Splurge or Save: Eyelash Curlers
SPLURGE OR SAVE? Verdict: Splurge!
Metal eyelash curlers have been around since the Roaring '20s, helping flappers (independent women most notable for their bob hair cuts) accentuate eyes. The quality of eyelash curlers has improved over the decades and they still come in the original stainless steel metal, as well as plastic and heated battery-powered. Everyone has their own preferences of eyelash curlers but from our experience, they are worth the splurge.
Higher end eyelash curlers have better ergonomic designs, which can withstand more pressure to give a better curl and are contoured to hug your eye's contours. There isn't a one-size-fits-all curler for everyone, so you'll need to find one that suits your eyes. Budget-friendly ones may work for some people, but tend to pinch the eyelid skin and take multiple squeezes to curl all the lashes. By squeezing the eyelash curler more times than necessary, you increase the risk of pulling or breaking off your natural lashes. A higher end eyelash curler should only take about 3-5 pumps to give a beautiful curl, depending on the length and curl of your lashes.
Heated eyelash curlers are great for people who have difficulty curling their lashes, but using them will require some practice. Since you can't have the curler get too close to your eyelid (don't want to risk burning your skin), you won't be able to curl your lashes near the lash line. But heat from the eyelash curler should be sufficient enough to give you a long-lasting curl. If you have a metal eyelash curler, you can blast a blow dryer for a few seconds at the clamp and curl as usual (the metal shouldn't be pipping hot).
Plastic eyelash curlers work the same way as metal ones, but because they're made of plastic, they are not as durable. If you drop the curler, it may break instantly and if you press too hard, the curler can become lopsided.
No matter what kind of eyelash curler you have, always be careful to not pinch your skin and pull out your lashes. To avoid the "L" shape lashes, begin squeezing the curler at the base of your lash line and gradually work your way to the tips.
Drugstore Eyelash Curler Recommendations
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Revlon Eyelash Curler
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Sally Hansen Flirty Eyes Classic Eyelash Curler with Refill
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E.L.F. Studio Eyelash Curlers
Mid-Price to Higher-End Eyelash Curler Recommendations
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Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
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Trish McEvoy Eyelash Curler
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Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler
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Shaila H.
I some how managed to get my gold plated Shu Uemura curler for under $12. It's one of my babies, on the list with my phone and a few other things that it would be painful to live without. if your eyeshape works with it, there is nothing better.
Hannah S.
I have recently used heated eyelash curlers and while they do cost a bit more I think they are a great investment for people who have stubborn eyelashes, like mine, my eyelashes never seemed to hold a curl when using the standard eyelash curlers however when using the heated eyelash curlers mine seemed to hold, will attach a photo of the ones I tried.
ps. The heated eyelash curlers look scary when first using them but after a couple of goes you get use to it
Mika K.
I have typical small, almond-shaped Asian eyes so finding an eyelash curler is super important to me!
The e.l.f. eyelash curler worked great for me.
But once I bought my Shu Uemura, it's hard for me to find an eyelash curler that even compares to it.
Once you go Shu Uemura, you can't go back!
Diana N.
If you like Shu, then you might like Koji. It's a Japanese drugstore brand that has several eyelash curlers ranging in curve and width sizes. Depending which one you get, it costs about $5-$20. You can find them in Japanese specialty stores or markets like Mitsuwa, or else look online.
I actually briefly mentioned it on my blog. "The angle is less curved so it can really get in close to your lashes. It works great on smaller eyes too. And it's cheap! Love love love!!" =)
Ashleys O.
I definitely agree that you MUST splurge on an eyelash curler. I used to buy drugstore eyelash curlers and lost CLUMPS of eyelashes at any given time. Now I only use Shu Uemura!
Wafi A.
I think eyelash curlers originated as a form of torture for women. It's really scary device actually, but boy is it handy.
I love how they instantly wake up the eyes. There are days when I just curl my lashes and skip everything else, but it instantly makes a difference.
I've actually had a friend who burned her lashes off because of her heated lash curler, and I've been scarred for life. I use the Kevin Aucoin lash curler, which is just a metal lash curler. No heat for me.
Althea N.
I have the Revlon curlers that is mentioned. I love it. My eyelashes aren't very difficult to curl, so this does the trick for me!
Shelly T.
I recently bought a Revlon one (not the one pictured, but the silver one); it's fantastic, IMO. Just $3!
Amy V.
I use Japonesque Go Curl Pocket Curler. Can be found at Ulta for $11. Works amazing (I get a much better curl closer to my lash line), fits in makeup bags much easier and the best part is that Japonesque will mail you free replacement pads. Soon as I got mine I ordered some to have on hand just in case.
Korie S.
I use the elf mini eyelash curler and Revlons eyelash curler everyday and they work great for me. I think I like using these better than some of the higher end curlers ^-^