obsessive tester

17 Best Eyelash Curlers for Swoopy, Lifted Lashes

Photo-Illustration: Courtesy of retailer.

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Even though it may feel like something you can easily skip, curling your eyelashes is just as important as putting on your shoes (to some of us). Since eyelashes come in different textures and shapes, curling them is the best way to look more awake and open up the eye area, especially for an eye-makeup-heavy look. But if you’re using the wrong type of curler, it might not be something that feels worth it. Over the years, our team has tried many, many eyelash curlers, and to make sure you’re using the best curler out there for your eyes, we spoke with some beauty experts.

What Makes for a Good Eyelash Curler?

A good eyelash curler has a handle that comfortably fits your fingers and fits well with your eye shape. Makeup artist Quinn Murphy says to make sure all of your lashes fit into the curvature of the device.

What Makes for the Best Eyelash Curler?

The best eyelash curler isn’t just comfortable; it ensures that your lashes don’t get pinched, and it molds them into a nice swoop. The difference comes down to the eye bed — an inch-long curved strip (often made of silicone) that acts as a resting place for your lashes during the curling process. “It should feel stable and not wobbly when squeezed together. The pads should feel firm but bouncy and easy to use,” says Murphy.

Makeup artist Robert Sesnek recommends paying attention to the metal part of the curler that’s opposite the eye bed. “Make sure it isn’t too sharp or thin,” Sesnek says. “Thicker, more solid, and rounded shapes tend to be better and safer for your lashes.”

Below, we’ve included the eyelash curler I’ve been using for three years straight, the Cut Shop team’s picks, and some makeup artists’ faves.

Our Top Picks:

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The Best Overall Eyelash Curler

Photo: Morgan Evans

When it comes to rounded shapes, like Sesnek recommends, this sleek Dior curler is certainly a winner. Makeup artist Beau Nelson also swears by it. It’s wrapped on both sides to prevent pinching and pulling, and it’s a favorite among those with rounded and hooded eyes because it curls every single lash. When testing the curler, I found that to be true. Not only is the shape one of the best and most comfortable, I also love the grip of this curler. When using traditional handles, I found myself having to focus on keeping my hand steady, but the rubber on this curler eliminates that issue. It’s less forceful. The first time I used it, I instantly noticed a difference in my lashes after gripping the handles for about 20 seconds. I did a second round with a few extra pumps and I’d say this curler gave the most distinctly curvy shape to my lashes. However, as someone who prefers length to a complete curl, I did find that when I applied mascara, my lashes were so shaped that they were a bit shorter due to the more defined curl. Not a bad thing, of course, depending on what you prefer in terms of lash definition.

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The Best Drugstore Eyelash Curler

Great eyelash curlers at a drugstore price point are hard to find. This is one of the best-reviewed and affordable ones on Amazon, with almost 700 reviews and close to a five-star rating. One thing I like about this curler is that the finger holes are made of rubber, which helps to give you that steadier hand, while the curler itself is metal. And similar to the Tweezerman curler, it also has a silicone eyelash pad. It’s straightforward and easy to use. In fact, on the packaging, they instruct you to clamp your lashes for just five to ten seconds for the full effect. When I first used it, I didn’t notice too much of a difference, so I did another pump, starting at the base of the lash. After the second time curling my lashes, I noticed a soft, subtle lift but nothing super-dramatic. I think this option is best for daytime use. It creates natural-looking lashes but still gives a fluttery effect.

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The Best Eyelash Curler for a Natural-Curl Look

This one is loved by makeup artists because its eye bed is slightly wider and less round, so it works better on a variety of eye shapes, which Sesnek notes. “It allows you to get up to the lash line without clamping on the eyelid because of its shape and is great for soft, natural-looking curls,” he says. It opens a little wider, which makes it more comfortable to use. Murphy has been recommending this curler for years and notes that the red band (the rounded crescent that helps shape lashes) enables you to see the lashes better while you curl them. Another great feature is that it comes with an extra red cushion, which will prolong the life of your curler. Who doesn’t love that? After testing it for myself, I agree with Sesnek: While the shape of this curler is wider, as opposed to round, it made it easier to clamp the lashes, and I definitely noticed a more effortless curl after clamping down for about 20 seconds. The natural shape of the curl was something I hadn’t really noticed before with other options on the market. When I applied my mascara, I only did one light layer on each eye, and it looked pretty damn near perfect.

