Not All Eyelash Curlers Are Created Equal—According to Experts, These 10 Are the Best
It’s a common misconception that all eyelash curlers deliver the same results, but we’re here to set the record straight: Not all eyelash curlers are created equal. Yes, most will curl the lash, but the best eyelash curlers are user-friendly, boast longer results, and are specialized to eye shape. The benefits of using an eyelash curler are simple—it can make your lashes appear longer, lifted, and prime them for a seamless mascara application and longer wear.
That said, clamping a metal tool—or even scarier, a heated wand—close to your eye can be nerve-wracking; however, finding the right eyelash curler for you and your lash type can help put these nerves at ease. Our preference for eyelash curlers is similar to our choice of other beauty tools and products. There isn’t one “right way” or perfect end-all be-all product. In short, the eyelash curler you like is personal to you, yet, there are a handful of top tier curlers that experts and avid users can all agree on as better than most. We’ve grouped the best-in-class eyelash curlers based on lash type, eye shape, budget, and more, with expertise from celebrity makeup artists Kindra Mann and Jaleesa Jaikaran.
- 01what to look for
- 02best eyelash curlers
- 03faqs
- Jaleesa Jaikaran, makeup artist and educator and host of the podcast The Life of a Makeup Artist
- Kindra Mann, celebrity makeup artist
Best eyelash curlers, at a glance
- Best overall: Shiseido, Eyelash Curler, $25
- Best for almond-shaped eyes: Tweezerman, ProMaster Lash Curler, $24
- Best for short lashes: Laura Mercier, Artist Eyelash Curler, $23
- Best ergonomic: Surratt, Revlee Lash Curler, $36
- Expert pick: Shu Uemura, Eye Eyelash Curler, $29
- Best heated eyelash curler: Lashify, Lashicurl, $45
- Best for all eye shapes: Kevyn Aucoin, The Eyelash Curler, $28
- Best budget: E.l.f., Pro Eyelash Curler, $5
- Best luxury: Dior, Backstage Lash Curler, $30
- Best for beginners: Tweezerman, Classic Lash Curler, $16
What to look for in an eyelash curler
When shopping for an eyelash curler, Mann recommends paying attention to the bend in the curl. “Make sure the lash bed is a similar shape to your eye to get the best fitting curl from your eyelash curler,” she says. Other aspects to pay attention to is comfort, how large the clamp is, if the bed is flat or wide-angled, and how it fits in your hand. Most beauty products take some trial and error to master, so it might take trying multiple different eyelash curlers to land on your favorite.
Shop the best eyelash curlers
When you search through TikTok for reviews of the “best eyelash curler” or ask any makeup artist, you’ll find the Shiseido come up in conversation. Mann and Jaikaran both agree on its industry-loved status because of its long-lasting properties and easy-to-use design. It has a flat edge and silicon padding that gently crimps the lashes without pinching them. The curler has a wide opening, which means it grabs and curls the lash on all eye shapes with ease. It does what a great eyelash curler should, which is curl all the lashes efficiently in one press without discomfort.
Pros:
- Works on most eye shapes
- Thousands of positive reviews
- Long-lasting curl
- Makeup artist-approved
Cons:
- Pricey
The Tweezerman ProMaster Eyelash Curler is closely compared to the Shiseido offering. (Mann also included the Tweezerman option in her top picks.) It’s known to be a no-fuss option that delivers a long lasting curl. Unlike how the Shiseido curler can be useful on all eye shapes, the Tweezerman style is designed specifically for almond and deep-set eyes with an extra-wide opening and flat bar. It also has a double-body handle that helps the user grasp it better for more control.
Pros:
- Makeup artist-approved
- Wide opening
- User-friendly handle
- Silicone pad for comfort
Cons:
- Designed for a specific eye shape
Recommended and tested by Well+Good editors is the Laura Mercier Artist Eyelash Curler. Setting it apart from the pack is its wide-angled shape that can grab all the lashes at once, which helps to avoid potentially harming the lashes by curling the same section over again. It has a double-body grip and silicone pads for comfort and easy-use. Because of its wide opening, those with shorter lashes will find that it can get close to the eye and curl the lash best. One reviewer claims: “As a makeup artist, It worked really well on my clients that had short lashes and needed volume along with curling. It curls the lashes very well!”
Pros:
- Wide-angle design
- User-friendly handle
- Works well on short lashes
Cons:
- May not work for all eye shapes
Scroll through reviews of the Surratt Relevee Eyelash Curler, and you’ll see why it’s a cult favorite. It’s labeled as an ergonomic eyelash curler that doesn’t have a high learning curve because of its lightweight feel and comfortable clamp. It’s raved about for having all the right qualities in an eyelash curler, including a generous-sized opening, a clamp that doesn’t require a ton of force, and effortless ability to create a lifted, eye-opening curl for even the most stubborn lashes. At $36, it’s one of the pricer options on this list, but still definitely worth a try.
