Consider the eyelash curler. Sure, the metal-jawed contraption looks kind of like something you’d find on an OB-GYN’s surgical tray — cold, intimidating, metallic, clinical. But in actuality, it’s the cornerstone of any well thought-out beauty routine. That 30-second lash crimp is to your face what espresso is to the fogged mind. One press and a quality curler perks up drooping lashes instantly, lifting and brightening your whole visage.
It’s truly a universal tool. With the right eyelash curler, those of the no-makeup makeup school of thought can achieve a soft, natural curl — no potentially clumpy or runny mascara necessary. Meanwhile, fans of the Instagram makeup lewk can — and know to — use curlers as precursors to lash primer. On top of that, curlers make handy false eyelash applicators. They meld the real with the faux and lend both some added lift. All this to say, you need one.
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Having trouble tracking down the best eyelash curler for your eye shape, lash length or simply your budget? We’ve got you covered. Click through the slideshow above to shop 10 of the absolute best eyelash curlers on the market, as vehemently asserted by beauty insiders (including one Kim Kardashian). Note: said assertions have been edited and condensed for clarity.
And once you’ve found your Holy Grail of eyelash curlers, check out the YouTube video below, wherein beauty vlogger NikkieTutorials demonstrates the best way to use the tool. (Hint: heat is involved.)
Best Eyelash Curler
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Best Eyelash Curler for Sensitive/Round Eyes
Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler, $21 at Sephora
The bright red pad makes it easy to line up its handle with your lash line, leaving little room for error (i.e. pinching/inadvertent eyelash removal).
Per reviewers:
"I saw several reviews online and decided to give it a try. I thought that the price was crazy so I waited until it was 20 percent off. Still expensive. My eyes are rounded and big and no curler ever worked...until I found this guy. It curls them and they stay curled. All my lashes, even the outer ones. I am in love."
"I really didn't think an eyelash curler would make such a difference. I'm not young, and prior to this purchase I believed that drugstore curlers were the same as these. WRONG. You almost have to experience this to understand how much better it is. No pinch, no pull, no missing eyelashes after using it. The curl lasts all day too. I have reformed."
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Best Eyelash Curler for Deep Set/Hooded Eyes
Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler, $22 at Amazon
Due to the relatively short distance between its handle and the top bar of its lash cage, this Tweezerman model even gets those baby lashes at the very edge.
Per reviewers:
"It fits my slightly droopy cornered eyes. It doesn't pinch. It doesn't rest on my face. The action is smooth. The only thing I would change is the color. The dark metal makes it hard to see my eyelashes."
"I hardly ever review products but I have to tell you all about this eyelash curler. For years I have struggled with eyelash curlers not reaching far enough to get my lashes on the end or pinching my eyelids. I used top of the line curlers like Shu Uemura and Kevyn Aucoin. I nearly resigned myself to the fact that my eyes weren't made for curlers. WRONG. I've found my 'glass slipper': this is the best eyelash curler I have ever used without a doubt! I want to sing it from the mountain tops. If you have problem with other curlers, you must give this a try, you won't be disappointed."
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Best Eyelash Curler According to Kim Kardashian
Preo/Prima Curl Up Japanese Eyelash Curler, $35.04 at Amazon
At celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic's The Master Class with Kim Kardashian, the reality star revealed that Preo/Prima makes her go-to curler. And we all know it's nothing but the best for Kim.
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Best Eyelash Curler for Monolids
Shiseido Eyelash Curler, $22 at Sephora
Shiseido's relatively flat shape has attracted many (literally) wide-eyed fans.
Per reviewers:
"I have been using this curler for maybe five to seven years now, and it's honesty the best curler I have ever used. Having monolid eyes, a lot of other curlers' curvature wouldn't allow me to get near the root of my eyelashes. Shiseido's is just everything I ask for in a curler, it makes my lashes look amazing, never pulling on them. The lift lasts all day, and on top of that you can easily replace the plastic strip on the curler so you can use the tool for years!"
"I have tried cheaper eyelash curlers in the past which never worked for me...and I was hesitant to spend so much money on the curler. But it works! I have short straight eyelashes and wham! This curler managed to make them curl!"
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Best Eyelash Curler Made by a Celebrity Makeup Artist
Surratt Relevée Lash Curler, $30 at Spring
Created by Uma Thurman’s makeup artist, Troy Surratt, the Relevée has amassed a cult following thanks to its ergonomic design. (It's got extra-wide, naturally shaped curlers and a gentle but pressure-enhancing double-prong handle.)
Per reviewers:
"I was never one for curling my lashes, on a whim I would purchase curlers that many times in the past let me down. On one such whim I purchased this curler as a last ditch effort for something incredible — I am so glad I did. This curler lifts and curls lashes in the most beautifully natural way...no 90-degree angles, no painful pinching, no lost lashes. This is my holy grail lash curler and I never thought I would be able to say that."
