A Glimpse Into The Past: The Most Popular Lash Trends Of 2021
Here’s what made our eyes POP this season…
Researched, written by 
Amber & The Team
Updated on July 9, 2023
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Makeup trends change year by year, but in a lot of ways, they also remain the same.
When October rears its head, we’re more likely to reach for a darker, bolder lip color, and the classic smokey eye becomes a go-to.
However, 2021 has seen the resurgence of the noughties aesthetic, with a ‘barely there’ base meeting a colorful, playful eye look.
Through the last few years, eyes have become the sole focal point of the face, leading many to play with creative looks to express themselves.
So, what did it mean for lash lovers and lash technicians in 2021?
How was the emergence of colorful, bold-eye looks carrying on throughout the colder months, and which lash extensions have complemented these trends?
Lash Trends 2021: Fall/Winter
1. Brown Lashes
Brown eyelash extensions were growing in popularity day by day.
According to Google Trends, searches for ‘brown lash extensions’ were on an upward trajectory in the US – perhaps coinciding with the arrival of fall.
So why exactly has this style of lash become so popular in 2021?
First of all, people were looking for a bit more muted colors due to the COVID-19 pandemic shattering our world.
Also, those with a fairer complexion are likely to become even paler throughout the fall (goodbye sun!), so brown lashes were the perfect choice for those with a lighter skin tone.
Brown lashes provide a natural-looking enhancement – they aren’t quite as dramatic as black lash extensions.
Similarly, they are undeniably autumnal, and what’s better than your lashes matching nature?
2. Colored Lashes
Surprisingly, colored lashes were also popular in 2021.
Not only were they perfect for at-home festivals and fancy dresses, but they were also a great way to have fun with your style during the festive season.
3. Cat-eye Lashes
We all love a classic cat-eye look, whether created with eyeliner, lashes, or a combination of the two.
In 2021, the ‘kitten’ liner trend was dominating, with celebs like Zoe Kravitz donning a more subtle, thinner flick than the traditional cat eyeliner.
This was a more minimalistic spin on this ever-loved eye look.
To complement the kitten liner trend, cat-eye lash extensions were guaranteed to be popular in 2021.
This lash look involves the lash tech applying shorter extensions to the front and inner corners of the eye, gradually becoming longer towards the outer corners of the eye, mimicking the shape of a winged liner and fluttering almost like a fan. *Clap clap*
4. Mega Volume/volume
While a minimalistic, natural-looking brown lash look might be perfect for fall, 2021 winter called for dramatic, bold lashes. Volume and mega volume lashes perfectly complemented a smokey eye, making the eyes pop.
A mega volume fan uses over 6 lash extensions (sometimes up to 16!) with a diameter of 0.03 to 0.05 mm.
On the other hand, a volume fan is made up of between 2 to 5 extensions with a diameter of 0.05 to 0.07 mm.
As you can see, there can be quite a big difference between these two types of lash sets, however, both are equally as beautiful when done correctly!
5. Wet Look
Finally, another lash look that was popular throughout fall/winter 2021 was wet look lashes.
This style worked well in pictures (remember – we were mostly sitting indoors) with closed fans, creating the illusion of wet lashes through their beautiful, textured appearance.
It was ideal for creating the ‘Kim K’ lash look and was becoming frequently requested throughout the lash world.
We hope this glimpse into the past was a lovely reminder – as much as we love the fluttery lash looks of summer, we can’t wait to play with some dramatic styles every year.
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