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The best mascara isn’t the only means of achieving sky-high lashes; any makeup maven knows the secret to making the eyes pop is through the best eyelash curlers. “Eyelash curlers are actually such a game changer,” says celebrity makeup artist Courtney Housner. “They help to create length, volume, as well as give you a much more open-eye look.”
But while you may think this beauty tool should be reserved for event prep or major makeup moments, many people, including celebrities like Kate Moss, Marisa Tomei, and Emmy Rossum, count it as an essential step in their daily routine. “Every eye shape can benefit from an eyelash curler,” notes celebrity makeup artist Alexx Mayo. “Lifting the lashes will give you the appearance of longer lashes but also help you look more awake and expressive.” What’s more, celebrity makeup artist Wendi Miyake notes a curler helps your mascara and false lashes blend and hold a curl.
How to Use an Eyelash Curler
Ready to try for yourself? Experts emphasize using an eyelash curler to prep lashes. “Lash curlers should always be used on mascara-free lashes due to the potential of your lashes being ripped out if you have mascara on,” says Housner. She explains the process like this. “How I like to approach curling lashes, open up the curler fully and look down with your eyes [to] comfortably set your lashes into the curler as close to the root as possible—making sure that all of your lashes are in but not close enough to pinch.”
How long you hold the clamp closed will surely be personal preference, but a few seconds is key—even repeating the motion on the middle and ends of your lashes for added lift. “Follow this with a lash primer and mascara, and if you really want to lock it in, use a heated lash curler at the end,” explains makeup pro-Taylour Chanel. “This warms the mascara, and as it cools, it holds the curled shape.” Just be sure to clean your eyelash curler after each use to rid of any bacteria.
To help you choose the best eyelash curler for your lashes, here six makeup pros weigh in on their favorites. Read on to discover their picks.
Chella Heated Eyelash Curler
Housner is a fan of Chella’s heated tool for its clamp-free design, meaning “there’s no opportunity to crimp the lashes accidentally. And also, the curl can tend to last a bit longer with a heated curler.” This sleek tool heats up quickly and makes using a heated curler a seamless process.
Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler
The Kevyn Aucoin lash curler has always been a go-to,” says Mayo. “The width and curve of the design can flatter any eye shape and has great resistance when clamping.” The stainless steel tool’s distinguishable red cushion is designed to curl bottom lashes too without pinching.
Surratt Beauty Relevée Lash Curler
Mayo is also a frequent user of this curler from Troy Surratt’s collection. “[This] has a unique design even smaller eye shapes can really benefit from this curler,” he notes. The Japanese-made tool features an ergonomic curler and silicone pads to elongate and fan lashes with ease. Celebrity makeup artist Matin Maulawizada prefers this for wider, almond-shaped eyes.
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-LIFT Heated Lash Curler
Chanel cautions against using one if your lashes are already long and curly naturally. “Some lashes are extremely curly to the point where they curl back towards the lash…I’d suggest a form of lash straightening instead, which you can do using a heated lash curler to mold the lashes away from your lid rather than curled tightly towards the lid,” she explains. She’s a fan of this model by Grande Cosmetics for its durability, two heat settings, and ease of cleaning.
Dior Backstage Eyelash Curler
“I’m a sucker for the padded clamp as well as the definition it gives,” says Housner of Dior’s lash enhancer. A top recommendation of Chanel, too, this is designed with all eye shapes in mind for effortless use.
Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler
Shu Uemura’s tool is a top pick of Miyake. Its silicone pad is molded to a curved angle, what the brand calls a mushroom shape, to reach each lash with precision and prevent pinching.
Revitalash Signature Eyelash Curler
“[This is] well-made and weighted, which feels easier to handle and has lasted a good amount of time in my kit,” says Chanel of this curler by Revitalash. It uses rounded pads to create a natural-looking curl without tugging and breakage.
Shiseido Eyelash Curler
“This one is great for a more almond-shaped eye,” notes pro makeup artist Dillon Peña. It uses an edge-free design to reach lashes from the inner to the outer corner despite your eye shape and without pinching.
Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler
For rounded eyes, Peña would reach for the Tweezerman ProMaster. This lash curler is crafted at a 38-degree angle to work effectively on almond and deep-set eyes to curl each lash.
