makeup looks How to Use an Eyelash Curler

Let’s be real: There’s nothing quite like the appearance of curled lashes. If this is one beauty look you’ve yet to master, then you may want to consider adding an eyelash curler to your makeup bag. We know what you’re thinking: Do eyelash curlers really make a difference? Yes—they do! It’s all about knowing the proper way to use one.

The thing is, if you’ve never learned how to use an eyelash curler before, you may not be sure how to incorporate one into your daily makeup look. The good news is, a lash curler is actually pretty easy to use. Below, we’re spilling trade secrets on how to curl eyelashes and upgrade your eye makeup routine.

HOW TO USE AN EYELASH CURLER

Ready to learn how to curl your eyelashes? Follow these six steps for curled lashes and an easy eye makeup look.

STEP #1: REMOVE REMAINING EYE MAKEUP

While some people may choose to break out their lash curler after they’ve already swept on a coat or two of mascara, it’s best to begin with clean, bare lashes. That’s because curling lashes that are already coated in mascara can leave you with a crusty, gunky curler, making it harder to use. Since we’re sure we can all agree that’s a situation worth avoiding, remove any eye makeup you might be wearing before grabbing your lash curler.

Simply hold a cotton pad soaked in purifying micellar water, like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types, over your eyelids for a few seconds, then wipe to remove any eye makeup that may be lingering on your lashes. Micellar water is a convenient cleansing option, as it doesn’t require any rinsing.

Editor’s note: Do you somehow still always seem to end up with makeup on your lash curler? Once again, your micellar water can help you out! Give your curler a quick wipe down, and it should be as good as new.

STEP #2: CURL YOUR LASHES

OK, now you’re ready to pick up your eyelash curler! Here’s how to use it: Start by holding the lash curler up to your eye. While your eye is open, open the curler. Place your lashes between the clamps, getting as close to the base of your lashes as you can without pinching your eyelid. Close the clamp on your eyelashes, and hold it for a few seconds. After you release, walk the eyelash curler out and repeat once in the middle of your lashes and once at the tips for a complete curl. Easy, right?

STEP #3: ADD EYESHADOW AND EYELINER

If you’re going for a no makeup, makeup look, feel free to skip this step. Otherwise, you’ll want to apply eye shadow and eyeliner before mascara, or you could end up with lashes covered in shadow fallout—and that’ll just add more time to your makeup routine. Sweep a neutral shadow from the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow collection onto your lids, then use the L’Oréal Paris Le Liner Signature Easy-Glide Mechanical Eyeliner, Waterproof in Noir Cashmere for an invisible eyeliner effect. This technique, called tightlining, is done by gently pulling up on your eyelid and lining directly on your upper waterline.

STEP #4: PUT ON LASH PRIMER

Obviously, this tutorial is all about the lashes, which means you’ll want to make use of a lash primer. Trust us, adding this one extra step to your makeup routine is seriously worth it. In fact, if you’ve ever wondered how to keep your eyelashes curled, a quick coat of primer can help your lashes maintain their curl for way longer. Not only that, but a single coat of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise™ Mascara Primer/Base can help your mascara apply more smoothly and boost its effects.

STEP #5: APPLY MASCARA (THEN APPLY SOME MORE)

You knew this was coming—it’s time for mascara. Try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise™ Washable Mascara. Place the brush at the base of your lashes, then gently sweep up to the tip, being sure to completely coat your lashes and cover up any visible pink left by the primer. For an added boost of boldness, brush on an extra coat.

STEP #6: LIGHT UP YOUR EYES

Your cheeks aren’t the only spot that can benefit from getting their glow on. Apply a light, icy eyeshadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in String of Pearls, to the inner corners of your eyes and below your brows to open up the look of your eyes. 

HOW NOT TO USE AN EYELASH CURLER

If you’ve ever wondered whether eyelash curlers are bad for your lashes, the answer is, they’re not—if you use them correctly. Now that you know how to curl your eyelashes with a lash curler, let’s go over how not to use an eyelash curler so you can make sure you don’t damage your lash fringe.

EYELASH CURLER DON’T #1: NOT CLEANING YOUR TOOL

Eyelash curlers need to be cleaned, just like your makeup brushes do. Neglecting to clean your curler can lead to an eye infection—so make sure to add your eyelash curler to your list of makeup tools that are due for a cleaning. Wash it with soap and water for a clean, blank slate.

EYELASH CURLER DON’T #2: CURLING YOUR LASHES AFTER APPLYING MASCARA

Do you use an eyelash curler before or after mascara? Well, we already touched on this but always curl your lashes prior to applying mascara—not after. Not only can working in the opposite order lead to a dirty lash curler, but curling after can actually crack your lashes in the process since mascara makes your lashes stiffer. This is why eyelash curlers can sometimes get the rep for being bad for your lashes.

EYELASH CURLER DON’T #3: FORGET TO CURL UPWARD

A lot of the time, people forget not just to clamp their lash curler over their lashes, but to gradually work the curler upward. This will give your lashes an instant lift along with some curl—not to mention, keep your eyelashes curled for longer.

EYELASH CURLER DON’T #4: KEEP THE SAME CURLER FOREVER

Generally, lash curlers aren’t the type of product you can keep forever and never replace. Over time, the pads that help curl your lashes wear out, and you’ll notice your curl isn’t quite as nice. You can buy replacement pads for some eyelash curlers so that you can keep your curler for the long haul, while others might require buying a whole new lash curler.

Ready to put your newfound lash curler knowledge to use? After learning how to use an eyelash curler, we recommend following our tutorial on How to Contour Your Lashes. This eye makeup trend involves curling your lashes, swiping on primer, and applying blue mascara on your top lashes and black bottom lash mascara. So pretty!