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Eyelash curlers look intimidating, but as our beauty editor, I can confidently confirm they are a simple and pain-free way to enhance your fridge with or without mascara. They create a dramatic, curled fringe that opens and elongates the eyes, which then helps mascara do its thing noticeably better — making the extra 60 seconds it takes to curl your eyelashes undoubtedly worth the payoff.
To simplify your shopping experience, I spoke with a makeup artist about all things eyelash curlers, and her pro tips are serious game-changers for getting voluminous lashes. Plus, several of these recommendations are $25 and under, making them a perfect beauty gift that won’t put a dent in your gifting budget. Even better? My best budget recommendation is only $5 and is from a TikTok-famous makeup brand.
The Best Eyelash Curlers
- Best Overall: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
- Best Budget Buy: e.l.f. Pro Eyelash Curler
- Best for Every Eye Shape: Surratt Relevée Lash Curler
- Best for Wide, Round Eyes: Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler
- Best for Travel: Japonesque Go Curl Eyelash Curler
What to Consider
Makeup artist Saffron Hughes reveals her expert tips on choosing an eyelash curler based on eye shape and lash texture. Based on her guidance, I carefully researched and found several no-fail options to level up everyone’s eyelash game.
Not All Eyelash Curlers Are Created Equal
At first glance, all eyelash curlers might look similar, making it confusing to determine which is best for someone’s unique features. But get this: Hughes argues there are actual functional differences among eyelash curlers. “Despite popular beliefs, not all of the best eyelash curlers are created equal, as many can result in crimped eyelashes or an unflattering bend,” says the UK-based makeup artist.
Eye Shape
Determining your eye shape allows you to buy the best eyelash curler to create a flattering look and prevent accidental pinching. In case you don’t know, the most common eye shapes are:
- Round: Eyelid crease is always visible, the whites of your eyes from the top or bottom of your iris are visible, and your eyes appear more open.
- Almond: Visible crease at your lids, iris touches the whites of your eyes on the top and bottom, and outer corners turned slightly upwards.
- Monolid: Minimal to no visible crease between your eyelid and the skin below your eyebrows.
- Upturned Eyes: The outer corner of your eye tilts up.
- Downturned Eyes: The outer corner of your lids tilt downward.
Eyelash Texture
Believe it or not, eyelash textures vary, just like our hair. Lashes needing a slight boost should opt for a curler with a looser grip and light pressure, whereas straighter lashes will need a wider option with a tighter grip to create the lift they’re looking for.
How We Chose
What’s Included
After chatting with Hughes about shopping for eyelash curlers, I carefully researched every product on our list to ensure its quality and value. I considered their shape and materials and read hundreds of online reviews to be confident that each eyelash curler on this list would help enhance everyone’s beautiful, fluttery eyelashes. Hughes also weighs in on several of these eyelash curlers. Additionally, I prioritized picks that come with at least one silicone replacement pad to help extend the life of your new eyelash curler.
Overall, the products that landed a spot on our list are truly the best eyelash curlers out there. They’re all top-rated, well-priced, and actually live up to their promises, so get ready for beautifully curled eyelashes that won’t make a massive dent in your checking account.
What’s Not Included
I eliminated anything at the extreme ends of the price range because, in my experience, beauty products that cost too little tend to underperform. I also find that many mid-tier beauty products perform at the same level as their pricier competitors — and these featured eyelash curlers are no exception. I also eliminated heated eyelash curlers because they can cause some real damage, i.e., accidental burns to the delicate eye area. As the old adage goes, “Beauty is pain,” but we don’t have to be cavalier and compromise our well-being to look and feel great.
After thorough testing, the Revlon eyelash curler pinched my eyelashes (and several online reviewers agreed that it did the same to them), which was a quick indicator that despite its popularity and fair price point, it didn’t deserve a spot on our list. And despite how much I loved my Hourglass eyelash curler when I first ordered one in 2019, it did not stand the test of time. Its gold tone tarnished over the years, even when it was not exposed to elements like water and sunlight, so I also scrapped it from consideration.
Keep scrolling for Hughes’s quick tips on making the most of your new eyelash curler purchase.
Regardless of which of these winning eyelash curlers you opt for, you can expect to look more awake and for your lashes to maintain a beautiful curl from work to happy hour. Now, take a look at our best eyelash curler picks that are worth setting your sights on. Keep scrolling for Hughe’s quick tips on making the most of your new eyelash curler purchase.
Pros
Accommodates lashes of all lengths and thickness- Creates dramatic-looking curled lashes
- Ergonomic handles provide stability and better control
- Award-winning
- Doens’t pinch lashes
Cons
- Sells out fast
When it comes to eyelash curlers, Shu Uemura’s is the OG for makeup artists and celebrities such as Meghan Markle. The award-winning eyelash curler is so iconic it was even namechecked by supermodel Gisele Bündchen in The Devil Wears Prada. Given its universal adoration among the beauty community, it could come as no surprise that Shu Uemura is our best overall pick.
