A good eyelash curler can add a kick to your appearance and give you that wide-awake look even if you haven't slept a wink. They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and what better way to emphasize them than to curl your lashes. Curled lashes can subtly enhance your facial features without being too overwhelming and can even help you achieve a youthful doe-eyed look.
Eyelash curlers can seem intimidating at first glance, what with all the new innovations to this beauty tool, such as heated curlers and eyelash curlers with combs. To help you navigate all of these options, we have assembled a guide and a list of our top 10 recommendations. We also had our buying guide reviewed by Elaine Ganuelas, a beauty professional!
Elaine Ganuelas has been living and breathing the life of all things beauty since childhood. What once started as her passion became her career in 2006. Now she does makeup, hairstyling, image consultation (yes, makeovers), personal shopping, consumer research, and reviews.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
The curvature is the arc of the curler or how curved it is, and it can either be more flat or arched, depending on your eye shape. To get the best results, choose the curve that is most suitable for your eye shape and lash length.
A flatter-shaped eyelash curler is generally more fitting for Asian eyes, which tend to be less curved or rounded. This type of curler also matches most eye shapes and is great for beginners because it's a generally straightforward shape that requires less maneuvering. This could also be used for shorter lashes as well because it could reach the corners of your eyelids with minimal effort.
Asian (mostly Japanese) brands have great options for smaller, narrower, or yes, Asian eyes. Also, the flatter the curve, the closer it is to the base of the lashes/lids, so be cautious.
For those who have rounded eyes, a curler with a deeper curve could accommodate your eye shape better. This type is designed to follow the curve of more rounded lids or deep-set eyes. Those who have longer lashes can also use this with ease. In addition, it is also utilized by more advanced users who find it easy to maneuver.
For deep-set eyes, a mini or half lash curler is recommended to get to the corners and hard-to-reach areas of the eyes.
Eyelash curlers nowadays go beyond the traditional type. Thanks to new innovations, there are now a wider range of options for people with different requirements when it comes to curling eyelashes. Here are the most common ones you'll find in the market.
When you say eyelash curler, this is what you would usually picture it to be. You would probably find this in your mom's makeup kit, which is proof that this type will not go out of style even with the advent of other innovations and newer designs.
A traditional curler is a clamp-style tool characterized by scissor-type handles, and it is best for those with medium-length lashes. It's fairly straightforward and simple to use, which explains why women all over the world still find this type the easiest to work with.
Tip: Store curlers in hard plastic or tins to maintain their shape. Tossing it in your makeup kit/bag can affect or bend the metal. This could affect the performance and longevity of the tool.
This one is similar to the traditional type, except that it has a much thicker handle usually wrapped in rubber pads and would require more pressure to use. The spring-loaded grip makes it easy for beginners or those who have a heavy hand, as it is less prone to over-clamping and causing damage to your lashes. This type is best for medium to long lash lengths.
I personally and professionally don't use this after having tried it way back. I was not too fond of the result of the curl, and it can be hard to clean.
If you want a long-lasting power curve, you might want to reach for a heated curler instead. This type looks like a mascara wand and is good for beginners, as it doesn't pinch the eyelid and needs just a run-through to get a gentle curl. You don't have to worry about burning your lashes, too, since it doesn't heat up enough for that. It is ideal for those with stick-straight and hard-to-curl lashes.
This type has, of course, its own pros and cons. It is more beginner-friendly, great for those scared of metal coming near their eyes, and it has its own heating mechanism to keep curls longer. However, it takes a long time to achieve results, it consumes batteries (for battery-operated models), and it tends to be pricey.
A half-lash curler is like a miniature curler, with some having no corners at all. This is the best tool to curl the inner and outer corners of your lashes. It can reach those nooks and crannies that a traditional curler might miss. It is also good for short lashes and those with small eyes.
Adding to this type is a newer kind which some call the S-curler. One kind has a scissor-type handle, while another looks like a tweezer with rubber ends. These are also great for short and hard-to-reach lashes. It is also used to press natural lashes with false lashes together.
You might think just because you have seen an eyelash curler that you have seen them all, but new innovations in beauty have given us different materials for curlers. Read on to get more acquainted with them.
Because it is durable by nature, metal lasts longer and is less likely to break than plastic curlers. It also packs more curling punch than plastic ones, since it lets you press more firmly without fear of breaking the curler. Thus, you won't need to curl your lashes several times and subject them to repeated pressure.
