By Viktoryia Tsishko - Esthetician, Founder of Beauty Power. 17 years of experience, 30,000+ beauty professionals trained.
Quick Answer: To use an eyelash curler, position the open clamp at the base of your upper lashes, as close to the lash line as possible without pinching skin. Squeeze gently, hold for 5–10 seconds, release, then shift 1–2mm toward the tips and repeat. Always curl before applying mascara, never after. The result is an instant, eye-opening lift that lasts hours.
Table of Contents
Why Every Eye Needs a Curler
Straight or downward-pointing lashes are one of the most common complaints I hear from clients. The lash direction you're born with is largely genetic, influenced by ethnicity, bone structure, and the angle of your orbital rim. For many people — particularly those with monolids, deep-set eyes, or naturally straight Asian lashes — the eyelashes grow downward, which makes the eyes appear smaller and more closed-off regardless of how good the mascara is.
An eyelash curler solves this in 10 seconds. The mechanical lift it creates opens up the eye, makes lashes appear longer (because you now see their full length from root to tip rather than looking straight down at them), and holds the curl for 4–8 hours depending on lash texture and technique.
The mistake most people make: they think any squeezing motion will work. It won't. Placement, pad quality, and the "walk" technique are the three variables that separate a natural, beautiful lift from a crimped, unnatural kink. This guide covers all three.
Natural Curl vs. Extra Curl: Which One Is Right for You
Not all curlers produce the same shape. Beauty Power offers two versions designed for different eye types and desired looks:
| Feature | Natural Curl Eyelash Curler | Extra Curl Eyelash Curler |
|---|---|---|
| Curl result | Soft, gentle lift | Dramatic, sky-high curl |
| Best for | Everyday wear, natural looks, sensitive eyes | Bold looks, photo shoots, special occasions |
| Eye types | Deep-set, hooded, or eyes with prominent orbital bones | Almond, round, monolid, or straight-lash types |
| Mascara pairing | Natural, lengthening mascaras | Volumizing and dramatic mascaras |
| Price | $12.99 | $13.49 |
Both curlers come with 5 replacement silicone pads and are precision-crafted from stainless steel. The barrel curve differs between the two — the Extra Curl version has a tighter arc that produces a more pronounced bend at the root.
If you are unsure which to choose: Start with the Natural Curl. It is more forgiving, easier to control, and the results look intentional rather than theatrical.
How to Use an Eyelash Curler Step by Step
Step 1: Start with Clean, Dry, Mascara-Free Lashes
This is the rule most people break. Curling lashes coated with old or dried mascara does two things: it creates an unnatural crimp (the mascara stiffens the lash into whichever shape the clamp hits), and it increases the risk of breakage as the dried formula becomes brittle under pressure.
Curl before mascara. Always.
If you have naturally oily lids, wipe the lash line with a clean cotton pad first. Oil on the lash base reduces how long the curl holds.
Step 2: Heat the Curler (Optional but Effective)
Hold the closed curler near — not on — a hair dryer on a low setting for 3–5 seconds. The gentle warmth makes the silicone pad more pliable and helps the curl set like a wave does in warm hair. Test the temperature on the inside of your wrist before placing it near your eye. It should feel warm, not hot.
This one step can extend your curl's hold from 4 hours to 6–8 hours.
Step 3: Position at the Lash Root
Open the curler and look straight ahead into a mirror. Tilt your chin slightly downward — this lifts the lid and gives you clear access to the lash root.
Slide the lower plate under your upper lashes, positioning the pad as close to the lash line as possible. The goal is to catch the lash from 1mm above the skin. The further from the root you place the curler, the less dramatic and shorter-lasting the curl.
What to avoid: If you see or feel the skin of your eyelid inside the curler, reposition before squeezing. Pinching the lid is the number one reason people fear eyelash curlers.
Step 4: Squeeze, Hold, Release
Squeeze the handles firmly but not aggressively — think of holding a ripe peach, enough pressure to indent it but not crush it. Hold for 5–10 seconds. Release completely.
Do not pump the curler open and shut repeatedly at the root. This creates a sharp, unnatural 90-degree bend rather than a smooth curve.
Step 5: Walk the Curl Up
This is the technique that separates amateur results from professional ones.
After the first hold at the root, shift the curler 1–2mm toward the tips of your lashes and squeeze again for 3–5 seconds. Then move once more toward the tips and hold for another 3 seconds.
Three positions total: root, mid-lash, tips. Each position receives a progressively shorter hold because the tips are finer and more delicate than the root.
The result is a smooth, rounded curl that follows the natural arc of the eye rather than a straight-up kink.
Step 6: Apply Mascara to Lock the Curl
Apply your mascara immediately after curling, while the lash is still warm from the curl. Start at the root and wiggle the wand upward. The curled angle means every stroke builds length and volume visually.
One coat on curled lashes achieves more impact than three coats on straight ones.
The Replacement Pad: The Most Overlooked Factor
The silicone pad is the component that does the actual work. It is the cushion between the metal frame and your lash — and it degrades faster than most people realise.
Signs your pad needs replacing:
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The surface has visible grooves, dents, or cracks
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The pad feels hard or stiff rather than slightly yielding
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Your curl looks more crimped than curved
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Lashes catch or feel pulled during the squeeze
A cracked or hardened pad is the most common cause of lash breakage from a curler. Every Beauty Power eyelash curler ships with 5 replacement pads — most curlers include 1 or 2 — specifically because this maintenance step matters.
