The 10 Best Eyelash Curlers Gave Me Such a Good Lift, I Quit Using Falsies
Sky-high lashes are just a quick clamp-and-squeeze away.
While my standing lash lift and tint appointment isn’t going anywhere anytime soon (shoutout Envious Lashes in NYC!) I honestly can’t remember the last time I reached for a pair of falsies because, as it turns out, I was seriously underestimating the power of a good eyelash curler. It's able to give me that same lifted, wide-awake look—minus the glue. Just a few seconds with the right tool makes my naturally short, straight lashes look longer and more defined, and best of all, it takes virtually no skill to do.
And I’m not the only one who swears by the difference a curler can make. Makeup artist Briana Riley agrees that the right one should lift your lashes without leaving behind that telltale crimp. “A good eyelash curler should give your lashes a smooth, lifted effect rather than creating a harsh kink or bend,” Riley explains. Beyond the curl itself, she recommends looking for one that feels comfortable, doesn’t pinch, and leaves lashes with a natural-looking lift similar to what you’d get from a lash lift.
So, lo and behold, I narrowed down the 10 best eyelash curlers actually worth the squeeze, including a $5 drugstore find and the one MUA’s always keep in their kit.
The Best Eyelash Curlers
- Best Eyelash Curler Overall: Tweezerman Comfort Grip Neon Eyelash Curler
- Best Beauty Editor-Approved Eyelash Curler: Shiseido Eyelash Curler
- Best Eyelash Curler for Beginners: Tarte Picture Perfect Lash Curler
- Most Comfortable Eyelash Curler: Jenny Patinkin Lazy Perfection Eyelash Curler
- Best Eyelash Curler for Hooded Eyes: Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler
Best Eyelash Curler Overall
According to Riley, “this is my ride-or-die eyelash curler” and the only traditional curler she personally uses and continues to repurchase. “As a makeup artist, I’ve used it on so many different eye shapes, and it consistently fits beautifully and gives the lashes the best curl.” Its thick, rounded silicone pad is designed to curl lashes without crimping or sticking, while the ergonomic handle gives you plenty of control as you work from the base to the tips. Celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney is also a big fan, particularly because the design makes it “easy to get to the root of the lash.” Bonus: The tool comes with three replacement pads, so you won’t need to replace the entire curler once yours starts to wear down.
Review: “I love this lash curler! It’s easy to use and curls my lashes without damage. I love that its neon pink color makes it easy to find in my makeup bag. It also comes with replacement refills for the cushion. I don’t have super long lashes, but this makes them stand out more.” — Ulta
Best Beauty Editor-Approved Eyelash Curler
If, like me, you’re always pinching your eyelids and tugging at your lashes with a curler, this Shiseido tool is a game-changer. Its handy edge-free design helps prevent pulling, while flexible silicone rubber pads are soft on lashes as you squeeze and curl. The broad curve also helps capture lashes from your inner to outer corners in one go. Beauty Editor Siena Gagliano swears by this eyelash curler, and says she “has yet to find one better.”
Review: “I've been a cosmetologist for 24 years. This is by far the BEST lash curler I've ever used!!! It curls my lashes so well and, most importantly, does NOT BREAK or rip them out! I absolutely love it.” — Sephora
Best Eyelash Curler for Beginners
“The Tarte eyelash curler is another really popular option,” says Riley, and its beginner-friendly design makes it easy to see why. The easy-grip handles give you plenty of control, while the bright purple silicone pad makes it easier to see your lashes and gauge how much pressure you’re applying. Its curved angle is also crafted to suit all eye shapes without pinching or crimping—ideal if the thought of putting a metal contraption near your eyeball still makes you a little nervous!
Review: “I don’t often wear mascara, so this was the perfect set for me. The lash curler is very easy and gentle on the lashes, and the mascara lasts all day and doesn’t get crumbly or smudge at all!” — Sephora
Most Comfortable Eyelash Curler
I’ve perfected an under-10-minute makeup routine, so I’m usually moving fast and need a curler that’s comfortable, easy to control, and won’t accidentally catch my eyelid. The small finger holds give me a steady grip, while the firm bumper pad delivers plenty of curl without requiring much pressure overall. I also love that the white pad makes it easier to see exactly where my lashes are positioned, so I can curl and go without a second thought (or an accidental pinch!).
Review: “I have really never curled my eyelashes, but decided to give it a whirl. This curler is easy to get in place and feels gentle on my eyelashes. And it’s so pretty!” — Dermstore
Best Eyelash Curler for Hooded Eyes
This eyelash curler is “great for Asian eyes and hooded eyes,” claims Henney. Its flatter curve helps it hug the eye shape, while a patented hinge and plush silicone pad are designed to deliver a smooth, even curl without pinching or creasing. It’s no wonder, Henney says, that “it is very popular for a makeup artist to have in their kit.”
Review: “I bought this UNBELIEVABLE eyelash curler at Henri Bendel back in 1994 or 95....it is STILL the only one I have ever used or will use forever!!!!” — Amazon
Best Eyelash Curler for Almond Eyes
If your eye shape is almond, Henney highly recommends reaching for this eyelash curler from Kevyn Aucoin. Its wide opening and slight curve are made to hug the eye and capture every lash without catching, while the contrasting red silicone pad makes it easier to see exactly where you’re placing the curler. The result? A “soft, rounded lift that complements the natural shape of almond eyes,” says Henney.
