The 13 eyelash curlers that have, quite literally, opened our eyes (2024)

Eyelash curlers are a divisive one, some say its an easy skip, but ask most makeup artists and they'll tell you a great curler is one of the easiest and quickest ways to level-up your lashes and give them the look of lift, length and fullness. “They are my most useful tool and one of my top three desert island items,” confirms top makeup artist, Naoko Scintu, who counts Kaia Gerber, Gemma Chan and Sydney Sweeney as clients.

Best eyelash curlers at a glance – our top picks:

1. Best eyelash curler overall: Shiseido Eyelash Curler, £26, Sephora
2. Best eyelash curler for a natural-looking curl: Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler, £21, Beauty Bay
3. Best eyelash curler for hard-to-reach lashes: Dior Backstage Eyelash Curler, £23, Sephora
4. Best affordable eyelash curler: brushworks Lash Curler, £4.99, LookFantastic

Wondering what makes them worth the extra step? We asked Naoko below…

Why use eyelash curlers?

Curling lashes can work wonders for lifting and opening up the eye and making lashes look longer. Plus they can encourage lashes to hold a curl longer once you apply mascara. “They open up the eyes,” confirms Naoko. And they're not just great for when you want to look glam, they're an MVP for everyday and off-duty looks. “On my days off I only use skincare, a little bit of concealer and lash curlers to improve my appearance. Curling the lashes makes you look more awake and is the quickest thing to beautify,” she says.

Are eyelash curlers safe for your lashes?

If you're wary of eyelash curlers because you're worried about damage, don't be. “They are safe and the most effective item in my makeup kit,” says Naoko. It comes down to choosing, maintaining and using the tool correctly. For starters, make sure you choose a curler that's wide enough to fit all of your lashes without pinching or placing pressure on the ends or leaving lashes out. Make sure the rubber bumper along the bottom is still bouncy and in good shape (which means replacing them once they start to look dented and thin). And make sure that you slowly wiggle the curler in position close to the root, ensuring all the lashes are correctly in before squeezing gently to ensure you don't pinch your lid or cause breakage. Finally? Ensure the tool is clean and free from last-time's mascara each time you use it.

What’s the best way to use eyelash curlers correctly?

It's best to curl lashes first. “I always do this after skincare and before any makeup,” says Naoko. Working with clean lashes will give the best result.

But, can you use eyelash curlers on mascara?

Using eyelash curlers on top of mascara is a little trickier as the mascara can make lashes sticky and more likely to adhere to the curler, generally it's best to avoid but “you can do it – and I do so when needed – you just have to be gentle when curling as you don’t want the lashes to get stuck to the curlers. A few light and even presses on the curlers is all you need,” says Naoko.

How often should you change the bumper?

Your curler is only good if its kept in good condition, so if the rubber bumper at the bottom of your curler is looking a little sketchy, it's time to change it. “I like to buy the refills from Muji and replace them as soon as the curlers start to cut in to the bumper,” says Naoko. “This ensures you never damage your lashes," she adds. Pick up a few replacements, so you can refill your lash curlers all the time.

Are there any you really recommend?

As for her top pick? “Shiseido lash curlers are my number one,” says Naoko.

Scroll down for our full edit of all the best eyelash curlers available to buy now…

1. Best eyelash curler overall

Why we love it: Made with an edge-free design that prevents pinching, this iconic eyelash curler from Shiseido is guaranteed to leave you impressed. Its rubber pads help create a glamorous curl from the outer corner to the inner edge of your eye. There's a reason why it's such a cult favourite among top makeup artists.

2. Best eyelash curler for short lashes and smaller eye shapes

Why we love it: This stainless steel eyelash curler is perfectly shaped to get in nice and tight with lashes, lifting super close to the root, which makes it great for shorter lashes. It's also not as wide as some other curlers and works best on smaller eye shapes. It gives a gorgeous natural lift, no janky crimped angles here.

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3. Best eyelash curler for precision

Why we love it: What makes this curler unique is that it comes with bright red silicone pads, which use colour contrast to make it easier to see your lash line as you squeeze. "Not all eyelash curlers are the same," celebrity makeup artist Janine Holmes told her TikTok followers. “A regular eyelash curler usually has a bumper that's black, and the problem with that is that your eyelashes are dark and it's hard to see, so you might not get all your lashes in the curler.” For this reason, Kevyn Aucoin's are her favourite. Plus they “get in nice and close to the root of the lash,” she says.

4. Best eyelash curler for next-level lift

Why we love it: This premium curler may come with a slightly higher price point, but it’s designed to perfectly adhere to the contour of your eye, which helps create reliable, fanned lashes. “I get questions about this eyelash curler every day, so let's talk about it,” beauty influencer, Karla Celis said on TikTok. “It is the best eyelash curler you'll ever use. The amount of times that I've been asked if I have an eyelash lift because of this eyelash curler, my lashes just look insane every time I use this. It opens up so much wider than all the others and I think it fits eyes so much better so it grabs every single lash and it just gives you the most beautiful fanned-out lashes ever. Plus, this curl will last,” she says.

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5. Best non-crimp eyelash curler

Why we love it: If clamping your lashes puts you off, this heated lash curler from Lash Star can be cupped under lashes to coax a curl more gently, plus the heat is great for straight-lashed girls who find it hard to keep a curl.

6. Best affordable eyelash curler

Why we love it: Perfect for beginners, this affordable curler creates super-fluttery lashes without any unwanted tugging or pulling. The best part is that it has a stylish, ergonomic design with a non-slip handle that’s easy to manoeuvre, regardless of experience.

7. Best eyelash curler for a wide-eyed effect

Why we love it: If you often find you can comfortably fit all your lashes in your curler, this wide-angle rendition deserves a spot on your wishlist. There's extra space to ensure no nipping at the edges and the rose gold colour looks luxe.