Some people’s eyelashes have a natural upward curl to them and other people’s eyelashes are more straight. Both are equally valid and beautiful, but sometimes you want curled lashes for a particular makeup look or just for a change, in which case, eyelash curlers can help you out. The question is, which eyelash curlers should you choose?
We reviewed dozens of eyelash curlers to identify the best of the best, considering a variety of factors, including construction material, heated options, travel options, and average customer reviews.
We ultimately chose the Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler as the overall best. Its classic tried-and-true design curls eyelashes reliably and it’s durable enough that it could last you a lifetime.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Eyelash Curlers
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Eyelash Curler Overall | Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler | 4.4 |
| Best Travel Eyelash Curler | MUJI Portable Eyelash Curler | 4.2 |
| Best Budget Eyelash Curler | Revlon Extra Curl Eyelash Curler | 4.0 |
| Best Heated Eyelash Curler | WU-MINGLU Heated Eyelash Curler | 4.5 |
| Best Plastic Eyelash Curler | JAPONESQUE Go Curl Eyelash Curler | 4.1 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Eyelash Curler Overall: Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler
The best products aren’t always the most high-tech, as the Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler proves. This eyelash curler has a standard design but has been made with such care and attention to detail that we believe it’s the best you can buy. This curler is extremely sturdy and made from high-quality metal, so you won’t find it rusting or breaking at the hinge any time soon.
Users have high praise for the way it curls eyelashes. It truly curls them rather than just crimping them and the effects usually last all day. You don’t need to press hard to achieve a good curl and it’s easy to fit all your lashes inside. The silicone pads are hypoallergenic and gentle on your lashes, plus you get three spares to keep you going. At $13, it’s a little pricier than some eyelash curlers but it’s worth spending a few extra bucks on.
Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler Key Features:
- Curls eyelashes gently and effectively
- Super smooth action
- Rounded pad gives an intense curl to your lashes
Best Travel Eyelash Curler: MUJI Portable Eyelash Curler
Measuring approximately 1.6 inches tall, 1.2 inches wide, and 0.8 inches deep, the MUJI Portable Eyelash Curler takes up next to no space in your makeup bag. As such, it’s perfect for taking on vacation, throwing in your bag for a night out, or any other situations where space is at a premium.
The soft rubber pad helps curl eyelashes without damaging them, and some users say this eyelash curler is better than standard models at curling lashes (though it does have mixed reviews). As it’s made in Japan, most Americans won’t be able to understand the instructions but it’s intuitive to use, especially if you have experience using eyelash curlers. Retailing at $9, this is a mid-priced option but offers good value for money.
MUJI Portable Eyelash Curler Key Features:
- Works well on short lashes
- Doesn’t pull or pinch
- One rubber pad refill included
Best Budget Eyelash Curler: Revlon Extra Curl Eyelash Curler
Looking for a bargain above all else? Try the Revlon Extra Curl Eyelash Curler. Although it performs relatively well, it does have a handful of quirks and it certainly isn’t rugged in its construction, so you’ll probably need to replace it after a year or two. The deep curve of the curler fits some eye shapes extremely well, whereas others find it too deeply curved and therefore awkward to use. Some buyers report it can crimp lashes rather than giving a natural-looking curl, but with some practice, you can get them to curl the way you want them.
These factors aside, this is a reliable eyelash curler that doesn’t pinch and is simple to use. With a non-slip grip, this curler is comfortable to hold. The soft silicone pads are gentle on lashes and won’t leave them thin or damaged. What’s more, the $4 price tag is extremely appealing to anyone on a tight budget.
Revlon Extra Curl Eyelash Curler Key Features:
- Can be used to curl bare or mascara-coated lashes
- Doesn’t pull, pinch, or stick to lashes
- Smooth action and easy operation
Best Heated Eyelash Curler: WU-MINGLU Heated Eyelash Curler
Shaped a little like a mascara wand, the WU-MINGLU Heated Eyelash Curler has a heating wire running through the tip that helps give your eyelashes a big, long-lasting curl. Since there’s no grabbing or squeezing, it doesn’t pull or pinch your lashes, and there’s no chance of a crimped look. However, heat has the potential to damage lashes so we wouldn’t necessarily recommend a heated eyelash curler for daily use.
The wand heats up in just 10 seconds, so you won’t have to wait around to curl your lashes. It’s rechargeable via a micro USB cable and lasts for around 120 minutes of use on a full charge, which is enough to curl your lashes many times over. The three temperature settings allow you to experiment with varying degrees of curling, with some eyelash types better suited to higher temperatures than others. Costing $22, it’s the most expensive eyelash curler on the list, but this higher price is justified considering it’s a heated model.
