Eyelash Curler

What it is

An eyelash curler is a mechanical tool - usually a metal frame with a rubber or silicone pad - that clamps lashes between a curved shield and the pad, bending them upward at the root. It's used before mascara, not after, to open the eye and lift straight or downward-growing lashes.

How it works

Closing the handles presses the lash line against the curved silicone pad, which bends the lashes along the curve rather than creasing them at a single point. Holding the clamp for a few seconds lets the bend set before releasing; mascara applied afterward helps hold the curl by stiffening the lash in its new position.

How to choose one

• Match the curler's curve to your eye shape. Most curlers use a standard curve; flatter or more curved options exist for eyes that don't suit the standard shape well.
• Replace the rubber pad periodically. A worn, hardened pad is more likely to crease or pull lashes rather than curve them smoothly.
• Heated curlers hold a curl longer on stubborn, straight lashes but carry more risk if used incorrectly - mechanical curlers are the safer default.

How to use it

1. Start with clean, mascara-free lashes.
2. Open the curler and look down into a mirror. Position it so the pad sits right at the base of the lashes, as close to the root as possible without catching the skin of the lid.
3. Close it gently and hold for about five seconds. Firm, steady pressure is enough; squeezing hard doesn't add curl and makes it more likely to pinch.
4. Release, move halfway up the lashes, and squeeze lightly again for a couple of seconds. This "walking" motion gives a smooth, rounded curve instead of a single sharp bend.
5. Apply mascara straight after to hold the curl - see Mascara.

Care and when to replace

• Wipe the pad and frame clean after use, so oil and makeup residue don't build up on the part that touches your lashes.
• Replace the pad every few months, or as soon as it shows a groove or crack - most curlers come with a spare.
• Replace the curler itself if the frame bends or the pad no longer meets the top bar evenly across its width.

Common mistakes

• Curling after mascara is applied, which can crease already-coated lashes or pull some out as the clamp catches on dried product.
• Clamping too close to the lash tips instead of the root, which creates an unnatural crimp rather than a smooth curve.
• Pumping the curler aggressively at a single point instead of holding and slightly repositioning along the lash line, which risks breakage.