"The curler has a similar in-hand feel and weight to the Shiseido, but the shape of the curling pads is quite different. I have what I consider to be typical caucasian eyes. Not almond, not round, not elongated...just a boring eye opening. This curler fits my boring eyes VERY well! I don't think it would be even possible for me to pinch anything at all, even if I tried. The curl doesn't seem to be as intense as the Shiseido, which is OK by me as sometimes that curler left things looking a little crimped. In contrast, the Relevée just provides a nice, subtle lift — much like a ballerina performing a relevée! I'm extremely happy with this purchase."
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Best Eyelash Curler for Stick-Straight Lashes/That Sadly Isn't Sold in the U.S.
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, $21 at Shu Uemura
You have to order it directly from the Shu Uemura site — which is exactly what pretty much every L.A. makeup artist does.
Per reviewers:
"I'm a makeup artist/addict and have used every eyelash curler from Revlon to Kevin Aucoin, from regular to heated. This is by far the best eyelash curler ever. I usually have to blow dry my eyelash curlers or heat them up with a lighter. I've never used heat on this one. Another thing: my eyelashes are so poker-straight and downward-pointing that, in addition to heat, I also usually need to have mascara on to hold the curl. Not with this eyelash curler!!! The first time I used it with no makeup on and no heat, my eyelashes curled right up with one squeeze and stayed like that for 8 hours!!! (Could've been longer but I went to bed.) Within a week I bought my mom one and she loves it too! I wish I tried this curler sooner!! I would have saved so much money."
"If you have trouble finding an eyelash curler that works on your stick-straight eyelashes, this should be your new go-to. I used to spend a good amount of time on my lashes to get them curled and doll-like, but ever since I've started using this eyelash curler it's cut the time in half! It's perfect! I will not use any other eyelash curler. I've recommended this product to all of my friends because it's become such a staple in my beauty routine. You will definitely NOT regret this buy."
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Best Eyelash Curler for Curling in Sections
MAC Half Lash Curler, $22 at MAC
Use it to lift hard-to-reach sections or perk up your falsies. While Kim's beloved Preo/Prima eyelash curler will also get the job done, MAC's mini-curler offers similar benefits at a more affordable price.
Per reviewers:
"This works just like I thought it would. I'm able to get closer to the lash line and curl the lashes toward the inner and outer part of my eyelid. But you have to realize that this process takes a bit longer since you are working in sections. Because you do have to slip this tool through other lashes to work with it, I'd recommend that you only use it on lashes without mascara on them — at least until you get a feel for it. It may not be as simple as a full lash curler, but it is so much more effective — I highly recommend it."
"Does its job, easy to keep clean and has replaceable rubber strips. It's also small enough to carry in my bag and big enough to blend my faux lashes with my real ones. Perfect!"
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Best One-Size-Fits-All Eyelash Curler
NARS Eyelash Curler, $20 at NARS
This no-fuss eyelash curler gives lashes a subtle, natural curl and fits most eye shapes really well. What's not to like?
Per reviewers:
"I just bought this curler and I immediately used it when I got home. I was surprised by how lightweight it felt! And when I curled my eyelashes, I didn't have to use much force to get a curl. It curled them without breaking them, unlike the Tarte eyelash curler."
"I have been using the NARS curler for about four years now and don't envision myself switching anytime soon because this one is a good shape that fits the whole eye and doesn't exclude any lashes. Also, it works, plain and simple. I have very long but very straight lashes and was previously loyal only to Tweezerman, but you have to be diligent about changing Tweezerman's curling pads or else they pinch your lashes and pull some of them out!"
(To each his own.)
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Best Affordable Eyelash Curler for All Eye Shapes
Kaasage Eyelash Curler, $8.99 at Amazon
Amazonians are raving about this little-known curler, and at that price, why argue?
Per reviewers:
"Works well after I figured it out — I was very used to using the cheap-o curlers and basically had to relearn how to angle the curler properly to achieve the desired effect (but before I did I thought it was defective like a doofus and was yelling fervently in frustration). The best part is that it doesn't pinch or rip out your lashes like the low grade ones."
"In the past I've always used Revlon or Maybelline eyelash curlers. I recently purchased this one on Amazon and am in love. The aforementioned curlers always pinched my eyelid if I mistakenly got too close and gave my lashes too much of a curve. This one, however, is perfect."
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Best Affordable Eyelash Curler for Straight or Short Lashes
Aickar Eyelash Curler, $9.96 at Amazon
Got straight lashes, short lashes and/or an under-$10 budget? This one's for you.
Per reviewers:
"My eyelashes are very straight and very difficult to curl. However, this curler worked great. It curled my eyelashes perfectly and they stayed that way for a very long time."
"I am very happy with this purchase. I have short eyelashes, and this curler lifts them without pinching or pulling my skin. Highly recommended!!!"
