The actor and Rare Beauty founder just revealed the effortless swap she uses for her lightest makeup days — and it’s already sending fans to Sephora.

Selena Gomez is having quite the year, and her latest recognition proves her impact stretches well beyond the screen. The multi-hyphenate star was recently named the 2026 Impact Award winner in a major beauty publication’s annual awards, a nod to the influence she’s built through her Rare Beauty brand. To mark the honor, Gomez sat down for an in-depth interview covering her daily beauty philosophy, her most memorable red carpet looks and, most notably, a clever product hack that beauty lovers won’t want to miss.

The Unexpected Swap Gomez Swears By

During the conversation, the Only Murders in the Building star opened up about her go-to trick for achieving a fresh, barely-there face. Instead of reaching for mascara on lighter makeup days, Gomez explained that she often uses Rare Beauty’s tinted brow gel on her lashes. She described applying the brown-toned formula to the tips of her lashes right after curling them, noting that it delivers just enough definition and a soft tint without the heaviness that traditional mascara can bring.

The product in question, Rare Beauty’s Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting and Laminating Eyebrow Gel, retails for $21 and comes in seven shades, including a clear option. It’s designed to lift and hold brows in place for up to 12 hours without stiffness or flaking, and according to Gomez, it doubles beautifully as a lightweight lash tint.

Why This Hack Fits the “No-Makeup Makeup” Mascara Moment

Gomez’s timing couldn’t be better. Mascara sales have reportedly dropped roughly 10% in the U.S. over the past year, a shift widely tied to the rise of the “clean girl” aesthetic and its emphasis on skin-first, minimal beauty looks. Data recently shared by a popular fashion-focused social media account echoed the same pattern, pointing to a broader decline in both mascara and eyeliner purchases as bare-lash looks gain traction.

That shift has played out publicly on red carpets, too. Stars including Zendaya and Hunter Schafer have both stepped out in recent months with fresh, lash-forward looks that skip mascara entirely, lending mainstream credibility to the trend. Gomez’s brow-gel hack slots right into that movement, offering a low-maintenance way to define lashes without committing to a full mascara application.

Embracing a More Natural Identity

Beyond the hack itself, Gomez used the interview to reflect on how her relationship with beauty has evolved. She shared that leaning into a natural, more pared-down look has become central to how she sees herself these days, even as she acknowledged that not everyone gravitates toward that softer aesthetic. For Gomez, the shift feels less like a trend and more like an authentic reflection of who she is now.

The Rest of Her Everyday Beauty Routine

Gomez also gave a glimpse into the rest of her daily routine, which she keeps refreshingly simple. Alongside the brow gel, her staples include:

• Rare Beauty’s True to Myself Natural Matte Longwear Foundation, $38
• Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush, $27
• Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil Stain, $24

Each product leans into the same breathable, skin-like finish that’s defined Rare Beauty since its launch, reinforcing Gomez‘s commitment to makeup that enhances rather than masks.

A Trend That’s Only Gaining Momentum

As bare-lash beauty continues to dominate feeds and red carpets alike, Gomez’s brow-gel hack offers an easy entry point for anyone looking to lighten up their routine without sacrificing polish. It’s a small tweak, but one that speaks to a much bigger cultural moment — one where less product, not more, is becoming the ultimate beauty flex.

Source: SI Lifestyle