Use An Eyelash Curler Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide 

How to use eyelash curler basics   

Who doesn’t want perfectly long, curled and gravity-defying lashes? But do you use an eyelash curler before piling on mascara and still end up with limp and barely-there lashes? Or are you pressing it too hard? You’re probably doing it wrong then. The reason why your eyelashes don’t look as long and voluminous as you had imagined is simply that you’re not using the eyelash curler right. Life’s too short to settle for eyelashes you aren’t utterly happy with it!  And if done correctly, there won’t even be any risk of hurting yourself. Well, enough talk – so let’s get to learning how to use eyelash curler without pinching yourself. 

Steps on how to properly use an eyelash curler   

An eyelash curler is nothing short of a miracle—a bizarre-looking tool that presses down on your lashes to curl them effortlessly. Pretty cool, no? It's such an understated makeup staple. Well, become a pro as we take you through the steps on how to properly use an eyelash curler. 

Step 1:  Clean your eyelashes  

Always start by cleaning your face and eyelashes before curling them with some micellar water like the Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Water. It not only wipes off residue mascara or eye makeup but also preps your face and provides a clean base for you to work on. It removes grime and nourishes skin as it contains vitamin B, B3 and C. It is also free of alcohol, artificial fragrance and colours so that those with sensitive skin can easily use it. 

Step 2: Heat the eyelash curler  

Next, heat your eyelash curler a little bit with your hair dryer before curling your lashes. This may sound odd, but don’t the hair on your head get curled or straightened with a heat-styling tool? Well, the same goes for lashes. This little hack helps eyelashes take the shape of the curl more easily, as well as keeps them curled for a longer period of time. 

Step 3: Press down on eyelashes  

While curling your lashes, press down on the lashes with a gentle force, pulse the curler once or twice and then hold the curler slightly up towards your forehead and hold it there for a few seconds. Repeat the process a few times while moving down along the length of your lashes. This will ensure that the end result is perfectly curled lashes. 

Step 4: Finish off with mascara  

The last step in the process of curling your eyelashes is to finish it off with a long-wear, lengthening mascara such as the Lakme Eyeconic Curling Mascara. This will keep your lashes curled all day long. Equipped with a smart curl brush for smooth strokes, the mascara delivers on its promise: intensely-curled lashes that play up your eyes instantly. It is also waterproof, smudge-proof and light so that you don’t have to worry about messing with your makeup while applying it. 

[Image credit: @audrey.boos] 

Tip for short and downward lashes 

Say that you now know how to use eyelash curler but are still not sure about the results. Well, here’s a nifty little trick from Audrey Boos. This is especially for those of us with particularly short or downward-turning lashes. If you've noticed that your curler does nothing for you, we've got a hack for you. And it doesn't require anything more than the curler and a few sweeps of mascara on the lashes.  

You simply need to turn your curler upside down and press down on your lashes like you normally would. Yep, that’s it! Start pressing from the root, curling it upwards and work your way down the lash. Curling them upside-down gives your lashes that extra lift. Finish off by coating your lashes with a few layers of mascara.  

Common mistakes to avoid 

Knowing how to use eyelash curler is not enough. If you don’t clean it properly or apply the mascara first, you could very well be damaging your lashes in the long run.  

Not buying a good eyelash curler 

Makeup tools are just like makeup products—they need to be of good quality so they can do their job right. If you invest in high-end cosmetics but get stingy when buying your makeup tools, then it’s going to show in your makeup. Your eyelashes are delicate and you don’t want something cheap to harm them, right? 

Letting the pads wear out 

The little pads inside your curler are hard to clean and get dirty faster too. It also wears out after numerous uses and you run the risk of harming your lashes with the metal behind the pads. So ladies, make sure you replace them every three months for a good curling effect. 

No curling after applying mascara 

If you tend to apply your mascara before curling your lashes, you should stop ASAP! Mascara hardens your lashes and makes them sticky, which puts your natural lashes at risk of being pulled out or breaking when you curl. Always begin curling your bare lashes and then follow it up with mascara for the curl to stay for long. 

Prep your lashes 

It’s best to apply some Vaseline Petroleum Jelly before you curl your lashes. Vaseline not only moisturises your lashes but also removes any dust and makeup residue that often gets stuck in your lashes leading to bacteria build-up. Massage your lashes gently with Vaseline and then go for the curler. Since it locks in moisture, it also makes your lashes look fuller instantly. 

Not cleaning regularly 

Just like how it’s important to clean your makeup brushes and other beauty tools, you must do the same for your eyelash curler as well. The dirt and makeup residue on the pad can cause infections and damage your lashes. It is best to wipe the silicone pad with a clean wet wipe before and after each use to keep it clean. Apart from this, you must wash the curler with soap and let it dry for a couple of hours to deep cleanse it. 

Using improper technique 

While the tool itself is not harmful, not knowing how to use eyelash curler can damage your lashes. Always start by gently pulsing the curler at the root of your lashes. Next, repeat the same along the middle before moving on to the tips for that perfect, uniform curl. Don’t try to curl the whole lash in one go. 

You are clamping too hard 

This is one of the biggest and most common eyelash curler mistakes you could be making. Aggressively clamping or pressing your eyelashes with the curler can lead to permanent damage or lead to it falling out. Use a light hand to gently clamp the curler onto your lashes; there is no need for any pulling. 

FAQs on how to use eyelash curler 

Do eyelash curlers damage lashes? 

Since lash curlers do not make use of any harsh materials, the tool itself is pretty safe. It is the way one uses it that has the ability to ruin eyelashes. If cleaned regularly and used in the correct way, curlers do not damage eyelashes. 

Is it okay to curl my eyelashes every day? 

As we said, it depends on the person using it. As long as you clean the curler daily and use the proper technique, it is completely safe to curl your lashes every day. 

Why won’t my lashes stay curled? 

If you have short and straight lashes, there are chances they won’t stay curled for long. To make sure they hold, slightly heat the curler before using. You can also apply a voluminous mascara after, for the lashes to stay in shape. 

What can I use instead of a curler? 

If you don’t have a curler, there are other ways you can curl your eyelashes. Try lightly pressing your lashes upwards with the curve of a clean spoon or toothbrush to get the curl. You can also use a clean mascara wand aka the spoolie brush. 

Well, have you now learnt how to use eyelash curler? No more sad and limp lashes! Pulse away and top it off with mascara to finally get the voluminous eyelashes of your dreams.