Experts Say These Are the Best Eyelash Curlers for Lifted Lashes (2024)

Even if you already swear by your trusty drugstore mascara, makeup artists say an eyelash curler makes a huge difference—as long as you know what you’re doing.

First, no matter what eyelash curler you use (no, they’re not all the same), always clean your tool with a couple sprays of alcohol to get rid of any lingering bacteria from your makeup bag (these are your eyes, after all), says Sebastien Tardif, celebrity makeup artist and cofounder of Veil Cosmetics. Then, double check that the little silicone sponge is perfectly secured in place, as it protects your lashes. (Pro tip: Replace your sponge every three to four weeks, says Tardif.)

Ideally, curl lashes prior to mascara to avoid clumping and sticking, which can damage smaller, more fragile lashes in particular. If you’re not using a heated eyelash curler, there’s no need to heat the tool up first, says Tardif. Instead, the safest way to curl lashes is to hold your curler with a steady grip as close as possible to the root for 15 to 20 seconds. If you have very straight lashes, though, you may get better results by slowly snapping from bottom to top repeatedly to create a natural curve within the entire lash line.

Have we opened your eyes to the power of the humble eyelash curler? Makeup artists say these tools yield the best results.

The Shiseido eyelash curler grabs every single lash to form the "perfect natural curl," says Shira Aaron, a makeup artist in New York City. It's a great choice for sensitive eyes, too, since it gently opens without pinching.

Ergonomic handles, a contoured curve, a strong spring, and a bouncy rubber pad make this drugstore pick a fantastic value, says Christina Marie, a makeup artist in Los Angeles.

If clamping down that close to your eye has you on edge, try a heated eyelash curler instead. Hold the heated rod upward to lift and curl natural or false lashes.

This wide-angled curler by Laura Mercier has a double-handled grip to provide extra control and precision while curling lashes. It also has denser pads to prevent unwanted breakage.

Tweezerman has a whole host of high-quality lash curlers, says Mari Shten, a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Mari Shten Beauty. This one is particularly great for straight lashes, since it can curl hard-to-reach lashes in deep set and almond-shaped eyes.

A pretty rose gold eyelash curler that lifts, lengthens, and curls effortlessly. We're not surprised it has nearly 26,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.

This eyelash curler is slightly more rounded than others, which allows you to grab every single lash—even the little stubborn ones in the corners—with ease, says Shten.

This tiny curler lets you attack your lashes from a variety of angles for a more precise and perfect curl, says Shten.

How cute is this pocket-size curler that's great for travel? For perfectly curled lashes, simply flip down the lever on back of curler and squeeze gently.

For those who love their falsies, this product pulls double-duty. You can use it to fuse false lashes to your lid; once they're dry, use it to curl the lashes.