Lash trends are constantly evolving. From no mascara looks to cat eye extensions, there’s always something new to try. The world of falsies has advanced, too, making it easier than ever to embrace the latest viral look: manga lashes. Rooted in Japanese anime culture, manga lashes embrace the whimsical side of lash extensions. The playful style is taking over TikTok for good reason—not only is it bold and fun, but it’s also easy to get the look with cluster lashes.
Spate’s 2025 makeup report reports that manga, spiky and cluster lashes top the charts for the year’s most searched makeup trends. Glueless and pre-glued lashes, both of which can be used to recreate the look, are just as sought after. Ahead, celebrity makeup artist Sean Harris shares what to know about manga lashes and how to make the trend your own.
What Are Manga Lashes?
To understand the trend, it helps to look at its origins. Manga refers to comics and graphic novels created in Japan. Like in anime, the characters in these stories are known for their doe-eyed makeup, with every detail of the eye makeup designed to enhance that look. Lashes, in particular, play a big role. “Manga lashes are meant to make the eyes appear larger and more striking,” says Harris. The style features spiky pieces along the lash line to make certain areas stand out. “Think doll-like and daring,” he says.
How to Wear Manga Lashes
False lashes are at the heart of the manga lash trend (think pointy pieces and spiky clusters) that creates its signature, otherworldly effect. “The anime eye mimics a doll-like style, which means the lashes need to do the same,” explains Harris. Manga lashes feature spiky pieces placed at varying points along the lash line, so Harris recommends working with indivudal clusters, such as i-ENVY’s Cluster Palette Lashes, to achieve a balanced, customizable look. “Place them near the center of the eye and on the ends to create the spiky points and emphasize the shape of your eye,” he says.
Most cluster lashes are applied with a tacky glue brushed onto the natural lashes using a spoolie, but there are options if you’re not ready to commit to glue. Press-on lashes, which rely on a sticky adhesive for temporary wear, also come in cluster formats and make the look easy to experiment with.
Products for Trying Manga Lashes
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