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Every morning, as I apply my mascara, I’m frustrated by my stick-straight lashes that jut out like a flag on a mast. Thankfully, due to the nature of my job, I have an arsenal of the best eyelash curlers at my disposal, so I can transform them into fluttery, lifted lashes—perfect for batting at my crush as I fake-laugh at his jokes.
Vogue’s Favorite Eyelash Curlers
- For a Heated Lash Curler: Chella Heated Eyelash Curler, $22
- For Almond-Shaped Eyes: Shiseido Eyelash Curler, $24
- For Precision: Revitalash Signature Eyelash Curler, $23
- For Round Eyes: Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler, $24
- For Short Lashes: Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler, $34
- For Most Eye Shapes: Surratt Beauty Relevée Lash Curler, $36
An eyelash curler can truly elevate your makeup routine, especially when paired with the best mascaras for volume and curl. If you’ve never used one, it may seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll never travel without it. “Eyelash curlers are actually such a game changer,” says makeup artist Courtney Housner. “They help to create length, and volume, as well as give you a much more open-eye look.”
There was a time in my life when I only reached for eyelash curlers for big nights out or weddings, but now they’re a staple in my everyday routine. “Every eye shape can benefit from an eyelash curler,” notes makeup artist Alexx Mayo. “Lifting the lashes will give you the appearance of longer lashes but also help you look more awake and expressive.” What’s more, celebrity makeup artist Wendi Miyake notes a curler helps your mascara or false lashes blend and hold a curl.
Many eyelash curlers promise great results but fail to deliver, so it’s important to choose one vetted by experts like celebrity makeup artists. Below, we’ve shared a few of our tried-and-true favorites, along with their recommendations.
In This Story
- What to Look for in an Eyelash Curler
- How to Use an Eyelash Curler
- Do eyelash curlers really work?
- Does the type of eyelash curler make a difference?
For a Natural Bend: Chanel Le Recourbe Cils De Chanel
- Why We Love It: “I’ve been using the Chanel Lash Curler in my kit for years, and it s one of my all-time favorites,” says celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon. “The curve fits most eye shapes beautifully, and it gives a perfectly natural bend to the lashes.”
- Who It’s For: Anyone looking to enhance their natural lashes and get a gentle curl without damage.
- More to Know: Made in Japan, this curler comes with precision pads that can be easily replaced with the brand’s pads to ensure cleanliness.
For Almond-Shaped Eyes: Shiseido Eyelash Curler
- Why We Love It: “This tool was a revelation when it was launched,” explains Reiss-Andersen. “All customers with an almond-shaped eye or flatter eye felt they finally had a curler designed for them. It’s still a favorite.”
- Who It’s For: In their trials with Shiseido’s eyelash curler, Reiss-Andersen, pro makeup artists Dillon Peña and Allan Avendaño, feel this is best for flat or almond-shaped eyes.
- More to Know: It uses an edge-free design to reach lashes from the inner to the outer corner, using silicone rubber pads to volumize without pinching.
For Precision: Revitalash Signature Eyelash Curler
- Why We Love It: “[This is] well-made and weighted, which feels easier to handle and has lasted a good amount of time in my kit,” says makeup artist Taylour Chanel of this curler by Revitalash.
- Who It’s For: This is for a precise lift without crimping.
- More to Know: Crafted from carbon steel with rounded silicone pads, this creates a natural-looking curl without creasing, tugging, or breakage.
For a Heated Lash Curler: Chella Heated Eyelash Curler
- Why We Love It: Housner is a fan of Chella’s heated tool for its clamp-free design, meaning “there’s no opportunity to crimp the lashes accidentally. And also, the curl can tend to last a bit longer with a heated curler.”
- Who It’s For: Those with flat lashes who want a long-lasting curl.
- More to Know: The curler is essentially a sleek, heated wand that combs lashes into a natural-looking curl in less than a minute.
For Round Eyes: Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler
- Why We Love It: “This is really a precision tool I work with often,” says Reiss-Andersen. “It gives a subtle, natural curl that holds for hours on end.”
- Who It’s For: She continues that “even though they say it works best on almond-shaped or deep-set eyes, I find it works on everyone.” Peña, on the other hand, would reach for the Tweezerman ProMaster for rounded eyes.