Aside from being a (low-key) icon in its product category, what makes this the best eyelash curler on our list is that it’s extremely comfortable to use and works with all eye shapes and eyelash textures.“Not only does it give a dramatic-looking curl in one pass, but it also comes with a refill pad included meaning you’ve got 12 months of hygienic eyelash curling with one purchase,” says Hughes.
Users will notice it doesn’t miss a single eyelash, and thanks to the ergonomic design, they won’t have any issues using the eyelash curler with their non-dominant hand.
Our senior editor, Cat Bowen, has had her Shu Uemura for nearly 20 years, using it at least once per week.
More: Why I Can’t Stop Wearing These Sunscreens Under Makeup
Key Specs
| # of Replacement Pads | 0 |
|---|
Pros
- Achieves a long-lasting, eye-opening lift
- Good for hard-to-curl lashes
- Durable design that can last for a few years
Cons
- Clunkier compared to other curlers on this list
When you have only $5 to spend on a new eyelash curler, your best bet is this one from e.l.f., an affordable brand adored by TikTok users. Alicia Keys is also such a big fan of the brand that she partnered with e.l.f. to launch her celebrity beauty brand Keys Soulcare.
Pro Eyelash Curler is equipped with a contoured curve for optimal comfort and large ergonomic handles that provide better control of precisely where you’ll clamp down on your lashes. It comfortably rests at the base of the eyelashes so you won't experience any painful pinching like other cheap eyelash curlers.
The stronger handle spring ensures even those with stubborn, hard-to-curl lashes can also achieve a long-lasting, eye-opening lift. Your lashes will look even more voluminous when paired with the $5 Essence Lash Princess mascara.
Key Specs
| # of Replacement Pads | 1 |
|---|
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3
Best for Every Eye Shape
Surratt Relevee Eyelash Curler
Pros
- Never pinches or causes breakage
- Lifts and lengthens lashes
- Award-winning
Cons
- Includes a velvet pouch to deter dust collection, but it’s not a hard-side case so it could get lightly damaged during travel
Yes, $39 is a lot of money to invest in an eyelash curler — but pro artists and regular shoppers say this eyelash curler is 100% worth the premium cost. It’s so luxe that you can consider it the Rolls-Royce of eyelash curlers.
Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, doesn’t go anywhere without this eyelash curler because the ergonomic design gently lifts and lengthens lashes. Shoppers are impressed with the comfortable and cushiony lash pad that never pinches or causes breakage.
Speaking of makeup artists, founder Troy Surrattt is also an in-demand pro adored by Adele, Uma Thurman, and Adriana Lima, so you already know his eyelash curler is elevated for his fellow pro artists, but easy enough for newbies to use.
It’s also made from nickel-free steel, a material known for being corrosion-free, which means your new eyelash curler will last a long time.
Key Specs
| # of Replacement Pads | 1 |
|---|
4
Best for Wide, Round Eyes
Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler
Pros
- Designed for most eye shapes
- Unique deep curve accommodates larger eyes
Cons
- Sells out quickly
Kevyn Aucoin’s almost always out-of-stock eyelash curler is designed for most eye shapes, but those with larger peepers will love it the most. Hughes says those with round, bigger eyes need an eyelash curler with a deeper curve, and Kevyn Aucoin’s lash curler delivers. Notably, it manages to curl the lashes at the corners of your eyes, she adds.
If your gift recipient has stick-straight lashes, they’ll be immediately impressed by the feel of the curler in their hand and on their lashes. Their formerly stick-straight lashes will now be perfectly curled, and they might be surprised by the visible improvement to their fringe.
A bonus: This is the only featured winner that enables users to turn it upside-down to curl the bottom lashes.
Key Specs
| # of Replacement Pads | 1 |
|---|
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Pros
- Curls in 5 seconds with results lasting up to 8 hours
- Works on straight lashes
Cons
- Made from plastic
Don’t let its travel-friendly and compact size fool you — Japonesque’s eyelash curler packs a punch. The open-cage design and rounded silicone pads provide the flexibility and leverage to get every lash from every angle. This eyelash curler delivers a long-lasting and sky-high-level lift.
Your giftee will find that curling their lashes is so much easier with this model, noting it doesn’t pinch their eyelids as some traditional metal curlers would. Its grip is firm enough to curl long, straight eyelashes — but encourage them to avoid pressing too hard or they might accidentally damage the plastic frame.
And good news for anyone who prioritizes owning aesthetically pleasing beauty tools: this pocket-sized eyelash curler is available in two shades: Black for a sleek vibe and pink for Barbiecore fans.
Key Specs
| # of Replacement Pads | 0 |
|---|
6
Best for Short Lashes
MAC Half Lash Curler
Pros
- Ideal for curling the short, hard-to-reach inner lashes
- Also good for anyone looking to blend individual or cluster falsies with their real lashes
Cons
- Takes a bit longer to curl all of your lashes
MAC proves the saying “good things come in small packages” is true. The Half Lash Curler provides the same lift and curl you can expect from any of the featured full-size eyelash curlers on this list. However, this model can seamlessly target those hard-to-reach lashes at your inner corners. They’re also fantastic if you’re looking to accentuate your outer lashes for a captivating winged eyeliner moment.
