The most reliable routine for keeping lashes curled all day is to curl clean, completely dry lashes before mascara, then apply 1 thin coat of waterproof mascara. Waterproof formulas usually hold a curl longer than regular mascara because moisture and heavier formulas can pull naturally straight lashes downward.
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The Best Routine for Long-Lasting Curled Lashes
Remove oil and skincare residue. Clean your lashes with micellar water or a gentle eye-makeup remover. Let them dry completely. Oil, cream and moisture can make the curler slip and stop mascara from setting the curl.
Curl before applying mascara. Place a clean eyelash curler at the base of your upper lashes without pinching the skin. Press gently for a few seconds, then repeat at the middle and tips. Curling in sections creates a rounded lift instead of a sharp crease.
Apply one thin coat of waterproof mascara. Start at the roots and wiggle the wand upward. Keep most of the product near the base. Several wet, heavy coats can weigh the lashes down and make the curl fall.
Let the mascara dry without touching your lashes. Do not rub your eyes, apply oily products around the eyelids or add more mascara while the first coat is still wet.
At a Glance
| Step | What to do | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | Clean and dry the lashes | Removes oil and moisture |
| Curl | Use the curler before mascara | Shapes the natural lashes |
| Application | Apply 1 thin coat | Reduces weight |
| Formula | Choose waterproof mascara | Helps set the curl |
| Removal | Dissolve mascara gently at night | Reduces rubbing and lash breakage |
What Type of Eyelash Curler Works Best?
The best eyelash curler is one that matches the curve of your eye and closes smoothly without catching or pulling. Look for a curler with:
- A soft silicone pad
- An opening wide enough to capture the lashes
- A shape that reaches the outer corners
- A smooth clamp that does not pinch
A curler that is too flat may miss the outer lashes. One that is too curved can create an exaggerated bend instead of an even lift.
Replace the silicone pad when it becomes cracked, hard or misshapen. A damaged pad can tug at lashes and create an uneven curl.
Should You Heat an Eyelash Curler?
Do not heat a standard eyelash curler with a hairdryer, lighter or other direct heat source. Heated curlers can damage or break lashes, and Cleveland Clinic advises avoiding them for this reason.
If your lashes are very straight, try:
- Curling at the base, middle and tips instead of clamping once
- Choosing a curler that matches your eye shape
- Applying less mascara
- Using a waterproof formula that dries relatively quickly
Why Do Lashes Lose Their Curl After Mascara?
Lashes lose their curl when they are damp, oily or weighed down by too much product. Other common causes include:
- A mascara formula that is too wet or heavy
- Applying several coats
- Failing to reach the lash base with the curler
- Exposure to humidity, tears or steam
- Curling after mascara has dried and made the lashes stiff
Curling after mascara can also make lashes stick to the curler or break. Curl first, then apply mascara.
Waterproof Versus Regular Mascara
Waterproof mascara usually gives the strongest curl hold. It is often the better choice for straight lashes, humid conditions and long days, but it takes more effort to remove.
| Mascara type | Curl hold | Removal | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Usually strongest | More difficult | Straight lashes, humidity and long days |
| Regular washable | Usually lighter hold | Easier | Dry environments and easy removal |
| Curling mascara | Depends on the formula | Varies | Everyday lift without a very dramatic look |
Use a remover made for waterproof eye makeup, and let it dissolve the mascara before wiping. Rubbing aggressively can irritate the eye area and contribute to lash breakage.
How to Remove Waterproof Mascara Without Losing Lashes
- Saturate a cotton pad with waterproof eye-makeup remover.
- Hold it over your closed eye for several seconds.
- Wipe downward gently.
- Repeat if needed instead of scrubbing.
- Wash your hands and keep the curler and other eye tools clean.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises keeping eye cosmetics and tools clean, not sharing eye makeup, discarding dried mascara and replacing mascara according to the manufacturer's guidance. Stop using an eye cosmetic if it causes irritation.
If Your Lashes Still Will Not Stay Curled
If the curl disappears immediately even when your lashes are clean and dry, check the curler shape, the amount of mascara and the weight of the formula. Applying more pressure usually is not the answer. Clamping too hard can bend or break the lashes.