- More to Know: This lash curler is crafted at a 38-degree angle to work effectively on almond and deep-set eyes to curl each lash, using rounded hypoallergenic silicone pads for comfort sans creasing.
For Short Lashes: Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler
- Why We Love It: “This was one of my first curlers when I started doing makeup and still another go-to,” says Sesnek. “It has a few safeguards, including shape and length, to prevent pinching or pulling out lashes, which makes it very user-friendly. A true classic!” The model is also endorsed by Miyake and Avendaño, who calls it “revolutionary.”
- Who It’s For: According to Sesnek, “this is perfect for smaller eye shapes and can get the tiniest of hairs.”
- More to Know: “It is smaller, so you can get every angle and stubborn hairs,” says Avendaño. “It doesn’t have a top bar, so you can really pull up your lash curler upwards.” The silicone pad is molded to a curved angle, what the brand calls a mushroom shape, to reach each lash with precision and adequate pressure without pinching the skin.
For a Lash Lift: Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-LIFT Heated Lash Curler
- Why We Love It: “I love the GrandeLASH-LIFT heated curler, and use it in my kit often,” Chanel notes, citing its durability, two heat settings, and ease of cleaning as reasons to love using it.
- Who Its For: This is best for someone interested in an at-home heated lash lift.
- More to Know: Expect a curl lasting up to 8 hours after using this sleek wand which lifts lashes through a curved comb designed to reach every lash with ease. Not to mention, it’s rechargeable.
For Precision: Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler
- Why We Love It: “The Kevyn Aucoin lash curler has always been a go-to,” says Mayo. “The width and curve of the design can flatter any eye shape and has great resistance when clamping.” Sesnek explains that this model is especially user-friendly and makes for quick curling.
- Who It’s For: “This is great for a variety of eye shapes,” Sesnek continues. “Great for soft natural looking curls.”
- More to Know: The stainless steel tool’s distinguishable red cushion is designed to curl bottom lashes too without pinching.
For Most Eye Shapes: Surratt Beauty Relevée Lash Curler
- Why We Love It: Sesnek dubs Surratt’s model as his absolute favorite, hands down. “The curve shape, the weight, and performance of this cannot be beaten. I can use this on all eye shapes and its clamp makes it easy to get all the lashes. I tend to stockpile a few times a year.” Mayo is also a frequent user of this curler from Troy Surratt’s collection.
- Who It’s For: “[This] has a unique design; even smaller eye shapes can really benefit from this curler,” Mayo notes. Conversely, makeup artist Matin Maulawizada prefers this for wider, almond-shaped eyes.
- More to Know: The Japanese-made tool features an ergonomic curler and silicone pads to elongate and fan lashes with ease.
For a Drugstore Pick: Revlon Triple-Stepped Eyelash Curler
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- Why We Love It: “[This] is the perfect tool for a round eye,” says Reiss-Andersen. “It adapts perfectly to the shape of the lid.”
- Who It’s For: Per the makeup pro, this is best for round eyes—or for a quick curl.
- More to Know: As the name suggests, this Revlon model is crafted to interlock at three points to curl lashes along three places at once in just one squeeze. Thanks to a soft lower and rigid upper padding design, it should not pull or tug your lashes.
For Falsies: Velour Too Extra Lash Curler
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- Why We Love It: “The Velour lash curler is a great general lash curler and has a very good torque but also feels like it’s a soft touch,” Sesnek details. “Gives great results in one curl.”
- Who It’s For: This is best for those with fluffy lashes, glam, or for use with falsies.
- More to Know: Crafted with natural and false lashes in mind, Velour’s gold-plated titanium model features an extra-wide opening to fit any lash style. Also, its white silicone pad allows you to see your lashes while curling.
For a Padded Clamp: Dior Backstage Eyelash Curler
- Why We Love It: “I’m a sucker for the padded clamp as well as the definition it gives,” says Housner of Dior’s lash enhancer. A top recommendation of Chanel, too, this is designed with all eye shapes in mind for effortless use.
- Who It’s For: This is best for someone looking for a comfortable squeeze, thanks to the aforementioned clamps and soft pads.
- More to Know: Designed for an effortless curl, this seeks to awaken the eyes by reaching every lash without pinching.
For Beginners E.l.f. Cosmetics Pro Eyelash Curler
- Why We Love It: Aharon loves this adorable curler because it feels comfortable in the hand and is an excellent entry-level choice due to its affordability and ease of use. “The lash pad has a satisfying amount of bounce, which helps create a smooth, even curl,” she says.
