The 11 Best Eyelash Curlers of 2020

Eyelash curlers are one tool most makeup artists refuse to work without. That's because curling the lashes up and away from the eye area amplifies the benefits of mascara and brightens up the entire face.

For those who haven't used this beauty tool before, an eyelash curler has a few key components that make for a comfortable experience—a curved eyepiece that fits your eye shape, a rubber lash pad to prevent pinching, and large handles that exert smooth, even pressure. Don't know where to start?

Here are the best eyelash curlers that you can buy today.

Best Overall: Surratt Beauty Relevée Curler

This lash curler can curl any set of lashes. Truly. It’s so important that straight-lashed girls know this curler is out there because we're confident it will change their lives.

The beautiful Japanese design clamps on in two stages, allowing you to carefully control when and where you exert force onto your lashes, and the soft silicone pads keep your lashes from getting too sharply crimped.

Best Budget: Covergirl Makeup Masters Eyelash Curler

One of the top-rated drugstore curlers on the market, this one has a gentle price point that makes it the ideal option to perfect your technique with. We love it for three main reasons: One because the pre-mascara results are pretty significant, two because it's simple to use, and three because the price is easy on our wallets.

Best Pro: Shiseido Eyelash Curler

Makeup artists and fans alike sing the praises of this curler's edge-free pads. Its curve is also a little bit flatter than other eyelash curlers, which makes it simple to cover the full width of the eye and catch all your lashes. The flatter edge also guarantees that it will work on a wide variety of eye shapes.

If you’re new to eyelash curlers, it also opens a bit wider than average, making it easy to get the curler properly into position and make sure your eyelids don’t get pinched.

Best for Long Lashes: Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler

The curve of this curler is designed to catch each individual eyelash without pinching, while the wide opening of the curler is designed to accommodate all eye shapes. The cushion is firmer and more resistant than most, and while this might seem like a small difference, the contrasting red cushion makes it easy to see whether you’ve actually got each and every lash in position.

Fans love that it’s gentle enough to use on long lashes, but effective even on short, straight ones.

Best for Short Lashes: Shu Uemura S Curl Eyelash Curler

Shu Uemura S Curler — Courtesy of Shu Uemura

If your eyelashes are short, it can be hard to get a noticeable lift from any device. Enter the new and improved Shu Uemura curler. The original was already renowned for its ability to grab each and every little lash and curl it to its maximum potential. In this recent update, unlike most curlers, the sidebars at the edge of the curler have been removed, letting you work your way across your full lash line section by section to catch each and every lash.

The curler itself has the perfect amount of force to curl without crimping, and uses the same high-quality construction the original is known for.

Best Heated: Chella Heated Eyelash Curler

This heated eyelash curler is one of Byrdie HQ's go-to's—it's easy to use, it distributes heat evenly, and its compact design means it's extra portable. Never tried a heated curler before? No problem. Just comb from the middle of your lashes outwards, keeping it pressed against your lashes for up to 10 seconds. Repeat this with the sides of your lashes, continuing until you've got the look you want.

Best for Sensitive Eyes: Tweezerman Rose Gold Classic Lash Curler

This Tweezerman eyelash curler is a best-seller, but it's also especially great for those with sensitive skin or eyes. Its rounded silicone lash pads are hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and won't stick to lashes (plus, this product includes three replacement pads, so it's even more of a steal). Also, its rose gold color looks chic on any bathroom counter or vanity.

Best Value: Tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler Duo

This bundle—which includes Tarte's eyelash curler and a deluxe sample of the brand's popular Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara—is a match made in heaven for your lashes. The curler itself is ergonomically designed, with easy-grip handles and a purple silicone pad; its mouth is also curved to suit all eye shapes sans any pinching. The mascara, on the other hand, delivers a 35 percent increase in curl while lengthening, conditioning, and adding volume to your lashes. Plus, it's vegan and cruelty-free.

Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyelash Curler

Priceless lashes don't have to cost you an arm and a leg. This affordable option will curl your lashes, so they're ready for mascara and keep their shape all day or night long. The rubber pads will be gentle on your lashes, and the price will be gentle on your wallet.

Best Set: GSQ by Glamsquad Eyelash Curler + Comb Set

For a super affordable price, this Glamsquad set—which includes an eyelash curler, a refill pad, a lash comb with stainless steel gold teeth, and a mascara wand—is your one-stop-shop for curled, clump-free lashes. Pro-tip: After curling and applying mascara, comb your lashes from root to tip before your mascara dries.

Best for Travel: Japonesque Go Curl Eyelash Curler

Never tried an easel-style eyelash curler? At this price point, we think it’s worth a try. Devotees swear by the full, gorgeous results they get with a single press. You simply flip the easel back to get leverage on your eyelashes. The open cage style doesn’t pinch, and the soft, siliconized rubber lash pad creates a nice, even curl.

Don’t let the photos fool you—the whole curler is about the size of a container of dental floss, making it the perfect compact option to toss in your travel bag.

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