Quick answer
Curling your lashes is easy once you get the pressure right. Start with clean, completely dry lashes, look slightly downward, and position the curler close to the roots without catching your eyelid. Give it a gentle squeeze for about 5 to 10 seconds. Release it fully before moving away, then apply mascara.
When should you curl your lashes?
Before mascara, every time. Your lashes should be clean and completely dry. Once mascara dries, lashes become stiffer and can stick to the curler, making pulling or breakage more likely.
Get this order right first. Do your usual skincare and eye makeup preparation, but leave mascara off until you've finished curling.
Check the roots for leftover mascara, eye cream, or oily makeup. Your lashes should feel dry, not slippery or coated. Just washed your face? Give the area time to dry before reaching for your curler.
Before you begin
- No leftover mascara.
- Wet lashes? Give them time to dry completely before curling (damp lashes can stick to the rubber pad).
- Are there any cracks in the rubber pad?
- Keep the curler clean and dry.
Where should the curler sit?
Right near your upper lash roots, without catching your eyelid. The curved frame should follow your natural lash line, with all your lashes sitting comfortably inside the opening.
Open the curler fully and bring it toward your eye while looking slightly downward. You should be able to see where the metal frame meets your upper lash line. Take your time here.
Let your lashes rest between the upper and lower sections, including those tiny ones near the outer corner. The curler should reach close to the roots without pressing against your skin. Feel the frame touching your eyelid? Release it and try again.
A mirror placed slightly below eye level makes this much easier. You'll get a better view of the roots without having to tilt your head into an awkward position.
Check your position
- Open the clamp first.
- Look slightly downward into the mirror.
- Are all your lashes sitting inside the opening?
- Keep the metal frame away from your skin.
How much pressure should you use?
A gentle, steady squeeze is all you need. Hold the curler for about 5 to 10 seconds, then release it completely before moving away.
There's no need to crush your lashes against the rubber pad. A light, controlled squeeze creates the bend you're after. Start gently, especially if this is your first time using an eyelash curler.
Keep your hand steady. Don't repeatedly pump the clamp while it's closed, since sudden movements can catch individual lashes or leave them at an awkward angle. If the curl looks too subtle, try another gentle pass instead of forcing everything into one hard squeeze.
Pay attention to the rubber cushion, too. A flattened, split, or missing pad leaves your lashes pressing against a harder surface. Replace worn pads according to the curler manufacturer's instructions.
A gentler technique
- A light squeeze for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Keep your wrist steady.
- Release fully before repositioning.
- Still closed? Don't pull the curler away.
How do you get a natural curl?
Work gradually from the roots toward the middle and tips, using light, separate presses. You'll get a softer curve instead of that sharp, crimped bend right above your eyelid.
For a natural finish, start close to the roots and release the curler. Move it slightly toward the middle of your lashes and give another gentle squeeze. Repeat closer to the tips if they need a little lift.
Think rounded curve, not folded lashes. One hard squeeze at the roots can leave an obvious angular bend, particularly if your lashes are naturally straight.
You don't need all three positions every time. If one gentle press already gives your lashes a nice lift, stop there. Extra passes mean more handling, not necessarily a better curl.
Happy with the shape? Move on to mascara. Bring the wand close to the roots and sweep upward with a light hand, following the curve you've just made. Don't keep dragging the brush through the same section.
For a softer finish
- A gentle press near the roots.
- If the middle still looks flat, give it another light squeeze.
- Ease up on the pressure near the tips.
- Mascara goes on after the curler is released.
What mistakes can damage your lashes?
Curling wet or mascara-coated lashes, squeezing too hard, and using a damaged rubber pad are the main mistakes to watch for. They can all put unnecessary stress on individual lashes.
A few small habits can make curling uncomfortable. The biggest one is using the curler after mascara. Dried product makes lashes stiff, and they can stick together inside the clamp.
Don't close the curler until you can see exactly where your lashes are sitting. An eyelid caught inside the frame or an outer lash trapped at an angle can give you a nasty pinch. If anything feels uncomfortable, release it straight away.
Don't share eye makeup tools unless they've been cleaned properly. Wash your curler according to the manufacturer's instructions, including the contact surfaces and removable rubber pad. Persistent eye irritation, redness, or swelling isn't something to cover with more makeup. Speak to a qualified healthcare professional instead.
Habits to avoid
- Never curl after mascara.
- Wet or damp lashes? Wait until they're completely dry.
- Replace cracked or flattened rubber pads.
- Stop immediately if the curler pinches your eyelid.
People also ask
Makeup FAQ
Can you curl your eyelashes every day?
Yes, provided your lashes tolerate it without irritation or noticeable breakage. Keep them clean and dry, use gentle pressure, and skip curling if your eyelids feel sore or irritated.
Should you heat an eyelash curler?
A standard, unheated curler is the safer choice. Heated tools can burn the delicate skin around your eyelids, and you don't need extra heat to get a gentle curl.
Why do my eyelashes look bent instead of curled?
You're probably squeezing too hard in one spot. Try lighter presses near the roots, middle, and tips. If you see a sharp crease, ease up on the pressure next time.
