Some people say that eyes are the “windows to the soul.” If that’s the case, then lashes are the decorative framing that gets people’s attention in the first place. While some people can put mascara on and call it a day, others aren’t so lucky. If your lashes are straight, then even mascara won’t make your eyes pop.
You need the help of an eyelash curler. They may look deadly to the uninitiated, but a good eyelash curler is a treasure. We’ve done some research to find the best eyelash curlers on the market, and we’ve also created a guide on how to get a long-lasting curl.
But first, let’s talk about what you should keep in mind when shopping for a new eyelash curler.
- What to Consider When Shopping for Eyelash Curlers
- Top 11 Best Eyelash Curlers 2024
- 1. Best Overall Pick: Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler
- 2. Best Premium Pick: Kevyn Aucoin the Eyelash Curler
- 3. Best Customer Service: Brilliant Beauty Eyelash Curler
- 4. Best for Protruding Eyes: Surratt Relevee Lash Curler
- 5. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
- 6. Best for Travel: JAPONESQUE Go Curl Eyelash Curler
- 7. Best for Arthritic Hands and Fingers: Petunia Silicone Eyelash Curler
- 8. Best Grip: Kaasage Eyelash Curler
- 9. Basic Concepts Eyelash Curler Kit
- 10. Best for Deep-Set Eyes: COVERGIRL Makeup Masters Eyelash Curler
- 11. Best Budget Pick: Hizek 3-in-1 Eyelash Curler Kit
- How to Curl Your Lashes and Make Them Stay All Day
- Final Thoughts
What to Consider When Shopping for Eyelash Curlers
There are only ten billion and one eyelash curlers on the market, so how do you determine which is right for you? Obviously, you want a good-looking curl, but there are a few other factors you’ll want to consider.
Curl Power
Curl power isn’t just about a nice-looking curl, though this is very important. Most of us prefer a natural-looking curve over a crimped, L-shaped lash any day.
But curl power is also about how long it takes a tool to create the curl (10 seconds or less is preferable) and if it can do so without damaging your lashes. There is no greater horror than attempting to curl your lashes and coming away with a bald patch.
Design
Not all eyelash curlers are created equally, and you may find you like one type of design more than others. While the “jaws” of the curler (the part that actually goes against your eye) are all going to be similar, some are flatter or more curved than others. This will affect how well the curler fits along your lash line.
The other big difference you’ll notice between curlers is the handles. Some are your traditional scissor-style with the finger holes made of metal, whereas others pinch together and have silicone handles. It’s important to consider which style you prefer.
Replacement Pads
You know the little silicone or rubber strip on the inside of the curler that squishes your lashes? These can wear out and need replacing. You can increase the longevity of your curler by simply replacing these pads.
This is usually a much better option than having to buy a brand new curler, especially if you really like the one you have. Unfortunately, companies don’t always make it easy to find replacement pads for their curlers (it’s almost like they want to force you to spend another $15-$30 on their product).
Now that you know what to look for, we’re going to take you through the 11 best eyelash curlers.
Top 11 Best Eyelash Curlers 2024
1. Best Overall Pick: Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler
Editor’s Rating:
Curl Power
This curler works especially well for people who have large eyes. It isn’t too curved or too flat. It provides a natural-looking curve to the lashes without pinching your eyelids. With just a few gentle squeezes, your lashes will be curled all day long.
Design
Though Tweezerman is a well-known brand, they’ve missed the mark when it comes to the design of their handles. The holes are too small for those with big fingers and are difficult to use if you have arthritis in your hands. If you have large hands or arthritis, try the Petunia silicone eyelash curler instead.
On the other hand, this tool is very durable and is known to last for years. Furthermore, the design keeps you from pressing your lashes too hard and damaging them.
Replacement Pads
This product comes with three silicone replacement pads, so you’ll be set for a while. If you lose them or need more, Tweezerman does sell replacement pads separately.
Pros
- Good for large eyes
- Provides a natural curl without pinching eyelids
- Comes with replacement pads and extras are easy to find
- The tool is durable and can last for years
Cons
- Finger grips are too small for large hands
- Difficult for arthritic hands to grip
Editor’s Rating:
Curl Power
Kevyn Aucoin is a well-known name in the beauty industry, so it’s no surprise that he’s created a solid tool for curling your eyelashes. While this certainly looks like your average eyelash curler, the quality is there.