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The Best Eyelash Curler for Sensitive Eyes

Tweezerman has an extensive line of affordably priced curlers that work just as well as the pricier ones, according to most internet reviews. After testing, I found these curlers to be one of the most comfortable in my hands and easy to use. I love that the eyelash pad is silicone instead of rubber, making it a good option if you have sensitive eyes like me (thanks to bad allergies). It’s also less bouncy, which gave me more control. As for the actual curl, I found that it gave me a nice swooped lash after a few pumps. My lashes were curled and evenly coated — but still had a good length — when I applied mascara. For me, that’s the ultimate goal! The curler itself is a bit wider and does have less of an arch than the Dior or Kevyn Aucoin options above, so the first time I used it, there was some pinching. But once I got the right angle, this Tweezerman curler did its job.

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Another Under $5 Option

$3

I love the sleek look of this curler, and, of course, the price tag. It’s another budget-friendly option that provides high-quality results. In addition to the recommended 20-second squeeze, I did a few extra pumps at the tips of my lashes, which gave them a little extra lift. If you’re looking for a straightforward curler that’s not overly complex or fancy, you really can’t go wrong with this $5 one.

More Options:

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The Best Foolproof Eyelash Curler

Former Beauty Director Kathleen Hou describes this curler as “feeling like a hug.” The eye bed is formulated so that it delivers the best curl swoop, one that instantly opens the eye and makes you look more alert. It is so cushiony that it feels like your lashes are resting on their own special pillow (which Murphy calls a “luxurious experience”). Notably, even the handle of the curler is different — it’s double-barreled, which is like a fail-safe that prevents you from over-squeezing or crimping your lashes. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Sesnek says that this is their absolute favorite. “The curve shape, weight, and performance of this cannot be beat. I can use this on all eye shapes, and it’s clamp makes it easy to get all the lashes — my go-to since it debuted.”

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The One With All the Amazon Rave Reviews

Kaasage Eyelash Curler
$7
Photo: Retailer

Amazon reviewers are positively ecstatic about this curler. There are close to 9,000 reviews all praising this one as being “the best.” Reviewers rate this one close to five stars and praise it for being easy to use and effective, without any pinching.

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The Best Eyelash Curler for Newbies

“This is the GOAT for a reason,” says Murphy. “It’s easy to use, and the shape allows you to get as close as possible to the base of the lashes. It has nice spring and is overall perfect.” As a longtime favorite of makeup artists, it gives a pretty, soft swoop to the lashes rather than an unnatural 90-degree angle. It’s a perfect starter lash curler if you want to try something comfortable that yields instant results. However, it’s better for smaller eye shapes.

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The Eyelash Curler You Can Charge by USB

This heated lash curler curls your lashes in place with very gentle heat. If you’re worried, don’t be — this curler shows you the exact temperature and features four different temps for optimum curl. Plug it into the USB to charge, and it’s easier than charging your phone.

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The Universally Loved Eyelash Curler

This one has over 1,000 nearly five-star reviews on Sephora praising how well it works on a variety of eye types. Strategist writer Rio Viera-Newton likes it too.

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Another Shu Uemura Backup

If the Shu Uemura is sold out, this eyelash curler is just as good, according to reviewers. It gets close to the lash line without pulling and pinching and keeps lashes curled all day without tons of effort.

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The One That Gives Your Lashes a Perm and Works With Extensions

If you’ve tried eyelash curlers before and have been frustrated at their lack of hold, try a heated one. As scary as they sound, they do hold a curl for longer and are ideal for extensions (mechanical eyelash curlers can damage them). This is one of the highest-ranked ones online, and it’s easy to use — it doesn’t become unbearably hot. You gently press it against the middle of your lashes to give yourself a lash lift.

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The Best Eyelash Curler for Short Lashes

Photo: Retailer

If you are determined to curl every single lash, try this. Despite its pincer-like shape, it won’t snatch your lashes but it will precisely help you curl every single baby lash, even those close to your tear ducts or the edges of your eye. Just don’t hold it upside down. The pink curved section should go on the bottom.

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The Pretty One

With its shiny rose-gold finish, reviewers say that this lash curler isn’t just pretty, but functional. Reviewers with short lashes praise this one for being adept at grabbing and curling every lash without pulling, tugging, or pinching.

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The Best Eyelash Curler for Round Eyes

Makeup artist Molly Greenwald loves the Pro series from Tweezerman. Although both shapes from the series will work for everyone, she notes that the ProCurl is curvier and more comfortable on rounder eyes.

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The Best Eyelash Curler for Dramatic Lashes

According to reviews, no lash is left behind by this trusty drugstore option from Revlon. And for under $5, who doesn’t want something that delivers without costing a ton?

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The Best Eyelash Curler to Use on the Go

Offering an easier grip, this on-the-go eyelash curler from Japonesque can fit in most of your micro-bags so you’ll always be camera ready — the true definition of tiny but mighty.

Our Experts:

17 Best Eyelash Curlers for Swoopy, Lifted Lashes