Discover How to Use an Eyelash Curler — and 11 of the Best to Buy for Long, Lifted Lashes

Jayla Andrulonis and Kayla Greaves
·7 min read

If you’re skipping out on an eyelash curler but still coating your lashes with mascara in the pursuit of length and volume, you're only playing yourself. In what is perhaps the most mutually beneficial, symbiotic relationship in the beauty world, the two products work better together. Whether you have stick-straight lashes or are already blessed with a bit of natural curl, just a few seconds with a curler goes a long way in setting the stage for wow-worthy lashes, without the need for extensions.

While once upon a time, eyelash curlers could be likened to a medieval torture tool, the lash essential has evolved. But how exactly do you use one? Chanel Makeup Artist, Tyron Machhausen breaks it down for us in a few simple steps.

"Open up the eyelash curler and position its rubber strip right up to the roots of the upper lashes," he explains. "Make sure that all the lashes, especially the outer lashes, are inside. With the curler in an upright position, gently close the curler on the base of your lashes as close to the lash line as possible and make sure not to get any skin in between. Gently squeeze with a pulsating grip while turning the curler upwards. Continue moving the curler from the roots all the way up to the tips of your lashes with the same gentle squeeze."

In terms of the actual curlers themselves, you’ll now find options that cater to all eye shapes and sensitivities, designed with a more comfortable fit and ease of use. That said, it’s worth noting that not all eyelash curlers are created equally. So to make things a little easier for you, we’ve scoured through reviews to find the 10 best eyelash curlers you can buy for the best lashes of your life. They’re sure to upgrade your makeup bag without burning a hole in your wallet. Shop our picks and read on below to see why each of these made the cut.

Best Overall Eyelash Curler: Shiseido The Makeup Eyelash Curler

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If any eyelash curler out there has a cult following, it’s this one by Shiseido. The curler, designed with an edge-free clamp to curl lashes root to end without any harsh bends, is a best-seller at Sephora and has its very own fan club of Nordstrom shoppers who swear by it, too.

Shop now: $22; nordstrom.com

Best Budget-Friendly Eyelash Curler: Revlon Extra Curl Eyelash Curler

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This drugstore favorite curler is gentle on lashes and matched with a price that’s gentle on your budget, too. For less than you paid for your morning latte (whether it’s on sale, like now, or not), you can upgrade your makeup game with curled and defined lashes.

Shop now: $4 (Originally $6); amazon.com

Best Luxury Eyelash Curler: Chanel Le Recourbe Cils

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Instantly take your natural lashes to the next level with this luxe curler that's guaranteed to lift and curl each and every one of your lashes — no matter your lash length or type. To make the look last all day long, follow up with a volumizing mascara. "I love Le Volume Stretch De Chanel Mascara right after to lock in the curl," Machhausen says. "I use a tissue and wipe the mascara wand to ensure a thin and even application. Make sure to let the mascara dry in between layers. For extra hold I love using a waterproof mascara, like Le Volume De Chanel Waterproof Mascara."

Shop now: $30; chanel.com

Best for Wide Eyes: Laura Mercier Artist Eyelash Curler

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Because it’s designed with a wide angle, Laura Mercier’s Artist Eyelash Curler is ideal for lifting every lash in one consistent grip. So if you have eyes on the wider side, that means no more awkward angles trying to get each individual lash its own moment in the spotlight.

Shop now: $22; nordstrom.com

Best for Beginners: Surratt Beauty Relevée Lash Curler

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Just like riding a bike, using an eyelash curler for the first time can have a bit of a learning curve. Thanks to this ergonomic eyelash curler, even novices can approach with confidence. Its minimal and calibrated Japanese design makes it easy to achieve fanned out lashes with even less force, making it a great place to start if you’re still on eyelash curler training wheels (it doesn’t take long to get, we promise!).

Shop now: $34; sephora.com

Most Comfortable Fit: Kaasage Eyelash Curler Advanced Silicone Pressure Pad

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It’s not every day an eyelash curler can be described as “comfy” yet, here we are. Amazon shoppers love the stability of this curler and swear by it for voluminous lashes without a bend in sight. Plus, it comes with five extra cushion pads to swap out when the layers of mascara build-up get out of control.

Shop now: $11; amazon.com

Best Curler and Mascara Duo: Tarte Picture Perfect Duo

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We love a good combo, especially one that comes with an easy-to-use curler and the brand’s best-selling volumizing mascara added in to seal the deal. For less than $20, you can snag this Tarte duo and give your lashes a serious one-two punch. Plus, the mini mascara is perfect for packing in your bag for midday touch-ups at the office.

Shop now: $18; sephora.com

Best for a Long-Lasting Curl: Lancôme Eyelash Curler

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While some eyelash curlers provide lashes with a few minutes of curl just to fall flat minutes later, this Lancôme favorite stands out because of its ability to create a long-lasting effect. Its cushioned silicone pads offer gentle protection while the no-slip grip allows for a perfect curl each and every time.

Shop now: $23; nordstrom.com

Amazon Shopper Favorite: Brilliant Beauty Eyelash Curler

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Before one finds their perfect eyelash curler, there’s a good chance they’ve tried more than a few duds throughout the years. For many Amazon shoppers who have stumbled upon this Brilliant Beauty Eyelash curler, it’s been an IRL Goldilocks scenario. Now the site’s best-seller, this curler has more than 5,500 reviews from shoppers who swear this pinch-free curler is the best they’ve ever owned.

Shop now: $9; amazon.com

Best for Long Lashes: Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Eyelash Curler

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Since it’s designed with a clamp longer than most and a wide opening, this fan-fave curler is suitable for a range of eye shapes. The red, cushioned pads make it possible to actually see your lashes as they’re under the clamp, making it ideal for longer lashes that can suffer from an awkward bend if not lined up in the right place. What’s more, Nordstrom shoppers have said this curler lasts them much longer than ones they’ve used before.

Shop now: $21; nordstrom.com

Best Heated Eyelash Curler: Acavado Electric Eyelash Curler

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If you’ve ever blow dried your eyes with a hot metal curler pressed to your lashes (we’ve all been there), you’ll be happy to hear that genius engineering of the 21st century has brought along a curler that won’t endanger eyelids quite so. This heated eyelash curler has been called a “game-changer” by reviewers, as it effectively sets the curl with heat. To use, you’ll want to apply one coat of mascara, turn on the curler, and press it against the bottom of the lash line for 10 seconds. Then, follow with another coat of mascara to lock in the shape.

Shop now: $22; amazon.com