It will give you a beautiful, natural-looking curl rather than crimping your eyelashes. No weird L-shaped lashes here! Not only that, it’s able to get close to your lash line without pinching your skin and will work for most eye shapes.
Design
The tool is comfortable to hold in the hand and is made of stainless steel so it shouldn’t cause any allergic reactions. Stainless steel is also a durable metal, and this eyelash curler is known to last for years, especially if you can find a suitable replacement pad.
Replacement Pads
Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like Kevyn Aucoin sells individual replacement pads for this product, so you’ll either have to use a third party item or buy a whole new eyelash curler.
Speaking of that little rubber strip, the one included with this eyelash curler is rather hard. For some people, this is a good thing as it ensures the lash is curled rather than crimped. However, others with especially fine or brittle lashes may fear that this could damage them.
Pros
- Doesn’t crimp eyelashes
- Creates a natural-looking curl
- Works on most eye shapes with no pinching
- Comfortable to hold
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Kevyn Aucoin doesn’t sell replacement strips for this curler
- May not be suitable for delicate or brittle lashes
3. Best Customer Service: Brilliant Beauty Eyelash Curler
Editor’s Rating:
Curl Power
With this curler, you’ll get a naturally defined curve to your eyelashes rather than any crimps or kinks. The silicone strips inside are firm enough to curl your lashes in seconds, but not so firm that they’ll break or cut them. If your eyes tend to suit curlers with a strong arc, then you’ll also find that this curler reaches all of your lashes, even those at the outer corner.
Design
The shape of this curler is exceptionally curved. If you know your eyes work better with flatter eyelash curlers, then check out the JAPONESQUE Go Curl instead.
The handles on this product could use some improvement. They are your typical scissor-like handle that your fingers slide into. The issue is that they do not have any rubber or silicone lining, so they can be a bit slippery and may press uncomfortably into the thumb during use.
Though functionality is most important, it’s nice when a product can be pleasing to the eye, and this one definitely is. It looks sleek and the color options only add to the chic appearance. Our favorites are jet black and rainbow.
Replacement Pads
This curler comes with two replacement pads, and if you buy directly from the brand Brilliant Beauty, then getting more is easy. All you have to do is contact them and they will either sell you more replacement strips or send you some extras for free. There’s no need to buy a whole new curler!
Pros
- Curls lashes quickly without damaging them
- Creates a natural-looking curve
- Can easily get replacement strips by contacting the company
Cons
- Uncomfortable grip
- May be too curved for some eye shapes
4. Best for Protruding Eyes: Surratt Relevee Lash Curler
Editor’s Rating:
Curl Power
The silicone pads on this curler are soft and cushiony so they won’t damage your eyelashes or rip them out. Instead, they feel very gentle and comfortable against the eye and will not pinch your eyelids. They’re also designed in such a way that you’ll get a natural curve to your lashes rather than an L-shaped kink.
Design
The shape of this curler will work for most people, but it is especially good for round or protruding eyes. The way it is curved makes it easy to get every single lash on the first go, even those tricky ones in the outer corner. On the other hand, if you have small, deep-set eyes, then this curler may not be the right fit for you, and it may pinch your lids.
For deep-set eyes, check out the COVERGIRL Makeup Masters eyelash curler instead.
Replacement Pads
This curler only comes with one refill pad, and Surratt does not sell them separately. This is disappointing considering how expensive this curler is since replacement pads would extend the life of the tool. You’ll either have to cave and replace the tool when the pads wear out or use pads from a different brand.
Pros
- Works well on rounded or protruding eyes
- Silicone pads are gentle on the eyes — won’t damage or break lashes
- Creates a natural-looking curl
- Won’t pinch eyelids
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn’t fit small, deep-set eyes well
- Only comes with one replacement pad
5. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Editor’s Rating:
Curl Power
This Shu Uemera eyelash curler will work on most eye shapes and creates a nice curved lash without any pinching. It does not kink or crimp the lash, and it won’t rip them out either. You only need to clamp it for about ten seconds to achieve the perfect curl.
Design
The tool is easy to grip and gets the job done without requiring a lot of pressure, so it’s quite easy on the hand. The curler is pretty durable as well and will likely last a few years. This is a great curler, but you may want to exercise some caution if you decide to buy on Amazon. A number of reviewers believe they received fake Shu Uemura replicas. It can be difficult to tell if it’s a knock- off when they’re made to look identical, but watch out for products that are poorly made.
