Of all the tools in a make-up bag, the best eyelash curler may be the most underrated. Often dismissed as a superfluous step in a make-up routine, they can make a transformative difference to short lashes looking for a lift.
They can achieve a curl that mascara often simply can’t, without making any mess. When used well, they open up your eyes, make lashes look longer and when paired with mascara, can leave you looking like you’ve had a lash lift.
Used badly or stumble across a poorly made one, and you can end up pinching your eyelid, tug out lashes or leave an awkward-looking kink. The difference comes down to the tool itself, with the best models achieving just the right amount of tension between the handle rings. Eye shape needs to be factored in too – a lash curler frame that’s too flat or rounded can miss outer lashes of hooded or deep-set eyes, or even dig into the corners.
A more recent development in the world of eyelash curlers are heated styles, which promise a longer lift using a heated pad, like the way you would curl the hair on your head.
To find the best eyelash curlers worth your money, I tested a range of designs over several weeks of daily use, from budget-friendly picks, to battery-powered heated tools and luxurious finds.
Read more: Best setting sprays, tested
The best eyelash curlers for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Revitalash signature eyelash curler: £20, Revitalash.co.uk
- Best budget buy – No7 lift & curve eyelash curler: £8.95, Boots.com
- Best for naturally straight lashes – Shiseido eyelash curler: £29, Shiseido.co.uk
- Best value – Tweezerman promaster lash curler: £23, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Read more: The best lipsticks of all time, according to a beauty writer
Revitalash signature eyelash curler
Best: eyelash curler overall
Why we love it
- Immediate dramatic difference
- Durable frame
- Comfortable to hold
Take note
- Pads need changing every two months
Best known for its lash serums, Revitalash also makes the best eyelash curler I’ve tried. The rounded silicone pads give hairs a soft curl that opens up your eyes, and it has a durable carbon-steel frame that isn’t flimsy, even when thrown around my busy makeup bag.
It feels comfortable to hold, not too heavy, nor too light, and while it comes with a replacement pad that’s recommended to be changed every two months, it also takes universal replacements, too. Within just five seconds of continuous squeezing, my lashes look immediately longer, lifted and defined.
Key specifications
Buy now £20, Revitalash.co.uk
No7 lift & curve eyelash curler
Best: budget eyelash curler
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Good for beginners new to eyelash curlers
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold
Take note
- Gives more of a subtle lash lift
No7’s lift & curve is the best budget eyelash curler I tried, offering a subtler finish than the rest on our list. It’s not for anyone looking for a flash lash effect, but is perfect for everyday use.
Lightweight and comfortable to hold, it doesn’t pull lashes or pinch my eyelids, and the soft pads don’t crimp the lash hair. The curve is wider, making it best for almond-shaped eyes. The only downside is Boots doesn’t sell replacement pads, so you’ll have to head to elsewhere to pick up a new refill when the time comes.
Key specifications
Buy now £8.95, Boots.com
Shiseido eyelash curler
Best: eyelash curler for naturally straight lashes
Why we love it
- Produces a long-lasting curl
- Lightweight frame
- Doesn’t tug or pinch
Take note
- Expensive
Shiseido’s eyelash curler is surprisingly lightweight, but creates an immediate dramatic, and impressive curl. The hinge allows it to open wide enough, without the weightiness that means it doesn’t tug on your eyelid.
The contoured frame means it won’t pinch either, and one quick squeeze is all that’s needed. I needed less mascara, and my lashes stayed looking lifted for hours after. It’s undoubtedly pricier but a worthwhile splurge if you’re looking for immediate results, and to save on more expensive lash treatments.
Key specifications
Buy now £29, Shiseido.co.uk
Tweezerman promaster lash curler
Best: value eyelash curler
Why we love it
- Sturdy design
- Can build up to how dramatic the finish is
- Comes with plenty of replacement pads
Take note
- Best suited to rounder eyes
As effective as its tweezers, this Tweezerman promaster lash curler is reliable, sturdy and great for rounder-shaped eyes. It’s compact, ergonomically designed with a thicker, rounded pad that’s easier to fit your whole lash line through.
One squeeze gives a big lift, but a couple more and it’s a marked difference. It’s excellent value too, coming with three replacement pads. Without mascara it makes you look wide awake, but with it, you look like you’ve just stepped out of a salon.