Review: “The curl lasts all day and fits my large lashes and eye shape, which not all curlers can do. It doesn’t hurt and holds a curl.” — Amazon
Best Drugstore Eyelash Curler
At just $5, this Revlon eyelash curler is one of my personal favorites when I’m ballin’ on a budget. The silicone lash pad helps create a soft, natural-looking curve, while the finger grips make it super easy to control without ever slipping. It’s designed to fit most eye shapes, including larger eyes, and even comes with a replacement pad.
Review: “This is my favorite drugstore lash curler. It makes lashes so long and nice! Affordable price, hasn’t broken on me, and I’ve used it for years, so it’s definitely high quality and well-made. It’s not cheap or lightweight. I definitely recommend.” — Ulta
Best Designer Eyelash Curler
The Chanel label alone makes this pick “feel luxurious,” Henney emphasizes, but it’s more than just an iconic name. The silver precision curler is designed to carefully capture all lash types, while Henney loves that it “creates a more open, fanned-out look.” Chanel recommends curling in three steps, starting at the base and working toward the tips, for the most natural-looking lift. At $30, it’s a small splurge that makes an everyday makeup step feel a whole lot chicer.
Review: “I purchased it as a small stocking stuffer with big impact, and of course, CHANEL delivered. The packaging was impeccable and made it far more impressive than just a simple eyelash curler.” — Chanel
Best Heated Eyelash Curler
Think of this rechargeable heated curler like a curling iron for your lashes: It uses low heat to lift and shape them without the crimping or tugging that can come with a traditional eyelash curler. A grooved safety-slot design helps protect the delicate skin around your eyes, while the wand-like shape makes it easy to target lashes from root to tip. At $39, I must admit it’s a bit of an investment for an eyelash curler compared to others, but it’s worth the splurge if your lashes tend to fall flat.
Review: “I got this in hopes of improving the curling of my lashes compared to regular curlers, especially with mine that fall on the shorter side. It's beautiful, and it works well as long as you brush it repeatedly and slowly. I've had the tip touch my skin a few times by accident, but it's just a warm sensation, and I felt no pain at all.” — Sephora
Best Eyelash Curlers for False Lashes
“This is a more niche tool, but I love it for individual and false lash applications,” notes Riley. Unlike a traditional curler, Revlon’s precision version has a smaller diameter and narrow front plates that let you target small sections of lashes at a time, including those tricky inner and outer corners. So, according to Riley, “the smaller size allows you to gently press the false lashes and natural lashes together, eliminating visible separation and creating a much more seamless finish.”
Review: “It works, and the quality is great considering the price! I think it’s most useful for false lashes (I use individuals or cut up falsies).” — Amazon
Can Eyelash Curlers Damage My Lashes?
According to Riley, “eyelash curlers can cause damage if they aren’t used properly.” To minimize the risk, she recommends always starting with completely clean lashes and never curling after applying mascara. “The stickiness can cause lashes to adhere to the curler and potentially be pulled out,” she explains. And if you’ve been a little too rough in the past, don’t panic: “Lashes naturally regrow, so damage typically isn’t permanent unless the hair follicle itself is damaged.”
Henney strongly agrees and offers another important tip: Always make sure the rubber or silicone pad is intact before curling. If it’s worn down or missing, you risk clamping your lashes between the bare metal, which can cause serious breakage.
How Do I Choose the Right Eyelash Curler for My Eye Shape?
First and foremost, “you need to determine if your eye shape is almond, round, deep set, etc.,” explains Henney. From there, you should look for a curler that “fits the length of your eye and shape of your eye,” she says.
But don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the perfect match right away. “Finding the right curler for your eye shape can take some trial and error,” Riley explains, since “it’s difficult to know how well one will fit until you actually try it.” Her best advice? Look for one that fits all your lashes comfortably without pinching or pulling.
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Meet the Experts
Briana Riley is a licensed esthetician and professional makeup artist with 15 years of experience under her belt (or should I say, in her makeup bag). Riley specializes in luminous bridal makeup, with a style that focuses on natural, healthy-looking skin.
Tobi Henney is a bicoastal makeup artist who originally hails from Sydney, where she was previously the L’Oréal Paris Makeup Director for Australia. She is known for flawless, glowing skin and signature red carpet looks created for clients such as Barbara Palvin, Megan Fox, Mila Kunis, Jessica Alba, Ashley Graham, Karlie Kloss, Lillie Reinhart, and Emma Roberts. Henney has worked with major brands including Ray Ban, Oliver Peoples, Longines, Miu Miu, Tiffany Co, Balenciaga, Tom Ford, Victoria’s Secret, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, L’Oréal Paris, Clinique, Maybelline, Nike, Anthropology, and Coach, and her editorial talents can be seen in Vogue, InStyle, L’Officiel, Elle, Grazia, Harper’s Bazaar, Schön! and more.