Pros:
- Not harsh on lashes
- Works for a wide range of eye shapes
- Thousands of positive reviews
Cons:
- Expensive
Shu Uemura is one of Mann’s favorite eyelash curlers because it keeps lashes lifted all day. It claims to have a mushroom-shaped curve that’s meant to avoid pinching the eyelid while still feeling comfortable on the lash. The design of the curler is meant to deliver a consistent amount of pressure with each use to prevent damage to the lashes, which is important to keep in mind if you have sensitive lashes or are trying to grow your lashes. However, some reviewers note that the wide-opening shape is not suitable for smaller eye shapes.
Pros:
- Makeup artist-approved
- Long-lasting results
- Curved shaped to protect eyelid
- Designed to preserve lash health
Cons:
- May not work for smaller eyes
- Pricey
Gone are the days of heating up an eyelash curler with a blow-dryer to achieve a long-lasting effect. Lashify’s Lashicurl is a heated silicone wand with a comb applicator that curls the lashes without a clamp and instead does so by adding heat. It has three temperature controls and a double-sided comb for versatile use that is also effective with false lashes. Out of all the heated eyelash curlers, Mann finds Lashify is “easy to use,” but points out that’s it’s tricky to use on other people (like her clients). If you’re curious about using heat on your lashes or find that traditional clamps are painful, opt for a heated wand.
Pros:
- Multiple temperature controls
- Works well on false lashes
- More comfortable than a clamp
Cons:
- Has to be charged
- Expensive
- Risk of burning oneself
Another option with longtime industry-approval is the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler. Created by legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, the stainless steel eyelash curler has a wide opening to fit the entire lash bed while still fitting comfortably on a range of eye shapes. Like many other curlers on this list, it has a silicone padding, but what is unique to this option is its red hue which helps the lashes stand-out for better visibility and precision when curling. Across reviews, what stood out most was that it works well with all eye shapes.
Pros:
- Designed by a makeup artist
- Red silicone pad for visibility
- Works on a wide range of eye shapes
Cons:
- Pricey
If splurging on an eyelash curler isn’t in your budget, or if you’re not yet sold on eyelash curlers enough to invest in one, the five-dollar E.l.f. Pro Eyelash Curler is the way to go. It has a silicone padded body for a comfortable grip and can create a curl on stubborn, straight lashes. One reviewer writes, “I have short thin eyelashes and this curler has no issue curling them all,” with other reviews praising the padded body and no-fuss design. (FYI: It’s considered a dupe for the Dior eyelash curler.)
Pros:
- Affordable
- Padded grip
Cons:
- Isn’t the most comfortable
- May not hold curl for long
- No loops to place grip in
Although it’s not the most expensive eyelash curler on this list, the sleek Dior branding gives it a luxe feel. The padded body and arched shape is meant to give the user more control and comfortability when curling the lash. However, some say that because it’s designed without loops to place your fingers in, it’s easy to lose your grip. All in all, the Dior eyelash curler will curl your lashes and it does have a bevy of rave reviews—just keep in mind that you are paying for the luxury branding.
Pros:
- Padded grip
- Arched shape
Cons:
- No loops to place grip in
- Paying for branding
The Tweezerman Classic Lash Curler is the best mid-point between high-end and budget lash curlers at a little over $15. It’s shaped to fit a broader range of eyes in comparison to the Tweezerman ProMaster while still having a sleek, metal feel that can curl and lift lashes. Although metal is more prone to pinch the eye if not careful, it doesn’t require a tight squeeze to ensure lashes are lifted which is why it’s recommended for beginners and experts alike.
Pros:
- No-fuss design
- Lifts and curls lashes well
Cons:
- Metal has a learning curve
- There are better options for just a few bucks more
FAQs
What is the healthiest way to curl your eyelashes?
According to Mann, “The healthiest way to curl your lashes is to do it gently and avoid pulling or tugging and using a clean curler to prevent eye infections.” Although her answer seems straightforward, it’s important to remember to avoid damaging the delicate area. Jaikaran agrees, noting to be especially gentle around the eyes and avoid “pulling, tugging, or pressing too hard because the skin around the eyes is thinner than the rest of the face.” To avoid pulling or sticking onto the lashes, Mann says she curls her lashes before using mascara, which also helps to keep the curler clean.
Are plastic or metal eyelash curlers better?
“The choice between plastic and metal eyelash curlers often depends on personal preference,” says Mann. Between the two, she usually sticks to metal because when used, it offers a better curl. Jaikaran agrees, saying, “Metal curlers give a more substantial curl but are more prone to cause damage or pinch the eyes.” But, like Mann says, it’s up to personal preference. For beginners, Jaikaran recommends opting for a plastic eyelash curler.
Is there a difference between cheap and expensive eyelash curlers?
“Expensive does not always equal quality,” says Jaikaran. Drugstore options across the board are closer to competing with expensive products more than ever. For Mann, “Expensive eyelash curlers may offer better build quality and durability,” she says, with the caveat:“But both cheap and expensive ones can effectively curl lashes if used correctly.” While it is clear that some beauty tools work better than others, Jaikaran says that what works best for you ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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