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The difference between straight, limp lashes versus voluminous, lifted lashes? You guessed it: an eyelash curler (and, fine, maybe some excellent DNA, but hey). A good eyelash curler can make even the straightest lashes bend up and fan out, allowing your volumizing or lengthening mascara to coat every last lash to make it even more effective. So even though it may not seem like an important tool to have in your beauty arsenal, trust me when I say a lash curler is the best way to get length and volume fast without trying eyelash extensions or false lashes.
But if you’ve been intimidated by holding a metal clamp so close to your eye, or you’re just not sure which curler is best (or worth the money), I totally get it, and I’ve been there too. After testing a fair amount of eyelash curlers myself, I chatted with three experts—hi, makeup artists Renée Loiz, Dani Kimiko Vincent, and Manuel Espinoza—to determine how exactly to choose, use, and take care of an eyelash curler. Plus, I combed through hundreds of online reviews to find the best ones for you to snag right now.
✔️ P.S., This is new, up-to-date info, bb. We updated this article in May of 2023 to get you the most recent updates on the best eyelash curlers out there, adding details and reviews so you can make the best choice for you, and deleting outdated oldies.
But first, if you’re just looking for a few recs, here’s a peek at our top picks...
Our top picks for the best eyelash curlers of 2024:
Before you hit 'add to cart' on your fave, just remember this tool will be going close to your eyeball. I am begging you to use it with caution! Now that we've gotten that out of the way, keep scrolling for the full breakdown of the best eyelash curlers and everything you need to know before buying one.
Pros
- Comes with extra replacement pads and a luxe case
Cons
- Some reviewers noted the pad was too short to curl all their lashes at once
The long silicone pad makes this eyelash curler feel so luxe and makes your lashes look like they just walked out of a salon. Its ergonomic design and silicone pad helps prevent any sticking or tugging on your lashes, so you'll just be left with a smooth curl that only takes seconds to create.
- Replacement pads: 2 included
THE REVIEW: "I have extremely straight hair, and consequently extremely straight eyelashes," writes one reviewer. "Like, they-basically-point-downward, look-half-their-length, a-little-bit-obstruct my-vision STRAIGHT. This is the best curler I've ever owned, and I've had PLENTY."
Best Eyelash Curler and Mascara Duo
Tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler Duo
Pros
- Handles make for an easy curling experience
Cons
- Some reviewers note that the curler broke after months of consistent use
The fact that you can snag this Tarte mascara and eyelash curler duo for less than $20 is kiiiiinda amazing. Thanks to the purple grips on the handles and the curved clamp, this curler helps you get fluffy, crimp-free lashes every time (seriously—Cosmopolitan deputy beauty director Chloe Metzger uses this exact curler on the daily). After curling, swipe on a couple of coats of the volumizing mascara to really bring the look home.
Replacement pads: not included, but it does come with 1 mini mascara
THE REVIEW: "This is by far the best eyelashes curler I have ever owned," writes one tester. "The handle makes it easy to curl the eyelashes multiple times."
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Pros
- Rose gold finish makes it a pretty addition to your vanity
Cons
- Doesn't come with any replacement pads
Overwhelmed by all the eyelash curler options out there? Start simple. "I love a metal curler as it's very hygienic and easy to clean and sanitize," makeup artist Renée Loiz says. This one from Camara Aunique pairs a classic curler design with a beautiful rose gold finish that'll look cute on any makeup vanity or bathroom counter.
- Replacement pads: not included
MY REVIEW: If I'm going to be bringing a beauty tool this close to my eyes, it better do what it's supposed to do and look pretty doing it. This one checks both boxes.
Best Eyelash Curler for Dark Lashes
Ere Perez Spectacular Eyelash Curler
Pros
- The white pad makes it easier to see where you're crimping
Cons
- One reviewer says the curler is a bit too large
If you have black eyelashes, it can be hard to ensure your lashes are where they're supposed to be to get the most out of an eyelash curler. This chrome design from Ere Perez is made with a white silicone pad, so dark-haired users can get the placement they want.
- Replacement pads: none
THE REVIEW: "A nice curler and quite convenient to use," one tester writes. "But you need some time to get used to it."
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Pros
- Includes an added spring to avoid clamping too hard
Cons
- Some reviewers noted that an incorrect grip can cause the curler to turn and damage eyelashes
Hot tip: You don’t have to spend a sh*t ton of money on your eyelash curler—especially if you’re new to the game. This v affordable option has a comfortable handle and a contoured clamp that makes reaching each and every lash super easy. And IMO, it beats painstakingly gluing on eyelashes daily.
- Replacement pads: 1 included
THE REVIEW: "Other curlers would never fit and curl my right eye same as my left. I'd always pinch my right eyelid," writes one tester. "This curler is perfection for my almond eyes every time!"
