This Under-$38 Item Is the Key to Fluttery Lashes—No Mascara Needed

For the longest time, I didn't curl my lashes. I was under the impression eyelash curlers were a scam. They never really worked that well, and when they did, the curl would fall faster than I could swipe on a couple of coats of mascara. Once I got older, I realized the error in my ways. I decided all eyelash curlers weren't failing me, just the specific ones I was trying. Soon enough, I learned that others did the job of curling, lifting, and fanning out my lashes dramatically. 

Ever since I made the switch to the *right* eyelash curlers, I've been hooked. In fact, I never leave the house without curling my lashes. Most days, I've been skipping out on mascara, opting to just curl my lashes for a natural, fluttery effect. So, yeah, now I think eyelash curlers are pretty much nonnegotiable. Ahead, see the 10 best eyelash curlers money can buy, according to me (and the internet). These won't fail you, trust me. 

It might seem obvious how to use a lash curler. You just hold it up to your eyelid and press your lashes in between the pads, right? Well, yes and no. I like to press down on the base of my lashes, at the middle of my lashes, and at the very top of my lashes. I find that curling them three times like this creates the most dramatic effect. It also makes my normally stick-straight lashes hold a curl for hours at a time, even if I'm not wearing mascara. 

This eyelash curler is the best one I've ever tried. It has smooth opening-and-closing action, a rounded shape that gets every itty-bitty lash, and a rounded curling pad that never creases my lashes. It's the eyelash curler that made me an eyelash-curler person. Because of this, I never skip curling my lashes every morning, even if I'm not wearing mascara. Keep scrolling to see the results, IRL. 

Pro: Smooth opening-and-closing action, rounded shape, no lash creasing

Con: None

Promising review: "This is so worth it! This curler works better than any other drugstore brand I've tried! The difference is insane! I have straight eyelashes naturally, and this curler makes them look like I have falsies on. I'm so in love with it." — Amazon customer

While the Classic Eyelash Curler is my favorite, this one is also amazing. The only reason it ranks lower than the other version is that, in my experience, it can sometimes pinch if I'm not careful. However, if you use a steady hand, it sweeps the lashes up and out in a beautiful way. 

Pro: Smooth opening-and-closing action, rounded shape, no lash creasing

Con: Some reviewers say it can pinch eyelids if you're not careful

Promising review: "Hands down, the best lash curler! It keeps my lashes lifted all day, and looks better than some of my best mascaras." — Sephora customer

This eyelash curler is underrated. With uniform pressure and a curved shape, it curls every lash dramatically, which makes it especially effective for short lashes. 

Pro: Good for short lashes

Con: Some reviewers say you have to use more pressure than others

Promising review: "I've used a ton of lash curlers in my life, and this one is by far the best! [I'm] not sure what is different about it, but it makes my stubby straight lashes look longer and really curled! Highly recommend." — Amazon customer

All I can say about this is that it's a solid, standard eyelash curler. You'll love this one if you don't want any fuss or frills. It gets the job done, the effect lasts for hours, and the grippy handles are a nice touch (reviewers agree). 

Pro: Affordable price and soft, grippy handles

Con: Some reviewers say it has a broad curve that might not fit all eye shapes

Promising review: "Whether I wear makeup/mascara or not, I curl my lashes before leaving the house. The Revlon curler is easy to use and takes ten seconds to give your lashes a lifted look. If I put on mascara after, the look lasts all day." — Target customer 

If you want a full, fanned-out effect (think the viral TikTok doe-eye trend), this one will be your BFF. It's an iconic lash curler that fans out lashes in a wide, lifted arc. Trust me, it's good. 

Pro: Wide, arched pad that doesn't crimp or damage lashes

Con: None

Promising review: "Totally amazing! Where has this eyelash curler been all my life? No pain. I have never created huge eyelashes with other eyelash curlers that I tried. Easy and lightweight, does not pinch my eyelids as popular eyelash brands do." — Amazon customer

The wide curl of this one grabs every lash without pinching the skin or leaving a dreaded crimped look behind. It's a classic for a reason. 

Pro: Flatter shape to curl lashes more effectively, especially for almond-shaped eyes

Con: None

Promising review: "Wow. This is not a regular eyelash curler. My eyelashes are very straight, but this tool curls each of my lashes. Also, the curl effect lasts for around 6 or 8 hours. Most days, I am not using mascara." — Sephora customer

Another classic, this one is just as good as the Shiseido curler (at least in my opinion). It curls all of my lashes evenly and gives them a lift. The result is a full AND fluttery look. 

Pro: Uniform pressure and curl for a full, fluttery look

Con: More curved than the Shiseido product, so some reviewers say it's more difficult to target tiny lashes on the inner corners of the eyes

Promising review: "I have short, sparse, hard-to-curl lashes. I don't understand why one eyelash curler is better than another, but this one just is. I won't use anything else ever again." — Amazon customer

For only $5, you can't get much better than this drugstore lash curler. The padded handles are a nice touch. They allow for a firm grip to prevent slipping and pulling. 

Pro: Comfortable grip

Con: Some reviewers say it can crimp lashes if you apply too much pressure

Promising review: "I normally use a certain brand eyelash curler, and have for years. This looked like it would work better—and it does! Perfect angle for the handles to get right down to the root of my eyelashes. No pinching! I would rate this one 10 stars if I could." — Ulta customer

Another curler that has padded handles, this one is designed for all eye shapes and sizes.

Pro: Feels high-quality and luxe

Con: Some reviewers say it can tug on lashes

Promising review: "I took a chance, and this is the best eyelash curler I've ever had! It works incredibly well. [It] curled my lashes to perfection, and the handle design is ideal. Worth it!" — Sephora customer

You know Chanel is going to deliver, even on something as seemingly small and overlooked as an eyelash curler. This one has a broad curve that works for all eye shapes. Although, reviewers say it works especially well for almond-shaped eyes. 

Pro: Covers the entire lash line and works especially well for almond-shaped eyes

Con: Some reviewers say it can pinch

Promising review: "I have almond-shaped Asian eyes, and most eyelash curlers do not fit my eye, making the lashes curl weird, etc. BUT NOT THIS ONE. I bought one for my sister and my mom, and none of us will ever go back. Definitely try this, please!" -— Ulta customer