The 9 Best Eyelash Curlers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Our Top Pick Is the TWEEZERMAN ProMaster Eyelash Curler

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Eyelash Curlers Test

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

An eyelash curler might not be the most exciting beauty tool in your collection, but don’t underestimate the power of a really good one. If you, like so many others, struggle to achieve the curled lash look of your dreams due to straight or droopy lashes, finding a lash curler that works for you can change your makeup game entirely.

But with tons of options on the market—many of which look almost identical—it can be difficult to assess which one is best for you, or perhaps you even assume that they’re all the same. They’re not—we promise. So, to take the guesswork out of it we put dozens to the test and we’re sharing which ones are worth giving a try. Plus, we chatted with Michael Brown, an Australia-based makeup artist, to find out what to look for in an eyelash curler to ensure you choose one that suits your needs. 

Below, the best eyelash curlers tested by Byrdie.

Best Overall

TWEEZERMAN ProMaster Eyelash Curler

5
TWEEZERMAN ProMaster Eyelash Curler

Amazon

What We Like
  • Dramatic before and after

  • Pain-free and easy to use

What We Don't Like
  • Slots for fingers are a bit small

According to the brand, this classic eyelash curler is designed for people with almond-shaped or deep-set eyes, but the extra wide opening makes it a great option for people with hooded eyes, too. 

Our tester shared that it was comfortable to hold in their hand, easy to use, and effectively curled their lashes without causing any discomfort. They were seriously impressed with the dramatic before and after results, noting that their eyes looked more wide-awake. 

If we could change anything about it, we would make the slots where the fingers grip the curler a bit larger to accommodate people with larger hands. 

Price at time of publish: $24

Material: Hypoallergenic silicone pads

What Our Testers Say

“The before and after was really noticeable and the curl opened up my eye. It created a really nice lift and overall makes you look more awake.” —Gibreel Martinez, Product Tester

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Laura Mercier Artist Eyelash Curler

5
Laura Mercier Artist Eyelash Curler

Sephora

What We Like
  • Curls the lashes quickly

  • Wide enough to capture all lashes

  • Design prevents user from being too forceful

What We Don’t Like
  • Some online reviewers say the quality doesn't justify the cost

The brand is arguably most known for its iconic loose setting powders, but don’t sleep on this lash curler from Laura Mercier. The classic design is enhanced by a double-handled grip which helps to sturdy your hands as you curl your lashes. The brand claims that just one squeeze is all it takes to form a curl—and our tester agrees. She was able to achieve a lifted, curled look with just one pump. 

If you tend to be a bit aggressive when curling your lashes and risk damaging them, this is a great option for you. Our tester shared that she went to clamp her lashes pretty hard as she usually does, but the tool prevented her from applying too much force. However, that’s not to say that it doesn’t create beautiful results—it does so without requiring excessive pressure. “I'm glad that the tension is just enough to give me the perfect curl, without letting me go too much where I could end up hurting myself,” she explained. 

Price at time of publish: $22

Material: Silicone pads

What Our Testers Say

“Just one pump was all that I needed to get a beautiful curl!” —Joanna Faith Williams, Product Tester

Best for Beginners

CHANEL LE RECOURBE CILS DE CHANEL Eyelash Curler

5
CHANEL LE RECOURBE CILS DE CHANEL Eyelash Curler

Ulta

What We Like
  • Standard curler that's easy to use

  • Effectively curls short lashes

  • Can access the base of the lashes

What We Don’t Like
  • Some reviewers say the product quality does justify the price tag

Different types of eyelash curlers have entered the market over the years, but the classic design is a great place to begin if you’re new to curling your eyelashes. This one works to gently lift each lash, and our tester found that it did the job with minimal effort. 

If you have short or thin lashes like our tester, this could be a great option for you as she found that it created a beautiful curl and a lifted effect. She also noted that she didn't experience any of her lashes getting stuck to the silicone pad, and she was able to target the roots of her lashes with no pain at all. 

Price at time of publish: $30

Material: Silicone pads

Best Value

Kaasage Black Professional Lash Curler

5
 Kaasage Eyelash Curler

Amazon

What We Like
  • Curls lashes quickly

  • Comes with replacement silicone pads

What We Don't Like
  • Might be too small for those with larger eyes

Looking to snag a great eyelash curler for a bargain? This could be the one for you. Not only is it an affordable and effective product to begin with, but it also comes with replacement pads meaning you won’t have to purchase those separately.

In addition to helping her achieve lifted lashes, our tester appreciated that it didn’t catch her lashes or cause discomfort while using it.

One thing to note is that some online reviewers say that this curler was a bit small for their eyes, so if you have larger or wider eyes, this is something to keep in mind.

