If the eyes are the window to the soul, then your eyelashes are like the curtains. For people with naturally curly lashes, this is great. But if you struggle with straight lashes, you might want to consider incorporating a lash curler into your routine to help make those eyes pop. Along with curling your lashes, eyelash curlers can also help to volumize, making your eyes look larger with an enviable fringe. Check out our top picks for the best eyelash curlers, as well as tips for shopping for this essential beauty tool.
In this article:
Best Eyelash Curlers Overview
- Best Overall: Shiseido Eyelash Curler
- Runner-Up, Best Overall: Surratt Relevee Lash Curler
- Best Budget: Covergirl Makeup Masters Eyelash Curler
- Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics Pro Eyelash Curler
- Best Grip: Revlon Extra Curl Eyelash Curler
- Best for Almond-Shaped Eyes: Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler
- Best for Round Eyes: Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler
- Best Pro: Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Eyelash Curler
- Best 2-in-1: Sephora Collection Lash Fuse and Curl
- Best for Travel: Japonesque Go Curl Eyelash Curler
- Best Heated: Panasonic Heated Eyelash Curler Comb
- Best Kit: Kaasage Eyelash Curler with Pads
- Best Innovative: Petunia Silicone Eyelash Curler
Our Picks for the Best Eyelash Curlers
A good eyelash curler can become a critical part of your beauty arsenal. But depending on your eye shape and size, as well as your comfort level using this beauty tool, some eyelash curlers may be better suited for you than others.
If you struggle with straight, short lashes, then you’ll love the Shiseido lash curler. This is considered one of the best lash curlers by beauty gurus, lovers, and beginners everywhere. Along with curling your lashes, this tool also helps to add volume and length.
Why is it a fan favorite and our top pick? Because this curler manages to capture even the smallest lashes to give you that coveted fanned-out lash look. It features a broad curve that ensures every lash from the inner to the outer corner is curled. And the edge-free design ensures you won’t pinch your eyelids. The flexible silicone pad also protects your lashes as you use the curler. We like that this eyelash curler comes with an additional replacement rubber pad. Buy it at Sephora!
Key Features
- Broad curve that captures every lash
- Curls, volumizes, and lengthens
- Comes with an additional replacement rubber pad
Pros
- Ideal for adding volume to straight lashes
- Great for monolids
- Gentle on lashes
Cons
- May be harder to use for people with almond-shaped eyes
If only the highest quality beauty tools do for your peepers, you’ll like the Relevee curler. This is another Japanese-made brand that features an ergonomic design that not only delivers on its promises but is also intended to be easier for you to use. The award-winning tool is considered one of the best eyelash curlers because it incorporates silicone pads, which means you don’t need to exert as much force to achieve maximum curl.
As is standard, this eyelash curler comes with an additional replacement pad. Experts recommend using three gentle squeezes – in succession along your lashes from lid to ends – to create uplifted lashes. Best of all, the lash curler is made from nickel-free metal, so you won’t have to worry about an allergic reaction for those of you with sensitive skin. Buy it at Revolve!
Key Features
- Ergonomic design
- Nickel-free metal construction
- Silicone pads
Pros
- Designed to capture all your lashes
- Requires less force to create curls
- Lifts and separates lashes
Cons
- 3-step recommended curling process may be cumbersome for some users
- May not work as well with hooded eye shapes
Let’s face it, not all beauty lovers have a bottomless wallet that can keep up with the priciest beauty brands that top popular awards list. But that doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice looking your best. We like Covergirl’s lash curler for budget-conscious beauty mavens. In our opinion, it’s the best option when you need to conserve money.
You’ll get a silicone-coated handle, which gives you a better grip as you use the curler. The simple curler has a wide opening, making it ideal for all eye and lid shapes. Many people prefer rubber pads as opposed to silicone pads often used in other brands. The only drawback with this pick is that it doesn’t come with replacement pads. Buy it on Amazon!
Key Features
- Coated handle for better grip
- Rubber pads
- Wider opening
Pros
- Great tool for beginners
- Ideal for deep-set eyes
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a replacement pad
- Basic design may pinch skin
Not everyone lives close to a dedicated beauty retailer or is comfortable shopping online. In that case, drugstore brands can come to the rescue by offering the hottest trends in beauty but at an accessible price point. E.L.F. Cosmetics has one of the best lash curlers within the drugstore brand category. First, we like the simplified grip, which may be easier for a wider range of people (and ages) to use since it’s not the classic scissor-handle design.