WU-MINGLU Heated Eyelash Curler Key Features:
- Eyelash comb and charging cable included
- Curl lasts for 24 hours
- Quick and easy to use
Best Plastic Eyelash Curler: JAPONESQUE Go Curl Eyelash Curler
Creating sweeping lashes with a deep curl, the JAPONESQUE Go Curl Eyelash Curler is an effective choice for all lash types. If you’re used to curling your lashes with a standard metal eyelash curler, there may be a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, we think you’ll be pleased with the results. The resulting curl is long-lasting with no crimping, plus the curler doesn’t pull or pinch the lashes.
Not only do you get a spare curling pad with this eyelash curler, you can go online to request free refills for the entire lifespan of the curler—you can’t say fairer than that. Measuring just 2.3 inches tall, this compact eyelash curler is ideal for travel, though it’s durable enough and gives good enough results for day-to-day use, as well. At $11, it isn’t cheap but is a quality option that’s worth the money.
JAPONESQUE Go Curl Eyelash Curler Key Features:
- Gives an excellent curl that lasts all-day
- Easy to handle
- Gentle on eyelashes
Who Should Buy an Eyelash Curler
Anyone who gets frustrated with their straight eyelashes should buy an eyelash curler. Curled eyelashes can look longer and fuller, and can add a certain something to your look if you’re opting for bold eye makeup. To make things even more dramatic, you can even curl false eyelashes with most non-heated eyelash curlers.
While you’re making the effort to look your best, you may also want to check out The Best Wrinkle Creams or The Best Teeth Whitening Strips.
Important Features to Consider
An eyelash curler should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting an eyelash curler:
- Curling pads. Eyelash curlers need curling pads to help shape the eyelashes into the perfect natural-looking curl without damaging them. Curling pads tend to be made from soft silicone or rubber. You usually get at least one spare included.
- Heated vs. non-heated. Heated eyelash use heat to curl lashes, whereas standard eyelash curlers use pressure. Heated curlers often give a more dramatic and longer-lasting curl than standard curlers, but there’s more chance of damaging your lashes from the heat.
- Travel size. You can find a selection of compact travel-size eyelash curlers on the market that are perfect for packing when you have limited space.
- Easy-grip. Easy-grip or non-slip elements can help prevent you from accidentally slipping while mid-curl, which could cause you to pull on your eyelashes and cause discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an eyelash curler and how does it work?
As its name suggests, an eyelash curler is a device used to curl eyelashes. Different eyelash curls work in different ways, but most non-heated eyelash curlers have two parts that clamp together that you must press your eyelashes between to curl them, whereas most heated eyelash curlers have wands that you touch to your eyelashes in a certain way to curl them.
Is it okay to curl your eyelashes every day?
Even experts can’t come to a definitive conclusion on this. Some people say you definitely shouldn’t curl your eyelashes daily, whereas others say it’s fine if you use a quality eyelash curler that curls your lashes gently and doesn’t crimp them (since repeated crimping in the same spot can cause lashes to break). We’d definitely avoid using heated eyelash curlers daily and recommend giving your eyelashes a day off when possible.
Why won’t my lashes stay curled?
Some people’s eyelashes simply don’t stay curl as effectively as others. This can be down to a range of factors such as coarseness and hair type. Even heat and humidity may affect the way your eyelashes curl and how long they stay curled
How do I keep my eyelashes curled all day?
Applying a waterproof mascara before your regular mascara acts a little like hairspray for eyelashes and can keep the curl sealed in for longer. You may also find that improving your technique helps curls stay put all day.
Other Eyelash Curlers We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other eyelash curlers. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best eyelash curlers list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Heated Eyelash Curlers
The 360-degree curling wand allows you to quickly and easily curl your eyelashes while the LED display lets you keep an eye on the temperature in real-time.
Key Features:
- Rechargeable via micro USB
- Long-lasting results
- Heats up in under 60 seconds
Cost: $21
This sleek and stylish heated eyelash curler gives dramatic results that last all day.
Key Features:
- LED temperature display
- Four temperature settings
- Heats in less than 10 seconds
Cost: $26
KEESCA Electric Eyelash Curler
Thanks to the 3D wand technology, it could hardly be easier to curl your eyelashes. The results are excellent with a natural-looking curl.