Best-Selling Eyelash Curler
Shiseido Eyelash Curler
Pros
- One of the most popular eyelash curlers of all time
Cons
- May not work as well for smaller eyes
You can't talk about eyelash curlers without mentioning the O.G. Shiseido—one of the bestselling curlers of all time. With edges designed to help prevent pinching, this curler is the best option for someone who’s been burned (and by that, I mean painfully clamped) once before. If you keep yours properly cleaned and in good shape, it can last forever (that means replacing the pads as they wear out). I’ve had mine for years, and at this point, I’ll probably will it to my favorite child when I die.
- Replacement pads: sold separately
THE REVIEW: "For those with eyelashes that are hard to curl or those who have eyelashes on the outer most parts of your eyes that never seem to get curled," one tester writes, "this here is your bb."
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Pros
- Small size lets you curl every single lash
Cons
- Takes more time and precision to get an overall curl
Okay, yes, the fact that this curler closely resembles a nail clipper that belongs in your manicure kit doesn’t make it the most inviting of tools, but I promise it won't bite. The small shape makes it super easy to get all up in your tiny lash hairs that you have difficulty curling, making it a tried-and-true favorite for anyone with stick-straight eyelashes and monolids. Confused on how to use a smaller eyelash curler? Here's some advice from makeup artist Renée Loiz: "When curling, you only need to curl small sections at a time. I start at the outer corners and work my way in."
- Replacement pads: 6 included
THE REVIEW: "I am a Filipino woman with short, sparse, and straight eyelashes," writes one reviewer. "This is the precision I have been looking for to curl the inner and outer lashes, which always get missed with a regular curler!"
Pros
- Many reviewers noted the silicone pads were strong enough to form a curl upon first crimp
Cons
- Some testers noted it might be too short for those with bigger eyes
“The pad on the eyelash curler needs to be replaced as soon as you see any cuts or tears in the pad,” says makeup artist Dani Kimiko Vincent. “You’ll want that surface to be intact, so you get the best curl and avoid bending or damaging your lashes.” Luckily, this eyelash curler comes with five lash pad refills, so you can just pop a new one on as soon as it starts to show signs of wear. To be on the safe side, makeup artist Manuel Espinoza says to replace the pad every six months.
- Replacement pads: 5 included
THE REVIEWS "The silicone pads are definitely the feature that makes this stand out," writes one reviewer. "They prevent pinches or pulls on the lashes and keep them safe from any damage while also making the curler more effective. It works great the first time and there is no need for excessive pressure or repeated clamping."
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Pros
- Won't pinch your eyelashes and will curl them all at once
Cons
- No replacement pads included, despite instructions saying to change the pad every 6 months
To access the tiniest lashes in the furthest corners of round eyes, you need a heavily curved eyelash curler that can reach them. Enter: this Dior eyelash curler, which is one of Manuel Espinoza’s personal faves. Yes, it’s expensive, but he truly believes that investing your money in a good eyelash curler means you’ll have it for years. Plus, compared to getting a lash lift, it’s basically cheap, right?
- Replacement pads: not included
THE REVIEW: "This is the best curler for rounded eyes!" reads a tester's review. "I've been looking for a curler that has a little more curve than the traditional ones, and I finally found it!"
Best Heated Lash Curler
Grande Cosmetics Lash-Lift Heated Lash Curler
Pros
- Lashes will stay curled all day
Cons
- It can take a little bit to heat up
Not convinced you can confidently clamp anything over your eyelashes? Totally fine. Opt for a heated lash curler like this one (which you might recognize from our 2020 beauty awards), which has absolutely zero clamping involved. Instead, the heat will help shape and lift your lashes. Once it’s warmed up, place the curler against the base of your lashes, and—just like you’re applying mascara—wiggle it back and forth as you brush upward. Follow up with your favorite regular, tubing, or waterproof mascara.
- Replacement pads: none (doesn't require pads)
THE REVIEW: "There's a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it's amazing!" one tester writes. "It's a terrific little tool to have in your case."
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Pros
- Great quality that holds up through the years
Cons
- Can be tricky to find
This might look like any old curler, but Shu Uemura actually set the standard for curled lashes that are quick, even, long-lasting, and completely crease-free—and it’s one of makeup artist Dani Kimiko Vincent’s go-to curlers. Like the four-leaf clover of eyelash curlers, this cult-favorite product is hard to find because stores stopped carrying it nearly a decade ago, but thankfully you can still purchase it online.
- Replacement pads: not included
THE REVIEW: "I have used my Shu Uemura curler for 20 years—a few months ago it broke, and I tried a much cheaper one...disaster," writes one tester, adding, "I threw it out, and ordered a new Shu Uemura which will probably last another 20 years."
