This Under-$38 Item Is the Key to Fluttery Lashes—No Mascara Needed

For the longest time, I didn't curl my lashes. In fact, I was under the impression eyelash curlers were a scam. They never really worked that well, and when they did, the curl would fall faster than I could swipe on a couple of coats of mascara. Once I got older, I realized the error in my ways. After conversing with other editors, influencers, and makeup artists, I realized that maybe not all eyelash curlers were failing me, just an ineffective few. Guess what—I was right. I went on a mission to try as many eyelash curlers as I could get my hands on. I found that there were multiple that met—nay, exceeded—my expectations. They did the job of curling, lifting, and fanning out my lashes dramatically.

Ever since I made the switch to the *right* eyelash curlers, I've been hooked. In fact, I never leave the house without curling my lashes. Most days, I even skip out on mascara, opting to just curl my lashes for a natural, fluttery effect. Yep, I'm officially obsessed. Ahead, see the 10 best eyelash curlers money can buy, according to me and the internet. These won't fail you—trust me.

Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock with curled eyelashes and mascara

(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)

My Top Picks

Best Overall: Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler

Before Using the Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler

Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock pictured before using the Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler

(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)

After Using the Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler

Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock pictured after using the Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler

(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)

The curler lifted my lashes, taking them from pin-straight to full and fluttery. It even curled the teeny lashes near the inner corners of my eyes, which is impressive. The curl lasts all day too. I don't have to constantly recurl my lashes to keep them looking like this. Success.

Best Drugstore: Revlon Natural Lash Lift Curler

Best for Short Lashes: Brilliant Beauty Eyelash Curler

Best for a Fanned-Out Effect: Surratt Relevee Lash Curler

Best for Almond-Shaped Eyes: Shiseido Eyelash Curler

Best for Deep-Set Eyes: Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler

Shop More of the Best Eyelash Curlers

Lash Curler FAQs

How Should You Use a Lash Curler?

This might seem obvious. You hold it up to your eyelid and press your lashes between the pads. Well, yes and no. I like to press down on the base of my lashes, at the middle of my lashes, and at the very top of my lashes. I find that curling them three times like this creates the most dramatic effect. It also makes my normally stick-straight lashes hold a curl for hours at a time, even if I'm not wearing mascara.

Should You Use a Lash Curler Before or After Mascara?

I prefer to use my lash curler before I apply mascara. This allows me to curl my natural lashes and put them in the preferred position before adding mascara as a sort of sealant. In my experience, it also prevents accidental damage to the lashes and keeps the curler clean (if you use a curler after applying mascara, it can get pretty unhygienic if you don't clean it after every use).

Are Eyelash Curlers Safe?

The answer to this question is yes if you're using them correctly. Ensure you're always curling your lashes while looking in a mirror and moving slowly and intentionally. Otherwise, you can run the risk of pulling precious lashes out, or worse, poking your eye. I find it helps to curl my lashes while looking slightly downward toward a handheld mirror. This helps me grasp every single tiny lash in between the pads without pinching my eyelid or causing damage.

This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Explore More:
Kaitlyn McLintock
Associate Beauty Editor

Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior to Who What Wear, she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing the latest and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.