Replace your pad every 2–3 months under regular use. If you curl daily, replace every 6–8 weeks.
Traditional vs. Heated Eyelash Curler
A heated eyelash curler uses a small electric element to warm a rounded wand. It is a different tool with a different use case:
| Factor | Traditional (Beauty Power) | Heated / Electric |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Mechanical clamp + silicone pad | Heated wand that melts lash shape |
| Curl type | Root-to-tip arc, natural depth | Primarily mid-to-tip lift |
| Hold duration | 4–8 hours (with warm-up tip) | 4–6 hours |
| Risk | Near zero with correct pad | Thermal damage if overheated |
| Price range | $12–$25 | $25–$80 |
| Travel-friendly | Yes — no battery or charging | Requires charging or batteries |
| Best for | All lash types, daily use | Fine, hard-to-hold straight lashes |
For 90% of users, a traditional stainless steel curler used correctly outperforms a heated version at a fraction of the cost. The heat method is worth exploring for lashes that refuse to hold a curl regardless of technique — typically very fine, very straight lashes common in East Asian hair types.
Mistakes That Damage Your Lashes
1. Curling after mascara.
his is the most damaging thing you can do. Dried mascara makes the lash rigid. The curler then bends a stiff rod rather than a flexible hair — and brittle things snap.
2. A single hard clamp at the root.
Creates a crimp, not a curl. Use the three-position walk technique described above.
3. Using a curler that doesn't fit your eye shape.
The curve of the curler barrel must match the curve of your eye. A curler with too tight an arc will only catch the center lashes; one with too wide an arc catches the inner and outer corners but misses the centre. If your lashes look inconsistently curled, the fit is the issue.
4. Never replacing the pad.
A degraded silicone pad creates uneven pressure that crimps some lashes and misses others. Replace every 2–3 months.
5. Pulling the curler away without opening it first.
Always open the clamp fully before removing the curler from your lashes. Pulling a closed curler away is how lashes get caught and pulled out.
Pro Tips from 15 Years of Experience
1. Curl the inner and outer corners separately.
The center lashes are easiest to catch. The corner lashes — which frame the eye the most — often get missed. After doing the full sweep, angle the curler to the inner corner and repeat, then the outer corner.
2. Store your curler closed.
Leaving it open causes the spring to weaken over time. A weakened spring means inconsistent pressure and a curl that doesn't hold.
3. Match the curl intensity to the occasion.
Natural Curl for everyday. Extra Curl for events, photos, and evenings. Your eyes will thank you for not over-curling daily.
4. Do not curl the lower lashes.
Lower lashes point downward for a reason — they balance the upper lash lift. Curling them upward creates an unnatural, wide-eyed effect that reads as cartoonish in photos.
5. After curling, brush with a clean mascara wand.
Before applying product, run a dry spoolie through your lashes to separate them. Curled lashes can clump together during the hold phase. A quick brush opens them back up into an even fan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you use an eyelash curler step by step?
Open the curler, position the pad 1mm above the lash line, squeeze gently for 5–10 seconds, release, shift toward the lash tips, and repeat two more times. Apply mascara immediately after. Always curl on clean, dry, mascara-free lashes.
2. Should you curl eyelashes before or after mascara?
Always before. Curling after mascara stiffens the lash and significantly increases breakage risk. Mascara locks the curl in place when applied immediately after curling on warm lashes.
3. How long should you hold an eyelash curler?
Hold at the root for 5–10 seconds, then 3–5 seconds at the mid-lash position, and 2–3 seconds at the tips. Shorter holds as you move toward the tip because those lashes are finer and more delicate. Total time per eye: about 20–30 seconds.
4. How often should you replace eyelash curler pads?
Every 2–3 months under regular use. Signs it's time: visible cracks, stiffness, or a crimped rather than curved result. Beauty Power curlers come with 5 replacement pads included so this maintenance step is covered from day one.
5. Can eyelash curlers damage your lashes?
A properly maintained curler with a soft silicone pad, used on mascara-free lashes, does not cause damage. The risks — breakage and pulling — come from three things: curling after mascara, using a cracked or hardened pad, or yanking the curler away while still closed.
6. What is the difference between Natural Curl and Extra Curl eyelash curlers?
The Natural Curl creates a soft, gentle lift suited for everyday wear and deep-set eyes. The Extra Curl produces a more dramatic, high-arc result for bold looks and special occasions. The barrel curve of each curler is physically different — Extra Curl has a tighter arc that bends the lash higher at the root.
7. Can I use an eyelash curler with eyelash extensions?
No. A mechanical curler puts direct pressure on the lash extension bond and can pull out both the extension and your natural lash. Heated curlers on extensions are also a risk — heat softens the adhesive. If you have extensions, the curl is built into the extension shape itself.
8. Why doesn't my eyelash curl last?
Three common causes: oily lids (wipe the lash root before curling), lash conditioners or serums worn near the lash line (the silicones reduce hold), or starting the curl too far from the root (position the pad as close to 1mm above the skin as possible). The warm-up technique — briefly heating the pad with a hairdryer — consistently extends hold to 6–8 hours for most lash types.
Complete Your Eye Routine
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Eyelash Curler with 5 Replacement Pads — Natural Curl — $12.99
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Eyelash Curler with 5 Replacement Pads — Extra Curl — $13.49
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Beauty Power tools are designed in the USA and crafted from surgical-grade stainless steel. Over 100,000 customers worldwide choose Beauty Power for precision, quality, and salon results at home. beautypower.pro