Price at time of publish: $9.95

Material: Silicone pads

What Our Testers Say

“It did an excellent job curling my lashes. There was a very noticeable curling and volumizing effect when compared to my other eyelashes.” —Mandy Shum, Product Tester

Best for Round Eyes

Surratt Beauty Relevée Lash Curler

5
SURRATT Relevee Lash Curler

Revolve

What We Like
  • Weighted, luxe feel

  • Doesn't cause pinching

  • Thin pad allows for precise curl

What We Don’t Like
  • Some online reviewers say the results don't justify the price tag

This is an incredibly popular, award-winning eyelash curler—and it’s justified. The material has a weighted and luxurious feeling and the simple, but ergonomic design makes it easy to use. According to the brand, the Japanese design and bouncy silicone pads ensure that you don’t need to use too much force to yield results. So, pinching, lash breakage, and discomfort are non-issue. “This curler did not pinch me or hurt me in any way,” says our tester. “It felt more comfortable than the curler I use at home.” 

In addition to the ease of use, our tester shared that the thin silicone pad allowed for extra precise clamping, leaving her with beautifully curled lashes.  

We also love that because it’s a pretty wide lash curler, it’s excellent for wide and round eyes because it will grip even the outermost lashes. 

Price at time of publish: $38

Material: Silicone rubber pads

Best for Almond-Shaped Eyes

Shiseido Eyelash Curler

5
shiseido eyelash curler

Sephora

What We Like
  • Wide design ensures all lashes are gripped

  • Results range from natural to ultra-curled

What We Don't Like
  • Some may find it too small for large or round eyes

Another award-winning lash curler, online reviewers, and our tester agree that this one is excellent for almond-shaped eyes. The curve of the rim is less dramatic than many curlers on the market which helps to ensure that every eyelash is gripped and evenly curled. Because those with almond-shaped eyes tend to have straighter upper lash lines, this type of design is ideal for them.

In addition to a wider curvature, our tester shared that she found it easy to hold, making gripping and curling her lashes easy. She noted that she was able to achieve a subtle lift by squeezing her lashes just once, and a more dramatic curl by applying three squeezes and slightly more pressure. 

It’s worth noting that while this design is excellent for almond-shaped eyes, those with more rounded eyes might find it a bit tricky to target all of their lashes. 

Price at time of publish: $21.83

Material: Silicone pads 

What Our Testers Say

“I struggle with eyelash curlers that are more c-shaped. This flattering shape suits my shape better and allows me to get the lashes at the far end of my eye.” —Jamie Abarca, Product Tester

Best for On-The-Go

Japonesque Go Curl Eyelash Curler

4.7
JAPONESQUE Travel Go Curl Lash Curler

Amazon

What We Like
  • Simple and comfortable to use

  • Doesn’t apply excessive tension

  • Comes with extra lash pad stored in the curler

What We Don't Like
  • Some online reviewers say the tool doesn’t last as long as others

Eyelash curlers can be bulky, especially when traveling. And while this compact design was made specifically with travel in mind, it gets the job done whether you’re on the go or not. Rather than featuring loops to put your fingers through and then clamp the lashes, it’s powered by a small lever in the back of the tool that all you need to do is gently press down to create the curl. 

Our tester loved how easy it was to use, the beautiful, wide-eyed results it provided, and that the soft lash pad was gentle on her lashes which ensured she didn’t damage them. She also noted that it didn’t allow for too much tension or pressure on the lashes, but that doesn’t take away from its effectiveness.   

Price at time of publish: $11

Material: Soft silicone pads

Best Heated

Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-LIFT Heated Lash Curler

4.7
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-LIFT Heated Lash Curler

Ulta

What We Like
  • Can customize results

  • Contains two different heat settings

  • Doesn’t pinch or cause discomfort

What We Don't Like
  • Takes longer to achieve results than with a regular curler

Think of this pick as a curling iron for your eyelashes. Now that might sound dangerous, but this heated lash curler has a safety-slot design that protects the skin near your lashes from the heat. It features a comb-like mechanism that heats up before you brush it through your lashes from root to tip to create a lifted effect. 

It earned a top score in the ease of use category, and our tester loved that she was able to achieve a naturally lifted look rather than an ultra-defined crimp. If you struggle to use traditional lash curlers, or you find they’re uncomfortable due to pinching, this is a great option for you. Just beware that using this heated option will take a bit longer to yield results than a traditional curler as you have to let it sit for a few seconds to heat the lashes. 

Price at time of publish: $39

Material: Metal and plastic comb

Best Design

Dior Backstage Lash Curler

4.6
Dior Backstage Lash Curler

Sephora

What We Like
  • Padded handles for comfort

  • Limited tension to prevent being too forceful

  • Soft, bouncy curling pad

What We Don't Like
  • Some reviewers find it’s not forceful enough to create a dramatic curling effect

Using an eyelash curler can take some getting used to—which is understandable considering that it involves placing a hard tool so close to the eyes. So, finding one that ensures you have a good grip can be game-changing. Rather than having thin metal handles, this curler features padded handles that are wider than most to allow for a solid grip and prevent it from slipping out of your grasp. 

According to our tester, the padded handles made her feel like she had complete control, and the squishy lash pad helped to ensure she didn’t damage her lashes—this combination makes it another great option for beginners. 

While our tester loved that she was able to achieve a curled effect in just a few pumps, some online reviewers feel that the ultra-soft pad and limited tension prevented them from getting a pronounced curl. 

