It’s Time to Upgrade Your Eyelash Curler—These 7 Guarantee a Flutter-Worthy Look
Not many people know this, but I’m a tad bit addicted to curling my eyelashes. Like, not My Strange Addiction-level, but definitely close to it. I just love the way one tool can open up my almond-shaped eyes and lift up my stick-straight lashes for an extra-feminine flair in any makeup look. While every professional makeup artist will warn you to only curl your eyelashes before applying mascara, I take a very scary risk every single day. After my initial curl and once my mascara has completely dried, I very carefully curl them again. Even if I’m rushing out the door and don’t have time for that second squeeze, I always keep an extra curler in my purse—true story. However, this is very much a “do as I say, not as I do” situation, for I’ve seen far too many videos of curlers covered in a strip of freshly-ripped-off lashes.
To make a long story short, if anyone knows a good eyelash curler from a bad one, it’s me. Plus, of course, celebrity makeup artist Adam Sidwell, who says, “Eyelash curlers are an essential part of my kit. Much like scaffolding, they help support and strengthen the architecture of your lashes. They also help accentuate your eye shape, resulting in a fresh, well-rested look.” Makeup artist and Sweed beauty founder Gabriella Elio concurs, sharing, “It really opens up the eyes, makes you look awake, and gives a lifting effect!”
Surprisingly, not all lash curlers are created equal. From pad shape and clamp tension to eye-fit and lash length compatibility, the smallest design details can mean the difference between a wide-eyed flutter and a frustrating pinch. I’ve tested curlers that barely made a dent and others that delivered an all-day lift with just one squeeze. Ahead, I’m breaking down the very best eyelash curlers—tried, tested, and expert-approved—for every eye shape, lash type, and skill level.
It’s hard to discuss eyelash curlers without mentioning Shiseido. It’s an expert-favorite with a cult-like following for a reason. “I love the Shiseido Eyelash Curler because it’s firm and curls the lashes beautifully,” says Elio.
An ELLE editor says: “I used to think all lash curlers were the same—until I tried this one. The Shiseido Eyelash Curler has been a staple in my makeup collection for the past five years. It curls my fairly short, very straight eyelashes so high, they nearly touch my eyebrows. The straighter edge allows me to grip (but not tug on) the very base of my lashes for a fuller, stronger lift. Plus, the curl actually lasts all day long, especially when topped with a waterproof mascara.”—Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty e-commerce writer
The iconic red padding in this eyelash curler isn’t the only reason it stands out. The unique wide opening and gentle curve can accommodate every eye shape. It’s slim, lightweight, and never tugs, pulls, or pinches no matter how close you get to the lash line.
An ELLE editor says: “The Kevyn Aucoin lash curler is an extremely close second to the Shiseido. Despite my short lashes and almond eyes, this tool never pinches or pulls on my skin. The red padding helps for lash visibility, along with the ultra-wide opening and slightly curved shape that always fits snug to my lid. It’s been an industry favorite for decades, and the pro-quality material ensures a long-lasting lift.”—Emma Aerin Becker
Who doesn’t love a 2-for-1 deal? For under $30, Tarte offers their Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler and a mini Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara, so bold lashes are never left behind. The purple silicone strip provides the perfect amount of pressure to secure a fluttery curl every time.
An ELLE editor says: “Many of my friends and co-workers have waxed poetic about Tarte’s eyelash curler, so I decided to give it a try. Straight away, I don’t love that there’s no openings for my fingers to grasp onto. It definitely took me a minute to get used to the grip of the tool. However, once I did, this curler gave my lashes a beautiful curl. They looked long and lifted but still soft and wispy. Topped with mascara, and I fully understood the hype.”—Emma Aerin Becker
Made with almond-shaped eyes in mind, the Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler lays perfectly agains the lid to lengthen and lift every lash. The best part? You can find it everywhere from Sephora to your local drugstore.
Our expert says: “I have it in rose gold, and I love how you can see the lashes against the color of the curler—you can gauge how much of a curl you’re getting.”—Vincent Oquendo, celebrity makeup artist
Hourglass’s lash curler is sleek, lightweight, and designed to reach even the tiniest lash. For maximum lift and curl, it’s best to gently press along the lashes as you work your way up from root to tip.
Our expert says: “My favorite eyelash curler is by Hourglass Cosmetics. The rubber band has a very subtle curve so that it grabs the individual lashes easily and gently. I also love that the curler is so thoughtfully and architecturally designed that it looks like a piece of art.”—Adam Sidwell
The name says it all. This legendary lash enhancer is truly the G.O.A.T of curlers. Beloved by many, including celebrity makeup artist Dani Kimiko Vincent, who has worked with Sandra Oh, this tool is a surefire way to instantly look more awake. It even gets a shout out in Devil Wears Prada.
Am Amazon reviewer says: “This curler is the best of the bunch! I don’t know what little trick they’ve figured out or what kind of sorcery this is, but the results are phenomenal and reliable. Seriously, this little gadget never has off days. I wouldn’t own anything else.”
Sweed Beauty’s lash curler is lightweight yet extremely durable. In just one pinch, it curl the lashes, making your eyes appear more awake all day long.
Our expert says: “I love the Sweed Eyelash Curler because it really grips each lash and gives a beautiful curl and lift that lasts!”—Gabriella Elio
First things first, “The best way to curl your lashes without causing damage is to curl before applying mascara,” explains Sidwell. “If you use a lash curler after your mascara is on, there is potential that you could severely damage or pull out your lashes.”
As for the best method for curling, Elio suggests you “Curl as close to the base of the lashes as possible and press three times —once at the inner corner, once in the center, and once at the outer corner if you have wide eyes.” She adds, “For medium or small eyes, pressing twice is usually enough to give them a great lift.”
There are three elements that you should look for when shopping for an eyelash curler. The first is a rubber band, which Sidwell says should have plenty of cushion. “A good quality curler will bounce back when pressed together—almost spring-like,” he says.
Next, see how the lash curler feels in your hands. As Sidwell says, “Hold the curler to make sure that it feels comfortable and secure to ensure there is no risk of the tool slipping.”
Lastly, “Throughout the years, I have found that the more exaggerated the curve of the rubber band, the more difficult it is to get to the root of the lashes,” says Sidwell. “When the band has a subtle curve, the curler will grasp the lashes more easily.”
Adam Sidwell is a makeup artist and Hourglass Cosmetics’ International Pro Artist.
Gabriella Elio is a makeup artist and the founder of Sweed Beauty.
For this piece, ELLE.com beauty writer Emma Aerin Becker consulted professional makeup artists to learn all about the best eyelash curlers on the market. As an avid user herself, she also tested them out and combed through reviews for top-rated products, assessing each one based on its features and customer evaluations.
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items.
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