PSA: Curlers are nonnegotiable (!).
Honestly Just the Best Eyelash Curlers You'll Ever Try
Consider this a quick heads up that even if you’re using the fanciest, most volumizing mascara in the world, you aren’t really doing your lashes any favors unless you’re pairing it with an eyelash curler. That’s because lash curlers are basically the secret sauce to big, fanned-out eyelashes—regardless of the natural volume or length you’re working with. But since holding a clamp over your lashes is lowkey terrifying (and, uh, highkey difficult) for newbies, I went ahead and found the best lashes for your exact setup. Keep scrolling for the 13 best eyelash curlers on the market right now, including a genius pick for teeny, straight-as-hell lashes and a drugstore option that gets the damn job done.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Best Affordable Eyelash Curler Courtesy Image $4.00Hot tip: You don't have to spend a shit ton of money on your eyelash curler—especially if you're new to the game. This v affordable option has a comfortable handle and a contoured clamp that makes reaching each and every lash super easy. I mean, what else could you need?
K, don't be thrown off by the unique design—this eyelash curler is basically a godsend for the finest, straightest lashes that refuse to curl. It's much smaller than your traditional curler, which means it crimps and curls your lashes in sections, making it way easier to target individual lashes (including, yup, those teeny hairs on your inner corners).
Best Eyelash Curler for Falsies Courtesy Image $16.00The coolest thing about this pretty little tool is that it clamps and fuses your natural eyelashes with your falsies, leaving you with a super-seamless look.And unlike those awkward curlers that make it hard to reach tight spots, this one is designed to actually curl every one of your lashes. Consider this a staple for your most dramatic lash looks.
The fact that you can snag this Tarte mascara and eyelash curler duo for less than $20 is kiiiiinda amazing. Thanks to the purple grips on the handles and the curved clamp, this curler helps you get fluffy, crimp-free lashes every time (seriously—Cosmo beauty ed Chloe Metzger uses this exact curler on the daily). After curling, swipe on a couple coats of the volumizing mascara to really bring the look home.
Best Eyelash Curler for a Dramatic Curl $10.00Most inexpensive lash curlers aren’t really curved enough to offer a noticeable result, but this tool is designed with an arch that’s considerably higher than usual, which means a much more intense curl for you.
Best Eyelash Curler If You’re Afraid of the Clamp $29.99 $26.99 (10% off)Everyone knows someone who knows someone who pulled out all of their eyelashes with a curler one time. No shade to your friend, but that’s probably not the fault of the curler and more likely the result of improper use. Even still, clamps aren’t for everyone, and this heated comb works just as well at bending and shaping your lashes. Just wait for the tip to heat up, then comb it through and press it against the hairs to create the shape you want.
Best Drugstore Eyelash Curler Courtesy Image $12.99Guess what? You don’t have to dip into your savings account for a solid eyelash curler, as evidenced by this cutely packaged drugstore pick. Not only do you get a matte gold eyelash curler that’s super easy to use, you’ll also get a mascara wand and a lash comb for de-clumping and separating your eyelashes.
Best Eyelash Curler for Lashes That Won’t Curl $19.00Okay, yes, the fact that this curler closely resembles a nail clipper doesn’t make it the most inviting of tools, but I promise it wont bite. The small shape makes it super easy to get all up in your teeny lash hairs that have a difficult time curling, making it a tried-and-true favorite for anyone with stick-straight eyelashes. And if you’re someone who loves falsies, this tool is also good for clamping and blending your natural lashes with fake ones.
With edges intentionally designed to prevent pinching, this curler is the best option for someone who’s been burned (and by that I mean painfully clamped) once before. It’s pricey, yes, but if you keep yours properly cleaned and in good shape, it can last forever (that means replacing the pads as they wear out). I’ve had mine for years and at this point, I’ll probably will it to my favorite child when I die.
Best Eyelash Curler for Bigger Eyes $21.00The clamp of this curler is longer, making it more efficient at curling the easily missed lash hairs in the inner and outer corners of larger eye shapes. And the red pads aren’t just a nice aesthetic touch—many praise them for their firmness and ability to shape the lashes with minimal pressure.
Best Eyelash Curler for No Crimps or Bends $23.00This might look like any old curler, but Shu Uemura actually set the standard for curled lashes that are quick, even, long-lasting, and completely crease free. Like the four-leaf clover of eyelash curlers, this cult-favorite product is hard to find because stores stopped carrying it nearly a decade ago, but thankfully you can still purchase it online.
Best Eyelash Curler for Long-Lasting Shape $23.00When I couldn’t find my trusty Shu Uemura curler one day, I was persuaded by a salesperson to give this one a try, and it quickly became my new favorite. It’s almost exactly like the Shu Uemura, except the arch is slightly rounder and bigger, which makes it more versatile for a wider range of eye shapes. All it takes is a couple clamps in the morning for an even, natural-looking curl that seriously lasts all day.
Best Eyelash Curler for Beginners $34.00“Comfort” and “eyelash curler” are not usually found in the same sentence, but the cushiony pads and ergonomic design of this curler make it the best for first-time curlers. The most expensive of the group by far, this curler is a favorite of pro makeup artists for good reason: Not only do you get beautiful results, but you also don’t need to use as much pressure, which means less lash breakage. And if you’re just starting out, you'll probably want all the added bonuses you can get.
This story originally appeared on: Cosmopolitan - Author:Ruby Buddemeyer