This curler promises to lift lashes while providing enhanced volume with a curl that helps to further open the eyes. If you prefer rubber pads, then E.L.F.’s tool is a good choice, and as is standard it comes with an additional replacement pad. We also like the wider opening, which makes it effective for a larger range of eye and lid shapes. Shop for it at Ulta!
Key Features
- Ergonomic handle
- Rubber pads
- Larger curl opening
Pros
- Comes with a replacement pad
- Can work with a wide range of eye and lid shapes
- Affordable
Cons
- Design may cause some to pinch face while using it
Eyelash curlers are nice, but not all of them are easy to use. And this is especially true if the handle is too slippery. We like the Revlon curler because it’s one of the best for people who need a better grip. The non-slip grip ensures that you can work with precision while trying to curl your lashes.
We also like that this is an affordable pick that’s designed to work with most eye shapes. You can use this curler with or without mascara, and you don’t have to worry about crimping your lashes or pinching your skin. You’ll get a dramatic curled lash with every use. The wider lash opening is also ideal for beginners learning to use a curler. Buy it on Amazon!
Key Features
- Comfort non-slip grip
- Wider opening
- Curls in 5 seconds
- Comes with replacement pad
Pros
- Ideal for beginners because of non-slip grip
- Long-lasting rubber pad
- Won’t pinch skin
Cons
- May not be compatible with monolids
It’s no secret that most eyelash curlers aren’t universal when it comes to fit. This means that depending on your eye shape, some curlers might be better suited than others. And if you have almond-shaped eyes, one of the best eyelash curlers is the Tweezerman ProMaster. Along with almond eyes, it’s perfect for people with deep-set eyes.
The key for why this pick is so clutch is that it features an extra-wide opening, which makes it possible to capture every lash. The Tweezerman curler is also designed to sit comfortably against your lash line and won’t pinch your skin while you use it. Plus, it doesn’t crimp or pull at your lashes. The result is a voluminous lash line – proving why this curler is an award-winning option. Buy it at Sephora!
Key Features
- Extra-wide opening
- 3 replacement pads included
- Classic scissor-handle design
Pros
- Especially suited for almond-shaped and deep-set eyes
- Offers voluminous curls
- Grabs every lash
Cons
- May require more pressure to curl lashes
If you liked the idea of the Tweezerman ProMaster, but you don’t have deep-set or almond-shaped eyes, you might be better suited for their ProCurl Eyelash Curler. This pick is considered one of the best for people with round eyes. Similar to its ProMaster cousin, this curler is designed to capture every lash but is optimized for round eyes.
You’ll get a larger opening with a narrowed top bar, which is designed to create a more comfortable fit. Silicone pads ensure that lashes don’t get crimped during the curling process, either. While this pick is promoted as best for round eyes, the brand promises that it can work with all eye shapes. And best of all, the modern rose gold finish makes this a tool you won’t mind leaving on your vanity. Shop for it at Sephora!
Key Features
- Rose gold finish
- Larger opening
- Narrowed top bar
- Silicone pads
Pros
- Designed especially for round eyes
- Compatible with most eye shapes
- Silicone pad reduces total pressure needed to curl lashes
Cons
- May require multiple curl attempts if you have a lot of lashes
If only the best do for you, you can’t go wrong with the brand launched by one of the most groundbreaking makeup artists of our generation – Kevyn Aucoin. Along with literally writing the book on contouring, the slim eyelash curler from Kevyn Aucoin Beauty is designed to give you a professional-quality beauty tool.
If you prefer rubber pads, you’ll like this pick. Additionally, we like that this eyelash curler can be used upside down, meaning that you can also use it to curl your lower lash line if you prefer. This curler features the classic design with a scissor-style handle but has a bright orange rubber pad. The wider opening makes it easier for multiple eye shapes to use, while the longer design also ensures a more comfortable experience. Buy it at Nordstrom!
Key Features
- Wider opening
- Rubber pads
- Can be used upside down
Pros
- Can be used to curl upper and lower lashes
- Can also be used with false lashes
- Long-lasting curls
Cons
- May pinch skin during use
Anyone who’s ever rocked false lashes knows that mastering the application process is a fine art. If you don’t apply close enough to the lash line, they’ll lift away, get too close, and you get glue in your eye – not ideal! If you’re the type who likes to switch it up and rock falsies as well as your natural lashes, then the Sephora Collection tool is the best eyelash curler for you.
Along with being a classic eyelash curler, you can also use it to properly align and fuse your falsies for an application so undetectable people will be shocked to learn those aren’t your lashes. Meanwhile, this can also curl those falsies, grabbing every faux lash for a true curl from end to end of your lash strip. Better still, the nickel-free construction and pure silicone pad mean sensitive-skinned beauties can use this curler without any cause for concern. Buy it at Sephora!
