Curling lashes is safest when you use an eyelash curler on clean, dry upper lashes before applying mascara. Place the curler near the roots without catching your eyelid, squeeze gently for a few seconds, then repeat with lighter pressure through the middle and tips.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Start with clean, dry lashes |
| 2 | Place the curler near the lash roots |
| 3 | Squeeze gently for a few seconds |
| 4 | Repeat at the middle and tips |
| 5 | Apply mascara after curling |
1. Start With Clean, Dry Lashes
Remove mascara, eyeliner and oily makeup before curling. Mascara can make lashes stiff and more likely to stick to the curler. Lash-tool guidance from Tweezerman recommends curling before mascara.
Wash your hands and check that the curler pad is clean. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping instruments used around the eyes clean to reduce the risk of contamination.
2. Open and Position the Eyelash Curler
Look slightly downward into a mirror. Open the curler fully and bring it close to the upper lash line.
- Keep the lash pad near the roots of the upper lashes.
- Keep your eyelid above the pad and outside the opening.
- Center the lashes between the curler's top and bottom edges.
- Bring the curler close enough to lift the roots without catching your skin.
If the curler pinches, release it at once and move it slightly away from your eyelid.
3. Gently Squeeze the Roots
Close the handles slowly and use gentle, even pressure. Hold for a few seconds, then open the curler gradually. Do not pull it away while it is still closed.
Avoid tugging, aggressive pumping or hard clamping. Maybelline also advises holding the curler gently and avoiding any pulling or tugging on the lashes.
4. Move Through the Middle and Tips
For a rounded curl, repeat the process at three points:
- Near the lash roots
- At the middle of the lashes
- Near the tips
Use less pressure at the middle and tips than at the roots. This creates a smoother curve and helps prevent a sharp, crimped angle. Shiseido recommends the same roots, middle and tips technique for a fuller-looking curl.
5. Apply Mascara After Curling
Apply mascara after curling both eyes. Start at the roots and move the wand upward toward the tips. A curling or waterproof formula can help hold the lift, but use thin coats so the lashes do not become heavy and fall flat.
Do not curl lashes after mascara has dried. Stiff mascara can make lashes stick to the pad, which may lead to pulling and breakage.
How to Avoid Common Eyelash Curler Mistakes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Lashes look sharply bent | Too much pressure in one place | Use three lighter presses from the roots to the tips |
| The curler pinches your eyelid | It is too close to the skin | Move it slightly away from your eyelid |
| Outer lashes remain straight | The curler is too narrow or not centered | Curl in small sections or use a wider curler |
| The curl disappears quickly | Lashes are oily or the mascara is too heavy | Remove oil first and use a lighter, curl-holding mascara |
| Lashes stick to the curler | Mascara was applied first | Remove the makeup and curl before applying mascara |
| Lashes look uneven | The curler was twisted or pulled | Keep it level and release it slowly |
What to Do if Your Eye Shape Makes Curling Difficult
If a standard curler pinches, try one with a different curve instead of forcing it. A smaller partial-lash curler can reach the inner or outer corners. A wider curler may work better when a standard tool misses lashes at the sides.
Move the tool slightly along the lash line and curl small sections. Do not twist the curler sideways while it is clamped.
Should You Heat an Eyelash Curler?
No. Use a standard manual eyelash curler as directed instead of heating it. Tweezerman advises against heating its eyelash curlers, and Cleveland Clinic notes that heated curlers may cause more damage than occasional use of a regular curler.
How to Clean and Replace an Eyelash Curler
Wipe the curler and silicone pad after use with a clean tissue or dry cloth. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions if the tool has mascara or other makeup residue on it. Shiseido recommends wiping the curler and pads clean between uses.
Replace the pad when it is:
- Cracked or split
- Flattened
- Hard or sticky
- No longer cushioning the lashes properly
Stop using the curler and eye makeup if you develop irritation, redness or swelling. Avoid eye cosmetics when you have an eye infection or inflamed skin around the eye, as recommended by the FDA.