How to Use an Eyelash Curler the Right Way (2024)

Considering the popularity of lash lifts and lash growth serums, people are clearly clamoring for fuller, longer, curlier lashes without having to go the faux lash route. Enter the eyelash curler. This little gadget has the power to open your eyes and, well, curl your lashes, as long as you know how to use it correctly.

We asked two makeup artists how to properly use an eyelash curler and what to look for when buying one. They also share a step-by-step makeup tutorial on how to get the best lashes.

How to Choose the Best Eyelash Curler

Is an eyelash curler a must? According to the pros, it is. "An eyelash curler takes your makeup look to the next level," says makeup artist Dema Jaber. "Using an eyelash curler helps elongate the lashes and points them up rather than straight out, making them appear much longer, giving you a more open eye look and long full lashes." But as with any product, some eyelash curlers are better than others. Here's what to look for when shopping:

Rounded Rubber Pads

"Make sure that the curler you use has a rounded rubber pad in the base of the curler," says celebrity makeup artist AJ Crimson. The larger and softer the cushion, the better. This makes for a more comfortable usage experience, and it also helps protect your lashes from breaking under pressure.

Curlers That Open With Ease

Also, make sure that the curler opens and shuts easily and that it's comfortable to handle. The last thing you want is for your eyelashes to get stuck on the curler when you have to yank it open too hard.

Curvature to Match Your Eyes

Finally, the curvature should line up with your eye shape. Each curler has a slightly different shape that may or may not work for your eyes. Your best bet is to try them out at a beauty store before committing to an online purchase.

Grip

Comfort of grip is also important when perusing eyelash curlers. Look for a sturdy grip to help steady your hand as you apply pressure to the curl.

How to Use an Eyelash Curler

Knowing how to use an eyelash curler is pretty simple, but there's definitely an art to the process. Follow this step-by-step eyelash tutorial and you'll nail those fluttering, Bambi-like lashes every single time.

Step 1: Start With Bare Lashes

A common mistake people make when using a traditional eyelash curler is that they apply mascara first. (If you're wearing adhesive false lashes, apply them first and then curl them). Jaber says you should always start with clean, naked lashes for several reasons.

• It prevents your eyelashes from sticking to the curler, which is likely to happen if you're already wearing mascara.
• It prevents your lashes from clumping together or looking spidery.
• It keeps your curler much cleaner in the long run.

Step 2: Look Down

Start by keeping your eyes open and look down as you curl. "My trick to ensure you don't nip your eyelid when curling your lashes is to look down," says Jaber. She says that by looking down, you'll have easier access to your lash line and are less likely to nip your delicate eyelid skin.

Step 3: Gently Clamp Down

Bring the opened curler up to your lashes. The lashes should fall between the two clamps. Gently clamp down while making sure you don't have any skin between the clamps.

"If you feel a pinch, move the curler outward away from you," says Crimson. If all's clear, you can press more firmly. The goal is to get as close to your lash line as possible without accidentally nipping your skin.

Step 4: Hold and Pulse

Once comfortable, press down firmly (but not too hard) for about 10 to 15 seconds. Jaber recommends a gentle pulsing rhythm. Repeat all the above steps on your other eye.

Do not yank and tug when pulling the curler away from your lashes, as that can pull them out.

Step 5: Apply Mascara

After both lashes are curled, it's time to use your favorite mascara. Apply as usual, making sure to get into the root of your lash all the way to the tip. If you want, you can use an eyelash comb afterward to further separate your lashes.

What To Do If Your Lashes Don't Curl

If, even after using a lash curler correctly your lashes still don't curl, there could be some reasons why. Perhaps you have short lashes or lashes that grow straight and down, making them difficult to curl. Or, it's possible your lashes are too weak to hold a curl and the weight of mascara. No matter what, do not recurl your lashes after you have applied mascara, as this could cause your mascara to flake, break off, and irritate your eyes. Instead, try the following.

• Use a different eyelash curler. You may have to do a trial and error of more than one brand of eyelash curler before you find one that works for you.
• Try a lash growth serum. If you have naturally short eyelashes and find them difficult to curl, you might want to try a lash growth serum to lengthen them.
• Try a lash lift. If you don't want to wear false lashes, you can get a lash lift treatment to curl your real ones. Lash lifts use keratin treatments and usually last four weeks or more.
  
• Use a heated lash curler. If your lashes are naturally straight, they might not keep the curl for very long. In that case, a heated eyelash curler could make the curl last longer and give your lashes a more defined look.