Key Features
- Hypoallergenic design
- Works on natural and false lashes
- Long-lasting curls
- Open edge design
Pros
- Aids in properly applying false lashes for an undetectable finish
- Silicone pads require less pressure to curl lashes
- Even curls outer and inner corner lashes
Cons
- May not be compatible with smaller eyelid lengths
If space is at a premium when you’re on the road, then you need a compact lash curler. The Japonesque pick is perfect for carry-on bags or even storing in your purse to get ready for a night out after a day at work. You might also find that the compact design improves your grip and makes curling your lashes significantly easier as compared to more traditional styles.
Available in two colors – black and pink – this eyelash curler even has internal storage for the included additional lash pad. While the size is small, you’ll still get the traditional open cage design, which offers plenty of space for lashes but is designed not to pinch during operation. Another nice feature is that this brand offers free lash replacement pads for the life of your curler. Buy it on Amazon!
Key Features
- Compact size
- Storage case for additional lash pad
- Free replacement lash pads for life of curler
- Available in black and pink
Pros
- Ideal for monolids
- Small size may be easier for beginners to use
- Travel-friendly size makes this a portable option
Cons
- Top hinge tends to break easily
- May be difficult to use for people with deep-set eyes
For beauty mavens that find their lashes only curl well with a little heat, you’ll like this compact heated eyelash curler from Panasonic. The wand-style design makes this easy to use regardless of your experience level with this tool. The silicone wand ensures that your lashes won’t get stuck during the application process. Plus, the simple design means it works with all lid lengths and eye shapes.
Better still, you can use this lash curler with or without mascara. The slim design makes it travel-friendly. While it does require one AA battery, you’ll get roughly 21 uses per battery, which – in our opinion – is a pretty good bargain. And because it’s a wand, you don’t have to worry about crimping your lashes or pinching your lids. Buy it on Amazon!
Key Features
- Wand design
- Non-stick washable silicone head
- Works with 1 AA battery
- Heat indicator for when tool is ready to use
Pros
- Can be used with mascara
- Works with all eye shapes and lid lengths
- Won’t crimp lashes or pinch skin
Cons
- Heat may be too hot for some
- Common complaints of device not working after a few weeks
If you do any review research on eyelash curlers, you’ll find that a common complaint is how difficult it can be to get replacement pads for the tools. So, if the idea of scrambling around town to find pads doesn’t appeal to you, you’ll like this kit from Kaasage. Along with a durable eyelash curler that features a more controlled grip, you’ll get five replacement silicone pads.
We think this is one of the best eyelash curler kits you can find at a price that’s accessible for virtually everyone. The scissor-style handle gives you added control, thanks to the ergonomic design. As if that’s not enough, this kit also comes with a pair of precision tweezers, so you can also make sure your brows are picture-perfect like your lashes. Buy it on Amazon!
Key Features
- Comes with five replacement silicone pads
- Ergonomically designed grip
- Comes with precision tweezers and carrying pouch
Pros
- Wider opening ideal for most eye shapes
- Silicone pads mean less pressure is necessary
Cons
- May pinch skin during operation
Whether you’re a beginner with eyelash curlers or you simply dislike the classic scissor handles, you’ll like the simple grip featured on the Petunia lash curler. This is one of the best because the squeeze-style thumbprint handles make maneuvering and operating the tool easier. This pick comes with two replacement silicone pads and a travel pouch.
The premium stainless-steel construction offers enhanced durability so that the eyelash curler doesn’t break after a few uses. The wider opening is designed to work with most eye shapes and sizes, offering enhanced versatility. Plus, the affordable price puts it within reach of beauty lovers everywhere. Note that you also get a clamp that is used to keep the curler closed when it’s not in use. Buy it at Amazon!
Key Features
- Ergonomic handle
- Thumb grip design
- Includes 2 replacement silicone pads and clamp
Pros
- Thumb grip makes this ideal for beginners to use
- Included clamp ensures longevity
- Silicone pads reduce total pressure required to curl lashes
Cons
- Top metal panel is large, which may impede view during operation
What to Look for in the Perfect Eyelash Curler for You?
Just like with any other beauty category, the best eyelash curler for you is going to come down to a variety of factors, along with personal preference. However, there are some key factors you need to consider if you want to add this beauty tool to your makeup arsenal.
Eye Shape & Lid Length Matter
If you looked through our top recommendations and noticed how we mentioned some eyelash curlers were better suited for certain eye shapes than others, that’s because it’s true! Not all eyelash curlers are the same.
