Splurge or Save: Eyelash Curlers

SPLURGE OR SAVE? Verdict: Splurge!

Metal eyelash curlers have been around since the Roaring '20s, helping flappers (independent women most notable for their bob hair cuts) accentuate eyes. The quality of eyelash curlers has improved over the decades and they still come in the original stainless steel metal, as well as plastic and heated battery-powered. Everyone has their own preferences of eyelash curlers but from our experience, they are worth the splurge.

Higher end eyelash curlers have better ergonomic designs, which can withstand more pressure to give a better curl and are contoured to hug your eye’s contours. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all curler for everyone, so you’ll need to find one that suits your eyes. Budget-friendly ones may work for some people, but tend to pinch the eyelid skin and take multiple squeezes to curl all the lashes. By squeezing the eyelash curler more times than necessary, you increase the risk of pulling or breaking off your natural lashes. A higher end eyelash curler should only take about 3-5 pumps to give a beautiful curl, depending on the length and curl of your lashes.

Heated eyelash curlers are great for people who have difficulty curling their lashes, but using them will require some practice. Since you can’t have the curler get too close to your eyelid (don’t want to risk burning your skin), you won’t be able to curl your lashes near the lash line. But heat from the eyelash curler should be sufficient enough to give you a long-lasting curl. If you have a metal eyelash curler, you can blast a blow dryer for a few seconds at the clamp and curl as usual (the metal shouldn’t be pipping hot).

Plastic eyelash curlers work the same way as metal ones, but because they’re made of plastic, they are not as durable. If you drop the curler, it may break instantly and if you press too hard, the curler can become lopsided.

No matter what kind of eyelash curler you have, always be careful to not pinch your skin and pull out your lashes. To avoid the “L” shape lashes, begin squeezing the curler at the base of your lash line and gradually work your way to the tips.

Mid-Price to Higher-End Eyelash Curler Recommendations

1. Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler

2. Surratt Beauty Relevee Lash Curler

3. Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler