Buying guide for Best eyelash curlers
Written by Jennifer Manfrin
Updated April 2024
Long, thick eyelashes are a thing of beauty by today’s standards. How do you achieve this lovely look?
A good eyelash curler can give you the eye-popping lashes you desire, make your eyes look bigger and wider, andgive your mascara a boost by creating the illusion of even more length and volume.
Eyelash curlers may come in various colors and shapes, but they all function in basically the same way.The key is to find one that not only curls your lashes well but also works with your eye shape.
If you have straight lashes, an eyelash curler will help you curve them toward your eyebrows, making your eyes look larger and brighter.
Types of eyelash curlers
Basic eyelash curler
A basic eyelash curler looks somewhat like a pair of scissors with a curved clamp on the end. This is by far the most popular type of eyelash curler, and for good reason. To use it, simply close the clamp using the handles, hold, release, and your lashes are curled.
If you’re allergic to metal or are on a tight budget, a basic eyelash curler made of plastic is a good choice.
Plastic eyelash curlers cost less than their metal counterparts. However, they might also might need to be replaced sooner.
Caution
Eyelash curlers should never be used on the lower eyelashes. They are only designed to curl the top lashes.
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Heated eyelash curler
Larger than a mechanical eyelash curler, a heated eyelash curler shapes the eyelash with battery-powered heat rather than pressure. These curlers provide a more natural curve to the eyelashes, and the curl tends to last longer because it is set by heat.
Mini eyelash curler
A mini eyelash curler looks exactly like a traditional eyelash curler, only smaller. It works well for people with small eyes or short eyelashes. The surface of the curling pad is usually thinner, which helps catch even the shortest lashes.
If you travel frequently or like to touch up your eyelashes while on the go, a mini eyelash curler is small enough to take with you almost anywhere.
"A mini eyelash curler has a smaller clamp that works well for teens or those with small eyes. This type of curler also works well on short lashes that may not fit in a full-size curler."
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Eyelash curler with spring tension
If you have a tendency to put too much pressure on your eyelash curler – potentially damaging your lashes – a spring tension curler could be right for you.
How does it work? A spring on the curler puts tension on the clamp, making it more difficult to close and taking pressure off your eyelashes.
With a spring-tension eyelash curler, the handles often have paddles on the end rather than finger holes. This works well for users who find the scissors-style handle uncomfortable.
A basic eyelash curler that consists of clamp and scissor-like handles is a popular choice. We factor this into our research, noting that most basic models are made of metal, but plastic options are also available.
The key purpose for using an eyelash curler is to create a curve in the lashes that gives them a full, upright appearance. When we evaluate this beauty tool, we check to see how well it achieves this result.
Although some consumers have short lashes, they can still achieve curl with the right eyelash curler. In our guide, we include recommendations for choosing a model that would work well for lashes that are limited in length.
Some eyelash curlers have spring tension. These models typically have paddle-like handles and are fairly gentle on lashes. We take these considerations into account when we do our evaluations.
We examine the clamp head of each curler we scrutinize. Clamps are either curved or straight, and the best one for each user depends on lash length and eye shape.
In our research of eyelash curlers, we discuss how eye shape plays a role in curling lashes. We include tips for our readers for choosing the tool and features that work best for specific eye shapes.
When we assess an eyelash curler, we look at the pad. The thicker the pad, the less likely it is to cause lash breakage.
In addition to basic lash curlers, mini and heated models are also available. In our assessments, we look at these models and the benefits they have to offer.
For novices, using an eyelash curler can be challenging. In our guide, we provide information about proper use of this beauty tool.
When we recommend a curler, we examine the frame, the section over the clamp head. We note that it's important to choose a model that will accommodate the user’s lash line.
Factors to consider
Frame length
The length of the eyelash curler frame is measured in millimeters from one side of the clamp head to the other. To fit all of your eyelashes in one squeeze of the clamp, the frame needs to be long enough to include all of your lashes – but not too long, or the curve of the clamp head may cause you to miss lashes.
Measure your lash line, and compare it to the measurement of the frame. The two numbers don’t have to match exactly, but they should be close to one another to get a good fit.
The measurement of the frame may or may not be on the packaging; it’s usually available on pro-grade eyelash curlers.
