How to curl your lashes at home in 4 easy steps (and without casualties)

Ah, eyelash curling. That mysterious ritual that makes any mascara pop, allowing you to flutter your glorious fans like the big flirt that you are. People who know how to do it adore it, people who have no clue dread it, as it seems like the most dangerous activity possible. Nowadays, you can have your lashes permed or lifted professionally, which is a very interesting alternative, however, many ladies and gentlemen still prefer to learn the twisted (see what we did there?) ways of an eyelash curler and be able to achieve the dreamy look by themselves. If you belong in this group, this article is for you – we will establish four easy steps to a successful lash curl done at home, with no eye-poking and lash-tearing included. Without any further ado let’s get to curling!

Step 1: Prepare your lash curler

Lash curler looks like a torture device, but using it is actually painless and perfectly safe – of course, as long as you do it properly. Before you start waving the curler around your eyes area get to know the basics and prep the tool for its best performance.

Buying the best eyelash curler

Is buying an expensive curler necessary? Of course not, you can find great ones at a bargain! Nyx Professional Makeup Eyelash Curler works wonders and costs around £8 and W7 Groovy Curls will give you a hundred pounds effect for around £4. If you have more to spend, we also recommend Eyeko Eyelash Curlers, Lily Lashes Eyelash Curlers and Tweezerman’s Pro Master Lash Curlers. For a luxurious experience, go for the cult-classic Kevin Aucoin Eyelash Curler or Dior Backstage Eyelash Curler.

Prepping the tool

A well-known trick to ensure that the curl will last longer is to warm up your curler just a little bit before using it. Is it a bit of legit advice? Yes, it is – as long as you remember to not go overboard with it! The curler should be warm, not hot. The easiest way to achieve this is to blast it with your blow dryer for a few seconds. Before using, make sure that the temperature is right by tapping it gently on the inside of your wrist.

Safety tips!

• Mind that some curlers, especially on the cheaper side, contain latex. If you are allergic, make sure to buy one that does not – an allergic reaction around the eye area is not pleasant!
• Wash your hands thoroughly before playing with the curler and make sure to store it in a clean, dry space. Remember that this tool touches your eye area!
• Never heat the curler in the microwave!

Step 2: Find the right position

Tilt your head back, leave your eye half open and rest your eyelashes between the clamp. Make sure to place the curler at the base. To make things easier, place a mirror below and look down into it to see the placement of your curler along your lash line. The goal here is to get as close as possible without tugging the skin – take your sweet time when placing the curler for the first time, it takes practice to do it quickly!

Step 3: Go to town!

Once the placement seems appropriate, gently press down and pulse a few times for 5-10 seconds. Your movements should be light and delicate – do not pull upwards or onwards, do not push into the eye socket and do not twirl! If you feel comfortable enough, you can slightly tilt the curler handle up, but do so very gently. Also, if you want some extra drama, you can repeat the process just at the top of your lashes.

Step 4: Apply mascara and flutter all your problems away

Some mascaras hold curl better than others – look for formulas that claim to be “curling” or “curl-holding”. We recommend Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara if you are looking for something budget-friendly and Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume or Benefit Roller Lash if you want to splurge.

One last thing – never, ever curl your lashes after applying mascara! It does not work (believe us) and can lead to your lashes breaking and falling off. Always begin with curling and apply mascara afterwards, allowing the mascara to dry completely before continuing with any other make-up application.

Now go and show off your beautiful fans to everyone!