Some feature an open-ended design that works for almost any lid length. Conversely, some curlers have a more pronounced curve along the curling edge or an S-shaped design that allows them to reach deep-set eyes. So, which is best for you?
- Almond-Shaped & Smaller Eyes: Go for a flatter curve to get lashes at the root.
- Monolids: Smaller curlers are better to ensure you’re getting every lash.
- Wider Eyes: Pick curlers with wider clamps to connect with all your lashes.
- Rounder Eyes: Pick curlers with a more pronounced curve.
- Deep-Set Eyes: Pick curlers with an S-shape.
- Short Lashes: Mini curlers can be a good choice, as these won’t pinch your lash line.
Tool Design
Lash curlers also come in a variety of configurations. Depending on your comfort level, some might be better suited for you than others.
Plastic vs. Metal
Regardless of the style, your choices are usually going to be limited to plastic or metal materials. Metal is the most common material choice you’ll find. But if you’re concerned about pinching yourself during operation, you might want to opt for plastic. Conversely, a common complaint we found with plastic-based eyelash curlers is that they’re more likely to break.
Open-Ended vs. Caged Opening
If you have wider eyes or have a serious fear of pinching yourself, an open-ended lash curler is the way to go. The open ends mean that you’re less likely to get skin caught in the opening as you clamp down to curl your lashes. Keep in mind, though, that many open-ended lash curlers tend to be wider, meaning they may not be ideal for people with smaller eyes.
Scissor-Handle Lash Curlers
The most common type of lash curler is one that has a scissor handle. This design is available at all price points and can be found in both plastic and metal styles. While it might be the brand standard, this style isn’t without drawbacks.
The most common complaints are that the grips might be difficult to manage. However, you can find scissor-handle curlers with reinforced silicone or coated grips, which can give you more control.
Thumb-Grip-Handle Lash Curlers
If the classic scissor handle grip isn’t your speed, you can opt for a thumb-grip handle. While it looks somewhat similar to scissor grips, the circular finger opening handles are replaced with a coated thumb grip. The biggest benefit is that this type of lash curler is great for beginners who are still learning how to use this beauty tool. Likewise, people with hand problems or who need a more ergonomic grip may find these types of curlers easier to use.
Heated Lash Curlers
For people who like the idea of using a little heat to help set their curls but don’t want to mix heat with a metal lash curler, a heated lash curler is a good alternative. Most of these lash curlers are either battery- or USB-powered. The benefit is that they’re often wand styles, which means they work with all eye shapes and sizes. And their compact size makes them a great travel-friendly pick.
Compact Lash Curlers
Whether you don’t have enough space in your makeup bag or you just don’t like a larger oversized lash curler, compact curlers are another option. These are usually made of plastic and may provide a better grip for beginners or people that struggle with scissor handles.
Silicone vs. Rubber Pads
Just like with curler construction, the choice between silicone and rubber pads is a personal one. On the one hand, many people prefer silicone because the naturally bouncy material means you might not need to apply as much pressure to achieve a perfect curl. On the other hand, rubber is a popular choice because of its durability – meaning that the pads will last longer.
Just remember that the pads should be cleaned between every use and replaced as soon as they begin to show signs of wear. Otherwise, you’re setting yourself up for an eye infection or damaged lashes.
Natural vs. Faux Lashes
Not every lash curler is designed to work on faux lashes. So, if you’re seriously considering using this beauty tool on fake lashes, you’ll want to make sure you pick a wider style or, ideally, an open-ended version that won’t accidentally crimp lashes since lash strips tend to be larger.
Extra Pads
While not a requirement, an eyelash curler that comes with extra pads is a smart investment. Another common complaint we found when researching top picks for this beauty category was how hard it was to find replacement pads for certain curler brands. While most lash curlers come with at least one or two replacement pads, it’s possible to find complete kits that include four or more replacement pads.
Durability
While you should take care of your beauty tools, we saw many complaints about eyelash curlers where shortly after purchasing, the springs broke. Or in the case of plastic curlers, where whole pieces popped off, making the product unusable. Check the reviews – especially the negative ones – before plunking down your hard-earned cash to make sure you’re not buying a product that falls apart after a few uses.
Price
Eyelash curlers come in a range of prices, from budget-friendly to luxury. Depending on who you talk to, there are plenty of budget options that can compete effectively with expensive luxury options.
Again, part of this is going to come down to trial and error. But if you’re just beginning to use an eyelash curler, it’s a good idea to start with a cheaper model and upgrade to a pricier option once you’ve mastered the process of curling your lashes.
Photos via Instagram, Sephora, Amazon