Eyelash curlers are a small but mighty make-up bag essential for lifting lashes and adding a lengthening effect. The handheld beauty tool can range in size and style, with popular versions including heated eyelash curlers and ergonomically shaped frames.
You’ll find the most classic types have two plates which, when pressed together by closing the handles, curl and separate lashes.
Within the curler plates sit refillable pads offering a comfortable base, so the frame doesn’t stick to lashes. These are mostly made from silicone or rubber and should be cleaned between use, as well as replaced every three to six months. That’s for hygiene purposes and to retain the curler’s springy hold.
Experts recommend keeping lashes in place with an eyelash curler for around 10 seconds, before releasing them and adding mascara. You could use one on a make-up free day too, to naturally fan eyelashes outwards. Either way, reaching for an eyelash curler is the easiest beauty shortcut for creating extra eye-fluttering drama.
How we tested
Our tester has been putting these eyelash curlers through their paces for several months. To make our list, they had to offer a visible lift and curl without pulling or pinching. We tried eyelash curlers at different price points, across budget buys and designer picks.
Awakening your eye make-up in one quick move, they should be easy to use with no discomfort and maximum lash lifting results. From designer brands to budget buys, loop hold and push handles, we’ve got all options covered, so read on and discover our best eyelash curlers list.
Laura Mercier artist eyelash curler
This sturdy bronze-coloured eyelash curler has double looped handles to offer a secure hold. Plus, the tall, lightweight frame sits neatly in place on the face without digging into cheeks. The recyclable box includes a spare silicone pad replacement, and we found this cushioning layer hugs lashes while offering a springy-feeling squeeze minus any nipping. The curling plate appears quite wide at first, but this is because it effortlessly reaches every single eyelash.
After using the curler, we instantly saw an impressive, heightened lift to lashes. They looked dramatically curled upwards and appeared significantly lengthened. Adding mascara emphasised this volumized effect further, and our lashes kept their curl for several hours too.
Tweezerman 38° lash curler
A recent addition to the Tweezerman collection, this gold lash curler was created for almond-shaped eyes. That is reflected in the particularly wide shape, which easily covers the entire lash parameter. There are a generous three replacement pads included in the box, offering excellent value for money at under £20.
The silicone pads are noticeably thick for extra cushioning comfort and maximum lash lifting potential. After holding the eyelash curler in place, we watched our lashes being separated and propelled upwards. We saw a satisfying curl, and our eyelashes were fanned both upwards and outwards. They stayed in place throughout the day too.
Dior backstage eyelash curler
Presented in classic Dior showstopping packaging, the box is silver with black branding. Its chic black metal frame held shut with a clear plastic clip, which makes for compact storage. Opening the eyelash curlers up, we noticed that its smooth sturdy handles were comfy to hold.
Getting in extremely close to the lash line, we found these curlers to grip and curl eyelashes without pinching skin. We think this is also because of the almost bouncy cushioned pads, of which one replacement is included. As a result, we saw a lifted upwards and fanned out baby doll-esque look, with our mascara application reaching each individual eyelash.
Mac full lash curler
A metal eyelash curler made of a light loop handled frame, you’ll find one replacement rubber pad in the box. The curling plate is wide with soft cushioning and reaches all lashes. But the tool doesn’t fit too tightly on your eye. We discovered that while you don’t get a massively dramatic heightened lift, it does make for a gentler grip on sensitive lids. Satisfyingly subtle, we saw eyelashes which were evenly lifted up and outwards in a naturally curled effect.
Hourglass lash curler
Within the metallic bronze box, you’ll find this eyelash curler and replacement silicone cushioning pad. It is an angular gold frame that wins dressing table aesthetic points, with double loop handles that are ergonomic. Tightly hugging our lashes, we saw an impressive high lift upwards, rather than outwards fanning. We noticed this curler leaves eyelashes with a classic curl that was also lengthening. Offering noticeable results on bare eyes, with mascara added on top, the result was significantly longer looking lashes.
Kevyn Aucoin the eyelash curler
A sturdy eyelash curler packaged in a slide open box, this is really handy for hassle free storage and daily use. The red refillable rubber cushion is striking against the silver frame, and you’ll find one replacement inside too. Notably soft to use, while efficiently lifting eyelashes, the curler created an even lift along our lash line. Because each separate lash is curled, they are fanned out while looking lengthened. We saw definition too, that meant our mascara could grip individual eyelashes much more effectively.
