The best-rated eyelash curlers that will make you forget about lash lifts
Sonja KneževićDecember 19, 2025
December 19, 2025
When I recently came across the no-mascara trend on social media, where lashes are defined using petroleum jelly, my first thought was: how did you only think of this now? When I was younger, I didn’t love spending time doing my makeup before school, mainly because those extra fifteen minutes of sleep felt far more tempting. But every single day, without exception, I curled my lashes and then combed them through with a bit of petroleum jelly for that glossy, lifted effect. You can imagine my shock when I later read an article by our beauty editor Kristina, who very clearly explains that petroleum jelly is absolutely not meant to be used around the eyes. I think it’s safe to say this is one trend I’m happily leaving in 2014.
That habit, though, only confirms how much I love emphasizing my lashes and how “bare” my face feels when they’re not long, defined, and curled. Of course, today I know better techniques and I definitely spend more time on my makeup. And while petroleum jelly has long since disappeared from my makeup bag, the eyelash curler has stayed, firmly, as a non-negotiable. I find it interesting how intimidating eyelash curlers can be for many people, perhaps because of all those online videos where people manage to hurt themselves, or simply because they look like scissors, something we’re taught from a young age should never go anywhere near the eye. Still, this tool truly is a holy grail. It makes lashes look instantly better and enhances the effect of any mascara.
And while an eyelash curler may seem like a simple tool, one that doesn’t require much thought and where any option will do, the truth is that some curlers really do stand out from the rest. Below, we’ve rounded up the best of the best.
While functionality matters most, I always like to buy a product that isn’t just high-quality and effective, but also beautiful. That’s why the Tweezerman eyelash curler immediately caught my eye, especially when I saw it in an appealing rose gold finish. It’s a sturdy, ergonomic eyelash curler with silicone pads that curl the lashes without pulling or pinching. Thanks to its carefully designed shape, it offers great precision, and it comes with three replacement pads, so you don’t have to worry about it wearing out anytime soon.
However, if you have almond-shaped or deep-set eyes, you may prefer their ProMaster eyelash curler, designed specifically for these eye shapes. This tool features a slim upper bar and an extra-wide opening that sits comfortably against the eyelid, even if your eye sockets are deeper, without pinching or sticking. Hypoallergenic, rounded silicone pads help create an intense curl, delivering professional-looking, voluminous results.
Yes, award-winning eyelash curlers do exist, and The Eyelash Curler by Kevyn Aucoin is one of them. Designed to curl lashes without damage or harsh, squared-off edges, it’s meant to make the eyes look younger and more awake and is a favorite of actress Diane Kruger. (I find it fascinating that someone can have such a strong opinion about an eyelash curler, maybe it’s time I find one I’ll swear by too.) The curler features a red silicone pad, which makes it easier to see your lashes and check if any have been left uncurlled.
The Shiseido eyelash curler is the one I’ve been using since the days when I paired it with Vaseline, and it still does the job just as well as it did on day one. Of course, for hygiene reasons and to prevent infections, it’s important to replace the silicone pads regularly, but the steel mechanism itself can last for years. This curler is one of Shiseido’s best-selling products of all time, and it’s easy to see why. It’s so flexible that it’s hard to hurt yourself with it, yet it delivers beautifully curled lashes without much effort. The wide curve lifts lashes from the inner to the outer corner of the eye, while the edge-free design prevents pinching and makes it possible to reach even the tiniest lashes.
Visually, the most beautiful eyelash curler for me is the one by Surratt. The brand was founded by Troy Surratt, a makeup artist who worked as an assistant to the legendary Kevyn Aucoin, so it’s no surprise that this tool is exceptionally well made and yes, it has won numerous awards. The curler is hand-calibrated in Japan and is ideal for stubborn, straight lashes. It features soft, sponge-like silicone pads that are rounded to shape the lashes without a harsh, squared-off effect, reducing the risk of breakage and delivering a long-lasting lift.