to people’s curiosity for darker makeup looks. 

How to Achieve It

It can be easy to butcher smoky eyes, so it’s important to take it slow and steady. The ideal look should truthfully use both cream and liquid products to create that seamless blend. Build up the dark outer corner and remember to blend it out in the process.  

Completing the Look

Since the smoky eyes can be pretty heavy up top, you want to keep the rest of your lips simple. Bronze the cheeks and add pink sparkle as your blush and highlight. And for the lip, you can choose a blotted my-lips-but-better shade. 

Bring the Look to Every Season

Whether you’re a fan of the ghost lashes, smoky eyes or more, every trend is worth a try at least once. And if you like how it looks on you, consider wearing it every day, whether it’s in this season or the next. Share these ideas with a fellow makeup enthusiast!

meet the author

Brigid Weiss

Brigid Weiss

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