We’ve all been through the rigmarole of faux lashes, volumising mascaras, lash extensions, lifts, and everything in between – but it doesn’t get better than enhancing the splendour of your very own pair. Here’s when the humble eyelash curler comes in. The fairly intimidating-to-look-at beauty tool can make all the difference to your lash length and volume. Be that as it may, curling your way to fluttery eyelashes can go south before you know it. We’d be lying if we told you we hadn’t heard countless horror stories of curling gone wrong. So, to hold you back from committing these beauty sins, we present the ultimate guide to using an eyelash curler correctly.
A 7-Step Guide to Curl Your Lashes Like a Pro
• Pick the Right Eyelash Curler
The first step of the curling process involves identifying the perfect eyelash curler based on the quality of the lash pads, comfort of grip, and possibly the fit of the curve to your eye shape. If your lashes don’t fit into your curler at once, invest in a half-lash curler instead. Clean your tool with a makeup wipe or alcohol to eliminate residue or dirt.
• Clean Your Lashes
A clean, dry face is a prerequisite to any beauty procedure – and the same goes for your eyelashes. While washing your face, gently cleanse your lashes to remove greasiness, makeup residue, or grime. Ensure you don’t tug at your hair or rub too aggressively, as you may pull the hair out.
• Curl Your Lashes
Once you’ve cleaned the device and your lashes, it’s time you get down to business. Tilt your head slightly, open the eyelash curler, and lift the curler over your upper lash line. Ensure you get close enough to the lash line without pinching your skin. Shut the tool over your lashes and press gently. Pulse the tool over your eyelashes rather than holding it shut in place. Do not pull the tool, press down too hard, or pulse aggressively.
• Use a Lash Primer
Once you’ve curled your eyelashes, turn to a quality primer to amplify the lash dimension and prepare the hair for mascara application. A thin layer to coat your lashes should be just enough. If you’re open to splurge, try Benefit Cosmetics’ They're Real! Tinted Eyelash Primer or the Smashbox Photo Finish Extension Nourishing Lash Primer. An inexpensive alternative would be Fae Beauty’s Brash Primer.
• Apply a Volumising Mascara
Now that you’ve prepped your peepers, it’s time to go in with your favourite mascara. Begin at the base of your lashes, making your way to the ends in a curling motion. A few coats work, but avoid overdoing it, as it may undo the curling done previously. Opt for a lengthening or volumising waterproof mascara that enhances the density of your lashes.
Take note: volumising and lengthening aren’t terms used interchangeably; volumising mascaras are for those with sparse yet long lashes, while lengthening formulas are for those with fuller, albeit short lashes. Hence, be cognizant of this difference when making your pick. We recommend Sugar Pop’s Volumizing Mascara and Nudestix’s Lash Lengthening Mascara.
• Comb Your Lashes
A crucial yet optional next step is to comb through your lashes to remove excess goop or mascara residue for a natural, feathery finish. Push through clumps and evenly distribute the mascara for more definition with The Vintage Cosmetic Company Brow and Lash Brush. If your lashes are short and aren’t curling despite all your efforts, consider these lash and brow serums to intensify growth.
• Use a Heated Lash Curler
If you own a heated lash curler, now’s the time to put it to good use. A wand fitted with a rod that heats up, this beauty device can increase the longevity of your curled lashes, delivering intense volume and lift as compared to its traditional counterpart. Check out Panasonic’s Heated Eyelash Curler.