"Start curling your eyelashes as close to the lash line as possible. Then, gently clamp the curler over the lashes, hold for three to five seconds, and release. For a more dramatic curl, repeat the process at the middle of the lashes and again toward the end."
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Eye shape
Finding the right eyelash curler greatly depends on the shape of your eye. Eyes vary from person to person in terms of width and curve. Understandably, an eyelash curler that works well for your best friend might not work for you because you a have different eye shape.
Some eye shapes are more difficult to fit for an eyelash curler than others. If you have one of the following eye shapes, here are a few guidelines to help you make the right choice.
Wide eyes: Wide eyes can make it difficult to curl all lashes at once. Look for an eyelash curler that’s slightly rounded to meet the curve of your eye but still has some flatness to reach from one corner of the eye to the other.
Deep-set eyes: Deep-set eyes need a thin top bar, which gives the eyelash curler an extra-wide opening. That extra space lets you catch all your lashes at once.
Large eyes: Large eyes need a flat clamp head to reach every lash. Look for a curler with as little curve as possible.
Round eyes: Some people have round eyes that are not deep-set. If this is you, you need a curler with a good curve in the clamp head. The curve allows it to reach around the eye to the lashes at the corners.
"An ill-fitting eyelash curler might pinch your skin. If you have a curler that pinches or catches your eyelashes in the corner of the clamp, try a different brand that better fits the shape of your eye."
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Lash length
Before you select an eyelash curler, evaluate the length of your lashes. Are they long or short? A full-size eyelash curler would work very well for longer lashes, but short lashes might not fit inside it. If you have shorter lashes, you may need the narrower pad of a mini curler or a curler with less curve in the clamp head.
"Avoid curling lashes when they have mascara on them. If the mascara isn’t dry, your lashes could stick to the curler and quite possibly get pulled out."
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Handle design
Some handle designs leave you feeling like a contortionist as you try to get a good curl, but it doesn’t need to be that way. Many eyelash curlers come with ergonomically designed handles that allow you to keep your hand and wrist in a natural position as you work. And if you dislike the typical finger hole design, consider an eyelash curler with “paddles” that you grasp to open and close.
"Clean your eyelash curler with a little rubbing alcohol approximately once per week."
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Clamp head
You want to capture all of your eyelashes in the curler at once. The right clamp head curve helps you to do that. Those with deep-set eyes will likely need a straighter clamp head. The less deep-set your eyes are, the more curvature you will need.
Pad thickness
An eyelash curler with a thicker pad leaves a more natural curve in your lashes than an eyelash curler with a thin pad. What’s more, your lashes are less likely to break when you use a curler with a thick pad.
You could accidentally over-crimp your eyelashes using almost any eyelash curler, but a curler with a thin pad is far more likely to cause the dreaded 90-degree-angle-eyelash look than a curler with a thick pad.
Did you know?
An eyelash curler with a thick pad is usually preferable to one with a thin pad. Thin curler pads are more likely to cause eyelash crimping and breakage.
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Eyelash curler prices
Less than $5
In this price range, you can find some plastic and metal eyelash curlers. A few replacement pads might be included, too. The quality of the curler and pads may not be the best, but there are a few hidden gems at this price point.
$5 to $20
You’ll find some mechanical eyelash curlers made of solid metal and a few heated eyelash curlers in this price range, too. Some have paddles instead of finger holes on the handles. There are many quality models in this range.
More than $20
In this highest price tier, you’ll find most heated eyelash curlers as well as a few name-brand mechanical models.
Treat your eyelashes gently. Apply light pressure to create a natural curve rather than a 90-degree angle. Curling your lashes should never be painful.
FAQ
Q. Can a heated eyelash curler handle all of my eyelashes at once like a mechanical curler can?
A. Heated eyelash curlers are meant to curl all lashes at once. However, if your eyes are larger or smaller than the average, it may take more than one use to get all of your lashes curled.
Q. I’m hesitant to use an eyelash curler because I’m afraid it will pull out my lashes. Am I right to be concerned?
A. If used incorrectly, an eyelash curler could indeed pull out your eyelashes. That’s why it’s so important to get a curler that adequately fits the structure of your eyes. It’s also very important to remain still during the curling process. Many a lovely lash has been pulled out because the user suddenly looks away or tries to multitask while curling. And don’t ever curl lashes with mascara on them! If you do, your lashes could stick to the device and end up getting pulled out. Always curl naked lashes only.
