If mascara is the leading actor in your eye makeup routine, the lash curler is the underrated director making the whole show work. A good eyelash curler can lift straight lashes, make short lashes look longer, help mascara go on more evenly, and create that wide-awake effect that says, “Yes, I slept,” even when your coffee says otherwise. In 2022, beauty editors, makeup artists, and shoppers kept circling back to a handful of standout lash curlers that delivered reliable lift without turning your lashes into little right angles.

The truth is, not all curlers are built the same. Some are better for almond-shaped eyes, some work beautifully on straight lashes, and some are so travel-friendly they practically deserve their own boarding pass. The best lash curler for you depends on your eye shape, your lash length, and how much drama you want. Some people want a soft, natural bend. Others want their lashes to look like they booked a lash lift without actually booking one.

Below, you’ll find nine of the most talked-about eyelash curlers of 2022, along with practical tips on how to use a lash curler the right way. No pinching. No panic. No crunchy mascara-coated lashes getting yanked into the void.

What Makes a Great Eyelash Curler?

A great eyelash curler should do three things well: fit your eye comfortably, grip lashes evenly, and create a smooth curl instead of a sharp crimp. That sounds simple, but anyone who has ever clipped their eyelid at 7:12 a.m. knows this is serious engineering.

Here are the main features that matter:

1. The curve

The shape of the curler determines how well it hugs your lash line. Flatter curlers often work better for rounder or wider eyes, while a more curved design may suit deeper-set or almond-shaped eyes.

2. The pad

A soft silicone or rubber pad cushions lashes and helps create a smoother bend. Thin pads can give a stronger curl, while thicker pads usually create a softer, more natural-looking lift.

3. The grip

If a curler feels slippery, awkward, or flimsy, you probably won’t use it well. A tool that feels stable in your hand makes a huge difference, especially when you’re trying to work close to the lash root.

4. Your eye shape

This is where many people go wrong. A lash curler that your best friend swears by might not work for you at all. A mismatch can lead to pinching, missed outer-corner lashes, or a curl that fades before you even finish the rest of your makeup.

The 9 Best Eyelash Curlers of 2022

1. Laura Mercier Artist Eyelash Curler

If you want a polished, easy-to-control curler that feels luxe without being fussy, this one earns its spot. The Laura Mercier Artist Eyelash Curler became a favorite because its wide angled shape helps catch more lashes in a single squeeze. That means less repositioning and fewer chances to accidentally create that weird bent-lash effect nobody asked for.

It is especially appealing for people who want a smooth, eye-opening curl with minimal effort. The design feels sturdy, the squeeze feels controlled, and the result tends to look clean and lifted rather than overly dramatic.

2. e.l.f. Eyelash Curler

The budget-friendly hero of the bunch, e.l.f.’s Eyelash Curler proves you do not need to spend luxury-money to get a decent curl. Its curved shape is designed to work across eye shapes, and it is a good starter tool for anyone who wants a simple, affordable option.

This is the curler for the person who wants to dip a toe into lash-curling without making a major commitment. It is lightweight, easy to find, and friendly to beginners. Bonus points for being the type of tool you can toss in a makeup bag without guarding it like treasure.

3. Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler

This one has serious beauty-world legend status. The Shu Uemura curler has been a longtime makeup artist favorite because it creates a dramatic yet natural-looking curl in one of the smoothest ways possible. Instead of giving lashes a harsh kink, it tends to lift them in a way that looks elegant and believable.

It is especially popular among people who want a reliable classic that works across many eye shapes. If lash curlers had a hall of fame, this one would already have a plaque, a speech, and probably a standing ovation.

4. Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler

For almond-shaped or deep-set eyes, the Tweezerman ProMaster is one of the smartest picks from the 2022 conversation. Its angled shape is designed to reduce pinching and help reach lashes more comfortably, which is no small thing when your eye shape and a standard curler do not get along.

