Professional makeup artists Briana Riley and Tobi Henney suggest that the right eyelash curler is just as vital as mascara for achieving a lifted look. Instead of relying on heavy products, the right tool can provide a natural, lash-lift effect without the risk of damage.

The $30 Chanel splurge vs. Tarte’s beginner-friendly design

Choosing an eyelash curler often comes down to a choice between accessibility and luxury. For those just starting out, the Tarte eyelash curler offers a beginner-friendly design featuring easy-grip handles and a bright purple silicone pad that helps users gauge how much pressure they are applying.. As the report notes, this design is intended to suit all eye shapes without the fear of pinching or crimping.

On the higher end of the spectrum, the Chanel silver precision curler is positioned as a more luxurious option at $30. According to the report, this tool is designed to capture all lash types to create a more "open, fanned-out look." While it is a smaller invetment than some high-end beauty tools, it is marketed as a way to make an everyday makeup step feel significantly more chic.

Why curling after mascara can lead to lash breakage

One of the most common beauty mistakes is applying a curler to lashes that already have product on them. Briana Riley, a licensed esthetician and professional makeup artist, warns that using a curler on mascara-coated lashes can cause significant damage. The stickiness of the mascara can cause the lashes to adhere to the tool, potentially pulling them out during the process.

Advertisement

To maintain lash health, experts recommend always starting with completely clean lashes. Additionally, Tobi Henney, a celebrity makeup artist, emphasizes the importance of checking the condition of your silicone or rubber pads.. If a pad is worn down or missing, you risk clamping your lashes directly between the metal components, which can cause serious breakage. Fortunately, as Riley points out, lashes naturally regrow unless the hair follicle itself is damaged.

Matching Kevyn Aucoin’s red pad to almond-shaped eyes

Not all curlers are created equal when it comes to different facial structures. Tobi Henney specifically recommends the Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler for those with almond-shaped eyes. This tool features a wide opening and a slight curve designed to hug the eye and capture every lash without catching.

A standout feature of the Kevyn Aucoin model is its contrasting red silicone pad, which makes it easier for the user to see exactly where the tool is being placed. This visibility is crucial for achieving a "soft, rounded lift" that complements the natural shape of the eye rather than creating an unnatural bend.

The $39 Revlon heat wand and the question of skin safety

Newer technology is entering the space with tools like the $39 Revlon precision version, which uses low heat to shape lashes. This wand-like tool is designed to target lashes from root to tip using a grooved safety-slot design. For those with lashes that tend to fall flat, the heat element provides a different type of lift than traditional mechanical pressure.

Advertisement

However, the move toward heat-based curling raises a few unanswered questions regarding user experience and safety. while one Sephora reviewer mentioned feeling only a "warm sensation" when the tip touched their skin, it remains unclear how consistent the temperature control is across different uses. Additionally, it is not yet verified if the heat provides a significantly longer-lasting hold compared to the mechanical lift of a traditional curler like the one Riley calls her "ride-or-die."