Eyelash Curlers: Pro Tips On Shopping For The Perfect Tool
-
by Stella Rose Saint Clair
Published Sep 30, 2012
-
872
Though we try to fake it with fancy mascaras and faux sets, nothing beats the eye-opening benefits of a good eyelash curler. We sometimes forget about the lash tool, which can look metallic and intimidating next to the super-soft brush sets and fluffy disposable bags of makeup sponges, but this is one product so essential to all pro kits and morning makeup routines. If picking a curler is leaving you cross-eyed, let us help you review your options. Your lashes will thank you.
DON'T BELIEVE THE RUMORS
Contrary to popular belief, eyelash curlers will not rip all your lashes out—even if you prefer to apply mascara first (though we don’t recommend it). Realistically speaking, you may lose a lash or two here and there with regular curling, but this is normal. If your curler pinches or pulls when you use it, it may not be the best choice for your particular lashes.
KNOW YOUR LASH NEEDS
Everyone’s lashes are different. A curler that works great on your friend’s smaller eyes may feel awkward on your longer lids. Take both your eye shape and lash length into consideration when choosing a curler. Look for long clamps that curve along your lash line to ensure you don’t miss a curl!
SHORT LASHES LOVE CURLS TOO
If your lashes are especially short, you might benefit more from a less curved curler like those by Shiseido. A flatter clamp will make it easier to get close to your lash line without having to maneuver the curler at odd angles, which can cause stress to the little hairs. A point curler (like the shu Uemura mini lash curler) is flat and meant for curling small, hard-to-reach inner lashes, so it might be a good option for short eyelashes, too.
WARM UP TO A HEATED CURLER
If you’re serious about lash curling, an electric curler can be a great option for a high power curve that lasts all day. The design is often clunkier than run-of-the-mill metal curlers, and the idea of putting something hot near one's eyes is enough to make most of us a little uneasy. Before you nix the idea, know that most electric curlers don’t get hot enough to burn you, and the heat level won’t cause damage to your lashes either.
ALTERNATELY, WARM UP TO A REGULAR CURLER
Take a tip from the pros and warm a regular metal curler with a hair dryer for a few seconds before using. It works just as great as an electric model, but for a fraction of the price. Of course, on a frantic morning you may find yourself wishing you’d splurged...
STAND BY THE OLD STANDARD
Even though there are hundreds of fanciful and high tech curlers hoping for a home in your makeup bag, sometimes the best choice is the simplest. The good ol’ do-it-yourself metal clamping curler is without a doubt the easiest to find, most user-friendly option.
Featured Products
-
66
/ 9
167
/ 6
14
More to Love
-
Wash Up! How to Clean Makeup Sponges
- 822
- 7
-
Why These Three Artists Love Their Makeup Sponges
- 633
- 12
-
MAC Colourizations
- 12
- 8
-
Eyebrow Fillers
- 648
- 9
-
How To Curl Lashes (the Right Way)
- 1930
- 21
-
Splurge or Save: Eyelash Curlers
- 82
- 19
-
The 5 Most Useful Makeup Brushes in Your Kit
- 557
- 24
-
Makeup Artist Must Haves
- 330
- 16
Comments
Dec 05, 2012
Lizzie L.
I once bought one from Avon it ripe off half of my eyelashes I was so scare that they wouldn't grow back. I now always use revlon only
Oct 04, 2012
Amy M.
I love my Sally Hansen curler. It's spring loaded and always keeps a curl in my straight lashes! I use it all the time, even if I have no time for makeup! Just curling my lashes makes my eyes pop! Before it I used the Revlon light up plastic curler. After 5 uses, it broke. An inner piece of the clamp broke off. It wasn't that good anyway because it pinched my eyelids. I love most of the Sally Hansen products!
Oct 03, 2012
Margaret K.
The last curler I use actually cut some of my lashes. I was distraught and I haven't been able to convince myself to go out and buy a new one. Is there something someone can suggest to ease back into it? I have quite long but very straight lashes
Oct 09, 2012
Bec S.
Oct 03, 2012
Evelyn O.
So what is it that I should look for when buying an eyelash curler? Does it matter?
Oct 02, 2012
Payel G.
this is a great article! I have been using a eyelash curler for about 6 years now, as my lashes are really straight, but it hasn't been easy curling my lashes as my eyes are small & I thought that's something I would have to live with! I had no idea they make specific lash curlers too! this article definitely enlightened me :-)
Oct 02, 2012
Bonnie L.
I always heat my eyelash curlers up! Short and scrawny lashes like mine never hold up a curl no matter what I do, so heat and falsies are my best friends!
Oct 02, 2012
Krista H.
The Laura Mercier lash curler is great for beginners because it's plastic and compact, much less scary than the metal spring ones. and for a pro lash curler, it's awesome for travel too!
Oct 01, 2012
Kayli H.
The Elf one is my holy grail curler. It fits my eye shape PERFECTLY! However I will say they are not all the same. All of them have slight differences, which sucks. I used to have one that would almost stab my eyelid every time I used it. I got a new one (obviously), and it is the most perfect thing I have ever used. and only $1! SCORE!!
Oct 01, 2012
Christopher C.
Wish the NARS curler was mentioned... it's wonderful! I've tried ones from Revlon, ELF, Tarte, CoverGirl, and Tweezerman. Nothing works as well as my NARS one and I've yet to pinch myself even when squeezing the handles without thinking.
Sep 30, 2012
madison R.
Love the Hot Lashes heated lash curler, read great reviews...so worth the money for a curler that makes my lashes super curly and makes my eyes look 5 times as big..Just uses mild heat to heat the pad in curler, exactly like Shu one..So worth a review on this site...My holy grail`