Replacement Pads
Unfortunately, finding replacement pads for this curler isn’t easy. When the strip needs to be replaced, you’ll either have to try something made by a third party and hope it fits or buy the whole curler again.
Pros
- Creates a natural-looking curl
- Doesn’t pinch or rip eyelashes out
- Works in 10 seconds without much pressure
Cons
- Difficult to find replacement pads
- May not be authentic if purchased on Amazon
6. Best for Travel: JAPONESQUE Go Curl Eyelash Curler
Editor’s Rating:
Curl Power
If traditional metal eyelash curlers are too curved to fit your eye shape, then this Japonesque curler may be perfect for you. It is still curved, but it is far less pronounced.
Because of the design of this curler, it’s much less likely to pinch your eyelid than it’s traditional metal counterparts. The shape also makes it easier to curl the lashes at the outer corner of the eye.
It won’t rip lashes out, break them, or leave them with an ugly crimp. It creates a nice, long-lasting curl. It doesn’t require a lot of pressure, which is a good thing because it breaks more easily if you apply too much (more on that in a moment).
Design
Because this product is not shaped the same as a traditional metal curler that opens and closes like scissors, it’s actually rather compact and travel-friendly.
Unfortunately, the plastic used for this product is not very durable. With daily use, it may only last about six months or less before the plastic breaks. It usually breaks along the flip-out back that you squeeze in order to curl your lashes.
If you’re careful about where you apply pressure and how much pressure you use, you may be able to make this product last longer. Applying pressure at the tip of the handle is more likely to cause it to break, so keep your fingers closer to the body instead.
Replacement Pads
If you manage to keep this product for more than six months, know that you’re also covered on replacement strips. Not only does it come with one extra, but the company guarantees that it will supply you with free replacement strips for the lifetime of the product.
Pros
- Unique shape makes it easier to curl outer lashes
- May fit eye shapes that struggle with traditional curlers
- Doesn’t crimp, rip out, or break eyelashes
- Free replacement pads are guaranteed for the life of the product
Cons
- Breaks easily, often within a few months of use
7. Best for Arthritic Hands and Fingers: Petunia Silicone Eyelash Curler
Editor’s Rating:
Curl Power
This curler creates a natural-looking curve to the lash without pinching the eyelids. It also won’t rip out, break, or otherwise damage the lashes. You can curl your lashes in seconds and it will last for most of the day. Though this Petunia curler works well for most eye shapes, it isn’t the best for small or deep-set eyes.
Design
The handles on this are a dream for people who have arthritis. It is not the traditional scissor-style curler with finger holes. Rather, there are two handles that you squeeze together.
This makes it a little easier for people with arthritic hands and fingers to use. Not only that, but the handles are wrapped in a thick silicone to give you a good grip. Even if you don’t suffer from arthritis, this tool is very comfortable to use.
This curler isn’t especially expensive and sometimes it shows. Some parts of it may break within a year. However, the company does offer a lifetime guarantee that they will replace the product if it breaks.
Replacement Pads
This curler comes with two refill pads, but if you need more they are easy to find. Petunia sells a box of 24 replacement pads for an affordable price on Amazon.
Pros
- Handles are perfect for people suffering from arthritis
- Curls lashes quickly and painlessly
- Does not crimp lashes into an L-shape
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not very durable
- Not suitable for small or deep-set eyes
8. Best Grip: Kaasage Eyelash Curler
Editor’s Rating:
Curl power
This Kaasage eyelash curler does a great job of curling the lashes without crimping them. It also won’t pinch your eyelids, but be careful not to rest it against your cheek or it may pinch that. You’ll find that your lashes are also safe from being ripped out. This curler definitely provides a gentle, positive curling experience.
Design
The finger holes for this product are covered by a non-slip grip which makes it really easy to hold, even for those who suffer from arthritis. The thick grips do make it weigh a bit more than the average curler, but they prevent finger pain and make the product feel more sturdy.
Because the metal of this curler is black, it can be somewhat difficult to see if all of your lashes are inside. It also comes with a pair of tweezers!
Replacement Pads
This eyelash curler comes with five replacement pads, so you probably won’t have to worry about finding new ones for quite a while. If you do manage to run out, unfortunately, Kaasage does not seem to sell replacements separately. You’ll either have to buy third-party or replace the whole curler.