This is the classic that continues to stand the test of time can really last long with proper use, storage, and regular cleaning.
While metal is the better choice in terms of durability, not everyone might find it comfortable to use, especially if they have sensitive skin or are allergic to metal. Plastic is a good alternative in those cases. Plastic curlers also tend to be more compact and are thus more suitable for travel.
Less intimidating than metal curlers, this could also be a good choice for beginners and those who are hesitant to let metal near their peepers.
Eyelash curlers come with pads that line the edge where the curlers come in contact with your lashes. These pads are usually made of rubber or silicone. Through time and repeated usage, they get worn out and broken down, so it's good to get a curler with replaceable pads. That way, you won't have to throw out your curler and have to buy a new one each time.
I can't comment on the "eco-friendliness" of this, but yes, it is highly recommended to replace worn-out pads regularly to maintain the integrity of the "curling powers" and also for sanitary reasons. Bacteria can get trapped over time, so it's best to keep pads clean and regularly replaced.
When it comes to eyelash curlers, you may have heard of Shu Uemura. Ask any makeup junkie, and you're sure to hear about it. Its unique mushroom-shaped curvature is on the flatter side, so it allows you to reach even the shortest lashes and is universally flattering for most eye shapes, including Asian eyes.
The silicone pad offers adequate cushioning and stability for creating a precise curl. The hinge is also crafted to let you apply just the perfect amount of pressure and avoid damaging your lashes. All of these point to thoughtful design, and it's easy to see why the Shu curler is an iconic beauty tool!
Shiseido is another eyelash curler that is suited for Asian eyes because it has a flatter shape than most curlers, making it easier to reach the corners of your eyelids. And with its edge-free design, this curler aims to prevent pinching and damaging your precious lashes!
This one is a close second to the Shu curler because it's easy to use and versatile for different eye shapes, thanks to its wide and broad curve. Users love how it instantly volumizes their lashes with just a few gentle squeezes. No wonder it was an Allure Magazine Best of Beauty award winner!
Say hello to eight hours of curly lashes with this compact eyelash curler. This one has many loyal followers because of its unique design and versatility. Its wide opening is designed to cater to most eye shapes and ensures that no lashes get left behind.
It also has an easel at the back that flips down to let you have the leverage you need to create a curl. That way, you can get your lashes looking as sweeping and dramatic as you want! Aside from that, you get an extra pad inside the curler. The compact shape makes this a convenient traveling companion as well!
If you want something that's absolutely pretty in pink, you might want to take a look at the Sephora eyelash curler. This one is easy to hold because of its special handle design, so you can be as precise as you need when curling your lashes.
Users who have rounded and deep-set eyes find this tool to be especially helpful for them because of its gentle C-shape. It has also gotten some great reviews from first-time users who say it's easy and simple to use and gives them a pinch-free experience.
Do you have stick-straight lashes that are difficult to curl? Worry no more-this heated curler from Anlan will do the job in a cinch, minus the pinch! With its curved brush head design, you'll finally get a fuss-free way to curl those stubborn lashes.
This device requires 10 to 15 seconds of preheating. The wand is made of a nickel-chromium alloy that allows for quicker heating and even distribution of heat from root to tip. That way, you get an instant lift that will last for hours!
Tweezerman is a notable brand specializing in eye tools such as tweezers. Their eyelash curler is pinch-proof and guaranteed to boost your lashes without tugging on them. This is ideal for those with deep-set eyes because of its more curved design. It can also take care of those stick-straight hairs that are difficult to curl!
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, you'll find this tool easy to work with because of its ergonomic design. You can feel its solid construction from the smooth opening and closing action of the handles. You won't have to worry about getting your eyelids pinched as well because of the thick and rounded silicone lash pads.
Here is an eyelash curler your mom or tita would probably recognize from their dalaga days. The FS curler is a beauty tool that has gone through the test of time and continues to be used by Filipinas to this day. It's easy to see whyーfor its truly affordable price, this product doesn't scrimp on performance.
It comes with flexible silicone pads that give lashes, even the shortest ones, a lift that lasts all day. Its edges are designed to curl your lashes safely and effectively without pinching them. The curvature is also quite versatile and suitable for most eye shapes.
if you're worried about traditional curlers pinching and pulling at your eyelids or have sensitive skin, then the Muji curler is perfect for you. The design ensures a pinch-free experience since the rubber pad rests against the eyelid and functions as a safety buffer.