Key Features:
- 8-second heat up time
- Two temperature options
- USB rechargeable
Cost: $20
Heats to exactly 70 Centigrade, which allows you to curl your eyelashes effectively without scalding your skin.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use wand design
- LED lighting for a better view of the eyelashes
- Recharges using a micro USB cable
Cost: $23
TOUCHBeauty Electric Lash Curler
This eyelash curler mixes the design of a standard clamp-style curler with a heating element to boost its effectiveness.
Key Features:
- Powered by 2 AAA batteries
- Gentle silicone heating pads
- Indicator light for temperature
Metal Eyelash Curlers
Basic Concepts Eyelash Curler Kit
This rose gold eyelash curler comes in a kit with matching tweezers and a small pouch to store them in.
Key Features:
- Five replacement curling pads included
- Perfectly calibrated for curling
- Smooth action
Cost: $7
Brilliant Beauty Eyelash Curler
This standard metal eyelash curler may be fairly basic but it comes in three colors: platinum, rose gold, or a rainbow-effect “prism” color.
Key Features:
- Sating bag included
- Comes with a couple of spare curling pads
- Easy to use
Cost: $9
COVERGIRL Makeup Masters Eyelash Curler
The shape of the curling pad isn’t as rounded as some, which can make it more prone to crimping, but gives a natural curl when you learn the knack.
Key Features:
- Plastic handles are easy to grip
- Soft silicone curling pads
- Impressive lash volume
Cost: $4
Hizek 3 in 1 Mini Eyelash Curler Kit
This useful kit comes with a standard metal eyelash curler, a small partial curler, and extension tweezers.
Key Features:
- Includes spare curling pads
- Mini curler is perfect for travel
- Suits most eye shapes
Cost: $9
The chunky handles make these eyelash curlers easy to grip, while the quality pads curl lashes quickly and effectively.
Key Features:
- Great action with flexible spring
- Comes with five spare pads
- Excellent lift and curl
Cost: $10
Maybelline New York Expert Tools Eyelash Curler
It might be simple and inexpensive, but this eyelash curler comes from a beauty brand that you can trust.
Key Features:
- Doesn’t pinch or pull
- Effective curling
- Gentle on the lashes
Cost: $5
Petunia Skincare Eyelash Curler
The soft silicone pressure pads curl lashes well without causing damage, for a dramatic and long-lasting look.
Key Features:
- Pouch and refill pads included
- No pinching
- Durably made
Cost: $10
This curler is costlier than similar models but it’s a high-quality option that performs exceptionally. Be careful to buy straight from Amazon, however, as there are fakes around.
Key Features:
- Gives a natural-looking yet dramatic curl
- Well made with excellent action
- Two spare pads included
Cost: $25
Tarte Hey Curl, Hey! Lash Curler Set
This cute eyelash curler is covered in rhinestones, plus you get a bonus Tarte Big Ego mascara thrown in.
Key Features:
- Gentle silicone pad
- Doesn’t pinch
- Produces an excellent curl
Cost: $27
Tweezerman Neon Great Grip Eyelash Curler
A similar option to our top pick but with a pink easy-grip handles and a pink curling pad, for those who like to go bold.
Key Features:
- Doesn’t crimp lashes
- Works for all eye shapes
- Comes with three replacement pads
Plastic Eyelash Curlers
Daily Life Travel Size Eyelash Curler
Thanks to its compact size, this mini eyelash curler is perfect for traveling with, plus it comes in a cute mint green hue.
Key Features:
- Won’t pinch lashes
- Gentle silicone pads
- Spare curling pad included
Cost: $8
E.saline Mini Portable Eyelash Curler
At less than 2.5 inches long, it’s easy to take this eyelash curler anywhere, yet it works as effectively as a full-size option.
Key Features:
- Includes one replacement pad
- Ergonomically designed
- Curved just right for most eye shapes
Cost: $8
Gourd Doll Shop Portable Plastic Eyelash Curlers
Don’t expect these eyelash curlers to last too long, as they are on the flimsy side, but you get two for you money, one pink and one blue.
Key Features:
- Gentle silicone curling pads
- One spare pad per curler
- Easy to use
Cost: $10
We wish this plastic eyelash curler was a little more reliable, but when it does work, it curls lashes effectively.
Key Features:
- Two-color choices
- Curling pad shaped to give a dramatic curl
- Small and lightweight
Cost: $5
Seki Edge Folding Eyelash Curler
The folding design makes this an ideal travel eyelash curler that still has the stability and ease-of-use that comes with larger models.
Key Features:
- Expands to full size
- Doesn’t pinch or pull
- Quick and easy to use
Cost: $9