Pros
- Thick grips are comfortable and painless, even for those with arthritis
- Doesn’t crimp the lashes
- Won’t pinch eyelids or rip lashes out
- Comes with five replacement pads
Cons
- Black metal makes it difficult to see lashes against the tool
- Can pinch your cheek if you’re not careful
9. Basic Concepts Eyelash Curler Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Curl Power
The Basic Concepts eyelash curler does a great job of curling the lashes without kinking them. It won’t pinch your eyelids or cut, break, or tear out any of your lashes either. It doesn’t take much pressure and it’ll have your eyelashes curled in about five seconds.
Design
Although this tool has the same shape as traditional curlers, the rose gold finish makes it feel just a bit more luxurious. However, because the handles are metal, some people may find them a bit uncomfortable. If you prefer a curler with a cushioned non-slip grip, check out the Kaasage eyelash curler. This curler also comes with a pair of tweezers and a small satin pouch.
Replacement Pads
This eyelash curler comes with five replacement strips, so these should get you by for a while. The company does not sell replacement pads separately.
Pros
- Doesn’t pinch the eyelids
- Won’t break lashes or tear them out
- Comes with tweezers and a pouch
- Beautiful rose gold finish
Cons
- Metal handles may be uncomfortable
10. Best for Deep-Set Eyes: COVERGIRL Makeup Masters Eyelash Curler
Editor’s Rating:
Curl Power
This is a solid curler for a cheap price tag. It won’t rip out your eyelashes, break them, or create kinks because the rubber strip is nice and soft. It leaves behind a rather natural curl and doesn’t require much pressure. Those with deep-set eyes have had especially good luck with this curler. The shape is suitable for most eye types but may be a bit small for big eyes.
Design
Unlike many other curlers of the same style, Covergirl has added rubber grips to the handles. This is a nice touch that makes them more comfortable to hold. However, those with large fingers might find the openings a bit small.
Despite its cheap price tag, this tool is pretty durable and can last for years. This is especially true of the body. The silicone strips on the inside may need to be replaced more frequently, though.
Replacement Pads
While the product does come with one replacement pad, it’s difficult to find them elsewhere. You may be able to find off-brand replacements that work, but this tool is so cheap that having to repurchase it when the silicone pads break isn’t really an issue.
Pros
- Cheap
- Creates a natural curl with no crimping
- Won’t break eyelashes or rip them out
- Rubber handles make for a comfortable grip
Cons
- Difficult to find replacement strips
- May be too small for large eyes
- Finger grips may be uncomfortable for large hands
11. Best Budget Pick: Hizek 3-in-1 Eyelash Curler Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Curl Power
Rather than being a single eyelash curler, this is a set! It comes with a normal eyelash curler, a mini eyelash curler, and a false eyelash applicator.
The normal curler provides a lovely U-shaped curl rather than a crimp, and it only takes about five to ten seconds. It even works on stubborn lashes that don’t want to hold a curl, though you may want to use some of our tricks to keep the curl in place.
The small eyelash curler is a really handy tool as it allows for more precision. You can touch up any areas the larger curler may have missed, such as the outer corner (a problem area for many eyelash curlers). It’s also great for helping false lashes blend more naturally with your real ones.
While these curlers are great for most people, they may not work on short lashes. They just don’t seem to provide the same satisfactory curl that they do on average or long lashes.
Design
Instead of having a scissor-like configuration where your fingers go through holes, this tool has flat handles that you pinch together. The handles are covered in soft silicone so it’s comfortable and non-slip. This is a great option for those who have large fingers or find the more traditional eyelash curler handles to be uncomfortable.
When you’re using this, you do need to take some caution. Do not rest it against your cheek when you’re pressing down on the paddle as it could pinch your face.
Replacement Pads
This eyelash curler set comes with four replacement pads for the small curler and four for the large curler. This is a nice addition that removes the need to search for replacement pads when one wears down.
Pros
- Affordable
- Creates a U-shaped curl, no crimping
- Small curler provides extra precision and is great for touch-ups
- Comfortable for large hands
- Comes with replacement pads
Cons
- Not suitable for short lashes
- May pinch your cheek if not used carefully
How to Curl Your Lashes and Make Them Stay All Day
Now that you’ve found a great tool, you’ll need to put it to good use. You may be a veteran at curling your lashes, but we have some tips we think may help you get an even better curl. Not only that, there are a few great techniques for making a curl hold all day long.
Tips for Curling Your Eyelashes
Curling your eyelashes seems pretty straightforward. Just put the tool against your lash line and squeeze, right? While that is the basic method to curling your lashes, we’ve got some tips that may make the experience easier and more rewarding.