The curling action is fairly simple, tooーjust hold it close to the base of your lashes, turn in an upward manner, and voila! You get lashes with a lovely natural curl! Another plus is its flat and compact design that makes it handy enough to bring for travel.
For those who find it difficult to reach the inner and outer lashes, a half curler is the one for you. The new generation S curler from Shu Uemura takes care of this problem and is another bestseller, just like the original Shu full eyelash curler.
Users love how it offers them so much more control and precision and can get every last little lash, no matter how small. It's also quite powerful despite its smaller size, and you can get instantly perky lashes with just a few squeezes. The only downside is that the pads are not refillable, so you would have to replace the entire tool once the pads get worn out.
Heated curlers provide the same purpose as traditional lash curlers, which is to curl and lift the lashes. However, it does so without clamping them. This one from Blinc works like a curling iron. You simply bend the lashes back to create a gentle, natural curl.
One of the reasons why users love it so much is that it heats up quickly, making the curling process go much faster. And because it uses heat to create the curve, you get a longer-lasting curl than you would get from a traditional curler. You can also use this one after applying mascara, since it comes with a cleaning brush to get the mascara off afterward.
Knowing how to properly care for your eyelash curler will give you optimum results without damaging the product and your lashes in the long run. Here are some of the most common mistakes that people commit when using eyelash curlers, according to Self Magazine.
If you apply mascara before curling your lashes, it is difficult for the curler to do its job because the material from the mascara can only drag your lashes down and make them stick to the curler. Make it a habit to curl your lashes first before applying any makeup.
This practice is also a cause of lash hair breakage and pulling. Should you wish to curl after the mascara weighs down your lashes, try heated lash curlers instead. The heat will warm the mascara formula and allow the lash to bend/curl
If you want your curl to last, lightly run your eyelash curler under your hair dryer for a few seconds, wait until it is cool to the touch and then curl away! This would ensure lasting curls for your lashes, similar to the effect of a flat iron for your hair.
This technique can't really be called a "mistake," especially if a heating tool is not on hand or if you are in a hurry. As a professional, I sometimes skip this practice because some clients aren't comfortable applying heated metal near their eyes. Heated lash curlers can be less intimidating but is not a guarantee that they will cut your makeup routine time.
You might think that squeezing your curler with great effort or strength will get your lashes lifted up faster. What it does, in fact, is crimp them, resulting in a bent, unflattering look. It's best to squeeze gently instead of pulling your lashes outward.
For optimum results, it is best to curl your lashes three times with about four gentle squeezes in order to achieve a curl that looks naturally curvy.
Adding to this, start pressing gently nearest the base of the lashes and work your way outwards with multiple and gentle squeezing.
Like all makeup tools, eyelash curlers also need to be cleaned. This will save you the trouble of having sticky curlers from dried-up mascara that can damage your lashes or cause nasty pimples on your eyelids.
Think of your curlers as tools like sponges or brushes that are ideally cleaned before and after every use. You can spray or douse with alcohol, then wipe with a tissue. Cleansing wipes can also do the trick in half the time.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Elaine Ganuelas.
The tool itself will not cause damage to your lashes. The wrong curler type/shape and how you use may cause lashes to be pulled or be broken. The guide in this article will help you choose the best one for your eye shape. Being gentle in squeezing, replacing the pads regularly, and not applying mascara before curling will help you avoid mishaps.
As soon as you notice a tear in the pad, chuck it out. If it doesn't curl as well as it used to, replace the pad.
For quick cleanups, cleansing wipes before and after use can be done. To deep-clean the tool, take out the rubber/silicone pad and submerge in a cleaning solution or alcohol. This will get to hard-to-reach areas where bacteria may be trapped
Here are some more recommendations for you! Not only are they of good quality, but they're budget-friendly, too!
You don't need to break the bank to achieve the results from the iconic Shu Uemura eyelash curlers. These perform just as great, are shaped for the Filipina eyes, and replacement pads can be bought separately too!
This is shaped flatter, much like its higher-end counterpart from Shiseido. I prefer this more for its flatter shape since you can get closer to the base of your lashes for more lift. It's affordable, and pads can also be bought separately.
If you want to complete your eye makeup, look no further as these products could help you determine what look to pair with your luscious lashes.
Author: Justine Cuizon
Re-editor: R. Umlas
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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