If most curlers make you feel like your eyelid is being personally attacked, this one is worth a look. It offers a more tailored fit and can make the whole process feel far less intimidating.

5. Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler

Ask enough beauty editors and artists about the best eyelash curler, and this name will show up like a reliable friend who always brings snacks. The Kevyn Aucoin curler is known for its wide opening, comfortable feel, and ability to grab lashes close to the root without excessive pressure.

It is a standout choice for people with straight lashes or eyes that do not do well with overly curved tools. The bright red pad also makes it easier to see what you are doing, which sounds minor until you realize how helpful that is when you are operating this tiny metal contraption near your eyeball.

6. Surratt Relevée Lash Curler

The Surratt Relevée Lash Curler is often praised for being gentle, elegant, and surprisingly effective. Its thinner pad allows for a more customized curl, which is especially helpful if you like the “base, middle, tip” technique for creating a soft upward sweep.

This is a strong pick for straight lashes and for anyone who wants lift without needing a death grip. It feels refined and performs like a pro tool, which explains why makeup artists keep mentioning it.

7. Shiseido Eyelash Curler

Shiseido’s curler is famous for its edge-free design, which helps reduce pinching while still giving lashes a visible lift from inner to outer corner. It is especially helpful for people with stubbornly straight lashes who want a cleaner, more open look.

If your lashes tend to point downward like they are disappointed in everything, this curler can be a game changer. It gives a glamorous curl without feeling overly aggressive, and it has the kind of reputation that only comes from years of consistent performance.

8. Chanel Le Recourbe Cils de Chanel Eyelash Curler

Yes, it is Chanel. Yes, it looks chic sitting on a vanity. But the appeal goes beyond the logo. This curler is designed to work across lash types and eye shapes while gently capturing lashes for a precise, polished curl. It is the sort of tool that feels refined in both design and results.

For people who want a universal-feeling curler with a luxury finish, Chanel’s version makes a lot of sense. It is practical, but in a quietly glamorous way. Think less “look at me” and more “I have my life together,” even if your laundry situation says otherwise.

9. Japonesque Go Curl Eyelash Curler

Compact, clever, and easy to travel with, the Japonesque Go Curl is ideal for makeup bags, desk drawers, and people who apply mascara in the car while parked like responsible citizens. Its open cage design helps avoid pinching the outer lashes, and its small footprint makes it especially handy for touch-ups or on-the-go use.

This is not just a cute little backup tool. It is genuinely useful if you want portability without sacrificing performance. For frequent travelers or minimalists, it is one of the most practical lash curlers in the roundup.

How to Use a Lash Curler the Right Way

Using a lash curler is simple once you know the technique. The biggest secret? Gentle pressure beats brute force every single time.

Step 1: Start with clean lashes

Always curl lashes before mascara. This is rule number one, two, and three. Mascara makes lashes stiffer, and curling them afterward can lead to sticking, pulling, or breakage. In short: curl first, mascara second, peace in the kingdom restored.

Step 2: Position the curler at the base

Look slightly downward into a mirror and bring the curler as close to the root of your upper lashes as possible without pinching the skin. Gently close the curler once to check placement before pressing fully.

Step 3: Squeeze gently

Press and hold for about five seconds. You do not need to crush your lashes like you are trying to win an arm-wrestling match with a makeup tool.

Step 4: Move outward

For a softer, more natural curl, release the curler and move it slightly upward along the lashes. Give another gentle squeeze at the middle, then once more near the tips if needed. This creates a graceful curve instead of a sharp angle.

Step 5: Apply mascara

Once the curl is set, follow with mascara. Wiggle the wand at the roots and pull upward to support the lift you just created. Waterproof formulas often hold curl better, though they can be a bit more stubborn to remove.

Common Lash Curler Mistakes to Avoid

Curling after mascara

This is the classic mistake. It is tempting, but it can make lashes stick to the pad and increase the risk of breakage.

Using one hard clamp

A single aggressive squeeze can leave lashes looking bent instead of curled. Small pulses usually give a smoother result.