- Who It’s For: Perfect for anyone seeking an affordable eyelash curler that still delivers impressive results.
- More to Know: With a contoured curve and a stronger spring than traditional curlers, this curler is incredibly easy to use and provides a long-lasting curl.
What to Look for in an Eyelash Curler
“You want to choose a curler that works with the shape of your eye,” says makeup artist Brigitte Reiss-Andersen, explaining that a round shape would suit a rounder eye, while a straight curl might suit a flatter eye. “The wrong tool shape might pinch the ends of your eyelids (that hurts!) or leave some lashes out of the curl.” Pro Robert Sesnek furthers that the lash curler design makes all the difference in performance. “Always check the thickness of the silicone pads or rubber cushion on the curler; fluffy and supple is best and what you want for a safe curl when curling your eyelashes.” You want to avoid devices that are too sharp or thin to avoid damaging your lashes.
If you’re looking to really up the ante or find that traditional eyelash curlers don’t hold a curl (my lashes, for one, are stick straight), heated lash curlers are a great option. They provide a more long-lasting curl and work on even the straightest lashes, as the heat helps set everything in place, similar to how your curling wand works on your hair. And if you’re someone who is scared to use an eyelash curler for fear of pinching or tugging at your lashes, heated curlers, when used properly, are often less harsh on your lashes.
How to Use an Eyelash Curler
Ready to try for yourself? Experts emphasize using an eyelash curler to prep lashes. “Lash curlers should always be used on mascara-free lashes due to the potential of your lashes being ripped out if you have mascara on,” says Housner. She explains the process like this. “How I like to approach curling lashes, open up the curler fully and look down with your eyes [to] comfortably set your lashes into the curler as close to the root as possible—making sure that all of your lashes are in but not close enough to pinch.”
How long you hold the clamp closed will surely be a personal preference, but a few seconds is key—even repeating the motion on the middle and ends of your lashes for added lift. “Follow this with a lash primer and mascara, and if you really want to lock it in, use a heated lash curler at the end,” explains Chanel. “This warms the mascara, and as it cools, it holds the curled shape.” Just be sure to clean your eyelash curler after each use to remove any bacteria.
Do eyelash curlers really work?
“A lash curler is absolutely my desert island makeup tool,” says Aharon. While those with super straight, stubborn lashes might not see results that last all day, using a lash curler can still be a game-changer for most people. “Even on my no-makeup days, I give my lashes a quick squeeze because the lifting and curling effect helps open up the eyes. And when paired with mascara, you can really maximize the impact of the formula.”
Does the type of eyelash curler make a difference?
When it comes to eyelash curlers, Aharon explains there’s a noticeable difference between types. Two main factors to consider are the shape—since different eye shapes (deeper set, flatter, etc.) require different designs—and the band inside the curler. “You’ll want one with soft, squishy padding rather than hard edges, as this helps create a natural-looking curl and prevents breakage over time.” She also emphasizes keeping your curler clean: “Mascara buildup can cause lashes to stick to the tool, increasing the risk of pulling or breakage, not to mention the bacteria that can accumulate.”
Meet the Experts
- Allan Avendaño is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Sandra Oh, Isabela Merced, and Sabrina Carpenter.
- Taylour Chanel is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Alton Mason and Laketih Stanfield.
- Courtney Housner is a celebrity hair and makeup artist who’s worked with stars such as Jay Shetty, Don Toliver, and Madison Bailey.
- Matin Maulawizada is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Lupita Nyong’o, Angelina Jolie, and Mandy Moore.
- Alexx Mayo is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Lizzo, Adut Akech, and Mariah Carey.
- Wendi Miyake is a celebrity makeup artist and men’s groomer whose clients include Kourtney Kardashian, Kelly Rowland, and Madonna.
- Dillon Peña is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Beyonce, Paloma Elsesser, Dan Reynolds, and more.
- Brigitte Reiss-Andersen is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Hunter Schafer, Sutton Foster, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
- Robert Sesnek is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Vanessa Hudgens, Sophia Bush, and Julianne Moore.
- Lisa Aharon is New-York-based celebrity makeup artist with clients such as Rachel Brosnahan and Molly Ringwald.
