How to Choose the Eyelash Curlers
What Are Eyelash Curlers? - How To Use an Eyelash Curler the Right Way
What Are Eyelash Curlers?
Eyelash curlers, a manual beauty tool, allow you to curl your eyelashes, giving them a lifted appearance. Typically used on the upper lashes, these curlers are typically constructed with metal and often feature rubber pads to facilitate direct contact between the lashes and the curling device. Regardless of whether you purchase mascara for length, volume, or curl, utilizing curlers is an excellent method to enhance the wide-eyed look of your lashes.
Types of Eyelash Curlers
There are primarily two types of eyelash curlers available in the market:
- Traditional Eyelash Curlers: These are the most common type of eyelash curlers. They consist of a metal frame with a curved rubber pad attached to it. The metal frame is designed to fit over the eyelid, while the rubber pad is positioned against the lashes. By gently squeezing the handles of the curler, the rubber pad presses against the lashes, creating a curl. Traditional eyelash curlers are widely available and come in various sizes to accommodate different eye shapes.
- Heated Eyelash Curlers: These curlers use heat to curl the lashes. They typically have a wand-like design with a heated element at the tip. The heat helps to set the curl more effectively and can provide longer-lasting results compared to traditional curlers. Heated eyelash curlers are battery-operated or rechargeable and often come with adjustable temperature settings. They are suitable for individuals with stubborn or straight lashes that are difficult to curl using traditional methods.
How To Use an Eyelash Curler the Right Way
1. Choose the right curler for you
Before you begin, ensure that you have the appropriate tool that suits your style and routine. There are two main types of eyelash curlers commonly available: heated curlers and traditional eyelash curlers.
Similar to other heated hair tools, heated eyelash curlers provide a more intense and longer-lasting curl. However, if you prefer a simpler step to incorporate into your eye makeup routine or if you are just learning how to curl your eyelashes, you might prefer a traditional, non-heated eyelash curler. When selecting a non-heated curler, make sure it is curved to match the natural shape of your eye and has a sufficiently cushioned pad to press against your lashes. Additionally, if you ever desire to add a bit of heat, you can use a hairdryer to warm up your metal curler beforehand. Just remember to ensure that the metal tool is not excessively hot before applying it near your eye.
2. Begin with clean eyelashes
It may be easy to forget about your face wash routine from the previous day, but it's crucial to ensure complete removal of old makeup. Neglecting to remove leftover mascara can result in clumpy lashes. Moreover, if mascara is left on for too long, it can cause damage to your lashes or irritation in your eyes. Additionally, using an eyelash curler on dirty lashes can lead to a buildup of old mascara on the curler over time.
3. Do your eye makeup first, but stop before the mascara
If you prefer to style your eyes without using lashes, it's best to apply your eye makeup before curling your lashes. However, it's crucial to avoid using mascara at this point. Curling your lashes when mascara is already applied can be harmful. The dried mascara makes your lashes rigid and prone to significant damage when curled.
4. Carefully curl your lashes…the right way
To use unheated eyelash curlers, follow these steps for beautifully curled lashes:
- Hold the curler like a pair of scissors and fully open it. Keep your eyes open and bring the tool towards your upper lashes.
- Position your lashes between the top and padded base of the curler, making sure to get as close to the root of your eyelashes as possible without pinching the skin. Ensure that all of your lashes are inside the curler.
- For the initial curl, keep the curler upright by the roots of your lashes. Carefully clamp down on your lashes, applying gentle pressure and pulsing lightly for approximately 10 seconds.
- Don't stop there. After the first clamp, slightly adjust the angle of the curler to align with the curve of your eyelid crease. Clamp down again at this point to achieve a more curled, rather than crimped, result.
- To avoid creating a sharp bend, move the curler slightly up the lashes, away from the roots, and perform another clamp.
- Finally, wiggle the curler upwards towards the tips of your lashes and softly close it with the same pulsating pressure to complete the curl.
- Repeat the process on your other eye to achieve beautifully curled lashes that are ready for a coat of mascara.
5. Care for your lashes and curler
To avoid eye infections or damaged lashes, it's essential to prioritize the maintenance of both your eyelash curler and lashes. Regularly clean your curler by using makeup remover or soap to eliminate any leftover makeup. Additionally, make it a habit to thoroughly remove all eye makeup before bed. Remember, it's important to replace the pads on your curler every three months as well.
Tips for Curling Your Lashes
Here are some tips to achieve long, full eyelashes:
- Choose the right eyelash curler: There are different types of eyelash curlers designed for various eye shapes. To find the best one for you, read reviews of different products and seek recommendations from professional makeup artists who specialize in curling lashes.
- Add heat to the lash curler: Warm up the top part of the eyelash curler by using your hands or giving it a quick blast with a hairdryer. The heat helps to enhance the curling effect. However, make sure to test the curler's temperature with your hand first to avoid adding excessive heat, which can potentially damage your delicate lashes. Alternatively, you can consider purchasing an electronically heated eyelash curler.
- Start close to the lash line: When curling your eyelashes, begin as close as possible to the base of your lash line. This technique helps create a more uniform and natural-looking curl, avoiding any awkward crimping.
- Try a silicone curler: Most lash curlers come with rubber pads that grip and bend the lashes. However, these rubber pads tend to wear out quickly. Consider purchasing a curler that features silicone pads or simply replace the rubber pads with silicone ones for better durability and performance.
