How to Use an Eyelash Curler: 5 Tips for Curling Lashes

An eyelash curler is a mechanical device for manually curling eyelashes. To use an eyelash curler, open and close the beauty tool like a pair of scissors. An eyelash curler features a hinged clamp with two rubber pads that press against your eyelashes and bend them back. A lash curler can give your upper eyelashes an exaggerated curl and heighten and lengthen their appearance.

Using an eyelash curler can be challenging for beginners. If an eyelash curler is new to your makeup bag, follow these basic steps:

1. 1. Prep your eyelashes. Gently clean your eyelids and eyelashes with micellar water on a cotton swab. Micellar water consists of purified water, hydrating ingredients (like glycerin), and mild surfactants that form microscopic micelles—molecules that attract and remove dirt and oil from your skin. It’s essential to remove any bits of mascara before curling for optimal results.
2. 2. Gently press the curler on your lashes. Place the curler over the base of your top lashes and press it down. Hold it closed, gently pulsing a few times with additional pressure, for five to ten seconds.
3. 3. Move the curler forward. Gently pulsing the curler along the length of the lashes can help achieve a more dramatic curl. Move the curler forward a bit at a time, pulsing gently when you do, and move it back down to the base of the lashes for one last pressure application.
4. 4. Apply your mascara. After using a lash curler, you can apply mascara to help lock in the curl. This will also thicken your lashes, producing a dramatic look to frame your eyes. If you wear fake eyelashes, adhere them after applying mascara.
5. 5. Clean your eyelash curler. After each use, you should wipe down the rubber pads with an alcohol solution to prevent bacteria buildup, which can cause eye infections.

Consider the following tips to produce long, full eyelashes:

1. 1. Use the proper eyelash curler. There are different styles of eyelash curlers for various eye shapes. Read reviews of the products you're considering, and see what professional makeup artists recommend for curling lashes.
2. 2. Add heat to the lash curler. Warm the top of the lash curler with your hands, or give it a blast with your hairdryer. The heat can increase the effectiveness of the curling. Be sure to test it with your hand to ensure you haven’t added too much heat, which can damage your delicate lashes. You can also purchase an electronically heated eyelash curler.
3. 3. Get close to your lash line. To avoid an unsightly crimp to your eyelashes, make sure you begin as close as you can to the base of your lash line, which helps produce a more even curl.
4. 4. Complete your eye makeup routine after curling. Many makeup artists curl lashes before applying concealer around the eyes or applying eyeliner or eyebrow pencil to prevent smudging. Curl your lashes, then finish your eye makeup routine.
5. 5. Consider a silicone curler. On most lash curlers, the pads that grip and bend your eyebrows are made from rubber and can wear out quickly. Purchase a curler with silicone pads, or swap out your rubber ones for silicone.

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