The 13 Best Eyelash Curlers for Long, Luscious Lashes
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When I was ten, I discovered my mother's makeup drawer. I'd spend hours in front of her vanity buffing on coral blush, penciling on liner, and layering on an absurd amount of mascara. But the one item that intimidated me too much to try—at first, at least—was the medieval-looking clamp next to her tweezers: an eyelash curler. I'd seen my mom use it countless times, opening her eyes wide in the mirror and squeezing deftly, revealing long, lifted lashes and a wider gaze. When I finally worked up the nerve to give it a go, I gingerly placed my lashes between curler's metallic jaws and squeezed. And it hurt! Badly! I'd clamped too tight at the base, pinching the fragile skin at my lash line. I shoved it back into the drawer, lucky to still have my lashes attached to my face, and didn't pick it up again until my mom gave me a real tutorial.
Whether you're a total pro at wielding a curler or you're a beginning looking to learn how, it's not just about the technique. The right curler is vital for achieving the ideal lash: lifted but not bent, curled but not crimped. Soft pads, ergonomic shape, a no-slip grip, and other details are the difference between getting a falsies-effect in seconds and the swift pain of plucking your hairs out. Here, we've rounded up the best curlers on the market for every eye shape, budget, and preference so you can beat the learning curve.
The pincher end of this mini curler is optimal for getting the right angle for hooded lids and grabbing onto shorter lashes. Or use it on just the hairs at the outer corners if you want to give a little extra flirty oomph before applying mascara.
If you have flatter lids or lashes on the shorter side, this curler lacks the steep curve of other options that'll allow you the right angle. Or if you want to give your cat eye an extra feline effect, angle the pads towards the outer corners and give them a good squeeze.
It might sound scary to put heat this close to your precious corneas, but Panasonic's option is totally safe and easy to use. The comb at the tip separates every lash while it warms them, giving them a pretty bend right at the base without the annoying crimping effect some standard curlers can have.
If you're new to curling and think these tools look straight-up medieval, Surratt's option is a good place to start. The finger holes allow for a no-slip grip, and the ergonomic curve of the pads help create a fool-proof bend, even if you're cringing the whole way through.
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Taylore Glynn is a former beauty and wellness editor for Allure. Previously, she served as beauty and health editor at Marie Claire and Harper’s Bazaar, and her work has appeared in Refinery29, Town & Country, Compound Butter, and RealSelf. She holds a master's degree in English and Creative Writing from Monmouth University. If you need her, she’s probably at the movies, braising a chicken, or evening out her cat eyeliner.