There are countless reasons that someone would want to use an eyelash curler. Maybe your lashes aren’t naturally curly. Or possibly you want to improve the volume and create a more fanned effect with your lashes. And in other scenarios, maybe you want to blend your lashes in with a cool pair of faux lashes. Whatever the reason, knowing how to curl eyelashes is a must-have skill for anyone who wants to be well-versed in makeup application.
If you’ve always been a bit intimidated and weren’t sure how to use an eyelash curler, this is a quick guide that will help you master this skill like a pro. Even if you don’t use lash curlers all the time, by the end of this how-to guide, you’ll feel more confident of picking up that tool.
How to Curl Eyelashes with an Eyelash Curler?
Eyelash curlers can look like intimidating instruments. But if you’re using them properly, there’s nothing to fear. While some experts recommend that you curl your lashes before you begin applying any other eye makeup, you can also do this as a final step before applying mascara. It’s going to depend on which feels best for your “get ready” routine.
- Match the Curler to Your Eye Shape
Before you put anything near your eyes, you need to make sure that you have the right tool for the job. Eyelash curlers aren’t a one-size-fits-all tool. They come in a variety of widths, operation styles, and curves. You need to pick an eyelash curler that’s suited for your eye type.
Picking an eyelash curler with a flatter curve when you have rounded eyes can create awkward results like crimped lashes. And in extreme cases, using the wrong eyelash curler can lead to pinched lids and even lost eyelashes.
- Start with a Clean Eyelash Curler
Whether you pick an expensive luxury eyelash curler or a cheap dollar-store tool, you should always start with a clean eyelash curler. You don’t want to introduce bacteria into your eye area and end up with an eye infection.
- Should You Curl Your Lashes Before or After Applying Mascara?
Depending on who you talk to, you can use an eyelash curler on bare lashes or after applying a coat or two of mascara. There are benefits and drawbacks to both. But regardless of which option you choose, clean your eyelash curler between uses.
More importantly, if you apply mascara first, make sure that it dries completely before you use an eyelash curler. Along with the risk of product build-up on your tools, trying to curl lashes when mascara is wet can be damaging. In particular, wet mascara is sticky and may adhere to the eyelash curler’s clamps, pulling your lashes out with it.
- Hold the Eyelash Curler Against Your Eye
The first step is to line up the curler with your eye. At this stage, you can simply rest the curler against your upper lid. Open the clamps and be sure to properly line the bottom of the upper clamp against the base of your lashes.
This is where picking the right-size eyelash curler will become essential. If your curler is too short, you’ll have to work in sections. If it’s too long, you might miss lashes on the outer and inner corners. Be sure to focus on the base of the lashes and not your eyelid to avoid pinching your skin.
- Should You Heat Your Lash Curler?
Some people swear by heating their eyelash curler with a blow dryer before curling their lashes. In their opinion, this guarantees better results that last longer. Whether or not this is true is debatable.
But if you decide to heat your curler and you’re using a metal tool, let it cool down a bit before you place it against your eye. The last thing you want is to burn your eyelids or eyes! If the idea of putting a hot metal instrument near your eyes sounds terrifying, opt for a self-heated eyelash curler. These models feature silicone tips, and they only get warm – not blazing hot.
- Time to Curl Your Lashes
Once you’ve lined your eyelash curler clamp up with your lash line and ensured that your eyelid isn’t in the clamp zone, it’s time to start curling. Gently squeeze the lower clamp up to close the clamp.
Most experts agree that holding the eyelash curler closed for 20 to 30 seconds should work for most people. But if you have very straight lashes, you might want to try holding the curler closed for 45 seconds to a minute.
Once you’re finished, release the clamp and gently move the clamp away from your lashes and face. Depending on where within the makeup application process you curl your lashes, you can either continue applying the rest of your eye makeup, finish by swiping on a few coats of mascara or apply your false lashes for an undetectable effect.
- If You’re Using a Lash Curler That’s Not the Same Size as Your Eyelid
While the general goal is to pick an eyelash curler that is designed specifically for your eye shape and eyelid length, there are going to be times where your curler won’t be a perfect match for your lid. If this happens, you’re going to repeat the curling process, working through sections across the length of your lid.
However, you’re going to want to be careful not to catch previously curled lashes in the clamp as you work in new sections. If you don’t line the tool up properly, you could end up with crimps in some of your lashes.