Curling the eyelashes is one of those parts of a makeup application that never gets much credit but can produce remarkable results when done correctly. With a proper curl, lashes look longer, thicker, fuller, and the eyes themselves appear larger and more awake.
Hold the curler the way you normally hold a pair of scissors. Open the curler completely and bring it to the upper lashes, making sure to get the strip right up to the root of the eyelashes. Check to see that you have all of the lashes inside the curler. Now turn the curler upwards so that the curve of the curler lines up with the curve of your eyelid’s crease. This is the pro secret. Open the eyelash curler and examine the perfect pro curl. Repeat if necessary to define your lashes before applying makeup.
A lot of artists have their favorite lash curlers, myself include. The Shiseido and Shu Uemura are probably the two most popular with professionals. For rounder eyes (the more common, universal shape), my two personal favorites are the Billy B Beauty Eyelash Curler and The Eyelash Curler from Kevyn Aucoin. Billy B’s is the ideal shape and size for most every eye and provides excellent pressure for perfect curl. The late makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin designed the Shu Uemura curler and felt it was not as universal as he wanted it to be. Now you know my secrets for how to curl lashes. Don’t be afraid of the pinch.
If you don’t have an eyelash curler or you simply don’t want to use one, you’re in luck. Simple household products like spoons and cotton swabs, as well as your very own fingers, easily give your lashes a long-lasting curl. Applying a little heat to your eyelashes helps them maintain their shape throughout the day. Wash your hands before you begin to ensure your fingers are free from germs. Use your pointer finger to lift your eyelashes up at the base of your water line and push them against the top of your eye. Just hold them there for at least 30 seconds. Curl your lower lashes using the same method, too!
Apply 1 to 2 coats of mascara to set the curl, if desired. Place the mascara wand at the base of your lashes. Grab a clean, regular-sized dinner spoon and set it inside a cup of warm water. Then, let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes to heat up. Do not use a large spoon, like a serving spoon. Ensure the water is warm, not hot. Wipe off the spoon with a towel so it’s completely dry. Then, hold it horizontally and set the concave side, or side that curves inward, gently against your eyelid. Press your lashes against the spoon and hold them for 30 seconds. Use your finger to push your eyelashes against the outward curve of the spoon, or the convex side. Simply hold them to the warm metal for 30 seconds. Repeat the process with the eyelashes on your other eye. Tip: If you want a more defined curl, repeat the process for another 30 seconds. Brush up your lashes with your favorite mascara to hold the curl in place for the rest of the day. If your lashes clump together, comb them with an eyelash comb while the mascara is still wet.
Brush your eyelashes with your mascara, starting at the base of your lash and zig-zagging the wand up to the tips. When you get to the top of your lashes, curl the wand up and hold it in place for 10 seconds. Do not wait to let your mascara dry before moving on to the next step. Hold the plastic handle of a cotton swab horizontally along your upper lash line. Continue pushing your eyelashes into a curl with the cotton swab for 30 seconds. Repeat the process with the lashes along your inner and outer corners, as well as your lower lashes.
Hold your hair dryer at least 6 inches (15 cm) below your face and turn it on to its lowest setting. Then, aim it upwards to blow your lashes back and set them in their curl. Don't use the hottest setting on your hair dryer. Take the plastic handle of a cotton swab and hold it horizontally behind your upper eyelashes. Use the cotton swab in front of your eyelashes to press them upwards against the cotton swab behind your eyelashes. Continue pressing your eyelashes against the cotton swab behind your lashes for at least 30 seconds. To set your curl, glide 1 to 2 coats of your favorite mascara onto your lashes.
Dip a spoolie in aloe vera gel and wipe off the excess. Grab a clean mascara spoolie brush and coat in a dollop of aloe vera. Or, dip your spoolie in castor oil. Work the spoolie through your lashes like a regular mascara wand. Simply start at the base of your lashes and comb the spoolie through them using a zig-zag or wiggling motion. If you don’t want to use a spoolie, simply pump a small dollop of aloe vera onto your thumb. Hold your thumb at the base of your eyelashes and slowly close your eye to distribute the aloe along your lashes. Applying mascara on top of the aloe vera might cause your mascara to flake, so it’s best to keep your lashes bare with this method.
Yes, as long as you do it carefully with a clean curler that is in good working order. Sometimes old curlers will become misaligned or have loose parts that can pinch or damage lashes. I like the Shiseido curler because it's wide and grabs even the tiny lashes. Depending on your eye shape you may prefer a different one. For a more permanent curl, get a professional eyelash lift. Many med spas and salons offer this procedure, where an experienced technician applies serums to lift, curl, and hold your lashes in place. The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you want a natural look with curled lashes, you can use any of these methods and then apply clear mascara.
Always wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before you touch any part of your eyes. Only apply warm heat onto your lashes to curl them. For a quick, portable option, you can use a spoon trick: hold a regular-sized teaspoon under hot running water until it becomes warm, then dry it off with a clean towel. Hold the spoon against your eye so the bowl of the spoon is against your eyelid and the bottom edge of the spoon lines up with your lashes. Use your finger to press your eyelashes against the curve of the spoon, and hold them there for about 30 seconds. Repeat on the other eye, then apply mascara to set the curl.
In addition to traditional curling, you may explore alternatives like heated curlers or professional lifts for longer-lasting results. Whatever method you choose, the goal remains the same: lift and define lashes to open the eyes and enhance the overall makeup look.
How To CURL Your Eyelashes Beginners Guide - Expert Tips and Techniques | Shonagh Scott
How To CURL Your Eyelashes Beginners Guide - Expert Tips and Techniques | Shonagh Scott
| Method | Key Steps | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard curler | Open, align to root, curl upward, adjust | Precise, reusable | Pinch risk |
| Spoolie with mascara | Apply mascara, comb through, set | Quick, adds hold | Clumping if over-applied |
| Household spoon | Warm spoon, press lashes to curve, 30s | No curler needed | May be awkward |
| Heat/curl with dryer | Warm air, press into curl, 30s | Longer hold | Careful temperature needed |
| Aloe vera/gel spoolie | Coat spoolie, comb through | Natural hold | Potential for flaking with mascara |