You know that moment in a rom-com, right before the characters kiss passionately in the rain? The heroine’s eyes are full of longing, her lashes perfectly clumped and glistening? (Think Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s or Allie in The Notebook.) The good news is you can get that look without any relationship drama or actual rain.
“We’ve been using wet, clumped lashes on the runway for seasons now,” says makeup artist Cindy-Paula Rodriguez. Check out Christian Dior’s fall 2016 ready-to-wear show, which was inspired by a turning point for the brand and featured bold, clumped lashes for a strong yet feminine vibe. “It gives the eyes a doll-like effect,” Rodriguez adds. Here’s everything you need to pull it off.
How to Get the Wet Lash Look
To recreate the appearance of wet lashes, all you need is a lengthening black mascara and a pair of tweezers.
“Start by applying the mascara as you normally would,” Rodriguez says. Then, use the tweezers to gently pinch the tips of your lashes into small, clumped sections. “You have to do this while the mascara is still wet, or the lashes won’t stick together,” she explains, adding that she likes to begin at the outer corner of the eye. “I think it looks better when they’re not perfectly even.”
For an extra rain-kissed finish, add a little clear mascara or a very light moisturizer to the tips of your lashes using a clean brush. This helps them catch the light without feeling heavy.
Wet Lash Inspiration
– Zendaya (Photo: Getty Images)
– Dua Lipa (Photo: Getty Images)
– Sarah Pidgeon (Photo: Getty Images)
– Selena Gomez (Photo: Getty Images)
– Amelia Gray (Photo: Getty Images)
Save to Wishlist
– Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara – $35 (Nordstrom)
– YSL Beauty Lash Latex Lengthening & Sculpting Mascara – $34 (Nordstrom)
– L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Mascara – $15, $12 (20% off) (Amazon)
– Ere Perez Natural Aloe Gel Lash + Brow Mascara – $28 (Amazon, Credo Beauty)
Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Email Vogue’s senior beauty & wellness editor at beauty@vogue.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about trying the romantic wet lash look this summer written in a natural tone with clear answers
BeginnerLevel Questions
Q What exactly is the wet lash look
A Its a makeup style where lashes look glossy separated and slightly clumped togetherlike theyre still damp from a swim or a summer rain Its more about texture than volume
Q Is this look hard to do
A Not at all Its actually easier than a full glam lash You just need a good waterproof mascara and maybe a clear lash gel Its very beginnerfriendly
Q What kind of mascara should I use
A A waterproof tubing mascara works best It holds the curl resists smudging and creates that glossy flexible finish Avoid volumizing formulas that get too clumpy
Q Will this look make my eyes look smaller
A No it usually opens them up Because the lashes are separated and lifted it gives a wideeyed fresh effect
Q Can I do this with fake lashes
A Yes Use a very natural wispy lash strip or individual lashes Then apply a clear lash gel or a thin coat of waterproof mascara to blend them and give them that wet shine
Advanced ProblemSolving Questions
Q How do I prevent clumps that look messy instead of romantic
A The trick is to wipe excess mascara off the wand before applying Use a lash comb or spoolie to separate lashes while the mascara is still wet Aim for separated defined tips not a single thick block
Q My lashes fall flat in the humidity How do I make the curl last
A First curl your lashes with a heated lash curler Then apply a waterproof mascara immediately For extra hold use a clear lash primer or gel first
Q The wet look makes my lashes feel stiff How do I keep them soft