We Put 29 Eyelash Curlers to the Test, and These 9 Gave Us Sky-High Lashes

This pick from Tweezerman is expertly designed at a 38-degree angle to ensure optimal lash enhancement, especially for those with deep-set or almond-shaped eyes. This allows the edge to get close to the lash line without pulling, tugging, or pinching while giving your lashes a nice curl from the base. We were pleased with the noticeable results we observed before and after testing, especially on those of us with naturally long (and very straight) lashes that don’t typically curl. With this tool, we achieved a lifted and “awake” look without using any mascara.

Thanks to its strong grip, the hypoallergenic silicone pads delivered results that one of our team members thought were “way better” than the heated tool they tried. The pads are also replaceable (and should be swapped every three months), so luckily, this product comes with three spare silicone pads. We do wish the curler had slightly larger finger clamps for users with larger hands, but we ultimately felt that the price point was well worth it for the value and results.

Material: Metal | Pad: Hypoallergenic silicone, 3 replacements

The Relevée Lash Curler from Surratt is ergonomically designed with the user’s fingers in mind, resulting in a hand-calibrated model that produces painlessly curled lashes. This instrument was highly effective in its ability to curl well, with our tester noting that it “performed better than the heated one” they’d tried. This can partly be attributed to its thin pad, which allows the curler to clamp right against the lash line directly from the base. And while this may sound daunting, our tester assures us that this instrument was the most comfortable they’ve used yet.

Our tester quickly compared the Relevée to their past experiences with this type of tool, stating that it feels “more comfortable” than the curler they use at home. “I would definitely give this [curler] higher than a five for comfort if I could,” they added. It only comes with one replacement pad (when we would have preferred a few extras), but we still don’t think this would hold us back from adding it to our carts.

Material: Steel | Pad: Silicone, 1 replacement

If you’re not a fan of clamping your eyelashes in a metal contraption, then this could be the lash-curling alternative for you. This heated curler from Grande Cosmetics is smartly designed to operate on both a low or high-heat setting to reshape and set your already mascara-coated lashes into the curled form that you’re after. But don’t worry, even the highest heat setting isn’t too warm to apply to your eye area. Its gentle heat is just enough to reshape the natural slope of your lashes once you’ve applied your favorite waterproof mascara and style them in a more curled manner — essentially a low-power curling iron for your eyelashes. “I liked that it didn’t give a crimped look, but more of a natural lift,” our tester commented. “I also liked how soft my lashes felt.”

However, you do have to put in the tiniest bit more work with this curler than a traditional clamp style. Our tester noted that “it took a few brushes” to get the lift they wanted, but they preferred those extra swipes in comparison to pinching their lashes in between a metal clamp.

Material: Plastic, silicone | Pad: None

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Curling Performance

  4/5

• Comfort

  5/5

People with round eyes will always have a doe-eyed look, but luscious lashes that curl up towards the sky will only enhance that natural beauty. That’s why picking a curler that works perfectly for this eye shape is important, especially when it comes to those inner lashes that can be hard to secure inside the clamp with most instruments. Our tester noted how easy this model from Covergirl was to use, sharing that their lashes “stood fully curled” after pressing the tool together at the lash line just twice. They later added that it was efficient in curling their lashes evenly and made them “look fuller and natural.” With a design that curls just enough to fit comfortably against the eye, this curler is ideal for achieving nicely curled lashes on round eyes.

Material: Metal | Pad: Silicone, no replacements

Not all eye shapes are made the same, and Shiseido understood this when crafting its eyelash curler. This tool was constructed so that the clamping rim is wider and flatter than the typical semicircle, which doesn’t always work for everyone’s eyes. Our tester says they “struggle with eyelash curlers that are more C-shaped,” which is why it was so beneficial to try this straighter option. “This flatter shape suits my eye shape better and allows me to get the lashes at the far end of my eye,” they said. The results were easily customizable depending on how many times the tester squeezed the tool together — one press being a natural lift, and three being a more dramatic curl.

Material: Nickel coating | Pad: Silicone, 1 replacement

We all know the effort of trying to give your lashes some shape, but the struggle is much more real for those who have naturally straight lashes. Eyelash curlers are helpful, but it takes a specific model to really turn up the volume on flat lashes. This curler from Chanel did just that thanks to its thin design that is able to get right to the base of the lash and provide a close curl. “This eyelash curler does an incredible job at curling my short and thin lashes,” one of our testers said. They shared how easy it was to use the product and the “noticeable curl and volumizing effect” that this tool produced after using it on one eye and comparing it to the other.

Our tester felt that this instrument would not only be perfect for those with straight lashes, but for anyone who had never tried a curler before. Beginners have it easy with this straightforward model that delivers high volume in mere seconds.

Material: Metal | Pad: Silicone, no replacements

This curler from Japonesque is beautifully designed with a compact frame that can be easily stored away in a makeup kit or travel bag. The small curler is shaped similarly to a computer mouse and features a retractable lever that pushes the padded curler up to gently grip and shape the lashes. A smartly designed opening for sight helps you see the lashes for easy use, preventing any painful pinching.

Our tester noted how the tool was easy to grip despite its nontraditional design and the “tension was perfect — no pulling of the eyelashes.” This is due in part to the soft pad that lines the tool, which provides a comfortable base for serious curls. The tester appreciated the natural lift it created and thought the best part was that they “didn’t lose any lashes” — a common fear for lash-lovers.

Material: Metal | Pad: Silicone, no replacements

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Curling Performance

  4/5

• Comfort

  5/5

This set from Tarte is the perfect on-the-go option for someone who wants to get the look completed in one purchase. Testers loved the “user-friendly” coated handles that covered the golden metal, which made the tool easy to grasp and prevented any chance of slipping. They said that their eyelashes were “noticeably curled after using this product,” but with a more natural effect as opposed to a dramatic lift. Another standout aspect was the silicone curling pad, which was pull- and pain-free and didn’t stick to the lashes as they curled.

While this curler was a standout, our tester did feel that it could have been more aptly shaped to capture the inner and outer lashes, which proved to be hard-to-reach spots for this particular tool (and many others on the market). These farther lashes were still curled, just farther towards the end of the hair instead of the base, creating a flatter curl from the center of the eye to the outer lashes.

Material: Metal | Pad: Silicone, no replacements