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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
Eyelash curlers are often overlooked when it comes to makeup application, but the truth is that they’re an amazing tool for opening up the eyes and enhancing the effects of mascara. And yes, it’s yet another step in your routine, but we promise you with the right curler, the results are 100% worth it.
But where to start when finding the one? Fortunately, we’ve tapped a makeup artist and put our own lashes on the line to test and trial some of the best eyelash curlers on the market. From cheap and cheerful drugstore gems to seriously technical options, here’s our edit of the best options.
Meet the Expert
Michael Brown is one of Australia’s leading celebrity makeup artists and experts and has worked on countless photoshoots, campaigns, red carpet looks, and magazine covers throughout his 20-year career. Michael has also held Australian ambassador roles for global brands including St Tropez, Marc Jacobs, Moroccanoil, Ardell Lashes, and Olay.
Keep scrolling to shop the best eyelash curlers available.
Best Overall: Shu Uemura S Curler
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Courtesy of Shu Uemura
Works for all eye shapes
Design allows for precise curling
Ergonomic design
Pricey
Requires slightly more effort
Anyone who’s watched The Devil Wears Prada will know that the original Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is the stuff of makeup legend, but it’s the latest S-shaped iteration we cannot get enough of. The shorter length means it’s easy to grab every lash—plus it can be used across all eye shapes! It does take a few more steps, but we promise the results are worth it.
Size: 2.4 x 1 x 4 inches
Best Budget: Covergirl Makeup Masters Eyelash Curler
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Courtesy of Amazon
Affordable
Easy to use
Results are short-lived
Simple and fuss-free, this curler is a great budget option that still curls, lifts, and opens the eye area. It’s certainly not as sophisticated as others on the list, but when paired with a great mascara, it’s a wallet-friendly buy that will garner results.
Material: Silicone pads | Size: 2.94 x 1.63 x 5.63 inches
Best Budget, Runner-Up: Maybelline Expert Tools Eyelash Curler Kit
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Amazon
Affordable
Comfortable grip
Results aren't dramatic
With an easy-grip handle and a soft, cushioned curl pad, this tool is great value for the price point. Simply hold it as close to the base of your lash as possible and squeeze it a few times for a soft but noticeable curl.
Material: Silicone pads | Size: 1.63 x 1.88 x 5.19 Inches
Best Drugstore: Revlon Extra Curl Eyelash Curler
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Amazon
Affordable
Doesn't punch
Comfortable grip
Might not suit smaller eyes
If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful curler that still creates beautiful definition, Brown recommends Revlon’s Curler. The rounded curve quite easily fits most eye shapes, while the rubbery pads don’t pinch. “It has a comfortable grip and tight hold that ensures the lashes curl and set evenly,” adds Brown.
Size: 3.3 x 1.8 x 5.6 inches
Best for Long Lashes: Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler
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Courtesy of Sephora
Elongated shape is versatile
Lightweight
Pricey
With an elongated, slim design, this curler from Kevyn Aucoin is great for almond-shaped eyes and those with longer lashes. It’s lightweight, so you can get it really close to the lash line for a full, fanned-out effect.
Material: Stainless steel | Size: 4 x 6 x 4 inches
Best for Short Lashes: Dior Backstage Lash Curler
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Dior
Comfortable grip
Easy to use
Doesn't pinch
Pricey
Might not suit elongated eye shapes
What we love about this Dior curler (aside from the fact it’s ultra-luxurious) are the large, padded finger pads. They’re comfortable and effortless to use, meaning there’s less chance of pinching the eyelid. The pads are extra soft, too, so it’s a safe bet for shorter lashes.
Brown also recommends this one and loves how comfortable it is (especially when you’re curling the lashes of others).
Best for Short Lashes, Runner-Up: Laura Mercier Artist Eyelash Curler
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Nordstrom
Comfortable grip
Soft rubber pad
Pricey
Laura Mercier’s curler has a relatively flat arc, so it’s workable across a range of eye shapes. It also has a wide surface, so it’s gentle enough for short, fine, or delicate lashes. The gold color is also a nice, luxurious touch.
Material: Silicone pads
Best Heated: Chella Heated Eyelash Curler
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Courtesy of QVC
Long-lasting results
Doesn't damage lashes
Easy to use
Requires a battery
Takes a minute to heat up
We get that heated lash curlers might seem scary, but this one from Chella is surprisingly simple. The battery-operated tool warms up quickly, and you can then drag the plastic comb itself through the lashes, where the heat works to lift and shape. For best results, roll it through the lashes nice and slowly.
Material: Plastic | Size: 1 x 0.62 x 5.5 inches
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Byrdie / Joline Buscemi
What Our Testers Say
"The Chella Heated Eyelash Curler immediately lifted my lashes and resulted in a more eye-opening look." — Joline Buscemi, Product Tester
Best Heated, Runner-Up: Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-LIFT Heated Lash Curler
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Ulta
Long-lasting results
Easy to use
Heats up quickly
Needs to be recharged
If you have stick-straight lashes or want to create a long-lasting curl, a heated option like GrandeLASH is your best bet. Instead of clamping down on the lash, this curler simply uses a heated spoon-shaped wand to push lashes upwards and out. It’s surprisingly easy to use, too.
Material: Plastic | Size: 4.75 x 1 x 4.75 inches
Best Pro: Shiseido Eyelash Curler
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Doesn't pinch
Durable construction
Pricey
This iconic curler is a best-seller for a reason. Featuring a broad curve and flexible silicone rubber pads, it does a stellar job at squeezing every lash, opening up the entire eye area. The handle is sturdy, and the quality craftsmanship will ensure you have it for years and years.
Brown also recommends it as it “works for a broad range of eye shapes and makeup looks.”
Material: Stainless steel and silicone | Size: 1.8 x 1.9 x 4.1 inches
Best for Curl: Japonesque Go Curl Eyelash Curler
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Amazon
Affords great control
Comes in various colors
Travel-friendly
Not as versatile as a regular curler
This top-rated curler from Japonesque is amazing for deeper set and almond eyes as it has a medium bend and wider curling arc. Because of the handheld shape, it also offers great control, meaning you get a lifted curl that should last all day.
Size: 6 x 5 x 4 inches
Best for Rounded Eyes: Suqqu Eyelash Curler
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Selfridges
Great for round eyes
Durable construction
Pricey
Another favorite from Brown, Suqqu’s curler has a round shape, so it works well for small, rounded eyes. “It’s sturdy, clamps well, and gives the lashes a beautiful, open appearance,” says Brown. The soft pad prevents crimping, while the double handle affords great control.
Size: 4.65 x 1.85 x 1.38 inches
Final Verdict
The lash curl that works for you will absolutely depend on your lashes and eye shape, but the unanimous team Byrdie's favorite is Shu Uemura’s S Curler, both for its effectiveness and versatility. In second place comes the iconic Shiseido Eyelash Curler, which never fails to deliver fluffy, curly, open lashes to a variety of eye shapes.
What to Look For in an Eyelash Curler
Shape
The shape of your actual curler is the most important feature to consider as you want something that will work with the shape of your eye, explains Brown. Elongated or Asian eyes will see best results using a longer, move oval-shaped curler whereas rounded or hooded eyes should look for something shorter and more circular.
Other features, like a heated curler, aren't necessities but are “nice to have”, says Brown. He explains that heated options are good for anyone with a very straight lash that doesn’t retain a curl.
Why Trust Byrdie
Emily Algar is an experienced beauty writer who has over five years of experience. Aside from Byrdie, her work has appeared in Popsugar, Vogue Australia, Grazia, Cosmopolitan, and more.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any eyelash curlers from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.