If the first thing you think of when you see an eyelash curler is torture device, we're here to teach you how to use an eyelash curler easily, correctly, and safely, so start shaking off that fear.
When it comes to makeup, there are a few things that sound like non-essentials until you learn to use them properly or find the right product. Primer is a great example and so are eyelash curlers. I have plenty of makeup obsessed friends who used to skip eyelash curlers altogether until they got the hang of them years later and now wouldn't dare finish a look without one. I, too, once was a lash curler skeptic until I got a Shiseido one and my life changed — in makeup terms, of course. Now, if I'm only bringing a makeup tool on the road, it's 100% an eyelash curler.
Whether you are going for a no-makeup makeup look or full glam, curling your lashes can give you the final, extra oomph you ned to complete your look. However, there are some things you need to be wary of. Whether you are looking to buy your first lash curler or already have one and don't know how to make the most of it, we have tapped experts to give us the full guide on how to use an eyelash curler to its full potential.
- Kelly Zhang, makeup artist and entrepreneur
- Ash K Holm, makeup artist and educator
- Mirta Miler, makeup-focused content creator
- What makes a great eyelash curler?
- Choosing an eyelash curler based on your eye shape
- Techniques and tips for using an eyelash curler
- Eyelash curler mistakes to avoid
- Which type of eyelash curler is better?
- Heated vs. regular curlers
- How often should you clean and replace an eyelash curler?
- Editor-approved options
What makes a great eyelash curler?
There's a handful of general advice that all experts mention when it comes to picking out an eyelash curler and the key is comfort. “A great eyelash curler is all about precision, comfort, and performance,” Holm shares with Teen Vogue. “Look for a curved shape that fits your eye shape without pinching, high-quality stainless steel for durability, and a silicone pad that provides a smooth, cushioned press rather than a harsh crimp. The hinge should feel firm but controlled, allowing for even pressure across the lash line. Avoid flimsy curlers with weak springs — they won’t give a lasting curl.”
Zhang sums it all up in a list of four “key factors” everyone should look for when looking for a new eyelash curler: Curvature, material, cushioning, and grip/handle design. “Stainless steel curlers are durable and provide better control, while plastic curlers are lighter but may lack precision,” she explains. “Soft but firm rubber pads help create a natural curl without crimping [while] ergonomic handles ensure a comfortable grip and prevent slipping.”
Miler agrees with the requirements and adds one more piece of advice: Don't skimp. “When shopping for a new eyelash curler, you should definitely consider investing since you’re probably gonna use this tool for a long time,” she shares.
How to choose an eyelash curler based on your eye shape
Selecting the right eyelash curler is basically like choosing your starter Pokémon — it should not be taken lightly because it's a decision that will follow you for life. We've already settled that stainless steel is the best material you could opt for if your body tolerates it, and the next step is shape — not that of the curler but of your eye.
“Your eye shape plays a crucial role in finding the right eyelash curler,” Zhang explains. While Holm shared that standard curlers from Shu Uemura and Surratt “work well for most eye shapes with an average curve,” Zhang lists four main categories and its specific requirements.
If you fall into this category, Zhang recommends a curler with a more pronounced curve — a.k.a. a higher arc — as it will “help reach all lashes evenly.” Miler agrees, adding that you should look for “a curler with a deep curve to fit the lash line without pinching you.” Per Holm, a perfect example of this would be Kevyn Aucoin’s curler.
Miler says “a flatter or wider curler that can reach the lashes without crimping” is ideal for people with hooded eyes and Zhang explains that the reason for opting for “a flatter-curved curler” is “to better access the lash roots without pinching the skin.” Holm recommends a Shiseido curler for this type of eye.
Per Zhang, “a moderately curved curler works best to grab all lashes without missing the corners.” Miler agrees: “If you have almond eyes, most curlers will work well on you, but a slightly curved curler is ideal.” Again, per Holm, Shiseido is the best bet here.
“A smaller curler or precision curler helps reach shorter lashes at the inner and outer corners,” Zhang shares. On this front, Holm suggests going for the Surratt Relevée Mini. "Mini or precision curlers are [also] perfect for touching up outer and inner lashes or for monolids where a full curler might not fit perfectly," she adds.
Best techniques & tips for using an eyelash curler
Ok, now that we have chosen the best curler, let's get into the how to use it properly part. To achieve the best curl, Zhang suggests following this 5-step process:
- Start with clean, dry lashes — Wet lashes won’t hold a curl well.
- Position the curler correctly — Place the curler as close to the lash root as possible without pinching the skin.
- Use a 3-step curling technique: First, gently press at the base of the lashes. Secondly, move slightly outward and press again at the mid-length. Finally, press near the tip for a natural curl.
- (OPTIONAL) Use a heated curler after your regular curler for extra hold.
- Apply mascara after curling — The finishing touch to achieve fluttering lashes is a coat of mascara.
As for tips, Holm has another 5-item list:
- Never apply too much pressure — Start at the base of the lashes, but don’t clamp down too hard — rather than that gently pulse the curler for a soft, lifted effect.
- Work in sections — One gentle press at the base, another in the middle, and a final soft press near the tips to create a natural curve instead of a harsh L-shape.
- Heat it up — Warm up the curler slightly by blowing warm air on it for a few seconds with a hairdryer. Test on your wrist first to avoid burning. This mimics the effect of a heated curler.
