From eyelash extensions to lash lifts, spending time and money at the salon to create a fuller-looking flutter has become as essential to some as a visit for a cut and blow-dry.
Yet, creating lift, curl and a fanned-out effect doesn’t have to be so costly, you can elevate your lash game just as effectively with an eyelash curler.
Whether you’ve got short, straight lashes or a natural thicker, longer frame an eyelash curler will create height and curl that very few are blessed with naturally. Even the best mascara alone can’t give you the enviable curls of this essential beauty tool.â¯
A good arc frames the face and not only creates the illusion of a fuller, longer flutter but opens up the eye area making you look more wide-awake. That’s why you’ll find an eyelash curler in every professional make-up artist’s kit, and should be in yours if you want to take your eye make-up to the next level.
How to use an eyelash curler
If you don’t know how to use an eyelash curler, it couldn’t be easier. There are two techniques depending on the effect you’re after and the length of your lashes. But for both, it’s important to remember to always use the tool on bare lashes, so before applying mascara. If you use it after you not only run the risk of unsightly clumpiness with hairs sticking together, but of breaking your lashes too.
The first technique works well on shorter lashes. Simple let lashes fall between the clamps getting as close to the lash line as possible. By closing the clamps slowly you’ll make sure you haven’t caught any skin, and avoid pinching the lid. Once comfortably in place hold shut (relaxed not too tight) pulsing gently for around 10 seconds – it may take more time depending on your type of lashes. Allow for a little trial and error for the best results before you’re ready for mascara.â¯
The second way to use an eyelash curler works well with naturally longer, thicker lashes. Generally, it has three steps. The first is as above, but after you’ve lifted the lashes at the lashline you move the curler to the middle and repeat the process and then to the tip to do the same again– essentially, you’re moving the eyelash curler up the lash for maximum effect.⯠â¯
Unfortunately, not all eyelash curlers are created equal, and you can’t try before you buy when it comes to buying one. So, we’ve done the testing for you to bring you this carefully curated beauty editor-approved edit of curlers for every budget…
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Dior Backstage Eyelash Curler
You’ll find this cult classic eyelash curler in some of the best professional make-up kits, and it gets top marks for design, quality and performance. Just look at it, its chic all-black design fits in with the fashion elite, while the robust metal and ergonomic handle scream high quality.
And when it comes to results, there’s a reason MUAs swear by it. The bouncy pads, coupled with its smooth squeezing mechanism make it hard to pull or tug the lashes, so you always get a comfortable curling experience and you won’t be able to over-squeeze leading to creases. Within seconds you are left with eye-opening results, delivering height and curve for a fluttery all-day effect.
Buy now £20.00, Boots
Eyeko Eyelash Cushion Curler
The experts at drawing attention to the eyes, it’s a given that Eyeko was going to have one of the best eyelash curlers out there. Standing out from the crowd with a blue-metallic finish, this lightweight tool is easy to manoeuvre and a great option for beginners and less experienced users as well as pros.
The plumped silicone cushion is delicate on lashes and makes creating natural separation and curl effortless. If you fear poking yourself in the eye, these use a wide silicone pad making it near impossible. That said, if you have short lashes and want to create lift right at the lashline these won’t be for you. Bonus points also go to Eyeko for the extra replacement pad in the box (unusual for such an affordable option).
Buy now £12.00, lookfantastic
No7 Lift and Curve Eyelash Curler
Conventional design meets style with this almost-black metal finish eyelash curler that you can pick up on the high street. It’s a reasonably priced option, with change from a £10 note, but a very effective tool if you’re looking for a soft, natural-looking curl.
Easy to use, even for beginners, the snug finger holes allow for a controlled grip - limiting the chance of pinching the lids or pulling at the lashes. Hold the soft pads in place for a good 30 seconds for best results, and you’re left with kink-free arcs that last all day once set in place with mascara. It also comes with two spare pads, so they’ll last you a very long time. Great value!
Buy now £7.95, Boots
Tweezerman Curl 38° Lash Curler
The professionals when it comes to creating top-quality beauty tools, Tweezerman has a large collection of hard-to-beat eyelash curlers to suit every need, including this one specially crafted for almond-shaped or deep-set eyes. Lashes that curve with the shape of these eyes can be missed by some tools, but not with this innovative design.
