When we first saw bare eyelashes (gasp!) hit the 2013 runways, we were a bit skeptical. But if mascara-free is good enough for Alexander Wang and Carolina Herrera, it’s good enough for us! For days when you play the part of a natural beauty, or simply need to give the Lancôme Hypnôse Drama a break, try these three steps to low-key, beautiful, almost-bare eyelashes.

Build thickness at the root by smudging gel or cream eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible. Try to use a color that will blend in with your lashes. Light-lashed ladies should opt for a taupe like Yves Saint Laurent Effet Faux Cils Crème D’Eyeliner in No2. If you have darker lashes, a deep brown hue like Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Espresso Ink is your best bet. Curl and separate. A few key pumps of the eyelash curler will do wonders for lashes, without or without mascara. After crimping, comb through eyelashes to separate and fan out your fringe. Dust loose shadow on eyelashes for the final bit of mascara-free fullness. The powder will grab on to the eyelashes creating natural volume. We love Maybelline Color Tattoo Pure Pigments Loose Powder Shadow in Black Mystery or Downtown Brown.

The secret to nailing this look is what you pair your mascara-less lashes with. Just because your lashes are going the natural route doesn’t mean the rest of your face needs to go bare too. We suggest trying this look with matte skin and statement-making, bright lips.

Will you put down the mascara wand in favor of almost-bare eyelashes? Let us know in the comments.

Photos: Thinkstock