How To Use an Eyelash Curler Without Damaging Your Lashes

Learning how to use an eyelash curler is among the most useful makeup techniques you can master. These handy tools can help you achieve lifted, gracefully curled lashes that hold their shape all day (even if your lashes are naturally on the straighter side). But we won’t deny that curling your lashes can feel a bit intimidating, especially if you’ve never tried it before. That, coupled with the potential of damaging your lashes, makes many people shy away from using eyelash curlers altogether. But we promise: with the right approach, there’s no need to be scared.

Ahead, we’ll share everything you need to know about how to use an eyelash curler correctly to achieve long, luscious lashes. Plus, we’ll answer a few questions that first-timers commonly have when adding an eyelash curler to their routines. Find the 4-1-1 on this must-have beauty tool, below.

How to Properly Use an Eyelash Curler

We know what you’re here for—tips on how to curl lashes without damaging your natural fringe. And we’re here to deliver just that. Get the fanned-out lashes of your dreams with these tips on how to use an eyelash curler the right way.

1. Curl before mascara

“Do you use an eyelash curler before or after mascara?” is a commonly asked question in the makeup community. And, while we usually advocate that there’s no “right” or “wrong” order to apply makeup, there is one exception: Always curl your lashes before applying mascara. Swapping the order can cause your mascara to clump and may even pull out or damage your eyelashes in the process.

2. Clamp, but don’t pull

When using an eyelash curler, you’ll want to gently clamp the curved, padded part of the lash curler over your natural lashes and gradually work the curler upward. Take care not to pull on your lashes—instead, you want to unclamp as you move upward and then reclamp to help coax your lashes into shape. Doing this can give your entire row of lashes an instant lift and help keep your eyelashes curled for longer.

3. Always use a clean tool

Like your makeup brushes, eyelash curlers also benefit from a thorough cleansing. Neglecting to clean your curler can allow bacteria, oil, makeup, and other residue to build up—none of which you want around your eye area. You can wash your tool with mild soap and water or give it a quick wipe-down with eye makeup remover or a makeup cleansing wipe.

4. Replace your curler as needed

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 can wear out, and the resulting curls won’t be as prominent. You can buy replacement pads for some eyelash curlers, which lets you keep your curler for the long haul, but others may require purchasing a new apparatus altogether. If you use an eyelash curler daily, be sure to replace the rubber pads after three months of constant use.

How To Add a Lash Curler to Your Makeup Routine

Ahead, we’re outlining how to use a lash curler in your daily makeup regimen for an easy eye makeup look.

Step 1. Clean your lashes

It’s best to begin with clean, bare lashes for optimal curling results. Removing residual mascara or other eye makeup allows your curler to properly grip your eyelashes and can help prevent product build-up on your clamps.

Before grabbing your lash curler, soak a cotton pad with eye makeup remover and quickly wipe down your eyelashes. Just ensure your lashes are completely dry before curling them so they don’t stick to the clamps.

Step 2. Curl your lashes

Once your eyes are clean and dry, you can begin curling. The best way to curl eyelashes is to start at the very base of your lashes (as close to your lid as you can get without pinching your eye). Close the clamp on your eyelashes and hold it for five to seven seconds. Release the clamp and gently move the eyelash curler up toward the middle of your lashes. Repeat the clamping motion to give your lashes a complete curl from base to tip.

Step 3. Add your eye makeup

Feel free to skip this step if you’re going for a no-makeup makeup look. Otherwise, apply your eyeshadow and eyeliner before your mascara. This way, you can keep your eye makeup from flaking or falling onto your freshly curled lashes.

First, sweep on an eyeshadow. Those who prefer powder formulas can opt for a hue in the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow collection. Anyone partial to creams, on the other hand, can scoop up a shade from the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick Eyeshadow range. After applying your chosen eyeshadow, swipe the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner along your top lash line or use it to create a trendy winged liner look.

Finally, apply a few coats of your favorite mascara to darken and define your lashes. We’re partial to the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara for breathtaking volume and length. Place the brush at the base of your lashes, then gently wiggle the wand from side to side while sweeping it upward to create maximum length, fullness, and lift.

Do You Curl Your Eyelashes Before or After Mascara?

There are a few reasons why we suggest curling your lashes before applying mascara. For one, curling your lashes first creates a more defined curve for your mascara wand to follow. This allows your chosen mascara to better adhere to the lifted shape of your lashes, providing a more voluminous and elongated effect.

Secondly, mascara formulas are designed to harden as they dry. Pressing down on stiff eyelashes with your curler can cause your delicate eye hairs to snap off. Plus, mascara can stick to the clamps of your curler and create another (painful) lash loss situation.

Lastly, residual mascara on your curler can mix with fresh mascara during future applications, leading to a clumpy or uneven finish. Safe to say, it’s best to pick up your favorite mascara after you perfect your curl, not before.

Does Curling Your Lashes Damage Them?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Are eyelash curlers bad?” you’re not alone. Eyelash curlers sometimes get a bad rap for being harmful to your lashes, but they actually shouldn’t be damaging if used correctly. Safe handling of these tools includes curling your eyelashes before applying mascara, regularly cleaning and replacing your pads, using gentle upward motions, and following any temperature control directions. It’s important to always follow the instructions of your chosen curler and take care not to overuse one. Like any beauty product, giving your eyelash curler (and your lashes) a break every now and then can help ensure the integrity of your eyelashes and extend the life of your curler.

Why Won’t My Lashes Stay Curled?

Nothing is quite as frustrating as a stubborn flutter that won’t hold a curl. Several factors can impact your lashes' ability to maintain their shape. Among them are:

• Oily eyelashes: Having clean, bare lashes is essential, but using an oily eye makeup remover can weigh your lashes down and prevent a lifted look. As such, opt for an oil-free formula, such as the abovementioned L’Oréal Paris 100% Oil-Free Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, to clean your eye area sans the greasy film.
• Worn-out pads: If your lashes seem to fall immediately after using a curler, chances are good that the pads are weathered. Try to go no more than three months between replacing your pads, especially if you use an eyelash curler daily.
• The wrong mascara: Your mascara formula can also affect how well your lashes hold up. If you haven’t had any luck with a washable mascara, try a waterproof one. The latter generally contains less water than the former, meaning it’ll dry down more quickly to set the shape of your lashes. We love the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Waterproof Mascara to create corner-to-corner volume without clumping, flaking, or smudging.
• Your curler type: Similar to a curling wand for your hair, a heated eyelash curler can help your eye fringe retain a long-lasting curl. Just be sure to follow your tool’s instruction label to avoid accidentally heat-damaging your lashes.

Next Up: Black vs. Brown Mascara: Which Is Right For You?

Photo Courtesy of Chaunte Vaughn