Price at time of publish: $26

Material: Silicone pads 

What Our Testers Say

“There is just enough tension to let me know I'm getting a comfortable curl without having to worry about it being too harsh on my lashes. I immediately felt the bounce of the curling pad which also helped to ease any concern about getting any lashes pinched or pulled.” —Joanna Faith Williams, Product Tester

Final Verdict

Overall, our favorite eyelash curler is the TWEEZERMAN ProMaster Eyelash Curler. We love how quickly it creates dramatically curled lashes without pinching the eyelids or causing any discomfort. However, if you’re looking for one that’s great to store in your bag, we recommend the JAPONESQUE Travel Go Curl Lash Curler.

Meet the Expert

Michael Brown is a celebrity makeup artist based in Australia and has worked on countless photoshoots, campaigns, red carpet looks, and magazine covers throughout his 20-year career. He currently co-hosts the Skinfluence podcast which covers tons of beauty-related topics. Michael has also held Australian ambassador roles for global brands including Moroccanoil, Ardell Lashes, Olay, and more.

How We Tested

Byrdie editors combed through the internet—and their makeup bags—to find the most popular eyelash curlers, taking expert recommendations and consumer reviews into account before selecting 29 to test out. Each product was evaluated by our testers for ease of use, curling performance, and comfort, before being given a score from one to five in each category. 

Testers followed manufacturer directions to test each eyelash curler on clean lashes and assessed their results using before and after pictures. Those that scored highest made our list. All tests were performed in The Lab, our Manhattan product testing facility.

Chella Heated Eyelash Curler

Byrdie / Joy Kim

Other Options We Tested

Sephora Collection Eyelash Curler 

While our tester found that this classic eyelash curler gave her straight lashes a gorgeous waved look, she found that she needed to apply too much pressure to get the results she desired. She also shared that she wasn’t able to fully grip all of her lashes—especially those at her inner corners—with this curler. 

Sephora Collection Eyelash Curler

Byrdie / Joy Kim

e.l.f. Pro Eyelash Curler

Despite ultimately being able to make this affordable lash curler work, our tester explained that the rim was so curved that it made it difficult to grasp her lashes. She struggled to get super close to her lash line, and she noticed a small tear in the silicone pad despite it being a brand-new product. 

e.l.f. Pro Eyelash Curler

Byrdie / Joy Kim

Chella Heated Eyelash Curler

The design of this heated lash curler is nice for those who don’t like clamping their lashes, but our tester found that it didn’t effectively curl her lashes. She found that it didn’t heat up enough to give her any noticeable results. 

Chella Heated Eyelash Curler

Byrdie / Joy Kim

What to Look For in an Eyelash Curler

Shape

The shape of the actual curler is an important feature to consider as you want something that will work with the shape of your eye, explains Brown. Elongated eyes will see best results using a longer, move oval-shaped curler, like the Shiseido Eyelash Curler, whereas rounded or hooded eyes should look for something shorter and more circular, like the SURRATT Relevee Lash Curler.

Curling Mechanism

Most eyelash curlers use a clamping motion to mold a curvature into the lashes—but there are other options. If you find that clamping your eyelashes causes you discomfort, or you struggle to maintain a steady hand, using a heated lash curler that works more like a comb could be a better option for you.

FAQ
  • How do you use an eyelash curler?

    Brown explains that when it comes to using an eyelash curler, it’s all about technique. “Start with clean lashes and move the curler towards the base of the lash, clamping slowly to not pinch or pull out any hairs,” he says. “Once it’s tight, use a gentle pumping motion to open and close the curler around the lashes while simultaneously moving the curler outwards. Once you get to the center of the lashes, stop and go straight in with mascara to lock in the curl.”

  • Are eyelash curlers safe?

    Brown explains that if you use the curler correctly, it’s completely safe. “Just be sure not to pull or tug at the lash,” he adds.

  • Should you use an eyelash curler before or after mascara?

    As Brown suggests, use an eyelash curler prior to applying mascara. Using it after coating your lashes in mascara will increase your chances of damaging or pulling out your lashes because the tool can stick to the mascara.

  • How do you clean an eyelash curler?

    Regularly cleaning your eyelash curler is extremely important to avoid infections in the eye area. Some eyelash curlers come with removable pads that can be replaced when things get grubby. But as for regular cleaning, try using a cotton bud soaked in micellar water or makeup remover and gently sweep it across each pad. You could also remove them and wash them in warm, soapy water for a deeper clean.

What Is Byrdie Verified?

Did you notice the Byrdie Verified seal of approval at the top of this story? This seal means that our team has researched and tested every product on this list using a unique methodology that’s designed to focus on what our readers really want to know—and to deliver insights that you can’t find anywhere else. Occasionally, beauty brands and PR agencies will send us samples for coverage consideration, but our thoughts and opinions are fully our own. If you visit links within our content, we may receive commissions from your purchases, but we never receive any compensation or consideration for the content of our recommendations. In short, the Byrdie Verified seal stands for product recommendations you can trust.

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and a product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

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