Look Down at a Mirror
If you ever have trouble seeing exactly what you’re doing, use a handheld mirror and look down into it rather than straight into it. Since your eyes are only half-open while curling, it’s much easier to see if you’re looking down.
Tilt the Curler Toward Your Forehead
If you have super straight lashes, try this trick. By tilting the curler slightly toward your forehead, you’ll create a more intense curl to your lashes.
Curl From Base to Tip
If you curl only at the base of your lashes, sometimes it can look a bit unnatural. It can be helpful to start at the base and move along the lash. If you curl at the middle and near the tip, you’re more likely to get a natural-looking curl rather than a crimped look.
However, be careful not to use too much pressure when you do this or you may create a kink in the middle of the lash, which is not what we’re going for! In fact, using too much pressure is one of many mistakes people commonly make when curling their lashes.
How to Keep Your Lashes Curled All Day Long
For those who have stick-straight, stubborn lashes, even the best of curlers can fall short of perfection. They’ll curl the lashes but once mascara is applied, the lashes fall right back to being straight. Or, the curl doesn’t seem to hold for more than ten minutes. Let’s look at some techniques that’ll help even stubborn lashes keep a curl.
Heat Your Eyelash Curler
If you’ve ever used hot tools on your hair then you’ll understand how this technique works. Just grab your blow dryer and blast your eyelash curler for a few seconds.
Be sure to test it on the back of your hand to make sure it isn’t too hot. Our eyelids are very sensitive, and you could be in for a rude awakening if you press a hot curler to your eye.
Once you’re certain that the curler is warm but not hot enough to scald you, curl your lashes as you usually would. The heat will help your lash hold its new shape.
Use Waterproof Mascara
You may be reluctant to use waterproof mascara because it’s so hard to get off, but it’s truly fantastic for holding a curl. If you have straight lashes, then you’ll already know that washable mascara is not your friend. Even the ones that say “curl” on the label hardly hold a curl.
There’s also the issue that mascara can weigh down your lashes, making the curl fall even faster. However, the way that waterproof mascara is formulated actually makes it hold a curl quite well, regardless of if it is marketed as a mascara for curl hold or not.
We recommend using an oil-based makeup remover with a microfiber face cloth to remove waterproof mascara. This method is gentle on the eyes and oil-based removers are great at breaking down waterproof makeup. If you aren’t a fan of oil-based products, micellar water also works well.
Curl Your Lashes After Applying Mascara
This sounds like a bad idea because it kind of is. However, it can work and it can be safe if you are careful.
What you’ll want to do is curl your lashes, apply a light coat of mascara and wait until it is completely dry, and then curl the lashes again. Then, finish things off with a final coat of mascara.
The key here is to be really gentle. You don’t need to apply a lot of pressure to lashes that have mascara on them. If you do, they are far more likely to stick to the curler or get crimped in that undesirable L-shape we keep mentioning.
Also, make sure to clean your curler before and after doing this trick. If it is gunk-free, it is less likely to stick to your lashes.
If you do use this trick, it can sometimes cause your lashes to stick together a bit. You’ll want to have a lash comb on hand to separate them for that pretty fanned-out look (unless you prefer a spidery lash).
Use a Combination of These Steps
If your lashes are the most stubborn lashes on the planet, you may benefit from using a couple or all of these steps in tandem.
For instance, you may use the heat trick and then apply waterproof mascara if washable typically weighs your lashes down. Or, if you’re too lazy to get the blow dryer out every time you need to curl your lashes, you might decide to use waterproof mascara and curl after it dries.
Play around with these tricks and see what works best for you.
Eyelash Curler Safety and Hygiene
When we think about safety and hygiene in regards to cosmetics, we often forget to consider some of the tools we’re using. We all know we should wash our brushes, but how many of us regularly clean our eyelash curlers?
However, it’s really important to apply the FDA’s hygiene guidelines to our curlers as well:
- Clean your curler regularly
- Don’t share with others
- Don’t use it while in a moving vehicle
- Don’t let your curler get covered in dust or dirt, store it properly
- Wash your hands
Final Thoughts
The way your eyelashes look can change the way your eyes themselves look. Long, curled lashes will frame the eyes and draw attention to their beauty. Curled lashes can also help you look more bright and awake, even without applying mascara.
However, not all of us were born with perfectly curved lashes. That’s where a good eyelash curler comes in. With a good tool and the right techniques, even the straightest of lashes can stay curled all day long.