And don’t worry: The MAC Half Lash Curler version works the exact same as other models on this list. Just squeeze and release while working from lash root to tip.
Not only do reviewers swear by this model for curling their short lashes, but it’s also a great gift for your favorite makeup artist (or beauty guru in training). Those with thicker lash hair say it’s equally impressive at curling their fringe, so it’s quite universal.
Key Specs
| # of Replacement Pads | 0 |
|---|
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Pros
- Includes bonus tools for lashes and brows
- Comfortable grip
- Good for almond eyes because the protective pad is smaller than others on this list
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a bag for storage
Best Products is all about simplifying your gifting experience, and of course, we’ve got you covered with an inclusive gift set when just an eyelash curler won’t do. This affordable beauty gift is not only top-rated, but you’ll get way more bang for your buck. It’s an affordable eyelash curler that holds a gorgeous curl for hours on end and also comes with bonus tools for lashes and eyebrows.
Given the under-$9 price tag, high marks from reviewers, and a wealth of accessories — like brushes, combs, and an angled tweezer for falsies — this gift set undoubtedly deserves a win on this list.
Key Specs
| # of Replacement Pads | 10 |
|---|
Pros
- Available in 7 color ways
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- The curve isn’t as large as others on this list, so someone with large or round eyes might prefer another model
Not every featured eyelash curler comes with a replacement pad, and that’s OK. It’s ideal to replace the silicone pads every few months with daily use, but if you only use an eyelash curler on occasion, you can wait much longer to replace each pad. Actively replacing each pad keeps things sanitary, ensures your fringe curls perfectly, and is significantly more cost-effective than purchasing a new eyelash curler.
That’s where Whalrace comes in handy. It’s the only featured winner that comes with six replacement pads, so even if you use the curler daily, you have enough replacement pads to last for at least 18 months.
Beyond the silicone replacement pads, the curler’s colorful handles are aesthetically pleasing and functional. They offer a firm grip that’s comfy to hold and ensures you have fluttery, curled fringe with every pinch and release.
Key Specs
| # of Replacement Pads | 6 |
|---|
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9
Best for Almond or Deep-Set Eyes
Tweezerman Pro Master Eyelash Curler
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Unique 38-degree angle makes it ideal for almond or deep-set eyes
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- You can’t buy extra pads
For a classic, reliable option, the Tweezerman eyelash curler can’t be beaten. Hughes especially loves the extra-wide Promaster Lash Curler for anyone with almond eyes.
“Almond-shaped eyes need a curler with a flattened curve that isn’t too round, allowing them to position the tool comfortably around their eyelid while curling directly from the root,” she says.
It’s the only option on this list that curls at a 38-degree angle, the ideal tilt for anyone with almond or deep-set eyes, according to Tweezerman.
This game-changing eyelash curler allows users to pick up and curl the tiny lashes near the inner corner of their eyes, which isn’t the norm with other curlers in their arsenal.
Key Specs
| # of Replacement Pads | 0 |
|---|
Pros
- Flexible silicone pads
- The clamp is gentle on lashes, so it’s also ideal for sensitive eyes
Cons
- Very strong grip takes some adjustment maneuvering the first few uses
If any eyelash curler can give Shu Uemura’s some competition, it’s this one from Shiseido. The cult-favorite beauty tool has a broad curve that lifts and curls every eyelash, from inner to outer corner.
And thanks to its impressive edge-free design, users will find it doesn’t pinch their sensitive eyes. The Shiseido eyelash curler will last for years, and it fits all of the top lashes in one go ensuring the curl lasts all night long.
Your giftee will definitely gush over the beautiful bend this eyelash curler provides even if they skip applying mascara to their straight and short eyelashes.
Key Specs
| # of Replacement Pads | 1 |
|---|
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Pros
- Ideal for all eye shapes
- Smooth mechanism
- Includes a mascara
Cons
- Not the best option for straight lashes
The only thing better than buying a top-tier eyelash curler is receiving one with a mini tube of Lights Camera Action, a 4-in-1 mascara that lengthens, volumizes, curls, and conditions the lashes.
Tarte’s eyelash curler is made with a curved angle and wide mouth that can accommodate all eye shapes to lift, open, and elongate each lash. Additionally, it provides the perfect density to prevent pinching and damage, which is always a plus.
Users will find it grips all of their lashes without pinching and curls them for the day. To maximize the curling effect, I advise holding the eyelash curler for 2 30-second holds and 1 mid-lash 30-second hold. It’ll help ensure normally difficult-to-curl lashes actually bend and remain curled throughout the day.
Key Specs
| # of Replacement Pads | 0 |
|---|
Eyelash Curler 101
Here are a few eyelash curler basics to keep in mind, according to Hughes:
- Look for an eyelash curler with a smooth, rounded lash pad to create soft curves rather than unnatural dents.
- Swap out lash pads regularly to avoid eye irritations and infections.
- Eyelashes should always be completely bare and dry before curling. Otherwise, sticky lashes could come out when removing the curler, and no one wants to experience that pain level.
Nicole Saunders
Beauty Editor
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Best New Beauty Awards package. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventues.
