"Floating Lashes" Are the Easiest Makeup Trend to Try at Home

From highlighters that could be seen from outer space to the "100 layers of lipstick" challenges, the last decade has seen its share of "more is more" beauty trends. Then, somewhere in the last few years, the tides have started to turn, and a minimal, fresh-faced aesthetic has emerged as the preferred makeup look on social media. With this came trends like "satin skin," feathered brows, and now, our latest favorite: "floating lashes."

While the name might sound like something out of a horror movie, floating lashes are not as scary as you might initially think. "Floating lashes are soft, fluffy, featherlight, and lifted lashes," Cat Quinn, executive director of global trends at MAC Cosmetics, tells POPSUGAR. "This look embraces subtle glam. It feels intentional and cool. Like the supporting actor."

The trend is also one we've seen before, but it has become easier to re-create at home with the use of cosmetics rather than professional treatments. The rise of the floating-lash trend is "directly influenced by the popularity of lash lifts," Quinn says. Interest in the weightless, lifted lash look has remained steady as searches for the term "fluffy lashes" are "up 70 percent year over year."

So how can you get in on the trend? The key is to find the right mascara that is buildable and can hold a curl to give the "floating" effect. Quinn recommends you try the MAC Extended Play GigaBlack Lash ($21), and we also love the Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara ($8, originally $10). Just remember: less is more when it comes to this look, so keep the layers to a minimum. If you want to add something extra, Quinn suggests pairing the trend with "more graphic editorial eye makeup looks like double wings or long liner" for results that are guaranteed to turn heads — all at the bat of an eye.