Ignoring the pad

If the silicone pad is worn out, cracked, or flattened, your curler will not perform well. Replace it regularly to keep the curl smooth and safe.

Using a curler that does not fit your eye shape

If you constantly miss outer-corner lashes or pinch your lid, the tool may be wrong for you. That is not user failure. That is geometry.

Skipping cleanup

Lash curlers sit very close to the eye area, so hygiene matters. Wipe off residue and sanitize the tool regularly. A clean curler works better and feels less gross, which is always a plus.

How to Clean and Maintain a Lash Curler

After every few uses, wipe down the metal and pad to remove mascara residue, oils, and makeup buildup. A cotton pad with rubbing alcohol works well for quick sanitizing. For a deeper clean, use mild soap and warm water, then dry the curler completely before using it again.

Replace the pad every few months, or sooner if it looks compressed or damaged. A fresh pad helps the curler grip and lift evenly, and it lowers the odds of tugging your lashes. It is a tiny maintenance step that makes a big difference.

Real-World Experiences With Lash Curlers

One reason lash curlers inspire so much loyalty is that the experience is intensely personal. A tool that feels magical for one person might be completely wrong for another. In real life, people usually discover their favorite curler through trial, error, and at least one mildly dramatic moment involving a pinched eyelid and a few choice words.

For beginners, the first experience with a lash curler is often a mix of curiosity and suspicion. The tool looks a little medieval, and holding it close to the eye can feel awkward at first. But once the technique clicks, many people realize that a curler can do more for their lashes in five seconds than an extra coat of mascara ever could. The biggest surprise is usually how much more open the eyes look, even before makeup is finished.

People with straight lashes often have the most emotional before-and-after reaction. Without curling, their lashes may point forward or downward, which can hide length and make mascara feel underwhelming. With the right curler, suddenly the lashes lift, separate more easily, and actually show up in photos. It is the beauty equivalent of turning on better lighting.

Those with almond-shaped or deep-set eyes tend to have a different journey. Their main issue is not always lack of curl; it is fit. A standard curler may miss the outer corners or pinch the lid, which makes the entire process feel like an annoying daily challenge. When they finally find a curler shaped for their eyes, the difference can feel absurdly satisfying. Same lashes, same person, far less drama.

There is also the “I only use it for special occasions” crowd. These are the people who pull out their lash curler for weddings, parties, date nights, and any event involving flash photography. Then, at some point, they use it on a random Tuesday and realize they have been depriving themselves. A good lash curler has a way of sneaking into the daily routine once you see how much polish it adds.

Travel-size and compact curlers have their own fan club. People love them for gym bags, office makeup pouches, and weekends away when every inch of packing space matters. A small curler can be the difference between looking “freshened up” and looking like you just argued with airport security and lost.

Over time, most experienced users learn the same lesson: technique matters as much as the tool. The gentlest users usually get the best results. They do not yank, overclamp, or rush. They pulse the curler carefully, work from root to tip, and let the shape build gradually. That is usually when lashes look their best: lifted, soft, and believable, not stiff or overworked.

In other words, the best lash curler experience is not about chasing the most expensive tool or the flashiest promise. It is about finding a curler that fits your eye shape, respects your lashes, and makes your morning routine feel just a little more put together. And honestly, that is a pretty great return on a tiny metal gadget.

Final Takeaway

The best eyelash curlers of 2022 were not one-size-fits-all miracle workers. They were smartly designed tools that matched different needs: luxury picks, budget options, travel-friendly styles, and curlers built for specific eye shapes. If you want the most universally beloved names, start with Laura Mercier, Shu Uemura, Kevyn Aucoin, Shiseido, and Tweezerman ProMaster. If you want value or portability, e.l.f. and Japonesque are strong places to begin.

Most important, use your curler gently and use it before mascara. That one habit alone can make your lashes look more lifted, your mascara work harder, and your whole eye look seem more finished. Tiny tool, big payoff.