- Patience is key — Hold for 5-10 seconds to allow the curl to set properly.
- Lock it in — For extra hold, use a waterproof mascara after curling — waterproof formulas are drier and help lock in the curl.
More eyelash curler tips and tricks:
Which type of eyelash curler is better?
“There are different types of curlers, and the best one depends on individual needs,” Zhang shares. The main type of eyelash curlers on the market right now can be divided into the following four categories:
- Traditional metal curler – “The most common type; ideal for everyday use,” Zhang says.
- Plastic curlers – “Less pressure, ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies to metal,” she adds.
- Mini or precision curlers – “Great for targeting smaller sections, especially the inner and outer corners,” she says.
- Heated eyelash curlers – Which “use heat to set the curl for longer-lasting results.”
Regular vs. heated eyelash curlers: Pros & Cons
If you have never seen a heated eyelash curler IRL, just picture them as a mini powered tool for your lashes. They are usually a stick, rather than a scissors-esque shape like traditional eyelash curlers which make them less intimidating for those who can't get behind the shape. That said, there are other caveats.
“Heated curlers work similarly to curling irons, setting the lash shape with heat,” Zhang. “However, excessive heat can weaken lashes, so proper temperature control is crucial.”
For Zhang, the pros and cons are as follows:
| * | Regular curler | Heated curler |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Quick & easy to use, suitable for all lash types | Helps maintain curl longer, especially for straight or stubborn lashes |
| Cons | Requires re-curling throughout the day for some lash types | Requires battery or charging, improper use can damage lashes |
“Regular curlers are quick and effective but rely on hand pressure and can sometimes leave a crimped look if not used correctly. They work for most people and don’t require extra tools or power,” Holm adds. “Heated curlers use warmth to set the curl, like a curling iron for your lashes. They give a more natural, lifted curl that lasts longer, especially for straight, stubborn lashes. However, they require charging or batteries and take slightly longer to use. They also need careful handling — too much heat can dry out or damage lashes.”
If you'd like to test your hand at both, Miler has the perfect balance. “The regular eyelash curler is for daily use and I personally use it to secure my falsies,” she says. “I use heater eyelash curlers a couple of times a week when I want a little bit of a dramatic curl to my lashes. Also, heated eyelash curlers that can be used to curl your falsies. Just make sure that you’re not using the high heat so you wouldn’t melt your false lashes.”
How often should you clean and replace an eyelash curler?
There is no question that you should be cleaning your eyelash curler, but how often you ask? Well, fairly often. Zhang suggests wiping down your tool with makeup remover or alcohol “at least once a week.”
Holm, on the other hand, turns to cotton pads and rubbing alcohol “every few uses” and suggests a “deep clean weekly if you wear mascara daily.” She adds: “Buildup from mascara, oils, and dirt can make the curler less effective and even cause infections.”
Zhang breaks up the maintenance process of a curler as follows:
| Cleaning | Once a week |
| Rubber pad replacement | Every 3–6 months (or sooner if it looks worn out or loses elasticity) |
| Curler replacement | Every 1–2 years, depending on wear and tear |
As Holm emphasizes, replacement should always be dependent on how much the product is used. “If the pad starts looking flat, cracked, or too soft, replace it to keep curls smooth and prevent lash damage,” she says. “With proper care, a high-quality eyelash curler can last years, but if the hinge starts feeling loose, the pad stops fitting snugly, or the curler is pinching instead of curling, it’s time for a new one! Typically, every 1–2 years is a good guideline for replacement.”
Miler, a frequent makeup user, has even stricter guidelines so if you are on her level, we suggest following her lead. “Replacing the rubber on the eyelash curler for me is like once a month or every two months depending on how regularly you use the curler and how worn out the rubber gets, which is very dependent on the quality of the curler,” she says. “That’s why I like to spend a little bit more on the curler as I’m going to be using it for a longer time and also make sure I get the curler with the replaceable rubber.”
Eyelash curler mistakes to avoid
Of course, there are also some no-gos when it comes to using eyelash curlers. You've probably seen people heat their curlers with lighters in movies and TV shows, but we don't play with fire here so stick to Holm's advice and opt for the above advice. However, there are other big nos:
- Both Zhang and Holm emphasize that one should never curl your lashes after applying mascara, as it can lead to breakage. The only exception, Holm points out, is if using a heated curler, which she says can be used after mascara to reshape lashes. “Using a traditional curler after mascara makes lashes brittle and more likely to break or get stuck to the curler,” she adds.
- Holm also notes that you should never use too much pressure as “pinching or crimping can cause breakage.” Aside from that, Zhang also says it “causes unnatural bends.”
- Never use old, worn-out rubber pads. Zhang shares that it “reduces curl efficiency and can damage lashes” while Holm adds that it, on top of those, “it won’t cushion lashes properly.”
- One common problem Zhang has spotted is not cleaning the curler regularly (more on that below), noting that “bacteria buildup can lead to eye infections.
- Holm adds to never tug or yank the curler away. She continues: “Always release the curler fully before pulling it away from your lashes.”
- Do not rush. “When using an eyelash curler, definitely don’t do it in a rush and don’t skip the ‘test squeeze.’ This is really important because you can hurt yourself or pull out your eyelashes,” Miler says.