Pros
- Red pad allows you to see where your lashes are placed in the tool
Cons
- Some reviewers noted you can get similar curlers for a better price
The clamp of this curler is longer, making it more efficient at curling the easily missed lash hairs in the inner and outer corners of larger eye shapes. And the red pads aren’t just a nice aesthetic touch—many praise them for their firmness and ability to shape the lashes with minimal pressure.
- Replacement pads: 1 included
THE REVIEW: "This is the best eyelash curler I have used," writes one reviewer. "It gives you a natural looking curl, and I will never go back to the drugstore option!"
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Pros
- Blends natural and faux lashes seamlessly
Cons
- Bit of a learning curve to use
The coolest part of this little tool is that it clamps and fuses your natural eyelashes with your falsies or magnetic lashes, leaving you with a super-seamless look. And unlike those awkward curlers that make it hard to reach tight spots, this one is designed to actually curl every one of your lashes. Consider this a staple for your most dramatic lash looks.
- Replacement pads: 2 included
THE REVIEW: "I love this! " writes one reviewer. "I’ve never been able to make my fake eyelashes look good but this actually does the trick!"
Pros
- Silicone brush head protects you from accidental burns
Cons
- It's not specifically designed for natural curling, so those results will vary
This electric lash tool is specifically made to help attach Lashify's Gossamer lashes to your natural lash line. The heated silicone brush is meant to easily curl your lashes while activating the bond with your falsies. However, it can also be used on your natural lashes—though the brand recommends using it on the lowest heat setting.
- Replacement pads: none (doesn't require pads)
THE REVIEW: "This has helped so much with fusing and curling my lashes," writes one tester. "My natural lashes are flat and this has been a game changer for me."
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What are the disadvantages of using an eyelash curler?
It's always a good idea to read the directions before using any kind of beauty tool, especially one that could potentially cause some damage to your eyelashes. "Faulty curlers can end up pinching the skin, so it's best to get a curler that is reputable and made correctly," Loiz advises, adding that it's critical to clean your curler regularly. "A dirty or unsanitized curler can harbor bacteria, which can get into your eyes and cause an infection."
How to choose the best eyelash curler:
Look for a firm lash pad
According to Vincent, the lash pad is one of the most important components of an eyelash curler. Think of the difference between the zigzag hair crimpers of the ’90s versus the round, deep waver clamps of today. A lash pad that’s too soft will allow the metal clamp to press into your lashes too hard, leaving you with a sharp, almost 90-degree angle in your lashes (à la the ’90s hair crimp). But a firmer lash pad that has just enough cushion will allow the clamp to create that soft curve without denting the center of your lashes. The result? Fluttery, curved lashes.
Choose one with a sturdy frame
Vincent recommends looking for metal-framed eyelash curlers. “I believe in buying once and buying well,” she says. “The metal curlers will last longer than plastic, and they won’t break as easily.” Loiz agrees, adding that she also likes "a curler that has a bit of weight to it, fits perfectly in my hands, and the clamps of the rulers perfectly align when clamped together."
Once you find your perfect metal eyelash clamp, all you’ll need to do is keep it clean and replace the lash pad every few months to a year, depending on how often you curl your lashes—which you can easily get on Amazon.
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Meet the experts:
- Renée Loiz is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Quinta Brunson, Cynthia Erivo, Sherry Cola. She is also the founder of Color May Vary, a Black-owned beauty guide.
- Dani Kimiko Vincent is a celebrity makeup artist in Los Angeles, CA, an eyebrow technician, and the founder of Kimiko Beauty, a beauty line specializing in brow products, face makeup, and makeup tools, and has worked with celebrities like Sandra Oh.
- Manuel Espinoza is a makeup artist in Los Angeles, CA, who has worked backstage at New York Fashion Week and with brands like Bobbi Brown and MAC.
Why trust Cosmo?
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan with 10 years of experience writing about culture, entertainment, and lifestyle. She's a beauty lover who has covered everything from scalp massagers to magnetic lashes.
Siena Gagliano is a contributing beauty editor at Cosmopolitan and has two years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing beauty stories, like the best blush brushes and the best tubing mascaras, and feels especially knowledgable on eyelash curlers thanks to years of trying to find the best one for her straight lashes. She regularly tests and analyzes eyelash curlers on herself for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top makeup artists to assess new brands and products.
Sami Roberts was previously the beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan with four years of experience researching, writing, and editing health, social media, and beauty-related stories, including the best eyelash serums and if castor oil works for eyelash growth. Her eyelash curler picks were based on product reviews, ratings, and personal testing, along with information from experts.
Olivia Truffaut-Wong
Editor
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle. She loves finding and testing the best skincare products to recommend, like the best tinted sunscreens, and is always researching the best cat accessories for her fur baby. She has over 10 years of experience as an entertainment and culture writer and editor, and her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.
Siena Gagliano
Associate Editor
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
Sami Roberts
Sami Roberts was the previous beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan. Keep up with her cat-filled life in New York on Instagram.