Often overshadowed by a plethora of accompanying mascara recommendations, eyelash curlers are the unsung hero of the eyelash game.
While there is commonly a surplus of viral mascaras, I have yet to come across an eyelash curler that has gained quite the same level of virality, making it difficult to discern which product to purchase.
After many trials—and a few unavoidable errors—I am confident enough to say that I have been able to distinguish the merits and demerits of some of these more popular products circulating on the internet.
While marketed at an incredible price, this classic eyelash curler landed itself a spot as one of the more disappointing commodities I’ve bought. On the e.l.f. website, it claims to “achieve perfectly curled, fluttery lashes.” What it forgets to mention, however, is that maintaining such volume and lift may come at the expense of about half of one’s eyelashes. While some curlers are equipped with safety features to avoid pinching or cutting the eye area, this product seems to miss the mark as it is all too easy to tear six or seven lashes out if not used perfectly. Especially as some of its mechanisms begin to wear out over the course of a few months, there becomes an increasing likelihood of harming not only the eyelashes but also permanently damaging the surrounding eyelid. While some of e.l.f.’s products execute high-end results for an affordable price, the $3 cost of this eyelash curler certainly fits the outcome it warrants.
Tweezerman Classic Lash Curler ($15)
Now, my go-to favorite eyelash curler, the Tweezerman Classic Lash Curler quickly made its way into my daily routine from the first time I purchased it. As someone who does not have naturally long eyelashes, this curler does a perfect job at giving my eyelashes a much longer and fuller appearance than they truly have. Another benefit of this product is that while some curlers are not able to curl some of the smaller lashes on the ends of my eye, this one is able to safely curl even the most stubborn lashes, and despite occasionally being used somewhat imprecisely—which I’m sure I’ve accidentally done on early school mornings—it has yet to pull any of my eyelashes out. My only complaint is that Tweezerman does not sell replacement pads for this product, so you will have to purchase a pack from separate sites once you run out.
Revlon Extra Curl Eyelash Curler ($7)
Upon first using this curler, it was deemed to be very satisfactory as it curled my lashes similarly to a lot of the more expensive curlers I have purchased. However, while its results can be sufficient, they can also be fleeting; after a few hours, the curl effect that looked promising in the morning time had pretty much vanished, leaving me no choice but to curl them again with mascara on, which generally is not great for one’s lashes. Another issue that I found with this product was its inability to fit every eye shape. While it suits my eye shape pretty nicely, some of my friends who have used it have found that it is too large and clunky to use safely and precisely. Another one of Revlon’s products, the Revlon Precision Lash Curler ($9), is able to add lift to trickier lashes—like the ones toward the corners of the eye—that this product cannot reach. That being said, purchasing two eyelash curlers to do the job of one is a considerably notable inconvenience.
Thrive Causemetics Lash Upgrade Lash Curler ($20)
Originally a recommendation from one of my close friends, this curler is a staple for anyone who wants to give their lashes as much height as possible. While it has yet to gain the prominence online of other products, it undoubtedly deserves such praise. Not only is this curler able to give the lashes a much more voluminous look, but it does so without pulling or tugging on any one of them, especially when paired with the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara—which aims to give one’s lashes its titular “sky high” effect. This combo will take even the shortest lashes and give them a much-appreciated boost. In short, this product is a must-have for anyone willing to spend a little extra money for the perfect “falsies” look.
From giving the perfect lift to guaranteeing uncomplicated and risk-free use, the contagion of eyelash curler recommendations is one that deserves to be in the spotlight. While some curlers may fall short of such standards, the potency of a high-quality curler can metamorphose even dull, early-morning fatigue into one of vibrancy. Regardless of the brand or model chosen, the transformative power of a well-curled lash remains undeniable.