Key specifications
Buy now £23, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Sweed eyelash curler
Best: eyelash curler for all eye shapes
Why we love it
- Thinner band for easy maneuvering
- Light squeeze is all that’s necessary for a lift
Take note
- Pricier than most
Swedish beauty brand Sweed, founded by make-up artist Gabriella Eli, has built an expertise in the eye makeup category. It’s eyelash curler is a good all rounder for all shaped eyes and the silver finish makes it look the most luxurious.
The band is quite thin, which allows you to get to the root of the lash and clamp down so you get a consistent curl lift from root to tip.
Key specifications
Buy now £24, Marksandspencer.com
StylePro heated eyelash curler
Best: heated eyelash curler
Why we love it
- Heats up quickly
- Comes with heatproof cover
- Batteries included
Take note
- Heavier device than traditional eyelash curlers
- Exercise caution when getting close to your lash line
Don’t panic at the thought of putting heat near your lashes, but this Stylpro one is simple to get to grips with. Slide the button on the side up, wait a minute for the red strip to turn clear and then hold against the lash line, push the clamp up and hold – 10 seconds is all you need.
It left my lashes looking defined and longer, but if you’re not careful you can easily accidentally end up not clamping all your hairs. It’s battery powered and comes with two included. It’s a chunkier gadget than a manual curler so practice will make perfect, but the heat means stubborn hairs can be moulded into a new shape.
Key specifications
Buy now £11.99, Amazon.co.uk
Your questions on eyelash curlers answered
What is the best eyelash curler?
For me, the Revitalash signature eyelash curler took the top spot, thanks to its sturdy frame and the immediate, dramatic difference in length, curl, and lift it gave my lashes. You can use universal replacement pads when they wear out after a couple of months, and I found they worked just as well as competitor premium curlers from Shiseido, Tweezerman, and Sweed.
If you’re new to eyelash curlers and are looking for an affordable pair, the No7 lift & curve eyelash curler is a great place to start. It gives a subtle lift but is easy and comfortable to use.
How I tested eyelash curlers
I used each eyelash curler daily over several weeks of testing, both on bare lashes and before mascara, and closely examined the following criteria:
How to use eyelash curlers
First things first: hold the eyelash curler up to your eye. Open the clamps and fit your lashes between them, getting as close to the base of your lash line as possible. Be careful you don’t pinch your skin, though.
Close the clamp on your eyelashes and hold for around 30 seconds – you can do this in sections, if you need to. Adjust this time depending on how curly or straight your lashes are naturally but no more than a minute’s hold should be needed.
What should I look for in an eyelash curler?
When purchasing an eyelash curler, you should take your eye shape and lash length into consideration. For example, if you have particularly long eyelashes, you should look for a curler with a longer plate, to ensure you don’t miss any of your lashes during the curling process.
The curve matters a lot, too, so, keep your eyes peeled for curlers that will suit your eye shape. Flatter curves work much better for flatter eyelids and smaller eyes, as they can fit from end to end of your lash line.
If you have more almond-shaped eyes, you’ll want an arch that is not too rounded but not too flat. Meanwhile, those with rounder, bigger eyes, should opt for a curler with a deeper curve, to make it easier to grab all those lashes.
Are metal or plastic eyelash curlers better?
Naturally, metal curlers are sturdier and more durable than their plastic counterparts but, if you are sensitive or allergic to some metals, plastic may be the way to go.
Are eyelash curlers bad for eyelashes?
When used correctly, there should be no damage to your eyelashes. To prevent any unnecessary lash loss, avoid applying any mascara before using your curlers.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Louise Whitbread is a beauty editor and writer who has spent her career scoping out and testing what’s good (and bad) in skincare, haircare and make-up. In short, she’s done her research – whether it’s celebrity-founded make-up or at-home products that promise salon-worthy results, Louise assesses every product meticulously. The pitfalls, the perks, the good-to-knows – it’s all assessed by thorough, hands-on testing. She’s previously tested everything from the best eyebrow serums to the best contour sticks for IndyBest, so she is well-placed to give a verdict on eyelash curlers.
Want your make-up look to last longer? Read our guide to the best setting sprays for every skin type
