Top 5 compared
The best eyelash curlers
Straight lashes lifted in a few seconds, so the eyes look more open before the mascara goes on.
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The top 5 at a glance
An eyelash curler is a small metal clamp with a soft pad: close it gently at the base of the upper lashes for a few seconds and they lift into a curve that holds. Most are scissor-style, with a loop for the thumb and one for a finger; heated wand-style curlers are a different kind. The curve of the frame decides the fit: a broad one follows most eyelids, while small or hooded eyes may suit a narrower one.
Every curler here is a plain metal clamp that needs no power, and each comes with at least one spare pad, the part that wears: swap it in once the old one goes flat and loses its bounce. Use a curler on clean, dry lashes before mascara, with a gentle squeeze held for a few seconds.
What matters
- A curve that matches your eyelid: broad for most, narrower for small or hooded eyes.
- A soft pad, thick enough to cushion the lashes.
- Spare pads in the box, since the pad is the part that wears.
- A frame that feels solid, metal rather than thin plastic.
#1Tweezerman Classic Lash Curler (with 3 spare pads)
$20–$30
Silicone pads, thick and rounded, that Tweezerman says won’t crimp lashes or stick to them, on a plain steel curler that opens and closes smoothly, with three spares in the box: a year’s worth if each is changed every three months, as the maker advises for daily use. Only the MUIIGOOD rates higher, and that’s a whole box of lash tools rather than a curler sold on its own.
What owners say: Several owners rank it above every other curler, and the spare pads and the fit win praise too. Value, how long the curl lasts and how gentle it is on the lashes all draw mixed reports.
A closer look: Curl clean, dry lashes before mascara, starting close to the root and easing out toward the tips. Tweezerman also advises wiping the pads with an alcohol wipe after use, and never heating the curler or using it on the lower lashes.
- Pads won’t crimp or stick
- New pad every three months
- Clean pads with alcohol wipe
- Never heat the curler
- Smooth opening and closing
Best for: Straight lashes, curled each morning
- Frame and handles
- Nickel-plated steel, scissor handles
- Pad
- Thick, rounded silicone
- Spare pads in the box
- 3
- Curve and fit (maker’s words)
- Reaches every lash
#2MUIIGOOD 5-in-1 Eyelash Curler Kit (10 spare pads)
$10–$20
A black curler with soft pink grips and ten spare silicone pads, plus a lash comb, tweezers for false lashes, a three-in-one mascara brush and a folding brow brush and comb. It’s a whole lash routine in one box, which makes a neat first kit.
What owners say: Quality and curl both please owners, and they count the extras as what makes it a useful kit; some kits hold up better than others.
A closer look: Squeeze the lashes in the curler for about five seconds, as the maker suggests, then add mascara so the curl lasts longer. Ten spare pads means a fresh one whenever the old one flattens, and the comb separates any lashes the mascara clumps together.
- Lash comb and separator
- Tweezers for false lashes
- 3-in-1 mascara brush
- Folding brow brush and comb
Best for: A first lash kit
- Frame and handles
- Carbon steel, black and rose
- Pad
- Silicone
- Spare pads in the box
- 10
- Curve and fit (maker’s words)
- For natural lashes
#3e.l.f. Pro Eyelash Curler
Under $10
e.l.f.’s step up from its basic curler: a stainless-steel frame with a contoured curve, a stronger spring and easy-grip handles, which e.l.f. designed for easier curling and a curl that lasts longer, plus a spare pad for when the first goes soft. Like everything e.l.f. makes, it’s vegan and cruelty-free.
What owners say: Owners praise its quality and say it works well. Past that, reports split on almost everything: how long it lasts, how comfortable the grip is, and whether the curve suits the size and shape of their eyes.
A closer look: Centre the lashes between the top and bottom of the curler, squeeze the handles slowly and hold for five to ten seconds, as e.l.f. directs, then add mascara. The spare pad is for when the first one goes soft and loses its bounce, which is e.l.f.’s own cue to swap it.
- Hold five to ten seconds
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Best for: A firm, lasting curl
- Frame and handles
- Stainless steel, easy-grip handles
- Pad
- Rubber
- Spare pads in the box
- 1
- Curve and fit (maker’s words)
- Contoured curve
#4Docolor Eyelash Curler with Comb (DO-JMS18)
$10–$20
A stainless-steel curler that comes with a separate lash comb and silicone refill pads, so the lashes can be curled and then combed through after mascara to lift out any clumps. Docolor shapes it for all eye shapes and for short or flat lashes.
What owners say: It curls well and the curl stays put for longer, by most accounts, and the refill pads and comb feel like a bonus. Durability gets mixed reports.
A closer look: Curl first, then add mascara and run the comb through while it’s still wet, which separates the lashes before they set. Swap in a refill pad once the first one has a groove pressed into it, as a worn pad grips unevenly and can pinch.
- Swap pads once grooved
- Comb through wet mascara
- Suits short or flat lashes
Best for: Curling and combing lashes
- Frame and handles
- Stainless steel, metal handles
- Pad
- Silicone
- Spare pads in the box
- Yes (number not stated)
- Curve and fit (maker’s words)
- All eye shapes and lash types
#5e.l.f. Eyelash Curler (with spare pad)
Under $10
The plainest curler here: a steel clamp with a curve e.l.f. shaped to suit all eye shapes and a soft pad that presses the lashes into a natural curl in seconds, with a spare pad in the box. It does the basic job and makes an easy second curler for a travel bag.
What owners say: Owners rate the curl highly, some find none better, and it costs very little. Fit is the catch: it doesn’t sit close enough to some people’s eyes, and its durability and whether it pinches get mixed reviews.
A closer look: Line the pad up at the base of the upper lashes, press the handles together and hold, then let go gently and follow with mascara, which is e.l.f.’s own order of things. Wipe the pad clean now and then so mascara doesn’t build up on it, and fit the spare once the first one goes flat.
- Curls in seconds
- Weighs 32 g
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Fits a travel bag
- Wipe mascara off the pad
Best for: A spare for the travel bag
- Frame and handles
- Stainless steel, scissor handles
- Pad
- Rubber
- Spare pads in the box
- 1
- Curve and fit (maker’s words)
- Curved for all eye shapes
How they compare
Swipe sideways or rotate device to see all 5.
| Feature | #1Tweezerman Classic | #2MUIIGOOD kit | #3e.l.f. Pro | #4Docolor with comb | #5e.l.f. Eyelash Curler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Best lash kit | Best budget | |||
| Picked Rating | 8.6 | 9.1 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.4 |
| Price | $20–$30 | $10–$20 | Under $10 | $10–$20 | Under $10 |
| Frame and handles | Nickel-plated steel, scissor handles | Carbon steel, black and rose | Stainless steel, easy-grip handles | Stainless steel, metal handles | Stainless steel, scissor handles |
| Pad | Thick, rounded silicone | Silicone | Rubber | Silicone | Rubber |
| Spare pads in the box | 3 | 10 | 1 | Yes (number not stated) | 1 |
| Curve and fit (maker’s words) | Reaches every lash | For natural lashes | Contoured curve | All eye shapes and lash types | Curved for all eye shapes |
| Best for | Straight lashes, curled each morning | A first lash kit | A firm, lasting curl | Curling and combing lashes | A spare for the travel bag |
| Buy now | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon |
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