The curler is angled at 38 degrees, hence its name, and is teamed with a narrow opening so that you won’t miss even the tiniest of lashes. You can expect added drama in the form of height, curl and a fanned-out effect, whether you’re going bare or applying mascara on top. Plus, it comes with a whopping three replacements in a little container for safe storage – a nice touch.
Buy now £18.00, Amazon
Diego Dalla Palma Eyelash Curler
Look to the Italian beauty brand Diego Dalla Palma for a sturdy eyelash curler that creates a wide-eyed effect effortlessly. The curve of the curler makes it easy to get to the base of the lashline, so even the shortest of lashes can create lift and fast - it takes just 10 seconds on each eye to get results.
Its classic monochrome design oozes style but practicality too. The easy-to-grip black handles don’t tempt you to over-squeeze and the white easy-to-clean cushions make sure you’re not bringing dirt to the delicate area. Ticking all the boxes for design and performance, plus including two replacement pads, this one of the best on the beauty shelves.
Buy now £21.00, lookfantastic
Chanel Eyelash Curler
One of the most expensive eyelash curlers in our round-up but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Crafted using a sturdy metal and with a quality that not only looks but feels luxe, you’d know this had a higher price point if you were blind testing.
It fits into the hand securely, allowing for maximum control even with a relaxed grip, so you’re never tempted to squeeze too hard. Shaped to fit all eye shapes, with high-quality silicone cushions that you can easily place anywhere on the lashes from right at the root to the ends. With two replacements in the signature black and gold box, this well-made beauty essential is going to last you a very long time. And of course, it’s embossed with Chanel to add to the appeal.
Buy now £30.00, John Lewis
Hourglass Eyelash Curler
Major green points go to this eyelash curler as it is one of only a few where you can buy replacement pads separately. Its unique angular design - made with a high-grade metal and gold finish - also makes this one of the most elegant designs out there. If you own a dressing table it deserves a prime position on it.
Cushioned silicone pads are gentle on the lashes, creating crease-free and long-lasting arcs that make the flutter appear longer and fuller. Our only bugbear is its shape doesn’t work well with deep-set eyes (you’ll need to stick to the eyelash curler from Tweezerman if that’s the case).
Buy now £30.00, Space NK
Lash Star Heated Eyelash Curler
A newer category to the lash-game, heated eyelash curlers work like hot tools for your flutter. This is our favourite, a lightweight wand that provides long-lasting and dramatic height, separation and curl to all lashes whether natural, falsies or extensions.
It works differently compared to a traditional metal frame eyelash curler in that it should be used after mascara. Simply power on, adjust to one of four gentle temperatures (from 65° to 95°), and after 10 seconds or so let your lashes fall into the wand’s grooves. Then, using sweeping upwards motions (just like when applying mascara), it curls your lashes and sets in place. Not only is it easy to use, with no chance of prodding yourself in the eye or pinching your eyelid, but it’s straightforward to recharge too as it comes with a handy USB cable. And you can expect the intense curl to stay lifted in place all day.
Buy now £32.00, FeelUnique
Revolution The Eye Master Set
If your lashes tend to naturally overlap, you’ll do well with this eyelash curler and comb duo to create separation before you curl. A stroke or two using the lash comb before curling ensures no hairs clump together. Instead you have evenly separated lashes that once curled, frame the eyes with longer-looking fanned-out lashes.
With a rose gold finish, and a traditional finger hole design, this tool fits in the hand well for a controlled grip that limits the chances of pinching the lid but still allows you to get close to the eye bed for maximum lift. An absolute steal in your beauty kit!
Buy now £8.00, Beauty Bay
Brushworks Glitter Lash Curler
Turn to Brushworks for a large collection of beauty tools and brushes at purse-friendly prices, including this eyelash curler that’s not only affordable but effective. Designed with a rose gold metal finish and large glitter handles, if you’re not into bling there’s also a standard metal option with pink handles available that works just as well.
The large plastic handles make the tool easy to control, while the wide silicone eye bed make delivering a soft curl easy. Slightly larger than most, these will be difficult to use on smaller eyes, but a top choice for larger peepers with longer lashes. Note, that there are no replacement pads with this option, but for the price, it’s to be expected.
Buy now £4.79, lookfantastic
Verdict
The bestselling Dior Eyelash Curler is hard to beat when it comes to design, ease of use and creating the illusion of longer-looking lashes thanks to its ability to lift and create enduring curl. If you’re looking to spend less, try theâ¯Eyeko Eyelash Cushion Curler for its top eye-enhancing results too.â¯
