Spider lashes are lashes that have been pulled together into little defined points, so they look piecey and graphic instead of soft and fanned out. Think 1960s doll eyes, or the editorial lashes you see on runways. You get them with a buildable mascara, several coats applied while wet, and a bit of pinching at the tips. The difference between spider lashes and clumpy lashes is control: every point is placed on purpose.
The mascara named after them
Tarantulash was made for exactly this. One coat gives everyday definition and around five builds bold, spidery lashes. Nylon picked it for the spider lashes trend in its Fall 2023 makeup trend guide. Shop Tarantulash →
Spider lashes vs clumpy lashes
They can look similar in a photo, so it helps to know what you're aiming for.
- Spider lashes are grouped into neat points with clean spaces between them. The lashes look long and glossy, and the shape is even across the eye.
- Clumpy lashes have blobs of product stuck along the length, uneven gaps, and bits that flake off by lunchtime.
So you are building clusters, but you still want each cluster to be smooth. That's why the wand, the number of coats and the timing all matter.
How to do spider lashes, step by step
- Curl first. A good curl makes the points stand up and out instead of pointing straight ahead. Always curl before mascara, never after.
- Lay down a base coat. Wiggle the wand at the root and pull up through the tips, like normal. This first coat gives you something to build on.
- Build while it's wet. Go straight in with a second, third and fourth coat before the first one dries. Focus the product on the middle and ends of the lashes. Don't wait between coats, or the new layer will sit on a dry one and flake.
- Pinch the points. While the mascara is still tacky, use the tip of the wand to press small groups of three or four lashes together at the ends. Some makeup artists use clean tweezers for this. Work across the eye and keep the gaps between points fairly even.
- Do the lower lashes on purpose. Hold the wand vertically and use the tip to make a few separate points along the lower lash line. For a really graphic look, you can draw thin lines under the lower lashes with a liner to fake extra points.
Tips that make spider lashes look intentional
- Use fresh mascara. Old mascara gets dry and gluey, and that gives you blobs instead of glossy points.
- Keep the rest of the eye simple. Spider lashes are the statement. A wash of a neutral shadow, like one from the Desert Road Trip palette, and a tightlined lash line are plenty.
- Check from a distance. Step back from the mirror. Up close every lash looks dramatic; from a metre away you can see whether the points are even.
- Want softer spider lashes? Stop at two or three coats and pinch fewer points. You get the shape without the full drama.
Common mistakes
- Letting coats dry in between. That's how you get flaking and crunchy lashes.
- Loading the root. Too much product at the base makes the lashes stick to the lid and smudge. Build on the middle and ends.
- Pinching every lash. If every lash is in a point, it starts to look like a mistake. Leave some space.
How to take spider lashes off
Several coats of mascara need a gentle remover, not a scrub. Press an oil-based balm like Daily Meltdown onto closed eyes, wait a few seconds, then wipe downward. Tarantulash isn't waterproof, so micellar water like Daily Wipe Out works too. If you're using a waterproof formula, follow our guide to removing waterproof mascara without losing lashes.
Products in this guide
Tarantulash Volumizing Mascara $32.00
Jo’s buildable vegan mascara: one coat for definition, more for bold, spidery lashes.
Shop Tarantulash →Frequently asked questions
What are spider lashes?
Spider lashes are lashes grouped into small, defined points with mascara, so they look piecey and graphic. The look is inspired by 1960s makeup and is popular in editorial and runway beauty.
What is the best mascara for spider lashes?
A buildable mascara with a wand that can separate and group lashes. Tarantulash is designed for it: one coat for everyday definition, up to around five for bold spider lashes.
How many coats of mascara do you need for spider lashes?
Usually three to five, applied one after another while the mascara is still wet. Stop at two or three for a softer version.
Are spider lashes just clumpy mascara?
No. Clumpy mascara has uneven blobs of product. Spider lashes are smooth, glossy points placed on purpose, with even spaces between them.
Can you do spider lashes on short lashes?
Yes. Curl first, build length with a few wet coats, and pinch smaller groups of two or three lashes so each point still looks defined.
Related reading: How to apply mascara without clumping and The best vegan mascaras of 2026.
